iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15?
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £254.84 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15.
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 differ in size, performance, camera capability, battery capacity, and connector type. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, suitable if you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in your hand or handbag. The iPhone 15 offers a larger 6.1 inch screen, more RAM, a more powerful chipset, and a higher resolution main camera, making it better for multitasking, photography, and media viewing. Battery capacity is higher on the iPhone 15, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector while the iPhone 15 has a USB-C connection.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and build features that affect daily reliability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, suited for users with lighter daily use or those who prefer charging more often. The iPhone 15 offers a larger 3349 mAh battery, which is better for users who need longer battery life throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Software Updates
This means each device will continue to receive new features and security improvements, keeping your phone up to date over time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and space for apps and files. The iPhone 15 has upgrades that support more intensive use and higher storage capacities.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 mini runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, suitable for everyday apps and tasks. The iPhone 15 uses the Apple A16 Bionic, which provides more processing power and efficiency for users who want smoother performance with demanding apps or games.
Memory Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB of RAM, which handles typical app use well. The iPhone 15 offers 6 GB of RAM, allowing it to keep more apps open simultaneously and deliver smoother multitasking for users who switch between apps frequently.
Storage Options
Storage on the iPhone 12 mini ranges from 64GB to 256GB, fitting users with basic to moderate storage needs. The iPhone 15 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, making it a better choice if you store many photos, videos, or large apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and panel type, all contributing to your viewing experience. Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED screens but vary in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, ideal if you prefer a smaller device that fits easily in your hand or pocket. The iPhone 15's 6.1 inch display offers more room for watching videos, reading, and gaming, suited for users who want a larger viewing area.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering clear and sharp images. The iPhone 15 offers a higher resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, providing slightly more detail and crispness, which benefits users who value screen clarity.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality, important for photography and video calls. Both devices have the same front camera resolution but differ significantly in their main camera capabilities.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 have 12 megapixel front cameras, suitable for selfies and video calls with good clarity.
Main Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, providing solid photo quality for everyday use. The iPhone 15's 48 megapixel main camera captures more detail, which benefits users who want higher resolution photos or more flexibility when cropping images.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, connectors, and weight, which affect usability and convenience.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and weighing 135 g. This suits users who want a compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand or small bags. The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and weighs 171 g, offering a larger phone that feels more substantial.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, which is familiar to many Apple users. The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C connector, which may be more convenient if you use other devices with USB-C charging and data cables.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and offer a combination of physical SIM and eSIM options. This provides flexibility for network providers and dual SIM use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 15: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £254.84 less than the iPhone 15
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 171 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the iPhone 12 mini often highlight its compact size and good condition when refurbished. Many say it looks like new or has only minor marks that are barely visible. The battery health is frequently noted as strong, which complements the phone's suitability for everyday tasks and portability. Some have found it perfect for fitting in handbags or as a backup phone. However, a few customers mention problems like overheating or screen issues, which suggests that condition grades vary and careful selection is advised.
Reviews for the iPhone 15 emphasise its near-new appearance even in fair condition and its strong battery life. Buyers appreciate its smooth performance and camera quality, with several noting the phone feels very responsive and reliable. The larger screen and higher storage options are valued by those who use their phone for photography or more demanding tasks. While some mention minor scuffs or initial faults that were resolved with replacements, most customers are pleased with the phone's condition and capabilities.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini suits customers who want a smaller, lightweight phone that performs well for everyday use. The iPhone 15 is preferred by those who want a larger display, more storage, and stronger performance for multitasking and photography.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 15 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 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £254.84 more (from £416.19 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
