iPhone Se vs iPhone 12 Mini: Which Small iPhone Wins?
Struggling to choose between a compact iPhone? You’re not alone! The iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 mini both offer impressive performance and features in a smaller form factor, perfect for those who prefer one-handed use and pocket-friendly portability.
But which tiny titan reigns supreme? This comparison dives deep, analyzing everything from design and display to performance and camera capabilities, helping you determine which iPhone best suits your needs and budget. We’ll explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each device, comparing the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 mini side-by-side. Whether you prioritize affordability, the latest technology, or a specific feature set, we’ve got you covered. Let’s find out which small iPhone is the ultimate winner!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE | iPhone 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 5.4-inch |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina XDR |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Se: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick bezels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use, but the smaller size and dated design can feel limiting. Its resolution is lower than the 12 mini.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Boasts a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display with a nearly bezel-less design and OLED technology. This provides vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a much more immersive viewing experience, but the smaller size can be a con for some users.
- Winner: 12 mini
Processor
- iPhone Se: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor. It handles everyday tasks and gaming smoothly, but it is a generation older than the 12 mini’s chip.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the A13. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding applications and games.
- Winner: 12 mini
Camera System
- iPhone Se: Features a single 12MP wide camera. It takes good photos in daylight and offers portrait mode with software enhancements, but it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and advanced features found in the 12 mini.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses. This allows for wider shots, better low-light performance, and improved video recording capabilities, offering more creative options.
- Winner: 12 mini
Design and Build
- iPhone Se: Retains the classic iPhone design with thick bezels and a physical home button. It features a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a familiar but outdated aesthetic.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Offers a modern design with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability, and a smaller footprint due to the edge-to-edge display. It offers a more premium and contemporary look.
- Winner: 12 mini
Battery Life
- iPhone Se: Provides decent battery life, but it can struggle with heavy usage. It typically lasts a full day with moderate use, but power users might need to recharge during the day.
- iPhone 12 Mini: The smaller size means the battery is smaller. Battery life is generally shorter than the SE, especially with heavy use.
- Winner: SE
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se: Does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Supports 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Winner: 12 mini
Price
- iPhone Se: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 12 Mini: More expensive than the SE, reflecting its more advanced features and technology.
- Winner: SE
Water Resistance
- iPhone Se: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against splashes and brief submersion.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, providing a higher level of protection against water submersion.
- Winner: 12 mini
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 mini |
| Performance | iPhone SE |
| Camera | iPhone 12 mini |
| Battery Life | iPhone SE |
| Design | iPhone 12 mini |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 mini |
| Value | iPhone SE |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Charging: Both iPhones support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without the need for cables.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, providing users with the flexibility to choose the amount of storage that best suits their needs.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience and access to the latest software updates and features.
- Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- Connectivity: Both support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, offering standard connectivity.
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 mini Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone SE, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and gaming. While it handles most applications smoothly, it may show slight limitations when running graphically intensive games at the highest settings. The iPhone 12 mini, equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, provides a similar level of performance in day to day usage. Both devices provide fast and responsive experiences in multitasking and app switching. However, the SE’s newer chip offers a slight edge in terms of future-proofing and sustained performance under heavy loads.
Display
The iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display that offers good color accuracy and brightness. While suitable for basic content consumption, its size and resolution are less immersive than the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini boasts a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, with richer colors, higher resolution, and better contrast. This results in a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience, ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. The smaller bezels on the 12 mini also contribute to a more modern and premium feel.
Camera
The iPhone SE has a single 12MP wide camera that captures good photos in well-lit conditions. It benefits from the A15 Bionic’s image processing, but lacks features like Night mode. The iPhone 12 mini features a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lens, offering greater versatility. It also includes Night mode for improved low-light performance, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The 12 mini provides superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting situations, and allows for more creative shots.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE generally offers moderate battery life, typically lasting a full day with light to moderate use. However, it can drain quicker during intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming. The iPhone 12 mini provides slightly better battery life due to its more efficient display and optimized software. However, it still may require charging before the end of a long day for heavier users. Both phones benefit from iOS’s power-saving features, but neither is a standout performer in this category.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE retains the classic design of the iPhone 8, with a physical home button and thick bezels. It has a durable glass and aluminum construction and offers IP67 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 12 mini has a more modern design, with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover, and a smaller footprint due to its edge-to-edge display. It offers IP68 water and dust resistance, making it more resistant to damage. The 12 mini feels more premium in hand due to its design.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE is generally more affordable than the iPhone 12 mini, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. It delivers strong performance and features for its price point. The iPhone 12 mini comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its superior display, camera system, and design. While it costs more, it offers a more premium experience that may be worth the investment for some users. The choice depends on the priorities of the consumer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE If…
- You prefer a smaller phone with a physical home button.
- You are on a budget and want a more affordable iPhone.
- You prioritize a familiar design and user experience.
- You don’t need the latest camera features or 5G connectivity.
Buy iPhone 12 mini If…
- You want a compact phone with a larger display.
- You want the latest features, including 5G and better camera capabilities.
- You desire a more modern design with Face ID.
- You are looking for improved water resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12 mini features a superior camera system with a dual-camera setup (wide and ultrawide) and advanced features like Night mode, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The iPhone SE has a single-lens camera that performs well in good lighting conditions, but the 12 mini offers more versatility and better low-light performance.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 12 mini generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone SE. While neither phone is a battery life champion, the 12 mini’s more efficient display and software optimizations contribute to a longer runtime. However, heavy users might still need to charge either phone before the end of the day.
Which phone is more powerful?
The iPhone SE, with its A15 Bionic chip, is slightly more powerful than the iPhone 12 mini, which has the A14 Bionic chip. The difference isn’t huge in day-to-day use, but the SE’s newer chip provides a performance edge in graphically intensive tasks and future-proofing.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 mini has a superior display. It features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display with a higher resolution, better contrast, and richer colors compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The 12 mini’s display provides a more immersive and vibrant viewing experience.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE is the more budget-friendly option. It offers a lower price point compared to the iPhone 12 mini, making it a great value for those looking for a capable iPhone without spending a lot. The iPhone 12 mini is more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and design.
Does the iPhone SE support 5G?
No, the iPhone SE does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE. The iPhone 12 mini, however, does support 5G, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas where 5G is available. This can be a significant advantage for users looking for the fastest mobile data experience.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones can handle gaming well, but the iPhone SE’s A15 Bionic chip gives it a slight edge in performance for graphically demanding games. However, the iPhone 12 mini’s display offers a more immersive experience, even if the processing power is marginally less. The choice depends on user preference.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 mini depends on individual needs. The iPhone SE offers excellent value and performance for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users. The iPhone 12 mini provides a more premium experience with a superior display, camera, and modern design, but at a higher cost.
Winner: iPhone 12 mini