iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 new
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini?
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £54.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 mini is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Mobile network
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini differ mainly in size, battery capacity, processing power, and network support. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger screen and battery, suiting those who prefer a bigger display and longer battery life between charges. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter, with a newer chipset and 5G support, which benefits users who want a smaller phone with faster mobile network capabilities. Storage options also vary, with the 12 mini offering a middle tier of 128GB that the 11 Pro Max does not.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support are important for how long these phones last in daily use. Both devices run iOS and can update to the latest version, but their batteries differ significantly in size.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 3969 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer usage between charges, especially if they use power-intensive apps or watch videos a lot. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery, making it better suited for those who prefer a compact phone and can manage shorter battery life with more frequent charges.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing software improvements and security patches on either device, ensuring a current experience regardless of which model you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance hinges on the chipset and storage options available. Both phones have the same amount of RAM, but their processors and storage choices differ in ways that can affect everyday use.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, which generally offers efficiency and speed improvements. The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with the Apple A13 Bionic. Both deliver solid performance for everyday tasks, but the 12 mini's newer chip can handle recent apps and features smoothly.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is available with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, ideal for users who need more space for apps, photos, or videos. The iPhone 12 mini offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, providing a mid-tier choice at 128GB which may suit users who want a balance between storage and price.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen size and resolution affect how you experience media and daily interactions. Both phones feature the same screen technology but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5 inch screen, making it a good fit if you want more room for watching videos, browsing, or multitasking. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen, which suits those who prefer a compact device that fits easily in a pocket or hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1242 x 2688, the iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers a higher pixel count, providing sharper images on its larger screen. The iPhone 12 mini has a resolution of 1080 x 2340, which is still clear and detailed but on a smaller display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera specifications are identical for both models, so the experience for photos and selfies is similar.
Camera Megapixels
Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini have 12 megapixel front and main cameras. This means you can expect similar image resolution and quality for selfies and photos regardless of the phone you choose.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Other practical differences include network compatibility, size, and weight, which affect daily convenience and connectivity.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G, which is widely available and reliable for everyday use.
Size and Weight
At 158 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 8.1 mm deep, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is larger and heavier, weighing 226 g. This suits those who prefer a substantial phone with a bigger screen. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact at 131.5 mm high, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 135 g, ideal for users who want a lighter phone that fits comfortably in smaller pockets or hands.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones are unlocked and support physical SIM plus eSIM configurations. They both use the Lightning connector, maintaining compatibility with existing accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3969 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, £54.05 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want 5G
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 226 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 11 Pro Max report that the phones often look like new and perform well. Many appreciate the large screen size and good battery life, with some noting they only need to charge every couple of days. A few mention concerns about battery health or heating during use. The camera and overall performance are described as solid. The weight and size suit those who want a bigger phone, and the condition often exceeds expectations.
Reviews of the iPhone 12 mini highlight its compact size as a key benefit, making it easy to carry and handle. Many users say the phone looks like new with only minor marks in some cases. Battery health is generally good, and the phone runs well for everyday use. Some users mention overheating or battery life issues, but others are very satisfied with the reliability and feel of the device. Its 5G support is a noted feature for improved network speeds.
Overall, the iPhone 11 Pro Max suits customers who prioritise screen size and longer battery life, while the iPhone 12 mini appeals to those who want a smaller, lighter phone with a newer chipset and 5G connectivity.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 12 mini adds 5G and a lighter build (135 g vs 226 g). Refurbished, it costs £54.05 less (from £161.35 vs £215.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 Pro Max comes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
