Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is three years of updates on from it. The 15 Pro Max 5G leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Mini's 12MP, and the 15 Pro Max 5G packs the bigger battery, 4422mAh against 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 15 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 15 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 256GB. If you're on the 12 Mini, the 15 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 £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.5 12 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 A17 Pro |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 4,422 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 221 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 | - |
£76.50/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £455.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max?
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 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 86g 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 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 15 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 15 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 15 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.