iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and Sony Xperia 5?
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £54.65 less than the Sony Xperia 5. 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, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The iPhone 12 mini and Sony Xperia 5 offer different strengths that suit different users. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter, with a smaller 5.4 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen and iOS. The Sony Xperia 5 has a larger 6,1 inch OLED screen and more RAM, which helps keep more apps open. Its higher capacity battery suits longer daily use between charges. Xperia 5 runs Android and has a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. Buyers who want a smaller phone with iOS and 5G may prefer the iPhone 12 mini. Those wanting a larger display, more RAM, and expandable storage on Android may find the Sony Xperia 5 fits their needs better.
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £161.35
- BlueStarting at £170.35
- RedStarting at £170.35
- GreenStarting at £180.90
- PurpleStarting at £211.95
- WhiteStarting at £161.35
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, operating system, and physical dimensions. These affect how long the phone lasts in daily use and how current it remains over time.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 2227 mAh. This means the Xperia 5 may support longer use between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life. The iPhone 12 mini's smaller battery fits its compact design and may appeal to those prioritising a lighter phone.
Software Updates
Buyers who value up-to-date software may prefer the iPhone 12 mini.
Operating System
The iPhone 12 mini runs iOS, offering a different app ecosystem and interface compared to the Sony Xperia 5's Android operating system. Your choice depends on which system you prefer and which apps you use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance differences include chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Efficiency
The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic built on a 5 nm process, which is a more recent manufacturing technology compared to the Sony Xperia 5's Snapdragon 855 built on 7 nm. This can translate to efficient performance and power usage on the iPhone 12 mini.
Memory Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 includes 6 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use but may manage fewer simultaneous apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage sizes, offering more choices for internal storage. The Sony Xperia 5 comes with 128GB storage, providing a fixed internal capacity but the option to expand storage with a microSDXC card.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, including size, resolution, and display technology. These influence clarity, detail, and the overall viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 has a larger 6,1 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution. The Xperia 5's larger screen offers more room for video and browsing, while the iPhone 12 mini's size suits users wanting a more compact device.
Display Technology
The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which is a specific OLED technology known for high contrast and brightness. The Sony Xperia 5 uses an OLED display, providing rich colours and deep blacks. Both deliver quality visuals, but the iPhone's Super Retina XDR may offer enhanced brightness and detail.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors, influencing photography and video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the Sony Xperia 5's 8 megapixel front camera. This makes the iPhone 12 mini suitable for those who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits.
Main Camera Similarity
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so for everyday photos and videos, they offer a similar level of detail. Your choice here may depend on other factors like camera software or personal preference.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Miscellaneous differences include network support, connectors, physical dimensions, and storage expandability. These affect compatibility, convenience, and handling.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G mobile networks, offering faster data speeds where available, while the Sony Xperia 5 supports 4G. The iPhone 12 mini also supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing more flexibility in managing mobile plans compared to the Sony Xperia 5's physical SIM only.
Expandable Storage
The Sony Xperia 5 includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to increase storage beyond the built-in 128GB. The iPhone 12 mini does not have an SD card slot, so storage is fixed to the internal capacity you choose.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The Sony Xperia 5 uses USB-C, a widely used connector type that supports many accessories and charging options.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter, measuring 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm by 7.4 mm and weighing 135 g. The Sony Xperia 5 is larger and heavier at 15,8 cm by 6,8 cm by 0,82 cm and 164 g. The iPhone's compact size suits users wanting a phone that fits easily in a pocket or small bag, while the Xperia 5 offers a bigger device for those who prefer a larger screen and grip.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £54.65 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want 5G
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3140 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 mini often mention its compact size and condition, noting it looks like new or has only minor marks. Many appreciate the full battery charge and good battery health, with some saying it fits nicely in a handbag or pocket. The phone is praised for running well and meeting everyday needs, though a few customers have experienced issues with battery life or overheating. The iPhone 12 mini is suitable for those who want a smaller iOS phone that performs reliably and supports 5G.
Sony Xperia 5 customers frequently highlight the phone's excellent condition and appearance, with many finding no visible marks and good battery performance. The larger screen and Android system are appreciated, though some note weaker battery life. Users mention it works smoothly and is a good value choice, with some enjoying the option to expand storage via a microSDXC card. The Xperia 5 suits buyers looking for a larger display and more RAM, who prefer Android and want expandable storage.
Both devices attract buyers seeking quality refurbished phones that fit different preferences: compact size and iOS with the iPhone 12 mini, or larger screen and Android flexibility with the Sony Xperia 5.
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
