Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 Plus is three years newer than the iPhone 12 mini, and it shows in the specs. The 15 Plus 5G has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and the 15 Plus 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4383mAh against 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 15 Plus 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 15 Plus 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. Coming from the 12 Mini, the 15 Plus 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the 12 Mini starts at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | 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 | 4,383 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 201 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 | - |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £349.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 15 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 66g 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 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 15 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.