Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max launched together: the Mini is the standard model and the Pro Max the higher-end one. There's more battery in the Pro Max, 3687mAh to 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI. The Pro Max offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the Mini, and the Mini is the lighter phone at 135g against 228g. Get the Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the Mini covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the Mini starts at £120 SIM-free.
9 reviews 4.3
10 reviews
Prices updated 14 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
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Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 9 reviews |
4.3 10 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1284 x 2778 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 3,687 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | iOS14 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 228 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £229.00 |
| Prices updated 14 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" 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 457, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 12 mini or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 93g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.