iPhone Se 3 vs iPhone 12 Mini: Which iPhone Wins?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially when you’re weighing size, features, and price. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head battle between two popular compact iPhones: the iPhone SE 3rd generation and the iPhone 12 mini. Both offer a pocket-friendly design, but they have key differences that might sway your decision.
The iPhone SE 3 appeals to those who appreciate a classic design and a budget-friendly price point. It packs powerful performance thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. Conversely, the iPhone 12 mini boasts a more modern design with a larger display in a smaller footprint and some advanced features.
This comparison will break down the crucial aspects of each phone, from their displays and cameras to their performance and battery life. We’ll explore which iPhone truly offers the best value and which one perfectly suits your needs. Get ready to find out if the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone 12 mini reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 5.4-inch |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP + 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 64/128/256GB |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone Se 3: Features a classic iPhone design with a physical home button and thick bezels. It has an aluminum frame and glass back. Pros: Familiar design, durable. Cons: Dated look compared to modern iPhones.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Boasts a modern, flat-edged design with a Ceramic Shield front and an aluminum frame. It’s smaller and lighter than the SE 3. Pros: More contemporary design, compact size. Cons: Can feel slippery without a case.
- Winner: 12 mini
Display
- iPhone Se 3: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display. Pros: Good color accuracy and brightness. Cons: Smaller size, lower resolution compared to OLED displays.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Equipped with a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Pros: Excellent picture quality, vibrant colors, higher resolution. Cons: Smaller screen size overall.
- Winner: 12 mini
Processor
- iPhone Se 3: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 13 series. Pros: Exceptional performance and efficiency. Cons: None.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Runs on the A14 Bionic chip. Pros: Still very fast and capable. Cons: Slightly less powerful than the A15.
- Winner: se 3
Camera System
- iPhone Se 3: Features a single 12MP wide lens. Pros: Good image quality in good lighting conditions. Cons: Lacks ultrawide lens and Night mode on the main camera.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses. Pros: Versatile photography options, Night mode on both lenses. Cons: None.
- Winner: 12 mini
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 3: Offers decent battery life, but it’s not a strong point. Pros: Adequate for moderate use. Cons: Can struggle to last a full day for heavy users.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Known for shorter battery life due to its compact size. Pros: Compact size. Cons: Requires frequent charging for moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: se 3
Connectivity
- iPhone Se 3: Supports 5G connectivity. Pros: Faster data speeds where available. Cons: None.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Also supports 5G connectivity. Pros: Faster data speeds where available. Cons: None.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Se 3: Generally less expensive than the iPhone 12 mini. Pros: More affordable entry point. Cons: None.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Typically more expensive than the iPhone SE 3. Pros: More features. Cons: Higher cost.
- Winner: se 3
Size and Portability
- iPhone Se 3: Has a more compact form factor, but the bezels make it feel less modern. Pros: Easy to hold and use with one hand. Cons: Dated design.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Offers a smaller and lighter design, making it very portable. Pros: Extremely pocketable and easy to carry. Cons: The small size may not appeal to everyone.
- Winner: 12 mini
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 mini |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 mini |
| Design | iPhone 12 mini |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | iPhone SE 3 |
| Value | iPhone SE 3 |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 12 mini |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, providing faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 12 mini support wireless charging, offering convenient charging options.
- A15/a14 Bionic Chip: Both phones feature powerful processors that provide smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Storage Options: Both phones offer the same storage options, starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record video in 4K at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture high-quality video footage.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are water resistant, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes.
iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 12 mini Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
Both the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 12 mini offer impressive performance, but they achieve it through different means. The iPhone SE 3 boasts the A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides blazing-fast speeds for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The iPhone 12 mini, on the other hand, utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, which is still very capable. While the A14 is slightly less powerful than the A15, it still handles most tasks with ease, offering a smooth and responsive user experience. The choice depends on your specific needs, but both phones deliver excellent performance.
