1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and more pocketable, while the ROG Phone 7 is much larger and more unwieldy. |
| Weight | 135g | 239g | The iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.78" | The ROG Phone 7 offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming, while the iPhone 12 mini is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2448 | Both have similar resolutions, resulting in similar visual clarity for everyday use. |
| PPI | 476 | 395 | The iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display with finer details due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, with AMOLED slightly more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | The ROG Phone 7 provides dramatically smoother animations and scrolling, a significant benefit for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1500 nits | The ROG Phone 7 is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The ROG Phone 7 has a much more powerful and newer chipset, offering superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,603,292 | The ROG Phone 7 demonstrates significantly higher performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 in the ROG Phone 7 provides superior graphics performance, essential for high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 6000mAh | The ROG Phone 7 has a significantly larger battery, likely providing much better battery life, though real endurance depends on usage and optimizations. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 65W fast charging | The ROG Phone 7 charges much faster, reducing downtime and convenience. |
| Features | Non-removable, * Unconfirmed capacity, 20W adapter sold separately, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W10, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, USB power adapter (65-Watt) / 30-watt in India, 10W reverse wired | ROG Phone 7 offers more versatile features like reverse charging and bypass charging for extended gaming, while the iPhone provides MagSafe wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | The ROG Phone 7 offers higher resolution and a larger sensor for potentially more detailed photos, while the iPhone has a slightly wider aperture for better low light shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5 | The ROG Phone 7 boasts a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail, although the iPhone has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | The ROG Phone 7 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, while the iPhone has a larger sensor for wide angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Only the ROG Phone 7 offers a dedicated macro lens, allowing for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 8K 24fps HDR, EIS | The ROG Phone 7 supports much higher resolution video recording at 8K and includes electronic image stabilization (EIS), whereas the iPhone has optical stabilization, offering 4k at 60 fps. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 117 (Main), 132 (Selfie) | Not Available | The iPhone 12 mini camera has been rated by DXOMark, while the ROG Phone 7 hasn't, which leaves an uncertain standing regarding its real-world performance, particularly concerning objective image quality. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Both cameras share a similar set of features with the inclusion of OIS and ultra stable video on the Apple device, whilst the ROG device has a triple camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, up to iOS 18 | Android 13, up to Android 15 | The iPhone uses iOS, known for its simplicity and tight ecosystem, while the ROG Phone uses Android, offering more customization and flexibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The ROG Phone 7 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The ROG Phone 7 utilizes a newer Bluetooth version, allowing for potentially faster transfer speeds and better stability with more devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The ROG Phone 7 offers more advanced and accurate location tracking with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The iPhone 12 mini supports eSIM in addition to nano-SIM, giving it flexibility, whilst the ROG Phone 7 uses dual nano-sim. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB | Both phones offer large storage options, with the iPhone having a wider variety of sizes, whilst the ROG Phone 7 has limited configurations. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB | The ROG Phone 7 offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming, as well as faster access to recent apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The ROG Phone 7 emphasizes higher-quality audio with advanced processing and a noise-canceling microphone while the iPhone has Dolby digital and Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | Only the ROG Phone 7 has a biometric sensor for fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The ROG Phone 7 has the superior Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, whilst the iPhone 12 Mini has unknown protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | The ROG Phone 7 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, including a fingerprint sensor and a hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size: The iPhone 12 mini's significantly smaller size and lighter weight make it exceptionally pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Sharper Display: The higher pixel density of the iPhone 12 mini display results in a sharper and more detailed picture.
- Mature Camera System: DXOMark ratings indicate a reliable and capable camera performance in both main and selfie contexts.
- MagSafe Ecosystem: Supports MagSafe wireless charging and accessories, adding convenience for users invested in the ecosystem.
- iOS Simplicity: Offers the simplicity and streamlined experience of iOS, especially if user is more familiar with the ecosystem, rather than Android.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers significantly higher benchmark scores, resulting in a smoother experience for demanding games and applications.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The larger, 165Hz refresh rate display offers a much more immersive and fluid viewing experience, particularly for gaming and media consumption.
- Much Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery capacity provides considerably longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows for quicker charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, multiple microphones and more advanced audio processing provides a more immersive audio experience.
- More advanced connectivity: Superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity over the iPhone.
Trade-offs:
- Size & Weight: The ROG Phone 7 is much larger and heavier, sacrificing portability for a larger display and battery.
- Software: ROG Phone 7 utilizes the Android OS, which may be preferred by some users, whilst others might prefer Apple's iOS software.
- Camera Ecosystem: Whilst the ROG Phone 7 offers some advanced camera features such as 8k Video, a Macro lens, and superior video features, the overall camera is not rated by DXOMark and remains uncertain.
- Pricing: While both phones are within a similar price bracket, it depends on user preferences on whether the pricing is worth it for the specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone that fits easily in a pocket and can be used comfortably with one hand.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem who value the seamless experience of iOS.
- Users who need a reliable camera for daily use and occasional photography.
- Users who prioritize a sharper, more detailed display despite it being smaller.
- Users who prefer wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi.
- Users who do not prioritize gaming, but still want a capable phone with enough power for everyday use.
Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 7:
- Gamers who require top-tier performance, a smooth high-refresh display, and long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
- Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption and multitasking.
- Users who need the highest performance for demanding applications.
- Users who want the most advanced and efficient wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
- Users who value high quality audio for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want a versatile phone with fast charging and additional battery features.
- Users who would prefer Android over iOS.
Use Cases:
- iPhone 12 mini: Everyday use, casual photography, calling, messaging, web browsing.
- ROG Phone 7: High-end mobile gaming, content creation, advanced multi-tasking, long trips with no frequent charging points.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority between portability and large display size? (iPhone for portability, ROG for large display)
- What operating system do you prefer or have more experience with? (iPhone for iOS, ROG for Android)
- What is your primary use case - is it gaming or general everyday use? (iPhone for general, ROG for gaming)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want a pocketable, everyday phone with a good camera. Choose the iPhone 12 mini. Its compact size, sharp display, and capable camera system are ideal for day-to-day use.
- Scenario 2: You are a hardcore gamer who needs maximum performance and long battery life. Choose the Asus ROG Phone 7. Its powerful chipset, large display with high refresh rate, and massive battery are designed for gaming.
- Scenario 3: You prefer a larger display and don't care about portability or gaming. Choose the Asus ROG Phone 7. The larger display and high battery life would make it ideal for consuming media, and the increased ram would make it ideal for multi-tasking.
My Choice:
Based on a balance between general user experience, performance, and future proofing, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 7. Although I appreciate the compact design of the iPhone 12 mini, the ROG Phone 7 offers significant advantages in areas that are more important to me:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is much more powerful, which means the phone will remain fluid and responsive for years to come, especially for demanding apps.
- Display: The larger, higher refresh rate display is significantly better for viewing media and general use, even if it compromises on portability.
- Battery Life: The significantly larger battery capacity of the ROG Phone 7 allows me to be free of worry for battery life when out and about, and the 65W fast charging gives me confidence to quickly charge my phone on the go.
- Versatility: The ROG phone's features such as the advanced connectivity, multi microphones, and reverse charging offer a variety of options not available on the iPhone 12 mini.
- Future Proofing: The ROG Phone 7's more advanced hardware, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 means the device will be more future proof than the older iPhone.
While the iPhone 12 mini is an excellent phone in its own right, especially for those who prioritize compact size, the ROG Phone 7 wins for me due to its superiority in performance, battery life, screen size, and future proofing capabilities.
