iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16 Pro?
iPhone 12 mini vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £576.15 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 16 Pro differ in size, performance, battery, camera, and connectivity. The iPhone 12 mini is a compact phone with a smaller screen and lighter weight, ideal if you want something easy to carry and use with one hand. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a larger screen, more RAM, a higher capacity battery, and a more detailed main camera, suiting users who want more power, longer battery life, and enhanced photography. The iPhone 16 Pro also uses USB-C for faster data transfer, while the 12 mini keeps the Lightning connector. Storage options range from 64GB on the 12 mini to up to 1TB on the 16 Pro, so your choice depends on your needs for size, speed, and capacity.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic design features. These affect how long you can use the phone between charges and which operating system it runs.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which fits its smaller size and suits everyday use with moderate power needs. The iPhone 16 Pro has a larger 3582 mAh battery, providing more capacity for longer use before recharging, which benefits users who rely on their phone for extended periods without access to a charger.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These factors affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which is suitable for everyday tasks and standard app use. The iPhone 16 Pro features the Apple A18 Pro chipset, designed to support more demanding tasks and keep performance smooth under heavier workloads.
Memory Size
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini handles common apps and basic multitasking well. The iPhone 16 Pro doubles that with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, especially useful for users who switch between many applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, suiting users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 16 Pro offers larger options up to 1TB, which is ideal for users who store many photos, videos, or large apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro screen
Screen quality looks at size, resolution, and type. These affect how clear and spacious the display feels for viewing content or using apps.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it compact and easy to handle with one hand. The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3 inch screen offers more room for video, gaming, and multitasking, suited for users who prefer a larger display.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 12 mini's Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 delivers sharp images and vibrant colours. The iPhone 16 Pro's LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen has a higher resolution of 1206 x 2622, providing crisper details and potentially smoother refresh rates, which benefits users who want extra clarity and fluid visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities. This influences photo quality and video calls.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits everyday photography needs. The iPhone 16 Pro's 48 megapixel main camera captures more detail, ideal for users who want higher resolution photos and enhanced image quality.
Front Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel front camera, providing similar quality for selfies and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, connectivity, and network support, all affecting daily use and convenience.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini measures 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 135 g. Its compact size and light weight suit users who want portability. The iPhone 16 Pro is larger and heavier at 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 199 g, offering a more substantial feel that may suit those who prefer a bigger phone.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, standard for many iPhones in this range.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and offer both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexible options for mobile connectivity.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones come unlocked, allowing you to use them with any compatible UK mobile network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 16 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £576.15 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the iPhone 12 mini often praise its size as just right for easy handling and portability. Many say the phone looks like new and performs well, with a good battery health reported in several reviews. Some note minor cosmetic marks or scratches consistent with fair condition, but overall users find it reliable for everyday use and appreciate the new battery. A few customers experienced issues such as overheating or faults, but most are happy with the phone's speed and functionality.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 Pro frequently comment on its excellent condition and near-new appearance even when refurbished. The larger screen and camera quality impress many users, who describe the phone as a big upgrade and very smooth in performance. Battery health is generally high, and the phone is noted for working well with few problems. Some mention the phone's weight and size, which match its premium feel. A small number report overheating or battery issues, but positive experiences are common.
The iPhone 12 mini suits those looking for a compact, lightweight phone for everyday tasks and easy portability. The iPhone 16 Pro fits users wanting a larger screen, higher performance, and more advanced camera features, along with greater storage options.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 16 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 16 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £576.15 more (from £737.50 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
