iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17?
iPhone 12 mini vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £551.99 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17 differ in size, performance, camera detail, battery capacity, and connector type to suit different users. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it a good choice if you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in your hand or bag. The iPhone 17 has a larger screen and more RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and a better experience with apps. Its higher resolution and cameras with more megapixels capture finer detail, ideal if photography matters to you. The iPhone 17 also has a bigger battery and uses a USB-C connector, which offers a different charging and data connection experience. Overall, the 12 mini suits everyday use and portability, while the iPhone 17 suits those who want more screen space and performance.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity differs and affects how long you can use each device before recharging.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, suitable for daily tasks and lighter use. The iPhone 17 has a larger 3692 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges. If you spend more time away from a charger or use power-hungry apps, the iPhone 17's bigger battery will suit you better.
Software Updates
This means both phones stay current with Apple's software for the foreseeable future.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The two phones differ in chipset and RAM, which influence speed and capability.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which handles everyday tasks well. The iPhone 17 features the Apple A19 chipset, which offers more processing power for demanding apps and faster overall operation. If you use intensive apps or multitask heavily, the iPhone 17 will deliver a smoother experience.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini keeps apps running smoothly for standard use. The iPhone 17 doubles this to 8 GB, which helps keep more apps open in the background and improves performance when switching between tasks or using complex applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes, fitting users with lighter or moderate storage needs. The iPhone 17 starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB, offering more space for photos, videos, and apps, suitable if you require substantial storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality affects how much you see at once and the clarity of images and text. These phones differ in screen size and resolution, which impacts viewing comfort and detail.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, making it compact and easy to use with one hand or carry in small pockets. The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3 inch screen, providing more space for videos, reading, and multitasking, which suits users who prefer a bigger display.
Screen Resolution
The resolution on the iPhone 12 mini is 1080 x 2340, delivering sharp images for everyday use. The iPhone 17 offers 2622 x 1206 pixels, which presents finer detail and crisper visuals, ideal if you watch high-definition content or work with detailed graphics.
Screen Type
Both phones use Super Retina XDR displays. The iPhone 12 mini specifies Super Retina XDR OLED, which is known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 17 states Super Retina XDR without the OLED detail, so both screens provide high-quality visual experiences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 camera
Camera quality is important if you capture photos or video regularly. The two phones differ in pixel count for both front and main cameras, affecting detail and clarity.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17's front camera has 18 megapixels, which captures more detail and may improve image clarity for selfies and video chats.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 mini's main camera offers 12 megapixels, good for everyday photography. The iPhone 17's main camera has 48 megapixels, allowing for much higher detail in photos, which benefits users who prioritise photography or want to capture finer image quality.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, charging connector, and network features. These affect handling, compatibility with accessories, and connectivity.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 135 g. This makes it easy to carry and use one-handed. The iPhone 17 is larger and heavier, at 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 8 mm deep, and 177 g, which suits users who prefer a bigger device and do not mind extra weight.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern electronics and can offer different charging and data transfer options.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks, giving you freedom to choose your carrier. Each supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £551.99 less than the iPhone 17
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 mini often looks like new or very good condition, with some mentioning small scratches or minor wear that are not noticeable with a case. Battery health is frequently reported at 100 percent, and users find the phone fits well in small bags or handbags. Many comment on its size being just right, and it runs well for everyday use. Some mention occasional faults or overheating, but most reviews are positive about the phone's condition and performance.
For the iPhone 17, customers commonly say the phone looks almost new with no signs of use and full battery health. They appreciate the larger size and find it a significant upgrade from previous models. Many mention the phone meeting or exceeding expectations with no physical flaws. Some note the ease of use and smooth performance.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini suits users wanting a compact device that handles daily tasks well, while the iPhone 17 suits those who want a larger, more powerful phone with more storage and camera detail.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 17 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 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £551.99 more (from £713.34 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
