iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 14 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 14 & 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 14 rather than the iPhone 12 mini.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 14

  • The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for a larger viewing area and more immersive video playback, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
  • iPhone 14 comes with the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU for smoother gaming performance and faster graphics rendering, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has the A14 Bionic chip with a 4-core GPU.
  • It has a 3279 mAh battery for up to 20 hours of video playback and extended daily usage, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a 2227 mAh battery that lasts up to 15 hours of video playback.
  • The iPhone 14 includes 6 GB RAM for better multitasking and faster app switching, while the iPhone 12 mini comes with 4 GB RAM.
  • iPhone 14 has a 12 MP front camera with autofocus for sharper selfies and clearer video calls, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses a 12 MP front camera with fixed focus.
  • It supports Action Mode video stabilization for smoother handheld recording during movement, while the iPhone 12 mini does not include Action Mode.
  • The iPhone 14 comes with Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite for added safety in critical situations, whereas the iPhone 12 mini lacks both of these emergency features.
  • iPhone 14 features storage options up to 512 GB to store more apps, photos, and videos, while the iPhone 12 mini supports storage up to 256 GB.

Maybe the iPhone 12 mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 14. 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 14iPhone 12 mini
Display Size6.1 in Super Retina XDR OLED5.4 in Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution2532 × 1170 px2340 × 1080 px
Typical Brightness800 nits625 nits
Battery Capacity3,279 mAh2,227 mAh
Video Playback BatteryUp to 20 hUp to 15 h
Audio Playback BatteryUp to 80 hUp to 50 h
Chipset (SoC)A15 BionicA14 Bionic
RAM6 GB4 GB
Front Camera12 MP, autofocus12 MP, fixed focus
Photonic EngineYesNo
Photographic StylesYesNo
Cinematic Mode (4K)YesNo
Action Mode (Video)YesNo
Emergency SOS via SatelliteYesNo
Crash DetectionYesNo
Storage Options128 / 256 / 512 GB64 / 128 / 256 GB
Bluetooth Version5.35.0
PriceCheck iPhone 14 PriceCheck iPhone 12 mini Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Type: Both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini feature Super Retina XDR OLED panels, ensuring vivid colors, deep blacks, and sharp contrast for high-quality visuals.
  • HDR Support: Both models support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, allowing users to enjoy high dynamic range content with improved brightness, contrast, and color accuracy in videos and photos.
  • Ceramic Shield: Each phone uses a Ceramic Shield front cover, making the display more durable and resistant to drops compared to traditional glass.
  • Water Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth and resist dust entry, providing durability in daily use.
  • Rear Camera Setup: Both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini come with a dual-camera system consisting of a wide and ultra-wide 12 MP lens, enabling versatile photography options.
  • Night Mode: Each phone supports Night Mode, which enhances low-light photography by brightening details and reducing noise in dark scenes.
  • Deep Fusion: Both models use Deep Fusion processing, which applies advanced computational photography to improve detail and texture in medium-to-low light conditions.
  • Smart HDR: Each iPhone uses Smart HDR technology, optimizing highlights and shadows in photos for more balanced and natural-looking images.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Both phones include a 12 MP front-facing camera, allowing for high-quality selfies and FaceTime video calls.
  • Face ID: Both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini utilize Apple’s Face ID system for secure biometric authentication and quick device unlocking.
  • MagSafe: Each model supports MagSafe technology, enabling magnetic attachment for accessories such as wallets, chargers, and cases.
  • Wireless Charging: Both iPhones support Qi wireless charging, allowing convenient cable-free charging with compatible charging pads.
  • 5G Connectivity: Each phone is equipped with 5G connectivity, delivering faster data speeds and lower latency for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
  • Lightning Port: Both devices still use Apple’s Lightning connector, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories and chargers.
  • Stereo Speakers: Each iPhone comes with stereo speaker output, providing balanced audio for media consumption, calls, and gaming.
  • Operating System Updates: Both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini support ongoing iOS updates, ensuring users continue to receive the latest features, improvements, and security patches.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 14iPhone 12 mini
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10, Dolby Vision
Ceramic ShieldFront Ceramic ShieldFront Ceramic Shield
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
Rear Camera SetupDual 12 MPDual 12 MP
Night ModeSupportedSupported
Deep FusionSupportedSupported
Smart HDRSmart HDR 4Smart HDR 3
Front Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP
Face IDSupportedSupported
MagSafeSupportedSupported
Wireless ChargingQi standardQi standard
5G ConnectivitySupportedSupported
Lightning PortPresentPresent
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Operating System UpdatesiOS supportediOS supported
Price Check iPhone 14 Price Check iPhone 12 mini Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 14 larger than the iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, the iPhone 14 is significantly larger with a 6.1-inch display compared to the compact 5.4-inch display on the iPhone 12 mini, which makes the 14 better suited for media consumption while the 12 mini is easier to hold and pocket.

Do both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini use OLED displays?
Yes, both models use Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which delivers vibrant colors, high contrast, and excellent HDR performance.

Which phone has better battery life, the iPhone 14 or the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 14 has longer battery life with up to 20 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 mini lasts up to 15 hours, making the 14 more reliable for heavy daily usage.

Is the camera system the same on both phones?
Both phones have dual 12 MP rear cameras, but the iPhone 14 uses a newer sensor with the Photonic Engine for better low-light performance, while the 12 mini uses an older imaging pipeline.

Do both phones support Night Mode photography?
Yes, both models include Night Mode for brighter and more detailed photos in dark environments.

Which device is more powerful, iPhone 14 or iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 14 is more powerful with the A15 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 12 mini’s A14 Bionic chip and 4 GB of RAM, resulting in faster multitasking and smoother gaming.

Do both iPhones support Face ID?
Yes, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini use Apple’s secure Face ID facial recognition system for unlocking the device and authenticating payments.

Which phone is lighter, the iPhone 14 or iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 12 mini is lighter at just 135 grams, while the iPhone 14 weighs 172 grams, making the mini more comfortable for those who prefer very lightweight devices.

Do both models support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both phones are equipped with 5G capability, though the iPhone 14 supports more bands for better coverage and efficiency.

Is MagSafe available on both iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, both models are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing users to attach chargers, wallets, and magnetic cases easily.

Which phone has more storage options?
The iPhone 14 comes in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options, while the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB options, making the 14 more suitable for users who need extra space.

Do both phones have water resistance?
Yes, both models are rated IP68, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, along with dust resistance.

Does the iPhone 14 have safety features not found in the iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, the iPhone 14 includes Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, which are not available on the iPhone 12 mini, making it safer in emergencies.

Do both phones use the Lightning connector?
Yes, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 mini use Apple’s Lightning port for wired charging and data transfer.

Which phone is better for long-term iOS updates?
The iPhone 14 will receive iOS updates for a longer period because it is a newer device, while the iPhone 12 mini will still get updates but for a shorter remaining lifespan compared to the 14.

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