Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) vs Apple A18 (3nm), 12MP vs 48MP camera, 2227mAh vs 3279mAh battery…
Apple
iPhone 12 mini
$699
4categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
11categories won
5 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone SE 4 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone SE 4 proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12 mini, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone SE 4 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone SE 4. Choose the iPhone SE 4 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 mini if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone SE 4 takes battery honors offering 3,279 mAh alongside 20W charging.
iPhone SE 4 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A18 (3nm) and 8GB RAM.
iPhone SE 4 takes photography with 48MP optics and 1x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 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 SE 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.4" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1170 x 2532Winner |
| Pixel density | 477 ppiWinner | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 5 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,050,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4720 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 64GB | 128GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | — | 1x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,227 mAh | 3,279 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 12 W | 15 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 135 gWinner | 165 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glass back | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $499Winner |
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 SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh