iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 17e
Starting at
£603.69What's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17e?
iPhone 12 mini vs 17e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £442.34 less than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e.
- The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17e differ in several key ways that affect daily use. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller, lighter, and offers storage options starting at 64GB, suiting those who prefer a compact phone for everyday tasks. The iPhone 17e has a larger screen, more RAM, a higher-capacity battery, and a higher resolution main camera, fitting users who want more power, longer battery life, and sharper photos. Both run iOS and support 5G, but the iPhone 17e uses a USB-C connector and offers larger storage options, which may appeal to users with greater media or app needs. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritise size and simplicity or enhanced performance and features.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design aspects that affect how the phones stand up to daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which suits users with lighter daily use or those who prioritise a smaller device. The iPhone 17e offers a larger 4005 mAh battery, helping it last longer between charges, which benefits heavier users or those often away from power sources.
Device Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter at 135 g with a 5.4 inch screen, fitting easily in smaller bags or pockets. The iPhone 17e is larger and heavier, weighing 169 g with a 6.1 inch screen, providing a bigger display but requiring a bit more space to carry.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking the device can handle. Both phones run iOS and come in various storage options, with the iPhone 17e offering higher RAM and storage capacities.
Processing Power
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, suitable for everyday use and most apps. The iPhone 17e features the Apple A19 chip, designed to keep more demanding apps and multitasking running smoothly for users who want stronger performance.
Memory and Storage
With 4 GB RAM, the iPhone 12 mini handles routine tasks well. The iPhone 17e doubles this with 8 GB RAM, keeping more apps open and responsive. Storage options for the iPhone 12 mini start at 64GB and go up to 256GB, while the iPhone 17e begins at 256GB and offers up to 512GB, fitting users who store more files, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e screen
Screen quality influences viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use. Both phones have Super Retina XDR OLED screens, but their size and resolution differ significantly.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, which suits those wanting a smaller display that still provides sharp images. The iPhone 17e offers a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 2532 by 1170 pixels, making it better for watching videos or viewing detailed content.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e camera
Audiovisual features affect photo quality and video calls. Both phones share the same front camera resolution but differ notably in the main camera.
Camera Detail
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17e have a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 mini's main camera is 12 megapixels, good for everyday photography. The iPhone 17e offers a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail for users who want sharper and more detailed photos.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical dimensions, and network support, which influence how you use and carry the phones.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, which is common for many accessories.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller in width and height, measuring 64.2 mm wide and 131.5 mm tall, with a depth of 7.4 mm. The iPhone 17e is 71.5 mm wide and 146.7 mm tall, with a depth of 7.8 mm, making it a larger device overall. The increased size suits users who want a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier phone.
Network and SIM Support
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for mobile plans and network options.
Carrier Compatibility
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 17e are unlocked, so you can 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 17e: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £442.34 less than the iPhone 17e
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 170 g)
Buy the iPhone 17e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often highlight its compact size and good condition, describing it as fitting nicely in handbags and suitable for everyday use. Many mention the phone looks like new with minimal marks and full battery health. Some users appreciate extras like cases and screen protectors. However, a few report issues such as overheating or faulty devices, which seem rare but significant when they occur. Overall, the iPhone 12 mini appeals to those valuing a smaller phone that still runs well for daily tasks.
Reviews for the iPhone 17e focus on its like-new condition and strong performance. Customers praise its battery health at 100 percent and the smooth setup experience. The phone is described as a good size and high quality, with some noting minor screen scratches but still recommending the device. Users appreciate the larger screen and the feeling of a newer model. The iPhone 17e suits people who want a spacious display and reliable performance.
Choosing between these devices depends on your priorities. The iPhone 12 mini fits well for those wanting a smaller, lighter phone for everyday use, while the iPhone 17e is better for users needing more storage, a bigger screen, and stronger performance.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 17e FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 17e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £603.69 for the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 17e 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 17e is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 2227 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £442.34 more (from £603.69 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 17e in 256GB and 512GB.
