iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 12 mini vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £60.79 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 Plus.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 8 Plus has a bigger battery: 2691 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 Plus differ in size, performance, screen, and connectivity. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter, with a smaller but sharper OLED screen and a newer chipset with extra RAM. The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger LCD screen and a bigger battery, making it better for users who prefer a bigger display and longer battery capacity.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and build size shape how long the phones last day to day. These factors affect how you use either device and how long they stay current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger battery at 2691 mAh, which can support longer use between charges if both devices operate similarly. The iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh battery is smaller but may suit users who carry a charger or prefer a lighter phone.
Software Updates
The iPhone 8 Plus does not receive these updates, which may affect access to some recent app versions or features.
Physical Size
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller in height and width and lighter at 135 g, fitting easily in small bags or pockets. The iPhone 8 Plus is larger and heavier at 202 g, which suits users who prefer a bigger phone to hold and use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Processor speed, memory, and storage options influence how smoothly the phones run apps and handle multitasking.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 12 mini has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, built on a 5 nm process, offering more modern processing technology. The iPhone 8 Plus uses the Apple A11 Bionic. This difference suits users who want a phone that handles more demanding apps and tasks more efficiently.
RAM Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini can keep more apps open and manage multitasking more smoothly compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, which has 3 GB of RAM. This can benefit users who often switch between apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, fitting varied needs for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB options, allowing users to choose between basic and large storage sizes.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen size, resolution, and technology impact how clear and immersive viewing is for videos, photos, and apps.
Screen Size
The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger 5.5 inch screen, giving more space for watching videos or reading. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen, which fits better in one hand or a small bag.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a taller 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering more vertical pixels for reading and scrolling content. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 1080 x 1920 resolution, which suits users who prefer a more traditional screen shape.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which produces deeper blacks and more vivid colours. The iPhone 8 Plus has a Retina IPS LCD, providing clear and accurate colours but with less contrast. This makes the 12 mini ideal for users who watch a lot of video or want sharper visuals.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Camera quality affects photos and video calls. Front and main camera megapixels determine detail and clarity.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits everyday video chatting but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras, making them capable of taking photos with similar resolution. This suits users who want consistent photo quality from the main camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Other features include network compatibility, SIM options, and physical dimensions that affect connectivity and daily use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G, which is widely available and reliable for everyday use.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini supports a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing for dual SIM use. The iPhone 8 Plus supports a physical SIM only, which suits users who use one phone number.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 135 g. The iPhone 8 Plus is larger and heavier at 158.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 202 g. This suits people who want either a compact or a larger phone.
Connector Type
Both devices use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. This is familiar to many iPhone users and supports a wide range of existing accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 8 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 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £60.79 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2691 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 mini often looks like new or has only minor marks, with many praising its condition and battery health. Several mention the phone fits nicely in a pocket or handbag and runs apps smoothly thanks to the newer chipset and RAM. Some users appreciate the extras like cases and screen protectors included. A few customers note issues such as overheating or faults, but most find the phone good for everyday use and appreciate its compact size.
Reviews of the iPhone 8 Plus highlight its excellent condition and larger screen, which suits users who want more display space for games or video. Some customers mention the phone does not receive the latest iOS updates, affecting app compatibility. Battery life is sometimes noted as poorer. The size and weight are suitable for those who prefer a bigger phone, and many users find the device works well for basic to moderate use.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini suits buyers looking for a compact, up-to-date phone with better front camera detail and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 8 Plus appeals to those wanting a larger screen and longer battery capacity who do not need the latest software updates.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs 8 Plus 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 Plus. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone 8 Plus has a bigger battery: 2691 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 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
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 £60.79 more (from £161.35 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
