iPhone 12 mini Vs iPhone X

iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:£123.00

Versus £579.00 new

See options
iPhone X
iPhone X
Starting at

Refurbished price:£86.00

Versus £449.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Mini, released in 2020, and the iPhone X, launched in 2017, represent distinct eras in Apple's smartphone evolution. While both devices feature an all-screen design and operate on Apple's iOS, the iPhone 12 Mini offers a more compact form factor and introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and connectivity. The iPhone X, as a foundational model, pioneered many of the design elements that became standard in subsequent iPhones.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and ongoing software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone X was released in November 2017, making it a considerably older device compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, which launched in November 2020. This three-year difference impacts their remaining support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for approximately five to six years from a device's release. The iPhone X has reached its end-of-life support for major software updates, meaning it no longer receives the newest iOS versions, though it may still get security patches for a period. The iPhone 12 Mini, being newer, will continue to receive major iOS updates for several more years, extending its functional lifespan and compatibility with new applications.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Mini features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which Apple states offers improved drop performance compared to previous models. Both models have an IP67 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance, indicating they can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2020

2017

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two iPhones is largely differentiated by their respective internal components, influencing how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Mini is equipped with a significantly newer generation processor compared to the iPhone X. This translates to faster app loading times, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games and applications. Users will experience a more responsive and efficient operation on the newer device.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone X, with its 2,716 mAh battery, generally offers sufficient power to last a full day for many users, though heavy usage might require a midday charge. The iPhone 12 Mini, despite its smaller size, has a 2,227 mAh battery. While it can last a full day for moderate users, intensive use, such as prolonged video streaming or gaming, may lead to more frequent charging.
  • Storage Options: Both devices were available with various internal storage capacities, typically starting from 64GB and extending to 256GB, providing options for different user needs regarding app and media storage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

Both the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone X feature OLED display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but there are notable differences in their specifications and viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones utilize OLED panels, which provide excellent contrast ratios and true blacks. The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels at 476 ppi, offering a slightly higher pixel density in a more compact screen.
  • Brightness and HDR: The iPhone 12 Mini's Super Retina XDR display supports HDR with a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone X's Super Retina HD display has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits. Both support HDR content, enhancing the visual experience for compatible media.
  • Screen Size and Handling: The iPhone 12 Mini's 5.4-inch display makes it a significantly smaller and more manageable device for one-handed use, appealing to users who prefer a compact phone. The iPhone X, with its 5.8-inch screen, offers a larger viewing area while still maintaining a relatively comfortable form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone X both offer dual-lens setups, but the newer model benefits from advancements in computational photography and low-light performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone X features a dual 12MP camera system with a wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4 aperture), both with optical image stabilization (OIS). It offers optical zoom and digital zoom up to 10x. The iPhone 12 Mini also has a dual 12MP camera system, consisting of a wide-angle lens (f/1.6 aperture) and an ultra-wide lens (f/2.4 aperture with a 120° field of view). The wider aperture on the main lens of the 12 Mini allows for better low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 12 Mini introduces Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, which significantly enhance image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It also features Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control. The iPhone X includes Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting (beta), with dual OIS on both rear lenses for improved stability.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at various frame rates. The iPhone 12 Mini can record HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps), a feature not present on the iPhone X. The iPhone X supports 4K video up to 60 fps.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements distinguish the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone X, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity: A key difference is 5G support; the iPhone 12 Mini is capable of connecting to 5G networks, offering faster cellular data speeds in supported areas. The iPhone X is limited to 4G LTE connectivity. Both support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for the 12 Mini and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for the iPhone X, along with Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Mini is notably smaller and lighter, weighing 135 grams with dimensions of 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm, making it highly portable. The iPhone X weighs 174 grams and measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, offering a slightly larger footprint. The 12 Mini also features flat edges, a design departure from the rounded sides of the iPhone X.
  • Authentication and Ports: Both devices rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition. Both use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone X introduced 3D Touch, while the iPhone 12 Mini uses Haptic Touch.

Weight

135 g

174 g

Width

6,42 cm

7,09 cm

Height

13,15 cm

14,36 cm

Depth

0,74 cm

0,77 cm

Screen size (in)

5.4

5.8

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Users often praise the iPhone X for its groundbreaking design at the time of its release, particularly its edge-to-edge OLED display and the introduction of Face ID, which set a new standard for smartphone interaction. Some users found its battery life to be sufficient for a full day of moderate use. However, common criticisms included its initial cost and the eventual cessation of major iOS updates, limiting its long-term software viability.

The iPhone 12 Mini is frequently lauded for its compact size, offering a flagship experience in a form factor that is easy to handle with one hand. Its advanced camera features, including Night mode and Dolby Vision video recording, are also highly appreciated. The primary concern for many users, however, is its battery life, which, while adequate for light to moderate use, may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

Users prioritizing a more modern device with extended software support, enhanced camera capabilities, and 5G connectivity, especially in a compact design, may find the iPhone 12 Mini better suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals seeking a slightly larger screen in a device that still offers a premium feel and reliable performance for everyday tasks, and who are less concerned with the latest software updates or 5G, might consider the iPhone X. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.