Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 Plus is four years newer than the iPhone 12 mini, and it shows in the specs. The 16 Plus has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Mini's 12MP, and there's more battery in the 16 Plus, 4674mAh to 2227mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 16 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 16 Plus goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. If you're on the 12 Mini, the 16 Plus is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the 12 Mini starts at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 16 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 | 2796 x 1290 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 4,674 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/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 199 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 | - |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £510.00 |
| 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 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Plus?
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 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 16 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 64g 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 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 16 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.