iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 15 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 12 Mini & iPhone 15 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 15 rather than the iPhone 12 Mini.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 15

  • The iPhone 15 has the A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU for faster multitasking, smoother gaming, and improved power efficiency, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses the older A14 Bionic with a 4-core GPU.
  • iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with up to 2000 nits outdoor brightness for better visibility under sunlight, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch display limited to 1200 nits HDR brightness.
  • It comes with a 48MP main camera that enables detailed shots and a 2x telephoto crop for optical-quality zoom, while the iPhone 12 mini includes a 12MP main camera with digital zoom only.
  • The iPhone 15 supports Cinematic Mode in 4K HDR for creating professional-style videos with depth control, whereas the iPhone 12 mini does not support Cinematic Mode.
  • iPhone 15 includes a 12MP front camera with autofocus for sharper selfies and clearer video calls, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 12MP front camera fixed in focus.
  • It has a larger ~3349 mAh battery for up to 20 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses a smaller ~2227 mAh battery that lasts up to 15 hours.
  • The iPhone 15 comes with a USB-C port for universal charging and easier accessory compatibility, while the iPhone 12 mini relies on the proprietary Lightning port.
  • iPhone 15 supports Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite for improved safety in remote areas and during accidents, whereas the iPhone 12 mini only supports standard cellular Emergency SOS.

Maybe the iPhone 12 Mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 15. 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 15iPhone 12 Mini
Display Size6.1-inch5.4-inch
Display Brightness2000 nits peak outdoor1200 nits peak HDR
DesignRounded edges, color-infused glass backFlat edges, glossy glass back
Build MaterialAluminum with frosted glassAluminum with glossy glass
Dynamic IslandYesNo
ChipsetA16 BionicA14 Bionic
GPU5-core4-core
RAM6GB4GB
Main Camera48MP12MP
Zoom Capability2x telephoto cropDigital zoom only
Photonic EngineYesNo
Cinematic Mode4K HDR 30fpsNot available
Front Camera12MP with autofocus12MP without autofocus
Battery Capacity~3349 mAh~2227 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 20 hoursUp to 15 hours
Charging PortUSB-CLightning
Bluetooth5.35.0
Emergency FeaturesCrash Detection, SOS via satelliteStandard SOS only
PriceCheck iPhone 15 PriceCheck iPhone 12 Mini Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Type: Both iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini feature Super Retina XDR OLED panels, ensuring high contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colors for an immersive viewing experience.
  • HDR Support: Both models support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, allowing users to enjoy high dynamic range video with improved brightness and contrast on streaming platforms and recorded videos.
  • Refresh Rate: Each device runs at 60Hz, delivering smooth everyday performance for scrolling, apps, and video playback without high refresh rate drain on battery.
  • Ceramic Shield: Both iPhones use Ceramic Shield protection on the front glass, which provides increased durability against drops and scratches compared to earlier iPhones.
  • Water Resistance: Each model is rated IP68, making them resistant to dust and capable of withstanding submersion in water, giving users confidence in daily use.
  • Main Ultra-Wide Camera: Both devices include a 12MP ultra-wide lens, which captures expansive shots ideal for landscapes, group photos, and creative photography.
  • Night Mode: Both iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini support Night Mode on the main and ultra-wide cameras, enabling clear and bright photos in low-light environments.
  • Deep Fusion: Each phone uses Deep Fusion image processing, enhancing texture and details in medium-light situations for sharper and more natural-looking photos.
  • Smart HDR: Both phones come with Smart HDR technology, which balances highlights and shadows to improve dynamic range in photos and videos.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Each device features a 12MP front camera, ensuring sharp selfies and high-quality video calls suitable for FaceTime, Zoom, and social apps.
  • MagSafe Support: Both phones include MagSafe, allowing users to attach magnetic accessories like chargers, wallets, and cases for added convenience.
  • Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging and faster MagSafe charging, giving users flexible charging options beyond the standard cable.
  • Face ID: Each device relies on Face ID facial recognition for secure unlocking, authentication, and Apple Pay transactions.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both models support 5G networks, enabling faster mobile data speeds and more reliable connections in supported regions.
  • Wi-Fi Standard: Each device uses Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing faster, more efficient wireless connections in crowded networks.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 15iPhone 12 Mini
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10, Dolby Vision
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
Ceramic ShieldYesYes
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
Main Ultra-Wide Camera12MP12MP
Night ModeAvailable on both camerasAvailable on both cameras
Deep FusionYesYes
Smart HDRYesYes
Front Camera Resolution12MP12MP
MagSafe SupportYesYes
Wireless ChargingQi + MagSafeQi + MagSafe
Face IDYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Dolby AtmosYesYes
Price Check iPhone 15 Price Check iPhone 12 Mini Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 15 larger than the iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4-inch display, making the 12 mini more compact and pocket-friendly.

Does the iPhone 15 have better cameras than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 15 includes a 48MP main camera with a 2x telephoto crop option, providing sharper detail and better zoom, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a 12MP main sensor without telephoto capability.

Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both models support 5G networks for faster data speeds, although the iPhone 15 includes more advanced 5G modem efficiency for better performance.

Which device has longer battery life, the iPhone 15 or the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 15 lasts up to 20 hours of video playback thanks to its larger ~3349 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 mini lasts up to 15 hours with its smaller ~2227 mAh battery.

Do both models support MagSafe accessories?
Yes, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini support MagSafe, allowing the use of magnetic chargers, wallets, and compatible cases.

What charging port does the iPhone 15 use compared to the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 15 uses USB-C for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 12 mini relies on the older Lightning connector.

Is there a difference in weight between the two models?
Yes, the iPhone 15 weighs 171 grams due to its larger size, while the iPhone 12 mini is lighter at 135 grams.

Do both models feature Face ID for security?
Yes, both devices use Apple’s Face ID technology for unlocking, app login, and secure Apple Pay transactions.

How do the displays differ between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with up to 2000 nits outdoor brightness, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch OLED panel with up to 1200 nits HDR brightness.

Does the iPhone 15 have the Dynamic Island feature?
Yes, the iPhone 15 comes with Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and multitasking, while the iPhone 12 mini retains the traditional notch.

Are both iPhones water resistant?
Yes, both are rated IP68, meaning they can withstand dust and submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Do both phones support Dolby Vision video recording?
Yes, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 12 mini can record videos in Dolby Vision HDR at up to 4K 60fps, though the iPhone 15 handles it with more brightness and processing power.

What is the base storage option for each phone?
The iPhone 15 starts with 128GB of internal storage, while the iPhone 12 mini starts with only 64GB, giving the newer model more practical storage space.

Does the iPhone 15 include new safety features compared to the iPhone 12 mini?
Yes, the iPhone 15 supports Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, while the iPhone 12 mini only supports standard cellular Emergency SOS.

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