Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Our Verdict: There's six years between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 18 Pro, so the iPhone 18 Pro is ahead on most things. The 18 Pro leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Mini's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the 18 Pro, 4056mAh to 2227mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 18 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" against 5.4", while the 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI, and the 18 Pro offers up to 2TB of storage versus 256GB on the 12 Mini. The 18 Pro is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Mini if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Mini is the cheaper buy at £130 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 13 November 2020 | 18 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.2 12 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | 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 A20 Pro (2 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 4,056 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 | 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 211 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 | - |
£11.95/mo
£959.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.95 | £1197.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro 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 both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro 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 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 18 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 76g 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 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone 18 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro 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.