iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 12 mini vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £426.65 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16 Plus differ mainly in size, power, battery, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 12 mini is compact and lighter, making it easier to carry and hold one-handed. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a much larger screen and a longer-lasting battery, suited to those who want more viewing space and extended use between charges. Performance-wise, the iPhone 16 Plus has more memory and a newer chipset, helping it manage apps and tasks more smoothly. Camera options also differ, with the 16 Plus providing higher resolution for more detailed photos. Your choice depends on whether you prefer portability and simplicity or a bigger, more powerful device with enhanced multimedia features.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical features. The two devices differ in battery size and operating system version, which affect daily use and system capabilities.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, suitable for moderate daily use and easy portability. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, offering longer usage between charges. This makes the 16 Plus better for users who spend extended time on their phone without frequent access to charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance is key for app responsiveness and multitasking. The two iPhones differ in chipset, RAM, and available storage sizes, influencing how well they handle everyday tasks and storage needs.
Chipset Efficiency
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), a capable processor for everyday tasks and typical app use. The iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 (3 nm), a newer chipset that supports smoother performance and improved efficiency, suitable for users who run demanding apps or multitask often.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini handles most apps well for daily use. The iPhone 16 Plus has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, ideal for users who switch between multiple apps frequently.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, fitting typical storage needs for photos, apps, and media. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to users who want more space for high-resolution content and large app libraries.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and media experience. Both devices use Super Retina XDR OLED displays but differ significantly in size and resolution, shaping how you interact with content.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it compact and easy to handle with one hand or fit in smaller pockets and bags. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a much larger 6.7 inch display, providing more room for watching videos, reading, and multitasking.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini's screen resolution is 1080 x 2340, delivering clear and sharp images suitable for everyday use. The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796, which means it can show finer detail and more content on screen, enhancing the viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities. Both devices share the same front camera resolution but differ in the main camera, affecting photo quality.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16 Plus have 12 megapixels on their front cameras, making them equally suited for video calls and selfies with good detail.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, which captures solid quality photos for everyday photography. The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 megapixel main camera, offering higher resolution images with more detail, better suited for users who want to capture sharper photos or crop images without losing clarity.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous details cover connectivity, size, and physical characteristics. These differences influence how each phone fits your lifestyle and device ecosystem.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, which is common in many Apple devices.
Physical Size and Weight
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 those who prefer a lightweight phone that fits easily in a pocket or small bag. The iPhone 16 Plus is larger at 160.9 mm height, 77.8 mm width, and 7.8 mm depth, weighing 199 g. This size is better for users who want a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier device.
Network and SIM
Both devices support 5G connectivity and offer the same SIM options with a physical SIM plus eSIM. This means both will work with fast mobile networks and flexible SIM arrangements.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £426.65 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 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 often looks like new or has only minor cosmetic wear. Many appreciate its compact size and ease of use, with positive comments on battery health and overall condition. Some users mention small scratches or chips, but most find the phone suitable for everyday needs. A few report issues like overheating or faults, but the majority are pleased with its performance and portability.
For the iPhone 16 Plus, customers frequently describe the device as feeling like new and having excellent condition, with 100% battery health and minimal signs of use. The larger size and longer battery life are appreciated, though some mention minor glitches or the need for manual updates. A few report significant condition problems, but most highlight satisfaction with the phone's speed and display quality.
The iPhone 12 mini suits those who want a smaller, lighter phone that fits easily in hand or bag and performs well for everyday use. The iPhone 16 Plus is better for buyers who prioritise a larger screen, longer battery life, and stronger performance for multitasking and detailed photography.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £426.65 more (from £588 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
