iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 6S?
iPhone 12 mini vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £129.26 less than the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 6S differ mainly in screen size and quality, processing power, and mobile network support. The iPhone 12 mini offers a higher resolution Super Retina XDR OLED screen that suits anyone wanting a sharp, vibrant display in a compact 5.4 inch size. It has more RAM and a newer chipset, ideal if you run more apps or want smoother performance. The iPhone 6S has a smaller 4.7 inch IPS LCD screen at a lower resolution and is compatible with 4G. It comes in smaller storage options and has a headphone jack, which suits users looking for a simpler phone with classic features and familiar size. Both are unlocked and have Lightning connectors.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical dimensions. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, whether it receives updates, and how it feels in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, providing a larger capacity than the iPhone 6S's 1715 mAh. This means the 12 mini could offer longer usage between charges, suiting those who use their phone heavily throughout the day. The 6S's smaller battery is better for users with lighter daily demands or those who charge more frequently.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is slightly thicker at 7.4 mm compared to the iPhone 6S at 7.1 mm but is lighter at 135 g versus 143 g. It is also shorter and narrower, measuring 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm compared to 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm. These dimensions make the 12 mini more pocketable and comfortable for users wanting a compact phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S performance
Performance depends on processor power, memory, and storage options. These influence how many apps can run smoothly and how much content or media you can store.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 mini features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 4 GB of RAM, providing stronger processing and multitasking capabilities. This suits users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently. The iPhone 6S has the Apple A9 APL0898 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday tasks and lighter app use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, offering more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, which fits users with basic storage needs or those who use cloud services extensively.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S screen
Screen quality affects how clear and vibrant images and text appear. Screen size also changes the viewing experience for videos and apps.
Screen Type and Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering sharper and more colourful images. This screen suits users who enjoy media, gaming, or detailed visuals. The iPhone 6S uses an IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, which is great for everyday use and easier on the eyes in some lighting.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, offering a larger and roomier display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 6S has a 4.7 inch screen, which suits those who prefer a more compact phone that fits comfortably in one hand.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera resolution, which affects photo and video detail, especially on the front camera used for selfies and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-quality video chats or selfies. The iPhone 6S has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday video calls and simple photos.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones share a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar detail for photos and videos taken with the rear camera. This makes both suitable for general photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical dimensions, and additional hardware options that affect usability and compatibility.
Mobile Network Support
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G connectivity, providing access to faster mobile internet where available. This suits users wanting quicker downloads and streaming. The iPhone 6S supports 4G, which is still reliable for everyday mobile data use.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini offers both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which allows for more flexible mobile plans or dual SIM use. The iPhone 6S has a physical SIM only, suiting users who prefer a traditional single SIM setup.
Connector and Headphone Jack
Both phones use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone 6S includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, useful for those who want to use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone 12 mini does not have this jack.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm and weighing 135 g, compared to the iPhone 6S's 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm and 143 g weight. This makes the 12 mini easier to carry and fit in small spaces.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2227 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £129.26 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini appreciate its condition and performance, often describing it as looking like new or having only minor marks. Many highlight the full battery charge and new battery health as positives, along with the compact size that fits well in a handbag or pocket. Users mention the phone runs well for everyday use, with some noting it suits users upgrading from older devices. Some customers find the 12 mini great for their children or as a backup device, praising its speed and screen quality.
Buyers of the iPhone 6S frequently comment on the phone looking immaculate or like new, with good battery health. The device is valued for being a straightforward, good quality smartphone, fitting users who want a simple experience or a smaller size. Several reviews mention satisfaction with the condition and the phone working well for everyday tasks. Customers say the 6S suits people who want a reliable phone without newer features.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini is suited to buyers looking for a compact phone with stronger performance and newer connectivity options. The iPhone 6S fits those who prefer a simpler device with classic features and a smaller screen. Both receive praise for condition and usability in their respective roles.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 6S FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2227 mAh vs 1715 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £129.26 more (from £161.35 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
