iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8?
iPhone 12 mini vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £71.35 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 A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 12 mini offers a sharper, larger OLED screen with higher resolution, more RAM, and a more powerful chipset, making it suitable if you want smoother multitasking and a better display. The iPhone 8 has a smaller LCD screen and less RAM, fitting buyers who prefer a compact, simpler phone for everyday use. Storage options are the same for both, and each uses a Lightning connector.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. These affect how long the phone lasts each day and how long it stays up to date.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh. This means the 12 mini can potentially last longer on a single charge, suiting users who need more daily battery life. The iPhone 8 might be better for those who use their phone less intensively or want a lighter device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much content you can keep on your phone.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic. The A14 Bionic offers more processing power, benefiting users who run demanding apps or want smooth performance over time.
Memory
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini can keep more apps open simultaneously compared to the iPhone 8's 2 GB. This suits users who multitask or use memory-intensive apps. The iPhone 8 is suitable for everyday use with fewer apps running at once.
Storage Options
Both phones come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities. This allows you to choose the amount of space that fits your needs for apps, photos, and media regardless of the model.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from videos to photos and reading. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type change the experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, providing a sharper and larger viewing area compared to the iPhone 8's 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution. This makes the 12 mini better suited for watching videos or browsing with more detail visible.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which is bright and clear but does not offer the same contrast level. Choose the 12 mini if you prioritise richer screen quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality, important if you use your phone for selfies and photos.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies compared to the iPhone 8's 7 megapixels. This makes the 12 mini a good choice if you often take selfies or video calls.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera, delivering similar resolution for photos and videos. If you want consistent camera resolution, either device will suit your needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous features cover network compatibility, physical dimensions, and other practical details that affect daily use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 supports 4G, which is suitable if you use your phone mainly where 5G is not yet accessible.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini includes a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing you to use two phone numbers or plans at once. The iPhone 8 has a physical SIM only, which fits users who use a single SIM card.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm and weighing 135 g. The iPhone 8 is slightly larger at 138.4 mm by 67.3 mm and heavier at 148 g. The 12 mini suits those wanting a more compact phone that fits easily in smaller pockets or bags.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 8: 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 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £71.35 less than the iPhone 12 mini
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often mention its condition as looking like new or very good, with full or excellent battery health. Many appreciate the phone's size, finding it fits nicely in a handbag or pocket. Some mention the phone runs well and handles everyday tasks smoothly. Others appreciate extras like cases and screen protectors included. A few customers reported issues such as overheating or faults, but many highlight the 12 mini's speed and battery performance as positives.
For the iPhone 8, customers say it works like new and has good battery health. Many are happy with its solid feel and simple operation, recommending it for everyday use. Some mention it as a reliable gift or replacement phone that runs smoothly for basic needs. A few customers noted scratches or minor marks but still found the phone satisfactory for their use. Overall, the iPhone 8 is seen as a dependable option for those who want a straightforward iOS experience.
The iPhone 12 mini suits users who want a compact phone with a sharper screen, faster performance, and 5G support. The iPhone 8 fits those looking for a simpler, smaller device for everyday tasks with basic features.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1821 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 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2227 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £71.35 more (from £161.35 vs £90).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
