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
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 12 mini |
| Display Size | 5.8-inch OLED | 5.4-inch OLED |
| Display Resolution | 2436 × 1125 px, 458 ppi | 2340 × 1080 px, 476 ppi |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 12 MP | Dual 12 MP |
| Telephoto Lens | Included | Not available |
| Video Recording | 4K HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Battery Capacity | ~3046 mAh | ~2227 mAh |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Charging Features | Lightning, Qi wireless | Lightning, MagSafe, Qi wireless |
| Maximum Wireless Charging | 7.5 W Qi | 15 W MagSafe |
| Storage Options | 64 / 256 / 512 GB | 64 / 128 / 256 GB |
| Maximum Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel | Aluminum |
| Back Material | Textured matte glass | Glossy glass |
| iOS 18 Support | Supported with limited Apple Intelligence | Supported with full Apple Intelligence |
| Price | Check iPhone 11 Pro Price | Check 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
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 12 mini |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Front Camera Features | Night Mode, 4K video, Portrait | Night Mode, 4K video, Portrait |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Brightness (typical) | 625 nits | 625 nits |
| Brightness (HDR peak) | 1200 nits | 1200 nits |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Qi standard supported | Qi standard supported |
| Fast Charging | Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter | Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning |
| Dual SIM Support | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Software | Ships with iOS, upgradable to iOS 18 | Ships with iOS, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| Biometric Security | Face ID only | Face 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? Do both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini support 5G? Which phone is more compact and lighter? Which device has better battery life? Do both phones use Face ID for unlocking? Which phone has more advanced video recording features? How do the rear cameras differ between the two phones? Which phone supports MagSafe charging and accessories? Do both devices support wireless charging? Which phone is more durable against water? Do the two models have the same front camera quality? Which processor is faster between the two phones? What are the maximum storage options available for each phone? Do both support the latest iOS updates? Which phone is better for photography zoom capabilities? |
