Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 16
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 16 side by side: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) vs Apple A18, 12MP vs 48MP camera, 2227mAh vs 3561mAh battery, $699 vs…
Apple
iPhone 12 mini
$699
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 16
$799
11categories won
6 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 16 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 16 proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12 mini, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 16 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 16. Choose the iPhone 16 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 mini if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 16 takes battery honors offering 3,561 mAh alongside 25W charging.
iPhone 16 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A18 and 8GB RAM.
iPhone 16 takes photography with 48MP optics.
iPhone 12 mini provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $699 vs $799.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 16: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.4" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1179 x 2556Winner |
| Pixel density | 477 ppiWinner | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,050,000 | 1,650,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4720 | 8150Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 64GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,227 mAh | 3,561 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 25 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 12 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 135 gWinner | 170 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glass back | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, color-infused glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699Winner | $799 |
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Weighing an astonishing 135 grams, the iPhone 12 mini pioneered modern flat-edge industrial design, OLED contrast, and 5G connectivity in Apple's smallest smartphone profile in years.
- Display
- 5.4"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,227mAh
Apple iPhone 16
Upgraded with the high-efficiency A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, macro photography, and both physical Action and Camera Control buttons, the iPhone 16 brings significant pro features to the mainstream.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,561mAh