The iPhone 12 was unveiled a month late, excusable if we look at things in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that we can choose from four very interesting products iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
With the new iPhone offer, Apple addresses not only different price segments but also different needs of end consumers. Although not the first “Mini” launched by Apple, the iPhone 12 mini attracts with its convincing offer in terms of hardware and, of course, a lower price.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12: size matters
In the launch presentation, Apple has said that the iPhone 12 mini is identical to the iPhone 12 model, in almost every way. Buyers of the “mini” version can enjoy the same Bionic A14 processor, cameras, and connectivity options as the standard model. According to Apple, the differences are decided almost exclusively on the basis of physical size and weight.
Certainly, the iPhone 12 Mini is smaller and lighter than the iPhone 12. In fact, Apple calls it the smallest and lightest 5G phone.
Strictly speaking on the numbers, iPhone 12 mini is almost 11% shorter and 10.76% narrower compared to iPhone 12. In terms of weight difference, the phone is almost 20% lighter than iPhone 11. Both devices have an identical design and will be offered in the same color options. So the key difference here would be the size. With the iPhone 12 mini, Apple is clearly targeting people who are still sighing for compact smartphones but who don’t want to give up the clear advantages of the larger version, such as processing power and photo performance.
The iPhone 12 Mini features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. It uses a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels, which translates into a pixel density of 476ppi. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen with Super Retina XDR technology and a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels, which translates into a pixel density of almost 460ppi. Comparable for clarity, both screens are HDR certified, reach a maximum brightness of 1200 nits (HDR) and offer a contrast ratio of 200,000:1.
Both models benefit from ceramic protection at the back and have mineral glass applied to the back. The chassis is made of aluminum, a lightweight material that provides good structural strength. Also, both phones are IP68 certified and should last up to 30 minutes submerged in water to a depth of 6 meters.
iPhone 12 with a smaller battery
Apple claims about the new “compact” iPhone that it can offer up to 15 hours of video playback with a single charge, while iPhone 12 gives 17 hours. Both support fast charging at a maximum power of 15 W in wireless mode using the MagSafe wireless charger or at 7.5 W with a Qi-certified charger. In terms of cable charging, the 20 W charger (which Apple sells separately) can bring both iPhone models between 0-50% battery charge level in just 30 minutes.