There are sixteen different iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models (four of each), but this Q&A primarily covers the collective differences to make it straightforward to decide which is best for you.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left to Right: iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
The four iPhone models released in 2020 are so similar that they are easy to mistake for one another (as well as for earlier iPhone models). However, there are a number of significant differences as well as notable similarities that are important to understand, as well.
External Design & Functionality Differences
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models look practically identical -- rounded rectangles with a glass front and back and nearly edge-to-edge displays with a "notch" at the top to hold cameras and sensors.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 12 mini/iPhone 12 Side - Blue)
All of these models have flat sides that are easy to hold -- a bit of a throwback to the iPhone 5, often considered one of the best iPhone designs -- but there are some differences in materials and functionality.
The more "entry level" iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 use a case that is primarily aluminum whereas the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models use a mostly stainless steel case. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max also use textured glass with a matte finish that feels a bit less slippery than the entry-level models.
All of these models have a "Ceramic shield" on the front side for durability and are waterproof to the IP68 standard (IEC standard 60529) for up to 30 minutes of water exposure to a depth of six meters.
All four devices also have stereo speakers, a Lightning connector, slick magnetic "MagSafe" charging capability in addition to support for "wireless" charging and a side-mounted access panel for SIM cards. Most models support a single physical Nano SIM and one virtual eSIM, but China-only models do not support eSIM. Instead the China-only iPhone 12 mini (A2400) has a single Nano SIM whereas the larger China-only models have two physical Nano SIMs.
As you would expect, the smallest iPhone 12 mini is the lightest of the four and the largest iPhone 12 Pro Max is the heaviest. The "more premium" iPhone 12 Pro is a bit heavier than the "regular" iPhone 12, but they are the exact same dimensions:
 12 mini |
12 |
 12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Material: | Aluminum/Glass | Aluminum/Glass | Steel/Glass | Steel/Glass |
| Height (In.): | 5.18 | 5.78 | 5.78 | 6.33 |
| Width (In.): | 2.53 | 2.82 | 2.82 | 3.07 |
| Depth (In.): | 0.29 | 0.29 | 0.29 | 0.29 |
| Weight (Oz.): | 4.76 | 5.78 | 6.66 | 8.03 |
Display Differences
The displays in the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max are all beautiful, high quality OLED HDR "Super Retina XDR" displays.
Naturally, the smallest iPhone 12 mini has the smallest display and the largest iPhone 12 Pro Max has the largest display, but the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max also have displays that are brighter than the entry-level iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Dimensions: | 5.4" | 6.1" | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Resolution: | 2340x1080 | 2532x1170 | 2532x1170 | 2778x1284 |
| PPI: | 476 | 460 | 460 | 458 |
| Brightness: | 625 nits | 625 nits | 800 nits | 800 nits |
| Contrast: | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 | 2 million:1 |
Also note that the physically smaller iPhone 12 mini has more pixels per inch whereas the largest iPhone 12 Pro Max has fewer pixels per inch.
Housing Color Differences
All four of these iPhone models have a black front, but different back colors are offered.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left: iPhone 12 mini, 12; Right: 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 originally were offered in five colors, black, white, blue, pale green, and (PRODUCT) RED, but on April 20, 2021, Apple added a sixth color option -- purple.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 12 mini/iPhone 12 Side - Purple)
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, on the other hand, are offered in four colors -- a medium-toned "Graphite", silver, gold, and "Pacific" blue.
In addition to texture and material, color is another way that Apple is trying to differentiate between the entry-level options, which use less "serious" colors, and the "professional" models, which use a more subdued color palette.
Camera Differences
The cameras in the entry-level iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 and the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are perhaps the most notable point of differentiation. The front cameras are the same, but the rear cameras in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are more capable.
Front Cameras
The front-facing camera on all four of these models -- which Apple refers to as "TrueDepth" -- support "Advanced Face ID" authentication, augmented reality (AR), still photos, and 4K video recording:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Megapixels: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Aperture: | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | f/2.2 |
| Video: | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Portrait Mode: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Portrait Light: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 rear cameras have dual 12 megapixel ultra wide and wide angle lenses that shoot still photos and 4K video with a variety of filters and processing options.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models are even better and have rear triple lens camera systems. Both have the ultra wide and wide functionality from the entry-level models, but add a third telephoto camera as well as more advanced image stabilization, zoom, and video recording in addition to support for Apple ProRAW for more flexible and professional editing options:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Megapixels: | 12 MP x2 | 12 MP x2 | 12 MP x3 | 12 MP x3 |
| Ultrawide: | f/2.4 | f/2.4 | f/2.4 | f/2.4 |
| Wide: | f/1.6 | f/1.6 | f/1.6 | f/1.6 |
| Telephoto: | No | No | f/2.0 | f/2.2 |
| OIS: | Single | Single | Dual | Sensor-shift |
| Dolby HDR: | 30 fps | 30 fps | 60 fps | 60 fps |
| Digital Zoom: | 2x-5x* | 2x-5x* | 2x-10x* | 2x-12x* |
| Night Portrait: | No | No | Yes** | Yes** |
| Apple ProRAW: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
* By combining an image from multiple cameras, these models emulate a 2x optical zoom and provide an enhanced digital zoom (up to 5x for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, up to 10x for the iPhone 12 Pro, and up to 12x for the iPhone 12 Pro Max).
** The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max support LiDAR which makes night portrait mode possible as well as improved autofocus in low light.
