iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 12 mini vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £6.74 less than the iPhone XS Max. 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 Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone XS Max differ mainly in size, battery capacity, and network capabilities. The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and use with one hand. It supports 5G networks, which suits those wanting faster mobile data where available. The iPhone XS Max has a larger screen and battery, better for watching videos or longer use between charges. The 12 mini uses a more recent chipset. Storage options differ, with the XS Max offering up to 512GB for larger needs. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a compact phone with newer technology or a bigger display with a larger battery.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical dimensions that affect daily use and how long the device lasts on a charge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery while the iPhone XS Max has a larger 3174 mAh battery. This means the XS Max can generally offer longer use between charges, which suits those who need extended battery life during heavy use or long days away from power. The 12 mini's smaller battery fits its compact size, making it better for lighter use or those who charge regularly.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is notably smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm in height and 64.2 mm in width, weighing 135 g. The iPhone XS Max is bigger at 157.5 mm height and 77.4 mm width, with a weight of 208 g. The 12 mini suits those who prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket, while the XS Max fits users who want a bigger device and do not mind extra weight.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options, which affect speed and how much you can keep on your device. Both phones offer 4 GB of RAM, supporting smooth multitasking.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. The A14 chipset provides improvements in efficiency and processing power, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking frequently.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities, covering everyday to moderate storage needs. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which suits users requiring a larger capacity for photos, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience for videos, photos, and reading. Size, resolution, and screen type all play a part in this.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4 inch screen, ideal if you want a compact device that is easy to hold. The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5 inch display, which offers more room for watching videos or browsing, making it suitable for users who prefer a bigger screen.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone XS Max has a higher resolution at 1242 x 2688 compared to the iPhone 12 mini's 1080 x 2340. Both use Super Retina OLED technology, but the 12 mini has the Super Retina XDR OLED variant, which provides excellent contrast and colour accuracy. The XS Max's higher resolution suits users wanting extra detail on a larger display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras, which affect selfies and photos, as well as video calls and content creation.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This makes the 12 mini better suited for selfies and video calls where sharper images are preferred.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar capabilities for general photography and video.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features such as network support, connectors, and SIM options influence connectivity and daily convenience.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks, which suits users wanting faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G networks, meeting the needs of users in areas where 5G is not essential.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones support a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexible use of mobile plans. Each uses the Lightning connector, so charging and accessories are compatible between them.
Size and Weight Details
The iPhone 12 mini is thinner at 7.4 mm depth compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7.7 mm. The 12 mini's smaller dimensions and lighter weight of 135 g suit users prioritising portability. The XS Max offers a larger physical presence at 208 g, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £6.74 less than the iPhone XS Max
- 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)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who have chosen the iPhone 12 mini often highlight its compact size and good condition. Many appreciate how it fits comfortably in a handbag or pocket and mention that the phone looks like new with minimal marks. Battery health is frequently noted as full or very good, which supports its usability for everyday tasks. Some users mention the phone runs well and meets their needs, especially for those who prefer a smaller device. However, a few reviews note issues like overheating or battery problems, so the condition grade is important to consider.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max tend to focus on its larger screen and overall performance. Customers often describe the phone as in excellent or good condition, with some praising the battery life, though a few mention it can be shorter than expected. The phone is well suited for people who want a bigger display for media or work. Some users found the setup process slower, but the device generally meets expectations for its performance and screen quality. A few note minor scratches or lower battery health but still find it a good value.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini is popular with those wanting a smaller, lightweight phone with a sharper front camera and 5G support. The iPhone XS Max appeals to users who prefer a larger screen and battery, along with higher storage options. Both suit different priorities depending on what matters most for daily use.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs XS Max 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 Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £168.09 for the iPhone XS Max.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 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 Max 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 £6.74 less (from £161.35 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.








