iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 12 Mini: Which iPhone Wins?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially when you’re caught between generations and form factors. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head showdown: the iPhone 11 Pro versus the iPhone 12 mini. Both phones offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its powerful performance and impressive camera system, remains a strong contender. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 mini offers a compact design and the latest features in a smaller package. This comparison will help you decide which iPhone is the perfect fit for you.
We’ll explore the key differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both phones. Get ready to discover which device reigns supreme in our iPhone 11 Pro vs 12 mini comparison.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 11 Pro | 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.4-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Rear Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Storage Options | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 188g | 135g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Size & Technology
- 11 Pro: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers a vibrant and crisp viewing experience with excellent brightness. However, it’s larger and can be less comfortable for one-handed use.
- 12 Mini: Boasts a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, significantly smaller than the 11 Pro. This makes it incredibly compact and easy to handle. Some users might find the screen too small for extended viewing or gaming.
- Winner: 12 mini (for portability) / 11 Pro (for larger viewing)
Processor
- 11 Pro: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, still a very capable processor. Provides smooth performance for most tasks and demanding applications. It’s now a generation older, so it is slightly slower than the 12 mini.
- 12 Mini: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering a performance boost over the A13. Delivers faster processing speeds and improved efficiency. Provides a generally faster and smoother user experience.
- Winner: 12 mini
Design & Build
- 11 Pro: Features a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, providing a premium feel. The design is slightly older, with larger bezels compared to the 12 mini.
- 12 Mini: Offers a flat-edge design with an aluminum frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover, making it more durable. It has smaller bezels and a more modern look.
- Winner: 12 mini
Camera System
- 11 Pro: Features a triple-camera system with 12MP wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with great low-light performance.
- 12 Mini: Has a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. While still very capable, it lacks the telephoto lens of the 11 Pro.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Battery Life
- 11 Pro: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Can struggle with heavier usage scenarios.
- 12 Mini: Battery life is the biggest compromise of the smaller form factor. Expect noticeably shorter battery life compared to the 11 Pro, especially with heavy use.
- Winner: 11 Pro
5G Connectivity
- 11 Pro: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- 12 Mini: Supports 5G, offering faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: 12 mini
Weight & Dimensions
- 11 Pro: Larger and heavier due to its bigger display and overall design.
- 12 Mini: Extremely compact and lightweight, making it very comfortable to hold and carry.
- Winner: 12 mini
Price (at time of release)
- 11 Pro: Was the more expensive phone when new. Often found at lower price points now, especially used.
- 12 Mini: Was less expensive than the 11 Pro at launch, and usually cheaper now.
- Winner: 12 mini (due to generally lower price now)
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 12 mini |
| Display Size | 11 Pro |
| Camera Versatility | 11 Pro |
| Portability | 12 mini |
| Battery Life | 11 Pro |
| Design | 12 mini |
| 5G Connectivity | 12 mini |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super Retina XDR OLED displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Front Camera: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 mini feature a 12MP front-facing camera, enabling high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68 for water resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion in water.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options without the need for cables.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K video at 60fps, allowing users to capture high-quality videos with impressive detail and clarity.
11 Pro vs 12 Mini Buying Guide
Performance Showdown
The iPhone 11 Pro, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, still delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and gaming. However, the iPhone 12 mini boasts the A14 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable boost in processing speed, graphics performance, and efficiency. This difference becomes more apparent when running demanding applications, editing videos, or multitasking. The 12 mini’s Neural Engine is also more advanced, leading to improved machine learning capabilities. While the 11 Pro is no slouch, the 12 mini offers a more future-proofed experience in terms of raw power.
Display and Design Comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display, known for its vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The iPhone 12 mini, on the other hand, packs a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display into a significantly smaller form factor. Both offer OLED technology for deep blacks and impressive brightness. The 12 mini’s design is more modern, with flat edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The 11 Pro has curved edges for a more comfortable grip, though both are premium devices.
Camera Capabilities: A Detailed Look
Both phones feature excellent camera systems. The iPhone 11 Pro has a triple-camera setup with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, delivering versatile photography options. The iPhone 12 mini also has a dual-camera system with ultra-wide and wide lenses. However, the 12 mini benefits from the A14 Bionic’s improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance, especially with Night mode. Smart HDR 3 on the 12 mini offers more dynamic range and improved image quality. Both can record excellent video quality.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life compared to the iPhone 12 mini. Due to its smaller size, the 12 mini has a smaller battery, leading to potentially shorter usage times, especially with heavy use. The 11 Pro can comfortably last a full day for most users. Both phones support fast charging, but the 12 mini also offers MagSafe wireless charging compatibility, which the 11 Pro lacks. Battery life is a key consideration for power users.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where available. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE. The 12 mini also includes features like MagSafe, expanding the accessories ecosystem. Both devices offer Face ID for secure authentication, and both support the latest iOS versions. The 12 mini’s inclusion of 5G is a significant advantage for future-proofing your phone.
Price and Value Proposition
The iPhone 12 mini, being a newer model, may still cost more than a used or refurbished iPhone 11 Pro. However, the price difference could vary. Consider the features that are most important to you. If you prioritize performance, 5G, and a more modern design, the 12 mini is a strong contender. The 11 Pro offers great value if you are looking for a more affordable option with excellent cameras and still capable performance. The budget and your needs should guide your choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 11 Pro If…
- You prefer a larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- You prioritize a longer battery life.
- You want a phone with a slightly more premium feel.
Buy 12 mini If…
- You desire a compact and lightweight phone that easily fits in your pocket.
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You need 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- You prefer a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better performance?
The iPhone 12 mini, with its A14 Bionic chip, outperforms the iPhone 11 Pro, which has the A13 Bionic. The A14 offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and a more efficient Neural Engine, leading to a smoother experience when running demanding applications and multitasking.
Which phone has a better camera?
Both phones have excellent cameras. While the 11 Pro has a triple-camera setup and the 12 mini a dual-camera setup, the 12 mini benefits from the A14 Bionic’s advanced image processing, leading to better low-light performance and improved Smart HDR 3, which enhances dynamic range and image quality.
What are the size differences?
The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller than the iPhone 11 Pro. The 12 mini has a 5.4-inch display, while the 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch display. This size difference affects the overall feel and pocketability of the phones. The 12 mini is designed for one-handed use.
Does the 12 mini support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini supports 5G connectivity, which allows for faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE. This is a significant advantage for future-proofing and faster data transfers.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life compared to the iPhone 12 mini. The 12 mini has a smaller battery due to its compact size, which can result in shorter usage times, especially for users who frequently use their phones for various tasks, including gaming and streaming.
Does the 12 mini have MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe, which allows for magnetic attachment of accessories, such as chargers and wallets. The iPhone 11 Pro does not have MagSafe. MagSafe offers a convenient and versatile ecosystem for accessories.
Which phone is more expensive?
The price can vary based on the condition (new, used, or refurbished) and the retailer. Generally, the iPhone 12 mini might be more expensive when new. However, the iPhone 11 Pro can sometimes be found at a lower price point, especially if you consider a used or refurbished option.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 mini depends on your priorities. The 12 mini offers superior performance, a more modern design, 5G connectivity, and MagSafe support. However, the 11 Pro provides longer battery life and a larger display. The 12 mini is the better choice for those prioritizing the latest technology and a compact form factor. The 11 Pro is still a great option, especially if battery life and a larger screen are more important.
Winner: iPhone 12 mini