Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is two years of updates on from it. The 14 Pro Max 5G has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Mini's 12MP, and the 14 Pro Max 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4323mAh against 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 14 Pro Max 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and storage goes higher on the 14 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 256GB. If you're on the 12 Mini, the 14 Pro Max 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1290 x 2796 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 4,323 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 240 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 | - |
£13.00/mo
£305.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.99 | £369.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 14 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 460, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48 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 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 105g 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 12 mini or Apple iPhone 14 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 14 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 14 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.