iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 11 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 12 mini share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 11 Pro rather than the iPhone 12 mini.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 11 Pro

  • The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for a larger viewing area and more comfortable media consumption, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch OLED display.
  • iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses for greater flexibility in photography including optical zoom, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a dual-camera system with only wide and ultra-wide lenses.
  • It comes with a 3046 mAh battery for longer endurance and up to 18 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery lasting up to 15 hours.
  • The iPhone 11 Pro supports up to 512 GB storage capacity for storing more apps, photos, and videos, while the iPhone 12 mini supports a maximum of 256 GB.
  • iPhone 11 Pro includes a telephoto lens for high-quality zoom shots and clearer portrait photos, whereas the iPhone 12 mini lacks a telephoto lens.
  • It has stainless steel frame construction for improved durability and a more premium feel, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses an aluminum frame.
  • The iPhone 11 Pro comes with a textured matte glass back for reduced fingerprints and better grip, while the iPhone 12 mini uses glossy glass.
  • iPhone 11 Pro supports deeper water resistance at 4 meters for 30 minutes, which adds more protection in accidental drops into water, whereas the iPhone 12 mini is rated for 6 meters with less practical emphasis on durability.

Maybe the iPhone 12 mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 11 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 11 ProiPhone 12 mini
Display Size5.8-inch OLED5.4-inch OLED
Display Resolution2436 × 1125 px, 458 ppi2340 × 1080 px, 476 ppi
Rear CamerasTriple 12 MPDual 12 MP
Telephoto LensIncludedNot available
Video Recording4K HDR4K Dolby Vision HDR
Battery Capacity~3046 mAh~2227 mAh
Battery Life (Video Playback)Up to 18 hoursUp to 15 hours
Charging FeaturesLightning, Qi wirelessLightning, MagSafe, Qi wireless
Maximum Wireless Charging7.5 W Qi15 W MagSafe
Storage Options64 / 256 / 512 GB64 / 128 / 256 GB
Maximum Storage512 GB256 GB
Frame MaterialStainless steelAluminum
Back MaterialTextured matte glassGlossy glass
iOS 18 SupportSupported with limited Apple IntelligenceSupported with full Apple Intelligence
PriceCheck iPhone 11 Pro PriceCheck iPhone 12 mini Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Front Camera: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini feature a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera, enabling sharp selfies, FaceTime calls, and consistent quality across video chats.
  • Front Camera Features: Each device supports Night Mode on the front camera, as well as 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Portrait mode with advanced bokeh, making them equal for social media creators.
  • Face ID: Both models rely on Face ID using the TrueDepth camera system, ensuring secure biometric authentication with fast unlock and Apple Pay compatibility.
  • Display Technology: Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED panels, ensuring deep blacks, vibrant colors, and energy efficiency.
  • HDR Support: Each supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, allowing HDR video playback in streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ for cinema-like quality.
  • Refresh Rate: Both are locked at a 60 Hz refresh rate, which means neither gets the smoother scrolling experience of ProMotion (120 Hz) seen in newer Pro models.
  • Brightness (typical): Both achieve 625 nits for everyday use, ensuring comfortable outdoor visibility.
  • Brightness (HDR peak): Both reach 1200 nits peak brightness when viewing HDR content, so movies and games look equally bright and punchy.
  • RAM: Both devices are equipped with 4 GB RAM, giving them comparable multitasking abilities despite generational differences in processors.
  • Stereo Speakers: Each has dual stereo speakers (bottom + earpiece) for wider sound, providing immersive playback for music and video without headphones.
  • Wireless Charging: Both support the Qi wireless charging standard, meaning either phone can be charged on standard wireless charging pads.
  • Fast Charging: Both can charge to 50% in about 30 minutes when paired with a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter, offering quick top-ups.
  • Connector: Both use the Lightning connector for wired charging and data transfer, maintaining accessory compatibility.
  • Dual SIM Support: Both support one Nano-SIM and one eSIM, giving flexibility for business and travel users with multiple carriers.
  • Software: Both run iOS with long-term updates, and as of now are upgradeable to iOS 18, ensuring access to the latest Apple ecosystem features.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices rely only on Face ID for unlocking and authentication, with no fingerprint sensor or Touch ID present.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 11 ProiPhone 12 mini
Front Camera12 MP TrueDepth12 MP TrueDepth
Front Camera FeaturesNight Mode, 4K video, PortraitNight Mode, 4K video, Portrait
Face IDYesYes
Display TechnologySuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10, Dolby Vision
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness (typical)625 nits625 nits
Brightness (HDR peak)1200 nits1200 nits
RAM4 GB4 GB
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Wireless ChargingQi standard supportedQi standard supported
Fast ChargingUp to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapterUp to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter
ConnectorLightningLightning
Dual SIM SupportNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
SoftwareShips with iOS, upgradable to iOS 18Ships with iOS, upgradable to iOS 18
Biometric SecurityFace ID onlyFace ID only
Price Check iPhone 11 Pro Price Check iPhone 12 mini Price

FAQ

Which phone has a better display, the iPhone 11 Pro or the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a larger 5.8-inch OLED display with slightly higher resolution, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch OLED display with higher pixel density, making it sharper for its size.

Do both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini support 5G?
The iPhone 11 Pro only supports 4G LTE, while the iPhone 12 mini supports 5G for faster internet speeds in supported regions.

Which phone is more compact and lighter?
The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and lighter at 133 grams, making it more pocket-friendly compared to the iPhone 11 Pro’s 188 grams.

Which device has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a larger battery capacity and lasts longer, offering up to 18 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 12 mini’s 15 hours.

Do both phones use Face ID for unlocking?
Yes, both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini rely on Face ID technology for biometric security and authentication.

Which phone has more advanced video recording features?
The iPhone 12 mini supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 30 fps, while the iPhone 11 Pro records HDR video but does not support Dolby Vision.

How do the rear cameras differ between the two phones?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a triple-camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, while the iPhone 12 mini has only dual cameras with wide and ultra-wide, lacking a telephoto lens.

Which phone supports MagSafe charging and accessories?
The iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe for up to 15W wireless charging and magnetic accessories, while the iPhone 11 Pro does not.

Do both devices support wireless charging?
Yes, both phones support Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 12 mini additionally supports MagSafe charging.

Which phone is more durable against water?
The iPhone 12 mini has an IP68 rating allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 Pro is rated for up to 4 meters for 30 minutes.

Do the two models have the same front camera quality?
Yes, both devices have a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera with Night Mode, 4K video recording, and portrait photography capabilities.

Which processor is faster between the two phones?
The iPhone 12 mini has the newer A14 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient compared to the iPhone 11 Pro’s A13 Bionic chip.

What are the maximum storage options available for each phone?
The iPhone 11 Pro goes up to 512 GB storage, while the iPhone 12 mini is limited to 256 GB maximum.

Do both support the latest iOS updates?
Yes, both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini are upgradable to iOS 18, but only the iPhone 12 mini supports the full Apple Intelligence features due to its newer processor.

Which phone is better for photography zoom capabilities?
The iPhone 11 Pro is better for zoom photography because it includes a telephoto lens, while the iPhone 12 mini does not have one.

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