iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 16 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 16 & 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 16 rather than the iPhone 12 mini.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16

  • The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for a larger and more immersive viewing experience, whereas the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
  • iPhone 16 has a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for smoother scrolling, gaming, and animations, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a 60Hz standard refresh rate.
  • It comes with the A18 Bionic chip for faster processing, improved energy efficiency, and advanced AI tasks, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses the older A14 Bionic chip.
  • The iPhone 16 includes a 48MP main camera for higher detail, sharper images, and better low-light performance, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 12MP main camera.
  • iPhone 16 has a larger ~3600 mAh battery for up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a ~2227 mAh battery that supports up to 15 hours of video playback.
  • It supports USB-C charging and faster transfer speeds for greater compatibility with modern accessories, whereas the iPhone 12 mini uses the older Lightning connector.
  • The iPhone 16 comes with 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and better handling of heavy apps, while the iPhone 12 mini includes only 4GB of RAM.
  • iPhone 16 supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more stable wireless connections in crowded environments, whereas the iPhone 12 mini supports Wi-Fi 6.

Maybe the iPhone 12 mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16. 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 16iPhone 12 mini
Display Size6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Display BrightnessUp to 2000 nits peakUp to 1200 nits peak
Refresh Rate120Hz ProMotion60Hz standard
ProcessorA18 BionicA14 Bionic
RAM8GB4GB
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Rear Camera48MP Main + 12MP Ultra-Wide12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera12MP with autofocus12MP fixed focus
Video Recording4K Cinematic mode, Smart HDR 54K Dolby Vision HDR, Smart HDR 3
Battery Capacity~3600 mAh~2227 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 22 hoursUp to 15 hours
Charging PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6
Bluetooth Version5.35.0
ModemQualcomm X75Qualcomm X55
iOS Version at LaunchiOS 18iOS 14
Longevity of Updates6+ years from 2024Nearing end of updates
Build Weight~173g135g
Face IDLatest faster Face IDFirst-gen Face ID
DesignDynamic Island, slimmer bezelsNotch design, smaller size
PriceCheck iPhone 16 PriceCheck iPhone 12 mini Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 12 mini use Super Retina XDR OLED panels, meaning users get deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high efficiency regardless of which model they choose.
  • HDR and Contrast: Each device supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision with the same 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring high dynamic range playback for movies and streaming content.
  • True Tone and Wide Color: Both phones feature True Tone for adapting white balance to ambient light and P3 wide color gamut support, making photos and videos appear natural and accurate across environments.
  • Durability: Ceramic Shield is used on the front glass of both devices, offering stronger resistance against scratches and drops compared to standard glass. The aerospace-grade aluminum frames ensure lightweight but durable construction.
  • Water Resistance: Each iPhone is IP68 rated, protecting them from dust and allowing submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • MagSafe and Wireless Charging: Both support MagSafe magnetic alignment for chargers and accessories, as well as Qi wireless charging, making them convenient for modern accessory ecosystems.
  • Authentication: Both models rely on Face ID facial recognition, powered by Apple’s secure neural networks, ensuring biometric security across apps and payments.
  • Audio and Haptics: Dual stereo speakers are present in both, providing spatial audio playback. The Taptic Engine delivers precise haptic feedback for interactions and notifications.
  • Connectivity: Both are 5G capable and support NFC for Apple Pay, including Express Transit, making them equally equipped for modern wireless and contactless payments.
  • iOS Ecosystem: Both run iOS, giving access to the App Store, iCloud storage, FaceTime, iMessage, and other Apple services. Privacy features such as App Tracking Transparency and the Secure Enclave are shared, ensuring consistent security.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16iPhone 12 mini
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionHDR10 and Dolby Vision
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:12,000,000:1
True ToneYesYes
Wide Color GamutP3 color supportP3 color support
Ceramic ShieldCeramic Shield front glassCeramic Shield front glass
Frame MaterialAerospace-grade aluminumAerospace-grade aluminum
Water ResistanceIP68 ratedIP68 rated
MagSafeMagnetic accessory supportMagnetic accessory support
Wireless ChargingQi wireless charging supportedQi wireless charging supported
Face IDSecure facial recognitionSecure facial recognition
Stereo SpeakersDual stereo speaker setupDual stereo speaker setup
Haptic FeedbackTaptic EngineTaptic Engine
5G ConnectivitySupports 5G networksSupports 5G networks
NFCApple Pay with Express TransitApple Pay with Express Transit
Lightning/Mute Switch AlternativePhysical alert/mute togglePhysical mute switch
Software EcosystemiOS with App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTimeiOS with App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime
Privacy FeaturesApp Tracking Transparency, Secure EnclaveApp Tracking Transparency, Secure Enclave
Price Check iPhone 16 Price Check iPhone 12 mini Price

FAQ

Which phone has the brighter screen?
The iPhone 16 supports up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, which makes it more visible under direct sunlight, whereas the iPhone 12 mini peaks at 1200 nits.

How does the display refresh rate compare?
The iPhone 16 features a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate for smoother animations and scrolling, while the iPhone 12 mini uses a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Which device is more powerful in terms of performance?
The iPhone 16 uses the A18 Bionic chip built on a 3nm process for higher efficiency and better AI capabilities, while the iPhone 12 mini relies on the older A14 Bionic built on 5nm.

How much RAM does each phone have?
The iPhone 16 is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which improves multitasking, while the iPhone 12 mini includes only 4GB of RAM, limiting background performance.

What is the difference in storage options?
The iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, while the iPhone 12 mini offered 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving the newer model a higher maximum capacity.

How do the rear cameras differ?
The iPhone 16 has a 48MP main camera paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, capturing more detail and better low-light shots, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera.

What is the front camera difference between the two models?
The iPhone 16 includes a 12MP front camera with autofocus for sharper selfies, while the iPhone 12 mini also has a 12MP front camera but with fixed focus only.

Which phone has better video recording capabilities?
The iPhone 16 supports 4K Cinematic mode and Smart HDR 5 with advanced stabilization, while the iPhone 12 mini offers 4K Dolby Vision HDR and Smart HDR 3 but lacks the newer video tools.

How do the batteries compare in size and usage?
The iPhone 16 has a larger ~3600 mAh battery providing up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 12 mini has a ~2227 mAh battery with up to 15 hours of playback.

What charging port does each iPhone use?
The iPhone 16 comes with a USB-C port for faster transfer speeds and universal compatibility, while the iPhone 12 mini uses the Lightning connector.

Do both phones support MagSafe accessories?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 12 mini support MagSafe, but the iPhone 16 uses a more refined version with stronger magnets and better accessory alignment.

How do the weights of the two phones compare?
The iPhone 16 weighs around 173 grams, making it moderately heavy for its size, while the iPhone 12 mini weighs only 135 grams, which makes it noticeably lighter and easier to carry.

What is the difference in network connectivity?
The iPhone 16 uses a Qualcomm X75 modem with better 5G coverage and efficiency, while the iPhone 12 mini uses the older Qualcomm X55 modem with less optimized performance.

Which phone will receive software updates for longer?
The iPhone 16 launches with iOS 18 and will receive updates for at least six years into the future, while the iPhone 12 mini launched with iOS 14 and is nearing the end of its software update cycle.

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