iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at
£467.05£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 mini vs 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £305.70 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 14 Pro Max differ in size, performance, battery, camera, and storage. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and use one-handed. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger screen and higher resolution, which suits watching videos and gaming. In performance, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers more RAM and a newer chipset, supporting more intensive tasks. Battery capacity is almost double in the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which benefits longer use between charges. The iPhone 14 Pro Max also has a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos and a wider range of storage options. Choose the iPhone 12 mini if you want a compact, everyday phone. The iPhone 14 Pro Max fits better for those needing a large screen, longer battery life, and stronger performance.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. Battery capacity differs considerably and affects how long each phone can last on a charge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which suits lighter daily use and shorter screen time. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 4323 mAh battery, nearly double in size, supporting longer use between charges for users who spend more time on their phone or use power-hungry apps.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. More RAM helps keep apps active in the background, while the chipset handles overall speed and efficiency. Storage capacity impacts how much content you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features the Apple A16 Bionic chipset and 6 GB RAM, which supports more demanding apps and smoother multitasking for power users.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage, fitting users who need moderate space for apps and media. The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB, ideal for users who store large files, videos, or many apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max screen
Screen quality relates to size, resolution, and display type. A larger, higher resolution screen is better for media and detailed work, while a smaller screen suits portability and one-handed use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, compact and easy to hold. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a much larger 6.7 inch screen at 1290 x 2796 resolution, which provides more room for videos, games, and multitasking.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering good colour and contrast. The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, which can offer more efficient power use and potentially smoother refresh rates, enhancing the viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors. Camera resolution affects photo detail and clarity, important for photography enthusiasts or frequent photo takers.
Main Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and is better for users who want higher resolution photos.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, so selfies and video calls have similar clarity on either device.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specifications include physical size, weight, network options, and connectors. These affect portability, comfort, and compatibility with carriers and accessories.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm and weighing 135 g, which suits users wanting a compact phone easy to carry. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 160.7 mm by 77.6 mm and 150 g, offering more screen space but less pocket-friendly size.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. Each supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility in how you manage your mobile connections.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, keeping compatibility consistent across these models.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 14 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £305.70 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 mini looks like new in many cases, with some reports of tiny marks or minor wear that are barely visible with a case. Battery health is often at 100%, supporting smooth use for several weeks. Its compact size fits well in pockets or handbags. Some users mention the phone runs well for everyday needs and is suitable as a backup or for younger users. However, a few customers note issues with overheating and speaker quality, which may affect intensive use.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max receives praise for smooth operation and good battery life, with many customers reporting 85% to 100% battery health. The larger screen and higher performance support a wide range of tasks, and many users appreciate the phone's condition with minimal scratches or marks. The camera quality and overall speed meet expectations for more demanding use. Users upgrading to this model often note satisfaction with its speed and display.
The iPhone 12 mini suits those who want a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use and portability. The iPhone 14 Pro Max fits users who prefer a larger screen, longer battery life, and stronger performance for media and multitasking.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 14 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £467.05 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £305.70 more (from £467.05 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
