Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Starting at
£163.65£699.00 new
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 12 mini?
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £2.30 less than the Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G and the iPhone 12 mini both offer solid performance and features from their 2020 release but they suit different needs. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a larger screen and battery, making it a good choice for those who want more display space and longer battery life. It also supports microSDXC cards for extra storage and has a higher front camera megapixel count. Storage options vary slightly, with the iPhone offering a 64GB entry point and the Galaxy starting at 128GB.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Durability is about battery capacity, operating system and software updates. These affect daily use and how long a phone stays current.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which supports longer usage between charges. This suits users who need a phone that lasts throughout a busy day. The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which fits its smaller size and suits those who prefer a compact device and can manage shorter battery life.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking ability and capacity for apps and files.
Chipset And RAM
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses a Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset with 6 GB RAM, which provides smooth multitasking and handles everyday apps well. The iPhone 12 mini has an Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM, designed to deliver efficient performance on iOS, suitable for users who prefer a smaller device with optimised hardware and software integration.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G offers 128GB and 256GB storage options, which are good for users needing ample space from the outset. The iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB variants, giving buyers more choice at different price points and storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen quality matters for viewing comfort and detail. Size, resolution and screen type affect how you experience videos, photos and everyday use.
Screen Size And Resolution
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a 6.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, offering a larger viewing area that suits watching videos or browsing with more room. The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, providing a compact size for easy one-handed use while maintaining sharp detail.
Screen Type
Both devices offer high-quality OLED screens. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses Super AMOLED technology, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, designed to provide accurate colours and high brightness, making it suitable for users who want a premium display in a smaller form.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera quality shapes how well you capture photos and videos. Front and main camera megapixels indicate detail levels for selfies and general photography.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and suits those who take high-resolution selfies or video calls. The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which fits everyday selfie needs and video chats.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera. This means each can take photos with similar resolution, suitable for everyday photography and video recording.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Other features affect usability and convenience, such as size, weight, connectors, network compatibility and storage expandability.
Size And Weight
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 159.8 mm in height, 74.5 mm in width, 8.4 mm in depth and weighing 190 g. This suits those who prefer a bigger device with more screen space. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact at 131.5 mm height, 64.2 mm width, 7.4 mm depth and 135 g weight, ideal for users wanting a lighter, pocket-friendly phone.
Connector And SIM Options
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for fast charging and data transfer. It supports Dual Physical SIM cards, useful for people needing two separate lines. The iPhone 12 mini features a Lightning connector and supports one Physical SIM plus an eSIM, which suits users who want flexible network options without a second physical SIM.
Storage Expandability
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to add extra storage beyond the built-in capacity. This is useful if you store many photos, videos or files. The iPhone 12 mini does not have an SD card slot.
Network Compatibility
Both devices support 5G networks and come unlocked, so they work with various UK carriers and provide access to faster mobile data where available.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 FE 5G or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 FE 5G if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £2.30 less than the Galaxy S20 FE 5G
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Nov 2025)
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 190 g)
What our customers say
Customers using the Galaxy S20 FE 5G often describe the phone as looking almost new with excellent condition and a bright screen. They appreciate its smooth performance, fast operation and solid battery life that lasts all day, making it suitable for users who rely on longer usage without frequent charging. Some mention the convenience of the SD card slot for extra storage and the phone's good handling of apps. A few customers note trouble with app transfers but remain happy overall with the device's features and condition.
For the iPhone 12 mini, customers frequently highlight its compact size that fits well in pockets or bags and ease of use. Many report the phone looks like new or has only minor wear that is hardly noticeable. The iPhone 12 mini is praised for running well and performing everyday tasks smoothly. Battery health is often noted as good, though some customers mention shorter battery life and issues with heating during extended use. The device appeals to those who want a smaller phone with current iOS updates and reliable performance.
Overall, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G suits buyers looking for a larger screen, longer battery life and expandable storage. The iPhone 12 mini is better for those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with ongoing software support and a simple user experience.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £163.65 for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G ended in Nov 2025. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
