Apple iPhone 12 mini vs TCL 605 4G
Our Verdict: The TCL 605 4G has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini supports 5G while the 605 4G tops out at 4G. There's more battery in the 605 4G, 5010mAh to 2227mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and the 605 4G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 5.4", while the iPhone 12 Mini has the sharper one at 477 PPI. Only pay up for the iPhone 12 Mini if you'll use what it offers; if not, the 605 4G makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 605 4G is the cheaper buy at £89 SIM-free.
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 mini
|
TCL 605 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1600 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 477 | 262 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) |
| Battery | 2,227 mAh | 5,010 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.1 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 135 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts | - |
£5.04/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.95 | £89.24 |
| 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 TCL 605 4G?
The TCL 605 4G 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 262, and the Apple iPhone 12 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the TCL 605 4G has a IPS LCD, 90Hz.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the TCL 605 4G has a 50 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 TCL 605 4G?
The TCL 605 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £89.24.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini and TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the TCL 605 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and TCL 605 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the TCL 605 4G uses the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 mini or TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 55g 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 TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the TCL 605 4G is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 mini and TCL 605 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 14.1 and the TCL 605 4G runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.