iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £31.05 less than the iPhone SE (2016). 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 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone SE (2016) offer different experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 12 mini features a larger, higher resolution OLED screen and a more recent chipset with double the RAM, making it better for users who want smoother multitasking and a richer display. Both have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera quality and other features, reflecting their distinct user priorities.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system support, which affect how long the devices last and stay current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, which provides more power for longer use between charges. This suits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, fitting users with lighter daily use or those who do not mind charging more often.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, all of which influence speed, multitasking, and space for apps and files. The iPhone 12 mini offers a newer chipset and more RAM, plus more storage options than the iPhone SE (2016).
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, providing efficient and fast performance suitable for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset on a 14 nm process, delivering solid everyday performance suited to simpler tasks.
Memory Size
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 mini handles multiple apps and background processes smoothly, ideal for users who keep several apps open or use intensive applications. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, which supports basic multitasking and everyday use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini offers three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. This range suits users who store many photos, videos, or apps. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which is suitable for users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and display technology between the two devices. The iPhone 12 mini provides a larger and sharper screen with an OLED panel, while the iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller LCD screen with lower resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, offering a more spacious and detailed view, useful for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen at 640 x 1136 resolution, which suits users looking for a compact phone with a simpler display.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colours. This suits users who value image quality. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, offering good colours and brightness for everyday tasks.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras, which influence photo and video quality. Both devices share the same main camera resolution, but differ in front camera capability.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, allowing for sharper and more detailed selfies or video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which covers basic front-facing photography and video.
Main Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE (2016) have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for capturing photos with similar pixel resolution. This supports good quality images for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, connectors, physical dimensions, and other details that affect how you use and carry the devices.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G is available, which benefits users who need quick internet access. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G networks, which covers most everyday mobile data needs.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for users who want to use multiple phone numbers or carriers. The iPhone SE (2016) supports a physical SIM only.
Connector Types
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) includes both a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering options for wired audio with standard headphones.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 123.8 mm in height, 58.6 mm in width, and weighing 113 g, fitting well in smaller hands or pockets. The iPhone 12 mini is slightly taller and wider at 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm and weighs 135 g, providing a larger device that is still compact.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £31.05 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2227 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 135 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often mention that the phone looks like new with minimal signs of wear, and praise the battery health and overall condition. Many appreciate the size, saying it fits well in a handbag or pocket. Some find it runs well for their needs, handling apps smoothly and providing a good everyday experience. A few mention minor cosmetic wear expected with refurbished devices, and some note issues like overheating or battery life problems, which seem less common.
Reviews for the iPhone SE (2016) highlight satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance for everyday use. Users find it good value for money and appreciate its smaller size and lighter weight. Many say the battery life is solid enough for daily tasks, though some suggest a power bank may be helpful. The phone works well for those who need a reliable, simpler device without the latest features. It suits users who want a clean, functional phone at a lower price.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini is preferred by customers who value a larger screen, more power, and recent features, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits those seeking a compact, straightforward phone with solid basic performance.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone 12 mini has a bigger battery: 2227 mAh vs 1624 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 SE (2016) 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 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £31.05 less (from £161.35 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
