Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 mini?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £9.98 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 12 mini offer different experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 5G has a larger screen and battery, which is good for watching videos and longer use. It runs Android and supports dual physical SIM cards, appealing to those who want flexible connectivity. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and use one-handed, with iOS as its operating system. It offers a higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies and more storage options.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Battery size, operating system, and SIM options are important for daily use and long-term support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which suits users needing longer battery life for activities like streaming or gaming. The iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh battery fits those who prefer a lighter phone and typically use it less intensively throughout the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs on Android, offering more customization options, while the iPhone 12 mini runs on iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer.
SIM Card Options
Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who manage multiple phone numbers or plans. The iPhone 12 mini has one Physical SIM plus eSIM, which works well for everyday users with a single main number.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance depends on processor power, RAM, and storage capacity. These specs affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much space you have for files and media.
Processor Types
The Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on a 5 nm process, offering strong performance for demanding apps and games. The iPhone 12 mini runs on the Apple A14 Bionic, also a 5 nm chip, known for efficiency and smooth operation in iOS.
Memory Capacity
Galaxy S21 5G has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly during multitasking. The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB of RAM, sufficient for everyday use and typical app performance within iOS.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128 GB and 256 GB versions, suitable for users storing lots of photos and apps. The iPhone 12 mini offers 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB options, giving more choices depending on your storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how you view content. The two devices differ in screen size and display technology, which changes your experience when watching videos or browsing.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, offering a roomier display for video and gaming. The iPhone 12 mini's 5.4 inch screen suits those who want a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or a small pocket.
Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 1080 by 2400 resolution, giving a slightly taller image area, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 1080 by 2340 resolution. Both provide sharp images, but the S21's extra pixels add a bit more vertical space.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which can deliver vibrant colours and high brightness. The iPhone 12 mini features Super Retina XDR OLED, known for accurate colours and high contrast. Both screens offer strong visual quality but with slightly different characteristics.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera resolution influences photo and video quality, especially for selfies. Both phones have similar main cameras but differ in front camera megapixels, which impacts selfie detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G's front camera has 10 megapixels, still good for clear selfies but with a lower resolution.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and video recording. This means either phone can support good quality photos in typical lighting conditions.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Additional features like size, weight, connectors, and network capabilities affect how you carry and connect your phone. These details help decide which device fits your lifestyle better.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and 135 g, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. The Galaxy S21 5G is larger and heavier at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and 169 g, offering a bigger display but less pocket-friendly.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, common for many modern devices. The iPhone 12 mini uses Apple's Lightning connector, which works with many Apple accessories.
Mobile Network and Carrier
Both phones support 5G for fast mobile data and come unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible network provider.
SIM Card Setup
Galaxy S21 5G supports two physical SIM cards plus eSIM, ideal for people who need multiple numbers or plans. The iPhone 12 mini supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits most users with a single plan.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.2 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £9.98 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 5G praise its excellent condition and battery life, often saying it looks like new or better than expected. Many highlight the phone's smooth performance and larger screen for everyday use. Some appreciate the dual SIM feature for managing work and personal numbers. A few mention minor issues with region-specific features but mostly find the phone reliable and well-suited for demanding use.
Reviews of the iPhone 12 mini show customers value its compact size and ease of use. Positive comments focus on the phone's condition, battery health, and the detailed front camera. Some customers find it fits well in smaller bags or pockets. There are reports of occasional hardware problems or overheating, but many find it a good choice for everyday tasks and prefer its iOS system.
Both phones attract users with different priorities: the Galaxy S21 5G suits those wanting a bigger display and versatile SIM options, while the iPhone 12 mini appeals to people seeking a smaller, lightweight phone with a sharp front camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
