iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at
£542.00£1,099.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 Pro?
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £380.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 mini is compact and lightweight, making it ideal if you want a smaller phone that fits easily in a pocket or handbag. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a larger 6.1 inch screen, more RAM, and a more powerful chipset, which suits users who want a faster device for multitasking and more detailed photos with its higher megapixel main camera. Battery capacity is larger in the iPhone 15 Pro, supporting longer use between charges. Both phones offer 5G connectivity and unlocked carriers but they differ in connector type and SIM options which may affect your choice based on your accessories and network needs.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro has a larger 3274 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This means the 15 Pro can support longer use before needing a recharge which is useful if you often use your phone for extended periods without access to charging.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini supports both a physical SIM card and eSIM providing flexibility for users who prefer a traditional SIM or want to use two numbers. The iPhone 15 Pro supports eSIM only which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management and could simplify switching carriers without a physical card.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPhone 15 Pro offers more memory and a newer chipset which benefits users with demanding tasks or who keep many apps open.
Chipset
The iPhone 15 Pro features the Apple A17 Pro chipset while the iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm). The newer chipset in the 15 Pro supports faster processing which helps with gaming, photo editing, and more intensive apps.
RAM
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro keeps more apps active in the background compared to the iPhone 12 mini's 4 GB. This supports smoother multitasking and reduces the need for frequent app reloads.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro offers storage from 128GB up to 1TB catering to users who need lots of space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options which suits everyday use or lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro screen
Screen quality impacts how you view photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly larger and higher resolution screen with advanced display technology for efficient brightness and smooth visuals.
Screen Size
At 6.1 inches, the iPhone 15 Pro provides more viewing space than the iPhone 12 mini's 5.4 inch screen. A larger screen is better for watching videos, browsing, and typing while the 12 mini suits those who prefer a more compact device.
Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro has a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, slightly higher than the iPhone 12 mini's 1080 x 2340. This means images and text can appear sharper and more detailed on the 15 Pro.
Screen Technology
Both phones have Super Retina XDR OLED screens but the iPhone 15 Pro uses LTPO technology. This can help the display adjust refresh rates dynamically, improving battery efficiency and delivering smooth scrolling.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras that capture photos and selfies. The two devices differ notably in main camera resolution which affects photo detail and quality.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera which captures more detail than the iPhone 12 mini's 12 megapixel camera. This is useful for users who want higher resolution photos or more cropping flexibility.
Front Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel front camera suitable for selfies and video calls providing similar quality for everyday use.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity, size, weight, and physical ports. These can influence your comfort and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
USB-C supports faster data transfer and charging which benefits users with compatible cables and accessories.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and weighing 135 g. The iPhone 15 Pro is larger at 14.66 cm tall, 7.06 cm wide, and weighs 171 g. The smaller size of the 12 mini suits those who want a more pocket-friendly phone.
Depth
The iPhone 12 mini is 7.4 mm thick and the iPhone 15 Pro is 0.83 cm deep. Both measurements indicate a slim profile but are expressed differently in centimetres.
Mobile Network and Carrier
Both phones support 5G networks and are unlocked, giving freedom to use them with any compatible carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 15 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £380.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 187 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 mini appreciate its compact size and good condition, often noting it looks like new or has only minor marks. Many highlight the full battery charge and new battery health as positives. Some find it fits nicely in a handbag or pocket. While most report smooth performance and satisfaction, a few mention issues like overheating or faulty devices which affected their experience.
For the iPhone 15 Pro, customers frequently mention the phone looks and feels like new, with excellent or high battery health. The camera quality and performance meet expectations, with smooth operation and no functional issues reported. Some note minor cosmetic scratches on the screen but find them unnoticeable in normal use. The USB-C connector and larger screen are often appreciated. Buyers express confidence in the device for its speed and features.
In summary, the iPhone 12 mini suits those who want a smaller, lighter phone that performs well for everyday tasks. The iPhone 15 Pro fits users who prefer a larger screen, stronger performance, and advanced camera capabilities.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £542 for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £380.65 more (from £542 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
