Apple iPhone 12 mini – Full Review, Features, and Price
Introduction
The Apple iPhone 12 mini is a compact flagship that packs all the power of the iPhone 12 series into a smaller, lightweight design. Released in November 2020, it remains one of the best smartphones for users who prefer a small form factor without compromising performance, camera quality, or software support.
Display and Design
Apple has given the iPhone 12 mini a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution and a pixel density of ~476 ppi. Protected by Ceramic Shield glass, the screen is durable and vibrant, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing. Its 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm dimensions and 135 g weight make it extremely portable. Available in Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, the iPhone 12 mini blends elegance with durability and is IP68 water-resistant.
Display Highlights
- Size: 5.4 inches, Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (~476 ppi)
- Protection: Ceramic Shield Glass
- Aspect Ratio: 19.5:9
Camera System
Despite its compact size, the Apple iPhone 12 mini delivers flagship-level photography. The rear setup includes a 12 MP f/1.6 wide camera with OIS and a 12 MP f/2.4 ultrawide lens, supported by HDR and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The front camera features a 12 MP wide lens + SL 3D depth sensor, capable of 4K video at up to 60fps with gyro-EIS for stabilization.
Camera Features
- Rear Cameras: 12 MP wide (OIS) + 12 MP ultrawide
- Front Cameras: 12 MP wide + SL 3D depth sensor
- Video: 4K at 24/30/60fps, Dolby Vision HDR, 1080p slow-motion
- Special Modes: HDR, Panorama, Night Mode
Performance and Software
Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) chip with a Hexa-core CPU and Apple 4-core GPU, the iPhone 12 mini handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. It launched with iOS 14.1 and is upgradeable to iOS 18.6, ensuring long-term software support and security updates.
Core Performance Specs
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2×3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4×1.8 GHz Icestorm)
- GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
- OS: iOS 14.1, upgradeable to iOS 18.6
Memory and Storage
The device comes in three storage variants:
- 64GB 4GB RAM
- 128GB 4GB RAM
- 256GB 4GB RAM
It uses NVMe storage with UFS 4.1 technology, providing fast read/write speeds. There is no microSD card slot, so users need to choose wisely at purchase.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 mini supports the latest network standards including 5G, LTE, HSPA, EVDO, GSM, and CDMA. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, NFC, and a Lightning USB 2.0 port. Security is handled by Face ID along with multiple sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, and UWB.
Battery and Charging
The compact size houses a 2227 mAh Li-Ion battery. While small compared to larger iPhones, it performs efficiently thanks to the A14 Bionic’s optimization. Charging options include 20W fast wired charging (50% in 30 minutes), 15W MagSafe wireless, and 15W Qi2 wireless (iOS 17.4+).
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.4″ Super Retina XDR OLED, Ceramic Shield |
| Processor | Apple A14 Bionic, Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) |
| OS | iOS 14.1, up to iOS 18.6 |
| RAM & Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB, 4GB RAM |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 12MP + SL 3D depth |
| Battery | 2227 mAh, 20W wired, 15W wireless |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Lightning port |
| Dimensions & Weight | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm, 135g |
Pricing
- Price in USD: $710
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 157,399
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Flagship-level A14 Bionic chip
- Excellent camera system with Dolby Vision HDR
- OLED display with Ceramic Shield protection
- Long software support up to iOS 18.6
Cons
- Small battery capacity
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- No expandable storage
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 12 mini proves that small smartphones can still deliver flagship power. With its compact size, premium build, high-quality cameras, and A14 Bionic performance, it is an ideal choice for those who prefer portability without sacrificing features. Although the smaller battery and lack of expandable storage may limit some users, it remains one of the best compact smartphones available today.