Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 16e
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 16e side by side: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) vs Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine), 12MP vs 48MP camera…
Apple
iPhone 12 mini
$699
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
12categories won
4 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 16e takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 16e proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12 mini, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 16e leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 16e. Choose the iPhone 16e if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 mini if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 16e takes battery honors offering 3,960 mAh alongside 25W charging.
iPhone 16e provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) and 8GB RAM.
iPhone 16e takes photography with 48MP optics.
iPhone 16e wins on budget and value at $599 compared to $699.
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 16e: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.4" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1170 x 2532Winner |
| Pixel density | 477 ppiWinner | 457 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Process node | 5 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,050,000 | 1,650,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4720 | 8120Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 64GB | 128GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,227 mAh | 3,960 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 25 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 12 W | 15 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 135 gWinner | 167 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, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14 | iOS 18.3 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $699 | $599Winner |
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 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh