Apple iPhone 12 mini vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Our Verdict: The iPhone SE (2020) is 2008 years newer than the iPhone 12 mini, and it shows in the specs. Only the 12 Mini is a 5G phone; the SE (2020) maxes out at 4G, and the 12 Mini packs the bigger battery, 2227mAh against 1821mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 12 Mini has the stronger screen, bigger at 5.4" against 4.7" and sharper at 477 PPI, and the 12 Mini is the lighter phone at 135g against 148g. Coming from the 12 Mini, the SE (2020) is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the SE (2020) starts at £66 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
25 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.2 25 reviews |
| Screen | 5.4" | 4.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD display |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1334 x 750 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 326 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 7 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 148 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £127.00 | £66.00 |
| 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 SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has the bigger screen at 5.4" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 12 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 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 SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 13g lighter at 135 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone SE (2020) 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.