iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone XR?
iPhone 12 mini vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £31.05 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 A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone XR differ mainly in size, screen quality, processing power, and battery capacity. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller, sharper OLED screen and a newer, faster chipset with more RAM, making it suited for those who want a compact phone with strong performance and a detailed display. The iPhone XR offers a larger LCD screen and a bigger battery, which suits users who prefer more screen space and longer battery life.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support are key to daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, which is larger than the 2227 mAh battery in the iPhone 12 mini. This means the iPhone XR is likely to support longer usage between charges, making it suitable for users who prioritise battery life.
Software Updates
This keeps both devices current with new features and security improvements, ensuring compatibility with apps and services.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR performance
Processing power and memory affect how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Both devices come in the same storage options, fitting different data needs.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XR has the Apple A12 Bionic with 3 GB of RAM. The newer chipset and additional RAM in the iPhone 12 mini help it manage apps and multitasking more efficiently, suiting users who run multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Storage Options
Both phones are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. This means you can choose the amount of space you need for apps, photos, and files on either device.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence how you view content like videos, photos, and text. These factors affect sharpness, colour quality, and the overall viewing experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos, browsing, or reading. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen, which makes it easier to hold and use one-handed.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 12 mini features a 1080 x 2340 Super Retina XDR OLED screen. This delivers higher resolution and richer colours with deeper blacks. The iPhone XR has an 828 x 1792 Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers good colour accuracy and brightness but with lower resolution. The 12 mini suits users who want sharper images and more vivid display quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality affects how detailed your photos and selfies look. Both phones share some camera features but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, higher than the 7 megapixels of the iPhone XR. This provides more detail in selfies and video calls, making the 12 mini suitable for those who value front camera quality.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they offer similar photo resolution for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR size and design
Other factors like size, weight, network compatibility, and SIM options can affect daily convenience and connectivity.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and 135 g. The iPhone XR measures 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and weighs 194 g. The 12 mini suits people who want a compact and lightweight phone that fits easily in pockets or small bags.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G mobile networks, offering access to faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XR supports 4G networks, which provide broad coverage and reliable speeds on current networks.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing for flexible use of mobile plans and easier switching between carriers.
Connector Type
Both devices use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so any Lightning compatible cables or accessories will work with either phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone XR: 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 XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £31.05 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often mention its like-new condition with few marks and full battery health, making it feel fresh and reliable. The phone's compact size is appreciated for fitting easily in handbags or pockets. Many users note the device runs well and handles everyday tasks smoothly. Some customers value the extras like cases and screen protectors included. A few customers report issues such as overheating or faults, but most are impressed with the performance and condition for a refurbished phone.
Buyers of the iPhone XR highlight its excellent condition, often describing it as looking nearly new and working well. The larger screen size is popular, especially for those who want more space for viewing content. Battery health is generally good, though some users note replacement batteries are not always official Apple parts. Overall, customers find the XR reliable and fast enough for their needs. Many recommend it for its value and ease of setup.
The iPhone 12 mini suits those looking for a compact, sharper screen and newer performance, while the iPhone XR appeals to users who prefer a larger screen and longer battery life. Both models satisfy customers seeking a dependable refurbished iPhone with solid condition and features.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 12 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
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 £31.05 more (from £161.35 vs £130.30).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
