iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 7 Plus
Starting at
£106.15£139.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 7 Plus?
iPhone 12 mini vs 7 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus starts at £106.15, £55.20 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 A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 7 Plus differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, with a higher-resolution OLED screen that offers sharper and more vibrant visuals in a compact form. It has a newer chipset and more RAM, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger screen and a bigger battery capacity, which can mean longer use between charges for some users. The 7 Plus offers fewer storage options but includes a larger physical SIM slot without eSIM support. Both phones have the same main camera megapixels but differ in front camera resolution. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise size and newer features or a larger display and battery capacity.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and the operating system. These factors affect how long the phones last daily and how current their software remains over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery, larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This means the 7 Plus may offer longer use between charges, which suits users who prefer a longer battery life on a single charge. The 12 mini's smaller battery fits its compact size, making it lighter to carry.
Operating System
Both phones run iOS, providing access to the same general app ecosystem and user interface style. Choosing either device means using Apple's iOS experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, how many can stay open, and how much data you can store.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 12 mini features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, which is newer and more efficient than the Apple A10 Fusion in the iPhone 7 Plus built on 16 nm. This means the 12 mini handles demanding apps and tasks more smoothly, ideal for users who use performance-heavy apps or multitask frequently.
RAM Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB of RAM compared to 3 GB on the iPhone 7 Plus. More RAM helps keep more apps open in the background and supports smoother multitasking, benefiting users who switch between many apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities, offering more choice for those who need extra space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 7 Plus is available in 32GB and 128GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who prefer a lower initial cost.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for videos, reading, and everyday use. These two phones differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger 5.5 inch screen, which offers more room for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone 12 mini has a slightly smaller 5.4 inch screen but with a higher resolution of 1080 x 2340 compared to 1080 x 1920 on the 7 Plus. This means the 12 mini has a sharper display with more pixels per inch, making text and images look clearer.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 7 Plus has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which displays colours well but with less contrast than OLED. Users who value vivid visuals and deep contrast may prefer the 12 mini's screen.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include front and main camera quality, affecting photography and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 7 megapixel front camera that suits everyday use but offers fewer pixels for capturing finer details.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, providing the same megapixel count for photos and videos. This means either device can take photos with similar detail levels based on megapixels alone.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus size and design
Other features include network compatibility, size, weight, and SIM options, which influence daily convenience and connectivity.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, offering access to faster mobile data where available. The iPhone 7 Plus supports 4G, which is slower than 5G but still common. The 12 mini supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing dual SIM use without swapping cards. The 7 Plus uses only a physical SIM card.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm tall and weighing 135 g. The iPhone 7 Plus is taller at 158.2 mm and heavier at 188 g. The 12 mini's size suits users wanting a compact phone that fits easily in a pocket or handbag, while the 7 Plus offers a larger screen at the cost of more bulk.
Other Dimensions
The iPhone 12 mini is narrower at 64.2 mm wide compared to 77.9 mm for the 7 Plus. Depth is close, with 7.4 mm on the 12 mini and 7.3 mm on the 7 Plus. Both use the Lightning connector and are unlocked for use on any carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 7 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 7 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £106.15, £55.20 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2900 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often praise its condition looking like new, with many mentioning full battery health and minimal cosmetic wear. Users appreciate its compact size, noting it fits well in handbags and pockets. The phone's speed and smooth operation are highlighted, with some saying it runs well for their daily needs. A few customers mention extras like cases and screen protectors, and others note the battery is new or in excellent health. Some buyers have experienced issues such as overheating or faults in individual devices, showing that quality can vary. Overall, the 12 mini suits those who want a smaller phone with good performance and modern features.
Reviews for the iPhone 7 Plus show many customers are happy with its condition, describing it as spotless or excellent. Users find it performs well for everyday use and appreciate the larger screen size. Some mention the battery life lasting longer than expected. A few customers note the phone cannot handle the latest iOS update, which can affect app compatibility over time. The 7 Plus appeals to those who prefer a larger device with a bigger battery and simpler connectivity.
Choosing between these phones depends on your priorities: the iPhone 12 mini is well suited for those who want a compact device with newer performance and 5G support, while the iPhone 7 Plus fits users who prefer a larger screen and longer battery capacity.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 7 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 7 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 7 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £106.15 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 2227 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 7 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), an OLED screen and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £55.20 more (from £161.35 vs £106.15).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 7 Plus in 32GB and 128GB.
