iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Which Should You Buy?
Struggling to choose between a compact powerhouse and a budget-friendly champ? The iPhone world offers a variety of choices, and the decision can be tough. Today, we’re diving deep into the battle of the iPhones: the iPhone 12 mini versus the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
Both phones pack a punch, but cater to different needs and budgets. The iPhone 12 mini offers a sleek design and premium features, while the iPhone SE 3rd gen focuses on affordability and classic aesthetics. This comparison will break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
We’ll explore their key differences, including performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology or a familiar feel, this comparison of the iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE 3rd gen will help you determine which iPhone reigns supreme for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.4-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Face ID | Yes | No, Touch ID |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone 12 Mini: Boasts a sleek, modern design with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover, and an aluminum frame. It offers a premium feel and a more contemporary look. However, the flat edges can feel less comfortable to hold for some.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Retains the classic iPhone 8 design with thick bezels and a physical home button. It’s a familiar and compact design, but feels dated compared to newer iPhones. Its durability is a plus, but the design is less modern.
- Winner: iphone 12 mini
Display
- iPhone 12 Mini: Features a vibrant 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, offering excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and high brightness. Its smaller size makes it very pocketable, but may feel cramped for some users.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display. While it’s sharp and bright, it doesn’t offer the same level of contrast or color accuracy as the OLED display on the 12 mini. The bezels can make the display feel small.
- Winner: iphone 12 mini
Processor
- iPhone 12 Mini: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering exceptional performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It is still very capable in 2024.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Uses the A15 Bionic chip, providing even faster performance than the A14. This results in incredibly smooth performance and responsiveness.
- Winner: iphone se 3rd gen
Camera System
- iPhone 12 Mini: Features a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses, delivering excellent photo and video quality, including Night mode on both cameras. While good, the lack of a telephoto lens is a disadvantage.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Equipped with a single 12MP wide lens. It takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions, but lacks the versatility of the 12 mini’s dual-camera setup and Night mode on all lenses.
- Winner: iphone 12 mini
Battery Life
- iPhone 12 Mini: Offers decent battery life for its size, but can struggle to last a full day with heavy usage. Its smaller battery is a trade-off for its compact design.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Provides surprisingly good battery life, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. It benefits from the efficient A15 Bionic chip and a slightly larger battery than the 12 mini.
- Winner: iphone se 3rd gen
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 12 Mini: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Also supports 5G connectivity.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 12 Mini: Generally more expensive than the iPhone SE 3rd gen, especially if purchasing new.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: The more affordable option, making it an excellent value for its performance and features.
- Winner: iphone se 3rd gen
Other Features
- iPhone 12 Mini: Includes features like MagSafe charging, Face ID, and a more modern design language.
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Retains Touch ID, a familiar feature for many users, and has a smaller overall footprint.
- Winner: iphone 12 mini
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 mini |
| Processor Performance | iPhone SE 3rd Gen (Slight Edge) |
| Camera Versatility | iPhone 12 mini |
| Design & Portability | iPhone 12 mini |
| Value for Money | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- Processor: Both phones use Apple silicon, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, making it convenient to top up the battery.
- Camera Features: Both phones feature 12MP cameras with features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on iOS, offering the same user interface, app compatibility, and software updates.
iPhone 12 Mini Buying Guide
Display Quality and Size
The iPhone 12 mini boasts a superior display with its Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its smaller 5.4-inch size makes it exceptionally pocketable and easy to use with one hand. While the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, which is still sharp but lacks the color accuracy and contrast of the OLED. The 12 mini’s display is brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight, and its overall screen experience is more immersive due to its edge-to-edge design.
