Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 12 mini
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 mini replaced the iPhone 11 Pro Max after a year, and not a lot changed between them. The 12 Mini supports 5G while the 11 Pro Max tops out at 4G, and there's more battery in the 11 Pro Max, 3969mAh to 2227mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.5" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 11 Pro Max goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. Get the 12 Mini if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 11 Pro Max is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
Buying outright, the 12 Mini starts at £120 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 5.4" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 477 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,227 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | iOS 14.1 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 135 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £119.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 mini?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 456, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 mini?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 12 mini has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 mini?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 mini?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 mini use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 mini?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 91g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 mini?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 mini run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.