iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone X
Starting at
£121.10£449.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone X?
iPhone 12 mini vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone X starts at £121.10, £40.25 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 (10 nm) on the iPhone X.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone X has a bigger battery: 2716 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone X offer different strengths for different users. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter, with a newer chipset and more RAM, making it suitable for those who want a smaller phone that performs well with multitasking and apps. The iPhone X has a slightly larger screen and a bigger battery capacity, which may suit users who prefer a bigger display and longer battery life in daily use. Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras, but the iPhone 12 mini's front camera has a higher megapixel count for sharper selfies. Storage options vary, with the 12 mini offering an additional 128GB size, while the iPhone X comes in 64GB and 256GB. Your choice depends on your preferences for size, network, and software support.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical size, which influence how long each device lasts and stays current. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone X differ in battery size and software support, which can affect daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone X has a larger battery at 2716 mAh compared to the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This difference may mean the iPhone X lasts longer between charges, which suits users who need more battery life throughout the day.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and weighing 135 g. The iPhone X is larger at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and weighs 174 g. The mini suits those seeking a compact phone that fits easily in a pocket or small bag.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X performance
Performance relates to chipset power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process and has 4 GB RAM. The iPhone X uses the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with 3 GB RAM. The 12 mini's chipset and extra RAM help it run apps and multitask more efficiently, which benefits users who use several apps at once or run demanding software.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini comes in 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB storage sizes, while the iPhone X is available in 64 GB and 256 GB. The additional 128 GB option on the 12 mini allows for a middle ground between the two, useful for users who want more space but do not need the maximum capacity.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X screen
Screen quality influences how you view videos, photos, and apps. Differences include screen size, resolution, and display technology, each affecting clarity and comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone X has a larger 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels, offering more viewing area. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels. Users who prefer a roomier display for videos and browsing may find the iPhone X better suited, while the mini suits those wanting a compact screen.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone X uses a Super Retina OLED display. The XDR technology in the 12 mini provides improved contrast and brightness, which benefits users viewing content in various lighting conditions.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and video capabilities, important for capturing photos and video calls. The devices have some differences in camera resolution that affect image detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the 7 megapixel front camera of the iPhone X. This higher megapixel count on the 12 mini means sharper selfies and clearer video calls, which suits users who often use the front camera.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means either device can capture high-quality photos with similar detail, suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X size and design
Miscellaneous features include network support, SIM options, connectors, and physical measurements that affect usage and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, which offers faster data speeds where available. The iPhone X supports 4G, which is still widely available and reliable. Users wanting faster mobile internet may prefer the 12 mini.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 mini includes both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for multiple lines or easier switching. The iPhone X uses a physical SIM only, suitable for those who prefer a single SIM setup.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 7.4 mm thick and weighing 135 g. The iPhone X is slightly thicker at 7.7 mm and heavier at 174 g. This makes the 12 mini easier to carry and handle for users who value compactness.
Connector and Carrier
Both phones use the Lightning connector and are unlocked, so they work with any carrier. This gives equal flexibility in charging and network choice.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone X: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16)
Buy the iPhone X if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121.10, £40.25 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2716 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 mini looks like new or very good with only minor signs of wear in most cases. Many appreciate its compact size and performance, with several mentioning the battery health is excellent. Some users find it runs well and suits daily needs, while others mention occasional issues with overheating or battery life. The 12 mini is popular with users who want a small phone that still handles apps smoothly and offers good camera quality.
For the iPhone X, customers describe it as feeling like new with a smooth user experience. The larger screen and battery life are often noted positively. Some users bought it for family members or as a practical choice for everyday use, appreciating the storage options and reliable performance. A few mention slower speeds or touchscreen issues, but most are happy with its overall condition and value.
Both devices suit different users: the iPhone 12 mini is for those who want a smaller, lighter phone with newer software and 5G support, while the iPhone X suits those who prefer a bigger display and longer battery life for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone X FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone X is cheaper refurbished, from £121.10 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone X has a bigger battery: 2716 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 X ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels) and longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 16). Refurbished, it costs £40.25 more (from £161.35 vs £121.10).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone X in 64GB and 256GB.
