iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £416.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 Pro Max differ in size, performance, battery, camera, and connector type. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and pocket. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing and a higher resolution for sharper images. It also has a more powerful chipset and double the RAM, supporting smoother multitasking and demanding apps. Battery capacity is twice as large on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, suitable for longer use between charges. The 48-megapixel main camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures more detail than the 12-megapixel camera on the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, while the 12 mini uses Lightning. Choose the iPhone 12 mini for compactness and everyday use, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max for screen size, performance, and photography.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and physical design impact daily use and longevity in the durability section.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone and moderate daily use. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4441 mAh battery, providing longer usage time which benefits those using their phone extensively throughout the day without frequent charging.
Software Compatibility
This means both devices receive current software features and security patches, supporting ongoing usability and app compatibility.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers higher specifications here, catering to users with more demanding needs.
Chipset Efficiency
The iPhone 12 mini runs on the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), suitable for everyday tasks and regular app use. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro (3 nm), designed for intensive applications and smoother operation when multitasking or handling complex processes.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini supports typical app usage and multitasking. The iPhone 15 Pro Max doubles that with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and improves performance in memory-heavy tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, fitting those who store large amounts of data, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and panel technology affect viewing experience. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger and higher resolution display with a different OLED type, offering a more spacious and detailed screen.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a compact device that fits comfortably in one hand or small bags. The iPhone 15 Pro Max's 6.7 inch screen offers a larger viewing area, ideal for watching videos, reading, and multitasking.
Resolution and Detail
With a resolution of 1080 x 2340, the iPhone 12 mini provides clear and sharp images on its smaller display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max's higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 delivers more pixels, enhancing detail and clarity on its larger screen.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering rich colours and contrast. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, which may provide advantages in power efficiency and display responsiveness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Camera specifications shape photo and video quality. The front cameras are the same, but the main cameras differ significantly.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature a 12 megapixel front camera. This provides a similar experience for selfies and video calls.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and potentially offering higher-quality images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Various other features including size, weight, connector type, and network capabilities affect practical use and compatibility.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple devices. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, suitable for users who prefer this widely adopted port.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini measures 131.5 mm in height, 64.2 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 135 g. Its compact size suits users looking for a lightweight and pocket-friendly phone. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is larger at 159.9 mm height, 76.7 mm width, 8.3 mm depth, and weighs 221 g, fitting users who prioritise screen size and don't mind a heavier device.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a physical SIM plus eSIM. This ensures modern mobile connectivity and flexibility with carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £416.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 221 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 mini appreciate its compact size and feel it fits well in small spaces like handbags. Many report the phone looks like new or very good condition with full battery health, highlighting it as a good value purchase. Some mention minor cosmetic wear or marks that are barely visible, especially when using a case. A few customers note issues with battery life or overheating, but most find the device works well for everyday use and enjoys smooth performance.
Users of the iPhone 15 Pro Max praise its appearance as nearly new with very few or no scratches and good battery health, often over 85%. Many are impressed with its performance and camera quality. The larger screen and higher storage options are favoured by those who use their phone intensively. Some mention initial warming when setting up apps but normal performance afterwards. Overall, customers describe the phone as reliable and suitable for demanding tasks.
The iPhone 12 mini suits those seeking a smaller, lightweight phone for everyday use with straightforward performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max fits users wanting a spacious screen, advanced camera, and higher performance for multitasking or media consumption.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £416.30 more (from £577.65 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
