iPhone Se 3rd Gen vs iPhone 12 Mini: Which iPhone Wins?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially with so many great options available. Are you looking for a powerful phone that fits comfortably in your hand, or are you prioritizing affordability? This comparison of the iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 12 mini will help you find the perfect fit.
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen offers a familiar design with updated internals, making it a great choice for those who appreciate the classic iPhone look. The iPhone 12 mini, on the other hand, packs flagship features into a compact body. It’s a powerhouse in a pocket-friendly size.
We’ll dive deep into the key differences between these two popular iPhones, covering everything from performance and camera quality to battery life and price. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget. Let’s see how the iPhone SE 3rd Gen and iPhone 12 mini stack up against each other.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE 3rd Gen | iPhone 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.4 inches |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Ultra Wide Camera | No | Yes |
| 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 | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Features the classic iPhone 8 design with a familiar home button and thick bezels. It has an aluminum frame and glass front and back, offering a sturdy feel. However, the design is dated compared to modern iPhones.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Boasts a more modern design with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover, and an aerospace-grade aluminum frame. It’s significantly more compact than the SE, offering a premium feel. However, the smaller size might not be ideal for everyone.
- Winner: 12 mini
Display
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, but the resolution is lower than the 12 mini, and the bezels are substantial.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This provides vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a higher resolution. The OLED technology also allows for true blacks and improved power efficiency.
- Winner: 12 mini
Processor
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides exceptional performance and speed for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, which is still a very capable processor. While slightly older than the A15, it delivers impressive performance and handles demanding tasks with ease.
- Winner: SE 3rd gen
Cameras
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Features a single 12MP wide camera. While it takes good photos in good lighting conditions, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and advanced features like Night mode.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Has a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. This allows for wider shots and offers Night mode for improved low-light photography.
- Winner: 12 mini
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. However, it lags behind the 12 mini in terms of overall endurance.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Provides reasonable battery life, which can be a concern for some users. The smaller size necessitates a smaller battery, which may require charging more frequently.
- Winner: SE 3rd gen
Connectivity
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Also supports 5G, providing the same benefits as the SE.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Generally more affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Often more expensive, reflecting its more premium features and design.
- Winner: SE 3rd gen
Size and Portability
- iPhone Se 3rd Gen: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easy to carry and use with one hand. Its design is more pocketable than larger phones.
- iPhone 12 Mini: Its ultra-compact form factor makes it exceptionally portable and comfortable to hold. It is one of the smallest modern smartphones available.
- Winner: 12 mini
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 mini |
| Processor | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 12 mini |
| Battery Life | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
| Design | iPhone 12 mini |
| Value | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
| 5G | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone SE 3rd Gen and the iPhone 12 mini support 5G, providing faster download and upload speeds where available. This ensures a seamless online experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing users to easily charge their devices using compatible charging pads. This adds to the convenience of charging.
- Processor: Both phones have powerful processors, the A15 Bionic in the SE and A14 Bionic in the 12 mini, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. They both deliver excellent performance.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage options, starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, catering to users with varying storage needs for apps, photos, and videos.
- Video Recording Capabilities: Both phones can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture. This is great for content creators.
Iphone Se 3Rd Gen Vs Iphone 12 Mini Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) boasts the A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides exceptional speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The iPhone 12 mini, while still capable with its A14 Bionic chip, lags slightly behind in raw processing power. The A15 Bionic offers improved efficiency, resulting in better battery life and smoother overall performance, especially under heavy loads. Both phones offer excellent performance for their size, but the SE has the edge.
