Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 17
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 17 are five years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 17 leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Mini's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the 17 packs the bigger battery, 3692mAh against 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 17 has the bigger screen at 6.3" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 17 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. The 17 is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Mini if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the 12 Mini starts at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
12 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.5 12 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1206 x 2622 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 3,692 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 177 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 | - |
£29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £599.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 17 has the bigger screen at 6.3" 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 458, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17 has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17?
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 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 17 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 42g 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 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 17 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.