Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is five years of updates on from it. The 17 Pro Max has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Mini's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4823mAh against 2227mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB of storage, where the 12 Mini tops out at 256GB. Coming from the 12 Mini, the 17 Pro Max is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £120 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1320 x 2868 |
| 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 | 4,823 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 233 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 | - |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.99 | £1035.00 |
| 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 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" 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 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 98g 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 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 17 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 17 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.