iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone XS?
iPhone 12 mini vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £23 less than the iPhone 12 mini. The iPhone 12 mini is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone XS has a bigger screen: 5.8 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone XS share many features like iOS support and main camera resolution, but they differ in size, performance, and connectivity. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and handle with one hand. It also supports 5G networks and has a newer Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which suits users who want faster mobile data and recent performance technology. The iPhone XS has a slightly larger screen and a bigger battery capacity, which may appeal to those who prefer a bigger display and longer battery endurance. Both support physical SIM and eSIM and share the same RAM size, making them capable for everyday apps and tasks.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and design dimensions. Their battery capacities and physical dimensions differ, which affects usage and portability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This means the iPhone XS might offer longer battery life between charges, suiting users who prioritise extended use without recharging. The 12 mini's smaller battery may require more frequent charging but fits its compact size.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 135 g, making it easier to hold and carry in a pocket or handbag. The iPhone XS is taller and wider at 143.6 mm by 70.9 mm and heavier at 177 g, providing a larger device that some users find better for media viewing and typing.
Software Compatibility
This ensures you can access current apps and security improvements no matter which phone you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have the same RAM size, which supports smooth multitasking for everyday apps. The chipset and storage varieties vary, affecting speed and capacity.
Chipset Technology
The iPhone 12 mini features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, which is more recent than the iPhone XS's Apple A12 Bionic. This newer chipset may handle apps and system tasks more efficiently, suiting users who want the latest performance improvements.
Memory and Storage
Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly. Storage options for the iPhone 12 mini include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, offering more variety for different needs. The iPhone XS stocks 64GB and 256GB, which still covers basic to high storage requirements.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and display type. Differences here affect how much you see on screen and how sharp images look.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen, which is larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 5.4 inch display. This makes the XS better suited for watching videos or reading where more screen space is preferred. The 12 mini's smaller screen fits those who want a compact device that's easier to handle.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone XS offers a resolution of 1125 by 2436 pixels with a Super Retina OLED screen. The iPhone 12 mini has a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels and uses a Super Retina XDR OLED display. While the XS has a slightly higher resolution, the 12 mini's Super Retina XDR OLED may provide enhanced brightness and contrast, benefiting viewing in various lighting conditions.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ on the front camera, influencing selfies and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera compared to the iPhone XS's 7 megapixels. This higher resolution front camera on the 12 mini is ideal if you take a lot of selfies or use video calls often, as it can capture more detail.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar detail for photos and videos. This makes either device suitable for everyday photography and video recording.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, and connectivity options, which influence how you use the phone day to day.
Network Support
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, making it suitable for users who want faster mobile internet where 5G is available. The iPhone XS supports 4G networks, which still provides reliable mobile data but at lower maximum speeds.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, giving you flexibility to use two numbers or plans on one device. This suits users who travel or want to separate work and personal lines.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is thinner at 7.4 mm compared to the iPhone XS's 7.7 mm depth, and it weighs 135 g versus the XS's 177 g. These differences make the 12 mini more pocket-friendly and easier to carry for those who prioritise compactness.
Connector Type
Both phones use a Lightning connector, so accessories and chargers that fit one will work with the other.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18)
- you want 5G
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £23 less than the iPhone 12 mini
- you want a bigger battery (2658 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.8 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 mini often mention its like-new appearance and good battery health, with many satisfied by the phone's condition and size. The phone's compact form is praised for fitting easily in pockets or handbags. Some users appreciate extras like cases and screen protectors, and many find the battery and performance suitable for their everyday needs. A few reviews note issues such as overheating or faults, reflecting the varied experiences with refurbished devices.
The iPhone XS receives praise for looking flawless and running smoothly. Customers highlight its comfortable size and good battery life, with many saying it feels like a new device. The camera quality is appreciated, and the phone is described as reliable for daily use. Some comments mention minor cosmetic marks or occasional faults, but most find the phone dependable and well suited for media and apps.
In summary, the iPhone 12 mini suits those wanting a smaller, lighter phone with a sharper front camera and 5G support. The iPhone XS appeals to buyers who prefer a larger screen, bigger battery, and solid overall performance in a slightly bigger device.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £161.35 for the iPhone 12 mini.
The iPhone XS has a bigger battery: 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 12 mini adds a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18) and 5G. Refurbished, it costs £23 more (from £161.35 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
