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

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

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 12 Mini

  • The iPhone 12 mini features 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper detail, richer contrast, and HDR viewing, whereas the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with lower resolution and no HDR support.
  • iPhone 12 mini comes with the A14 Bionic chip built on 5nm technology for faster performance and improved efficiency, whereas the iPhone SE uses the older A13 Bionic chip on 7nm technology.
  • It supports Night Mode on both rear and front cameras for clear and bright low-light photos, whereas the iPhone SE does not support Night Mode at all.
  • The iPhone 12 mini includes a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K recording for higher quality selfies and video calls, while the iPhone SE has a 7 MP front camera limited to 1080p recording.
  • iPhone 12 mini has dual 12 MP rear cameras including Wide and Ultra Wide for versatile photography and wider field of view, while the iPhone SE uses a single 12 MP Wide camera with no secondary lens.
  • It supports 5G connectivity for faster data speeds and future-ready network performance, while the iPhone SE uses only 4G LTE.
  • The iPhone 12 mini has IP68 water resistance for up to 6 meters of depth for 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone SE is rated IP67 with protection limited to 1 meter of depth for 30 minutes.
  • iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe wireless charging and accessories for stronger alignment and accessory integration, while the iPhone SE supports only standard Qi wireless charging.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 12 Mini. 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 12 MiniiPhone SE
Display Size5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED4.7-inch Retina HD LCD
Resolution2340 × 1080 pixels (476 ppi)1334 × 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Display TechnologyOLED with HDR10 and Dolby VisionLCD without HDR
Peak Brightness1200 nits (HDR)625 nits (typical)
BezelsEdge-to-edge with notchThick bezels with forehead and chin
AuthenticationFace ID (TrueDepth camera)Touch ID (Home button)
Rear Camera SetupDual 12 MP (Wide + Ultra Wide)Single 12 MP (Wide)
Night ModeAvailable on all lensesNot available
Front Camera12 MP with 4K video7 MP with 1080p video
ProcessorA14 Bionic (5nm)A13 Bionic (7nm)
Network Support5G (sub-6GHz and mmWave)4G LTE only
MagSafeSupportedNot supported
Wireless ChargingMagSafe + QiQi only
Portrait ModeWorks on people and objectsWorks only on people
HDR Video RecordingDolby Vision HDR up to 30fpsStandard HDR only
Weight135g148g
Water ResistanceIP68 (6m up to 30 mins)IP67 (1m up to 30 mins)
Battery LifeUp to 15 hours video playbackUp to 13 hours video playback
Design StyleFlat-edge aluminum and glassRounded aluminum and glass
PriceCheck iPhone 12 Mini PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE run on iOS, giving users the same software experience with access to Apple’s updates, ecosystem features, and long-term support.
  • Storage Options: Both devices come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants, allowing users to choose a storage size that matches their app, photo, and video needs.
  • Rear Camera Resolution: Each phone includes a 12 MP wide rear camera, ensuring detailed photo capture with consistent quality across both devices.
  • Rear Camera Features: Both models support 4K video recording at up to 60fps, enabling smooth and sharp video capture for professional-like results.
  • Video Recording Modes: Both devices feature 1080p slow-motion recording at up to 240fps, allowing users to capture high-speed moments in dramatic slow motion.
  • Optical Image Stabilization: Each phone’s wide camera is equipped with OIS, which helps reduce blur and improve low-light photography by stabilizing lens movement.
  • Portrait Lighting: Both models include Portrait Lighting with multiple effects, giving users creative options to adjust the look and feel of portraits.
  • Smart HDR: Each device uses Smart HDR for photos, which enhances highlights, shadows, and details in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Front Camera Features: Both phones support Portrait Mode on the front camera, letting users capture selfies with blurred backgrounds for a professional look.
  • Audio Features: Each model supports stereo recording, providing clearer, more immersive sound quality in videos.
  • SIM Support: Both devices include Dual SIM capability through one nano-SIM and one eSIM, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers on the same phone.
  • Wireless Charging: Each phone supports Qi wireless charging, letting users charge on compatible pads without needing to plug in a cable.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 12 MiniiPhone SE
Operating SystemRuns iOSRuns iOS
Storage Options64GB, 128GB, 256GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP main wide camera12 MP main wide camera
Rear Camera Features4K video up to 60fps4K video up to 60fps
Video Recording Modes1080p slow-motion up to 240fps1080p slow-motion up to 240fps
Optical Image StabilizationPresent on main wide cameraPresent on main wide camera
Portrait LightingSupported with multiple effectsSupported with multiple effects
Smart HDRAvailable for photosAvailable for photos
Front Camera FeaturesPortrait Mode supportedPortrait Mode supported
Audio FeaturesStereo recordingStereo recording
SIM SupportDual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM)Dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM)
Wireless ChargingSupports Qi chargingSupports Qi charging
Price Check iPhone 12 Mini Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 12 mini display better than the iPhone SE display?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, while the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch LCD Retina HD screen without HDR, making the iPhone 12 mini sharper and more vibrant.

Do both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE run the same iOS version?
Both phones run iOS and receive regular software updates from Apple, so users get nearly identical system features, security patches, and app compatibility.

Which phone is more compact between iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 12 mini has a larger screen but smaller physical dimensions due to its edge-to-edge design, making it more compact and pocket-friendly compared to the iPhone SE with large bezels.

Does the iPhone 12 mini have better cameras than the iPhone SE?
The iPhone 12 mini includes a dual-camera system with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses and Night Mode support, while the iPhone SE only has a single Wide camera without Night Mode, giving the 12 mini a big advantage in photography.

Can both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE record 4K video?
Yes, both phones can record 4K video at up to 60fps, though the iPhone 12 mini has the extra advantage of Dolby Vision HDR video recording for richer color and dynamic range.

Which iPhone has better water resistance, 12 mini or SE?
The iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68, which means it can handle submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE is rated IP67 for only 1 meter of depth for 30 minutes.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE support Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 12 mini also supports MagSafe for stronger magnetic alignment and faster accessory integration.

Is there a difference in the front camera between iPhone 12 mini and SE?
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 MP front camera capable of 4K video, while the iPhone SE has a 7 MP front camera limited to 1080p video, making the 12 mini much better for selfies and video calls.

Do both iPhones support fast charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes when used with a 20W adapter or higher.

Which iPhone is lighter, the 12 mini or SE?
The iPhone 12 mini weighs 135 grams, making it one of the lightest modern iPhones, while the iPhone SE weighs 148 grams.

Does the iPhone SE support 5G like the iPhone 12 mini?
No, the iPhone SE is limited to 4G LTE, while the iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks including both sub-6GHz and mmWave for much faster data speeds.

Do both iPhones support Dual SIM?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE support one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, allowing users to manage two numbers on the same device.

Are both phones made with premium materials?
Yes, both iPhones use an aluminum frame with a glass front and back, giving them a durable and premium look and feel.

Is battery life longer on the iPhone 12 mini compared to the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini provides up to 15 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone SE provides up to 13 hours, giving the 12 mini slightly better endurance.

Do both iPhones support Apple Pay through NFC?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE support NFC for Apple Pay, allowing secure contactless payments in stores and transit systems.

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