Identification Differences
Some iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models can be identified by color, but this does not work for all models and is not a reliable method accordingly. It is not possible to identify specific models within each line by appearance alone, either.
One relatively easy way to uniquely identify these models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS "Settings" app.
Consequently, for the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these iPhone devices:
|
iPhone Model |
Model Number |
Battery Life Differences
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models all have impressive battery life, but the largest iPhone 12 Pro Max provides the longest runtime of the four:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Local Video: | 15 Hours | 17 Hours | 17 Hours | 20 Hours |
| Streaming: | 10 Hours | 11 Hours | 11 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Audio: | 50 Hours | 65 Hours | 65 Hours | 80 Hours |
All of these mobiles are capable of charging to 50% capacity in 30 minutes, as well.
Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max models all provide much of the same connectivity. For example, all four provide 5G LTE, 4G LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra Wideband "for spatial awareness," NFC capability, and more.
However, there are a few 5G and 4G LTE bands that are supported by some models and not others. Specifically, models sold in the United States support the n71 (600 MHz), n260 (39 GHz), n261 (28 GHz) 5G bands in addition to the 14 (700 PS), 29 (700d MHz), and 71 (600 MHz) 4G bands. Models sold in Canada and Japan also support the US bands but add support for the 11 (1500 MHz) and 21 (1500 MHz) 4G bands. Models sold in other countries do not support these bands.
Supported 4G and 5G bands vary accordingly:
|
iPhone Model |
Model No |
Additional 4G/5G |
|
iPhone 12 mini (US) |
14 (700 PS) |
|
|
iPhone 12 mini (Canada/Japan) |
11 (1500 MHz) |
|
|
iPhone 12 mini (Global) |
No Differences |
|
|
iPhone 12 mini (China) |
No Differences |
The models sold in Canada and Japan do not support CDMA, either.
Most models support a single physical Nano SIM and one virtual eSIM, but China-only models do not support eSIM. Instead the China-only iPhone 12 mini (A2400) has a single Nano SIM whereas the larger China-only models (A2404, A2408, and A2412) have two physical Nano SIMs.
Internal Differences
Although specific parts are different, the entry-level iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are largely similar to the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max internally. However, the "professional" models add LiDAR support, more RAM, and the option of more storage:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Clockspeed: | 3.0 GHz | 3.0 GHz | 3.0 GHz | 3.0 GHz |
| Processor: | A14 | A14 | A14 | A14 |
| Cores: | 6 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores |
| RAM: | 4 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage (GB): | 64/128/256 | 64/128/256 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 |
| LiDAR: | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Note that from a performance standpoint, there is no meaningful difference between these models at all.
iOS Support Similarities
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max all originally shipped with iOS 14. They all fully support iOS 15, as well.
All also support the current version of the iOS -- iOS 16 -- but feature support varies slightly. None of these models support the improved Depth of Field feature, but the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 also lack support for Accessibility Detection whereas the higher-end iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max do support Accessibility Detection.
iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max Comparison Chart
These differences as well as other details and pricing information is summarized below:
|
12 mini |
12 |
12 Pro |
12 Pro Max |
|
| Introduced: | Oct 2020 | Oct 2020 | Oct 2020 | Oct 2020 |
| Discontinued: | Sep 2022 | Current | Sep 2021 | Sep 2021 |
| RAM: | 4 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage (GB): | 64/128/256 | 64/128/256 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 |
| Battery Life: | 10-50 Hours | 11-65 Hours | 11-65 Hours | 12-80 Hours |
| Display Size: | 5.4" | 6.1" | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Resolution: | 2340x1080 | 2532x1170 | 2532x1170 | 2778x1284 |
| PPI: | 476 | 460 | 460 | 458 |
| Brightness: | 625 nits | 625 nits | 800 nits | 800 nits |
| Front Camera: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear Camera: | 2 (12 MP) | 2 (12 MP) | 3 (12 MP) | 3 (12 MP) |
| Material: | Al/Glass | Al/Glass | Steel/Glass | Steel/Glass |
| Colors: | 5 Colors | 5 Colors | 4 Subdued | 4 Subdued |
| SIM Card: | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM |
| 5G: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orig. iOS: | iOS 14 | iOS 14 | iOS 14 | iOS 14 |
| Max. iOS: | iOS 16 | iOS 16 | iOS 16 | iOS 16 |
Ignoring subsequent models, and only comparing these devices to one another, the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max all are impressive.
Although the value proposition may have shifted somewhat on the used market -- and the iPhone 12 remains available new -- but the less expensive "entry level" iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are (1) the same speed and (2) have the same fast 5G capability as their more expensive "Pro" brethren and are a good value accordingly. For the majority of users, these devices should be far more than adequate for their needs.
However, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max offer (1) a stronger steel frame and textured glass for less slippery handling, (2) slightly brighter displays, (3) a more advanced rear camera, (4) more RAM, (5) LiDAR support, and (6) the option of more storage. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is so huge that it definitely is a two-handed device for just about anyone, but it also adds (7) even more advanced camera functionality and (8) even longer battery life.
Just comparing these four options, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max are the most straightforward to consider. If you want the smallest and/or cheapest, go with the iPhone 12 mini. If you want the largest display possible and/or the best camera and battery life, go with the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
It is a more difficult decision between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 already is a very good device, but the iPhone 12 Pro originally was as little as US$170 more (or US$120 more if they both were configured with 128 GB of storage). The other advantages of the "professional" option should be considered carefully, but for most users, it will come down to whether not the better camera is worth the extra money to you.