Performance and Speed
The iPhone 12 mini’s A14 Bionic chip provides a significant performance advantage over the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)’s A15 Bionic. Though both are very fast, the A14 handles demanding tasks and games with ease. The 12 mini provides a faster user experience, with quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. The SE 3rd gen is still a powerhouse, but the 12 mini is slightly faster. Both phones offer excellent performance for everyday use.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 mini shines with its dual 12MP camera system, offering wider dynamic range and improved low-light performance compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). Its Night mode is also a major advantage, allowing for impressive shots in dark environments. The SE (3rd Gen) has a single 12MP camera that takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles a bit more in challenging situations. The 12 mini includes features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 3, enhancing image quality.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 mini features a more modern design with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability, and an IP68 water resistance rating. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) retains the classic iPhone design with rounded edges and an IP67 water resistance rating. While both are well-built, the 12 mini feels more premium due to its design and material choices. The 12 mini is also lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller battery, which results in slightly shorter battery life compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). The SE (3rd Gen) offers better battery life, making it a better choice for users who prioritize longevity. The 12 mini supports MagSafe charging, offering convenient wireless charging options. Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. Consider your usage patterns when deciding on battery life needs.
Price and Value
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) have different price points. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is generally more affordable. Consider the features you prioritize when evaluating price. The 12 mini offers a premium experience with its advanced display and camera, while the SE (3rd Gen) provides excellent performance at a more accessible price. Think about the features you need and your budget to determine which phone offers the best value for you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 mini If…
- You prefer a more compact design that’s easy to handle with one hand.
- You want a superior display with OLED technology and better color accuracy.
- You prioritize a dual-camera system for more versatile photography.
- You desire better water resistance (IP68 vs. IP67).
Buy iPhone SE 3rd Gen If…
- You prefer a more affordable iPhone.
- You value the classic iPhone design with a physical home button and Touch ID.
- You prioritize the latest processor (A15 Bionic) for slightly improved performance.
- You prefer the familiarity of a smaller display with thicker bezels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better display?
The iPhone 12 mini has a superior display. It features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)’s Retina HD LCD. The 12 mini’s edge-to-edge design and higher brightness also enhance the viewing experience, making it a more immersive display overall. The 12 mini is a clear winner in this category.
Which phone is faster?
While both phones are very fast, the iPhone 12 mini’s A14 Bionic chip provides slightly faster performance in some tasks compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)’s A15 Bionic. This difference is more noticeable in graphically intensive games and demanding applications. Both phones offer excellent everyday performance, with smooth multitasking and fast app loading times. The difference is subtle.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12 mini’s dual 12MP camera system offers a better overall camera experience. It provides wider dynamic range, improved low-light performance, and features like Night mode, which the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) lacks. While the SE (3rd Gen) takes great photos in good lighting, the 12 mini’s camera is more versatile and delivers better results in challenging conditions, especially at night.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) generally offers better battery life than the iPhone 12 mini. The SE (3rd Gen) has a larger battery and more efficient power management. It’s a better choice for users who need a phone that can last a full day of heavy use without needing to be charged. The iPhone 12 mini’s battery life is still decent, but it doesn’t last as long.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are durable, but the iPhone 12 mini benefits from a Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides increased drop resistance. Both phones have IP ratings for water resistance. The iPhone 12 mini has an IP68 rating, while the SE (3rd Gen) is rated IP67. The 12 mini is a little more robust. Both phones are well-built and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Which phone is more compact?
The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter than the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). Its smaller size makes it easier to use with one hand and more comfortable to carry in a pocket. The SE (3rd Gen) is also relatively small, but the 12 mini’s design offers a more modern and sleek feel, making it the more compact option. The 12 mini is a great choice if you prefer a smaller phone.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is generally more affordable than the iPhone 12 mini. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want a powerful and capable iPhone. The price difference reflects the different features and technologies included in the phones. Consider your budget and the features you need when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 mini offers a more premium experience with its superior display, improved camera system, and modern design. While the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels in battery life and affordability, the 12 mini’s features and overall performance make it a more well-rounded device. The choice depends on your priorities, but the 12 mini provides a better user experience overall.
Winner: iPhone 12 Mini