iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11
Starting at
£163.65£489.00 new
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 mini?
iPhone 11 vs 12 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £2.30 less than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 mini is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Mobile network
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 mini differ in size, display technology, battery capacity, and network support. The iPhone 11 offers a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen and a bigger 3110 mAh battery, which suits those who want a more spacious display and longer battery life. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with higher resolution and supports 5G connectivity, ideal for users seeking a compact phone with sharper visuals and faster mobile networks. Both run iOS, have 4 GB RAM, and similar camera setups, so performance and photography needs are well covered on either device.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design aspects.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, which provides longer battery life suitable for users who need extended use between charges. The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which supports a smaller phone size and suits users prioritising compactness over battery size.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, memory, and storage options available. Both phones offer a smooth iOS experience, but their chipsets and storage choices cater to slightly different user needs.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 11 uses the Apple A13 Bionic chip with 4 GB RAM, while the iPhone 12 mini has the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) chip with the same 4 GB RAM. The newer A14 chip in the 12 mini provides efficiency and performance improvements, which benefit users who want the latest processing technology within a compact device.
Storage Options
Both models come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, giving users flexibility to choose storage based on their needs for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen quality differs significantly, with variations in size, resolution, and display technology. These affect how content looks and feels on each device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 828 x 1792, which suits users who prefer more screen space for browsing and media. The iPhone 12 mini offers a smaller 5.4 inch screen but with a higher resolution of 1080 x 2340, resulting in sharper images and text in a compact form.
Screen Type
The iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, providing good colour accuracy and brightness for everyday use. The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deeper blacks and more contrast, ideal for users who value vibrant and high-contrast visuals.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Both phones share the same camera specs, which suits users interested in similar photo and video quality from front and main cameras.
Camera Quality
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 mini have 12 megapixel front and main cameras. This means either device can capture photos and selfies with the same level of detail, fitting the needs of most everyday photography and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, network support, and physical dimensions that influence comfort and connectivity.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 194 g. This larger size and weight suit users who prefer a substantial device. In contrast, the iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and 135 g, fitting well for users wanting a compact phone that fits easily in pockets or small bags.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 11 supports 4G mobile networks, which is sufficient for many common internet uses. The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G, offering faster network speeds and lower latency where 5G coverage is available, suited to users who want access to the latest mobile internet technology.
SIM and Connector
Both devices support a physical SIM and eSIM, and use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, providing familiar options for connectivity and device management.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 mini: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if
- you want a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 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 iPhone 11
- you want an OLED screen
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 11 often praise its condition and battery health, with many saying it looks perfect or like new. Several users highlight smooth performance and good value for a refurbished phone. The larger screen and overall feel are appreciated, especially for everyday tasks and media viewing. Some mention minor cosmetic imperfections but remain satisfied with the device's reliability and battery life.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 mini highlight its compact size and sharp display. Users say it looks like new and runs well, with some appreciating the included case and screen protector. The smaller form factor suits those wanting a phone that fits easily in a handbag or pocket. However, some customers report issues with battery life, overheating, or condition in lower grades, so it suits buyers comfortable with varying conditions and who prioritise size and 5G connectivity.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 11 fits those wanting a larger screen and longer battery life, while the iPhone 12 mini appeals to those wanting a smaller device with higher resolution and 5G support.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
iPhone 11 vs 12 mini comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £163.65 for the iPhone 11.
The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 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 an OLED screen, 5G and a lighter build (135 g vs 194 g). Refurbished, it costs £2.30 less (from £161.35 vs £163.65).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
