Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Asus ROG Phone 5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2021-04-26 | Asus ROG Phone 5 is newer, potentially with more updated components. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 172.8 × 77.3 × 10.3 mm | iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller, more pocketable, and easier to use with one hand. ROG Phone 5 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 135g | 238g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 5 offers a significantly larger screen for immersive viewing, gaming, and multitasking. iPhone 12 mini is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2448 | Both offer similar sharpness; slight resolution difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 476 | 395 | iPhone 12 mini has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density, resulting in finer details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | ROG Phone 5 provides smoother animations and scrolling, beneficial for gaming and general UI experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | iPhone 12 mini offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. (Asus ROG Phone 5 brightness specification not available) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 888 | Different architectures - A14 optimized for iOS, SD888 for Android. Both provide high-end performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 883,000 | iPhone 12 mini shows better benchmark performance, translating to potentially faster app loading. |
| GPU | Apple 4-core GPU | Adreno 660 | Different GPUs; both are high-end, but performance differs based on the application being used. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227 mAh | 6000 mAh | ROG Phone 5 has a much larger battery, suggesting significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 5 charges much faster than the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless | Bypass, Reverse charging | iPhone 12 mini has wireless charging options; ROG Phone 5 can bypass battery charging during gaming and reverse charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | ROG Phone 5 has a higher resolution sensor, while iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture and larger pixel size on the wide angle, different strengths in each. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 24MP, f/2.45, 1/2.8" | ROG Phone 5 captures higher-resolution selfies. iPhone 12 mini provides a brighter aperture. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.5 | ROG Phone 5 has 1MP higher resolution. iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.0 | ROG Phone 5 has a dedicated macro lens; iPhone 12 mini does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ROG Phone 5 offers higher resolution video, while iPhone 12 mini has different stabilization technology. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 117 | (Not tested) | iPhone 12 mini shows that it performs well in both photo and video capture (Note: Asus not tested) |
| DxoMark Selfie | 132 | (Not tested) | iPhone 12 mini performs very well on selfie capture (Note: Asus not tested) |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Android 11 | Different operating systems; choice depends on user preference for iOS or Android ecosystems. |
| Max OS Version | 18 | 12 | iPhone 12 mini has higher max OS versions, which usually means more years of updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6, MiMO, Direct, Display | ROG Phone 5 has additional WiFi features for more flexible connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 | ROG Phone 5 has a newer Bluetooth version and more features for audio enthusiasts. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Enhanced GPS | ROG Phone 5 has a more precise GPS with multiple satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 mini offers eSIM, which allows for more flexible carrier options. Both offer dual sim capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both have similar maximum storage options; iPhone 12 mini has a lower base storage of 64GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ROG Phone 5 offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio | ROG Phone 5 focuses on high-fidelity audio and enhanced surround sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint sensor | ROG Phone 5 offers the convenience of biometric fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 6 | ROG Phone 5 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Proximity, Motion, Fingerprint, Hall | Both feature proximity and motion sensors. Asus ROG Phone 5 has fingerprint and hall sensor. iPhone 12 has barometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size & Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a clearer and more detailed display.
- Superior Outdoor Visibility: Much higher display brightness makes it easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Wireless Charging: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- Better Performance Shows higher scores on AnTuTu.
- Camera Performance: Excellent photo and video capture as shown by DxoMark scores.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexible carrier options with eSIM.
- More OS Updates Supports more OS updates in the future.
Asus ROG Phone 5 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for gaming, media consumption, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate for smoother animations and scrolling.
- Massive Battery: Much larger battery capacity translates to longer usage times.
- Faster Charging: Charges significantly faster due to higher wattage.
- Superior Audio: Enhanced audio quality features like DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, and noise cancellation microphone.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM for demanding tasks and heavy multitasking.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Advanced GPS: Offers more precise location tracking with multiple satellite systems.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers biometric security for faster phone unlocking.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers enhanced screen protection
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller screen and battery, lower refresh rate and no macro lens, lower base storage.
- Asus ROG Phone 5: Larger and heavier, lower pixel density, and lower benchmark performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Users who want a premium and compact smartphone.
- Users within the iOS ecosystem.
- Users who want reliable camera performance.
- Users who value a sharp and bright screen for all-day use.
- Users who need reliable performance for most daily tasks.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media.
- On-the-go photography and videography.
- Light gaming and casual entertainment.
- Users with small hands or who prefer smaller phones.
Asus ROG Phone 5 Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: The large screen, high refresh rate, and ample RAM make it ideal for gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: The large, smooth display, and enhanced audio are great for media consumption.
- Power Users: Who require long battery life and high performance for intensive tasks.
- Users who prefer Android customization and features.
- Users who prioritize high-fidelity audio.
Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming.
- Binge-watching videos and movies.
- Multitasking and productivity.
- Users who want excellent sound quality.
- Users who value faster charging and better battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size and Portability: Do you prefer a compact phone that's easy to handle with one hand, or a larger screen for immersive viewing?
- Performance & Use Case: Do you prioritize mobile gaming and high-performance tasks, or a reliable experience for everyday use?
- Operating System & Ecosystem: Are you already invested in iOS or Android, and what are your ecosystem preferences?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you prioritize a compact phone for basic tasks, social media, and light use, the iPhone 12 mini is a strong choice due to its portability and sharper display.
- Scenario 2: Gamer & Power User: If you need a phone for gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption, the ROG Phone 5 is the better option with its larger, smoother screen, longer battery, and ample RAM.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If excellent mobile camera is a major factor, then the iPhone 12 mini is a better option due to higher DxoMark scores and reliable camera performance.
- Scenario 4: Audio Enthusiast: If audio fidelity and surround sound are important, the ROG Phone 5 with its enhanced audio features is the clear choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 5. While the iPhone 12 mini is incredibly appealing due to its compact size, sharper display, and reliable camera, the ROG Phone 5's advantages in areas that are key to my usage scenarios edge it out. I often engage in mobile gaming and multimedia consumption, and prioritize better battery life and faster charging. The larger and smoother display, combined with superior audio and higher RAM, would provide a much better experience for my needs. While the iPhone has superior camera scores, it is not my primary need.
The ROG phone 5 isn't a small phone and doesn't have a super compact display or great outdoor brightness, but it excels in what I need it to do. It provides great multimedia and gaming experiences.