Display and Design
The iPhone SE 3 retains the classic design of previous SE models, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick bezels and a home button. This design is familiar and functional, appealing to those who prefer a traditional iPhone experience. The iPhone 12 mini, however, sports a more modern design with a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a more immersive viewing experience in a compact form factor. Its edge-to-edge screen and sleek design are undeniably more contemporary. The design preference is subjective, but the iPhone 12 mini offers a more up-to-date aesthetic.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE 3 features a single 12MP wide camera, which is capable of producing excellent photos and videos, especially in good lighting conditions. It benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s computational photography capabilities, including Smart HDR 4. The iPhone 12 mini, with its dual 12MP camera system (wide and ultrawide), offers more versatility. It allows for wider shots and improved low-light performance. It also supports Night mode, which is absent on the SE 3. The iPhone 12 mini provides superior camera functionality and flexibility.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery life is an important consideration for any smartphone purchase. The iPhone SE 3’s battery offers decent endurance for its size, typically lasting through a full day of moderate use. The iPhone 12 mini, while also compact, has a slightly smaller battery capacity. It might require more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage. Both phones support fast charging, which can quickly replenish the battery. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, but the iPhone SE 3 generally has a slight advantage.
Connectivity and Features
Both phones offer a range of connectivity options, including 5G support, allowing for faster data speeds where available. They also include features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for Apple Pay. The iPhone 12 mini, being a newer model, incorporates features the SE 3 lacks, such as MagSafe charging and accessory compatibility. These features enhance the overall user experience. The iPhone 12 mini offers a more modern set of features, including faster data transfer and enhanced wireless charging capabilities.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE 3 is typically the more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a powerful iPhone without breaking the bank. The iPhone 12 mini, while slightly more expensive, offers a premium experience with its enhanced display, camera system, and design. The value proposition depends on your priorities. If you prioritize performance and affordability, the SE 3 is a great choice. If you value a more advanced feature set and a more modern design, the iPhone 12 mini justifies the higher price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE 3 If…
- You prefer a smaller phone with a classic design and a physical home button.
- You are on a budget and looking for an affordable iPhone with powerful performance.
- You prioritize a long battery life over advanced camera features.
- You don’t need the extra features like Face ID and an ultrawide camera.
Buy iPhone 12 mini If…
- You want a compact phone with a more modern design, including Face ID.
- You value a better display and improved camera capabilities, including an ultrawide lens.
- You desire a more premium feel and better water resistance.
- You want a phone with a larger screen in a compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone SE 3 boasts the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. This gives it a slight performance edge over the iPhone 12 mini, which uses the A14 Bionic chip. However, both chips are incredibly fast and handle most tasks with ease. The A15 offers a marginal advantage in speed and efficiency.
Does the iPhone SE 3 have a better camera than the iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 12 mini offers a more versatile camera system. It has dual 12MP cameras (wide and ultrawide), allowing for wider shots and better low-light performance. The iPhone SE 3 has a single 12MP wide camera. While it takes great photos, especially with its smart HDR, the 12 mini’s camera is more capable and offers more creative options, including Night mode.
Which phone has a longer battery life?
The iPhone SE 3 generally has slightly better battery life due to its larger physical size and slightly more efficient processor. The iPhone 12 mini’s battery, while still decent, might require more frequent charging depending on usage. Both phones support fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. Battery life is directly related to usage.
Does the iPhone 12 mini support 5G?
Yes, both the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 12 mini support 5G connectivity, allowing for faster data speeds where 5G networks are available. This provides a significant improvement over 4G LTE in terms of download and upload speeds, making streaming, browsing, and online gaming more enjoyable. 5G enhances the user experience.
What size is the iPhone SE 3 display?
The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, featuring the traditional design with thick bezels and a home button. This offers a compact and familiar experience for users. The smaller size makes it easier to handle with one hand. The display provides vibrant colors and is suitable for most everyday tasks.
Does the iPhone 12 mini have MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory system. This allows for convenient wireless charging and the attachment of various accessories like wallets and cases. This functionality provides added convenience and versatility compared to the iPhone SE 3, which lacks MagSafe. MagSafe offers a more modern charging experience.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE 3 is generally the more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. It offers a powerful processor and a familiar design at a lower price point. The iPhone 12 mini is more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and more modern design. The price difference depends on the storage configuration and current promotions.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 12 mini depends on individual preferences. The iPhone SE 3 offers exceptional performance and value in a familiar design, while the iPhone 12 mini provides a more modern experience with a superior camera system and a more compact form factor. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what features are most important to you.
Winner: iPhone 12 mini