Display and Design
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) retains the classic design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, featuring thick bezels and a home button. The iPhone 12 mini sports a more modern design with a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a larger screen in a smaller footprint due to its edge-to-edge design. The iPhone 12 mini’s display delivers vibrant colors and improved contrast. The SE’s display is still good, but the 12 mini provides a more immersive and aesthetically pleasing viewing experience, along with a more modern design.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) features a single 12MP wide camera, enhanced by the A15 Bionic’s image processing capabilities. It captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions, along with improved Smart HDR. The iPhone 12 mini, with its dual 12MP wide and ultrawide cameras, offers greater versatility. It provides wider shots and Night mode for improved low-light performance. The 12 mini also offers better video recording capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR. Both phones take great photos, but the 12 mini excels in a wider variety of scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a key consideration for both phones. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use, thanks to its efficient A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone 12 mini, due to its smaller size, has shorter battery life. While it can still last a day for some users, heavy users will likely need to charge it before the day is over. Both phones support fast charging, but the 12 mini has a slight advantage due to its newer charging technology and smaller battery. Consider your usage habits when choosing.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is generally more affordable than the iPhone 12 mini, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. It offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point. The iPhone 12 mini, being a more premium device, commands a higher price. It justifies its cost with its better display, camera system, and more modern design. Consider your budget and priorities. If performance is key, the SE provides excellent value. The 12 mini is for those who want more features and a premium experience.
Connectivity and Features
Both phones support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds where available. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) includes a physical home button with Touch ID for secure authentication, while the iPhone 12 mini features Face ID. The iPhone 12 mini also includes MagSafe, allowing for magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging. Both phones run the latest iOS versions, offering access to the App Store and the latest software features. The 12 mini has the edge with Face ID and MagSafe, providing a more modern user experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE 3rd Gen If…
- You prefer a smaller phone with a familiar design.
- You want the latest processor for top-tier performance at a lower price point.
- You prioritize a physical Home button with Touch ID.
- You are on a budget and looking for a more affordable iPhone.
Buy iPhone 12 mini If…
- You want a compact phone with a larger display.
- You want better camera capabilities, including an ultrawide lens and improved low-light performance.
- You prefer Face ID over Touch ID.
- You desire a more modern design with a more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) features the classic iPhone design with thick bezels and a home button. The iPhone 12 mini has a modern design with a nearly all-screen display, smaller bezels, and uses Face ID. The 12 mini is smaller overall, despite having a larger screen, due to its edge-to-edge display and updated design. The SE offers a familiar feel, while the 12 mini presents a more contemporary aesthetic.
Which phone has better performance?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a slight edge in performance due to its A15 Bionic chip, which is newer than the A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12 mini. While both phones are very fast, the SE will handle demanding tasks and games with slightly more ease. The performance difference is noticeable in tasks requiring intensive processing power. Both are still very capable phones.
How does the camera compare between the two?
The iPhone 12 mini boasts a dual-camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses, offering more versatility, especially in low light with Night mode. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a single-lens camera. The 12 mini excels in low-light photography and offers more creative options. While the SE takes great photos, the 12 mini offers a more robust and versatile camera experience.
What about battery life?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 12 mini, despite the SE having a smaller battery. The A15 Bionic chip’s improved efficiency helps the SE last longer. The 12 mini’s battery may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage. Consider your usage habits when deciding.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is typically more affordable than the iPhone 12 mini, making it a great value option. The SE offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point. The iPhone 12 mini, with its more premium features and design, typically comes at a higher price. The price difference should be a key factor in your decision.
Does either phone support 5G?
Yes, both the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and the iPhone 12 mini support 5G connectivity, providing fast data speeds where 5G networks are available. This ensures that you can enjoy fast download and upload speeds, as well as smooth streaming and online gaming experiences. Both phones are future-proofed in terms of connectivity.
Which phone is better for me?
The best phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and value, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is a good choice. If you prefer a more modern design, better camera capabilities, and don’t mind shorter battery life, the iPhone 12 mini might be a better fit. Consider your budget, usage habits, and desired features.
Final Verdict
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers impressive performance with its A15 Bionic chip at a more affordable price. While the iPhone 12 mini provides a more modern design, a better camera system, and a slightly larger display, its battery life is a compromise. The SE is a compelling choice for those prioritizing value and power, while the 12 mini is for those who want a more premium experience.
Winner: iPhone SE (3rd Gen)