Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-01-18 | ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer (3+ years), benefiting from newer tech and updates. |
| Size | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much smaller and pocketable. ROG Phone 8 is significantly larger, less comfortable for one-hand use. |
| Weight | 135g | 225g | iPhone 12 mini is substantially lighter, better for prolonged use. ROG Phone 8 is heavier, may cause fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 offers a much larger display for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. iPhone 12 mini prioritizes compactness. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar, both are sharp, but due to size differences, the iPhone has a higher ppi |
| PPI | 476 | 388 | iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display due to higher pixel density, which is more noticeable on text and fine details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast, negligible difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 is much smoother, better for gaming and fast-scrolling, making it look fluid, iPhone 12 mini is less smooth but has better energy efficiency |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is drastically brighter, much better visibility in direct sunlight, iPhone 12 mini will be harder to see in bright light. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 has a newer, more powerful processor, providing significantly better performance for demanding tasks and future proofing, |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 performs nearly twice as fast in benchmarks, meaning faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8’s GPU is much more powerful, giving better graphics for gaming, video editing. iPhone 12 mini is less powerful. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a significantly larger battery, meaning potentially much longer battery life. iPhone 12 mini may require frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 8 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. iPhone 12 mini will take longer to charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 12MP | 50MP | ROG Phone 8 captures more detailed images with its higher resolution. iPhone 12 mini has lower resolution. |
| Main Camera Ap. | f/1.6 | f/1.9 | iPhone 12 mini performs better in low-light due to wider aperture. ROG Phone 8 is less sensitive in low light. |
| Main Cam. Sensor | 1/2.55" | 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 8 captures more light due to its larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance. iPhone 12 mini's sensor is smaller. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 captures more detailed selfies due to its higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle | Yes | No | iPhone 12 mini provides a wider field of view. ROG Phone 8 lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | ROG Phone 8 captures detailed close-up photos. iPhone 12 mini lacks a dedicated macro lens |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | ROG Phone 8 offers higher video resolution for professionals. Both offer excellent video capabilities, but ROG Phone 8 is more future proof. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, upgradable to 18 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Different operating systems: iOS is user-friendly with an emphasis on privacy while Android is more flexible and customizable. iPhone has longer OS support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | ROG Phone 8 supports newer Wi-Fi 7, faster speeds and better performance. iPhone 12 mini has an older standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | ROG Phone 8 has the newer version with more features and better connectivity; Both are low energy, saving battery |
| GPS | Basic GPS Support | Advanced GPS Support | ROG Phone 8 has better accuracy due to enhanced support for multiple global navigation systems. |
| SIM | Nano+Nano/eSIM | Nano+Nano | Both have Dual SIM capabilities; iPhone 12 mini provides the flexibility of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512GB | 256GB | iPhone 12 mini offers more storage variants. ROG Phone 8 only has one variant. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | ROG Phone 8 is better for multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | DTS / DTS X, 3 mics | Both offer excellent audio with stereo speakers but different codecs; ROG Phone 8's 3 microphones offer better call quality. |
| Security | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | ROG Phone 8's fingerprint sensor is more convenient. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unspecified | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 is more durable with its newer Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both offer advanced sensors; iPhone has barometer while Asus includes a fingerprint sensor and gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, excellent for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for crisper text and images.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for digital carrier switching and dual SIM use.
- Wide Angle Lens: Provides wider field of view for capturing landscape photos.
- Dolby Audio Support: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus offer higher quality audio codecs.
- Better Software Support: Apple is known to provide longer OS support.
- Better Selfi Camera DXoMark Score: Scores better in selfie photos and videos.
- Ultra Stable Video: Provides better video stabilization.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and GPU, ideal for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Larger, Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate and brightness for a better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Battery Life: Much larger battery capacity, providing a longer time between charges.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: 50MP main camera and 32MP selfie camera capture more detail.
- Macro Lens: Captures detailed close-up photos.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video quality for professional content creators.
- Advanced Audio: DTS / DTS X provides more immersive audio and 3 mics offer better call quality.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers convenient biometric security.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Better connectivity for faster speeds and better audio quality.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is more durable.
- Advanced GPS Support: More accurate GPS positioning with L1 and L5 GPS support.
- Gimbal and Laser autofocus: Advanced features for photo and video.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Trades battery life, performance, and screen size for a compact design and portability.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: Trades pocketability and ease of one-handed use for significantly better performance, display, battery life, and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users with Small Hands: Perfect for those who find larger phones uncomfortable.
- Users Seeking Portability: Ideal for users who prioritize pocketability and light weight.
- Casual Users: Suitable for those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Eco-Conscious Users: May prefer a smaller, more efficient device.
- iOS Ecosystem Fans: Users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Easy one-handed usage and quick pocket access.
- Everyday browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Quick photography and videography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who prefer the smaller display size.
Ideal Users for Asus ROG Phone 8:
- Gamers: Demanding gamers seeking top-tier performance and a smooth display.
- Power Users: Users who need to multitask heavily and run demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and prefer larger displays.
- Content Creators: Users who capture a lot of photos and videos for social media and professional projects.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need their phone to last all day without needing to recharge.
- Users Who Value Performance: Those who prioritize the speed and future proofing.
- Android Customization Fanatics: Android gives user control over the phone.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming with high refresh rate and graphics performance.
- Heavy multitasking and app usage.
- Long periods of media consumption.
- Professional quality photo and video creation.
- Long battery life throughout the day.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, media, daily use, photography).
- How important is portability and single hand usage? (e.g., do you need a compact phone).
- How important is battery life and performance? (e.g., do you need a long-lasting and fast phone).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User Primarily Wants a Small Phone for Casual Use: The Apple iPhone 12 mini is the clear winner due to its compact size, better for one hand usage, and comfortable portability, sacrificing performance and battery.
- Scenario 2: User is a Hardcore Gamer, Media Consumer or Power User: The Asus ROG Phone 8 is the superior choice. It offers high-end performance, a smooth display, a bigger battery, and better cameras.
- Scenario 3: User Uses the Phone Outdoors: The Asus ROG Phone 8 is the better choice due to its high brightness screen and a bigger battery.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Asus ROG Phone 8. Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming and content creation, the superior performance and future-proofing of the ROG Phone 8 are crucial. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and large RAM will give a smoother, lag-free experience.
- Display: The larger, brighter 165Hz display of the ROG Phone 8 would be far more enjoyable for media consumption and gaming. This would be a great improvement.
- Battery: The vastly superior battery life on the ROG Phone 8 means I would not worry about running out of power during the day, and its faster charging means less downtime.
- Camera: The more versatile camera system of the ROG Phone 8, with the main camera and macro lens, would be more useful for capturing different types of photos. The 8K recording ability adds professional capabilities I don't find in the iPhone.
- Connectivity: The most recent Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity will be superior, better connectivity and audio quality.
- Fingerprint Sensor: This is much more convenient than relying only on a passcode or facial recognition, making the ROG Phone 8 more efficient for day to day use.
- Modern Build: The modern screen protector is superior to the iPhone's and will offer greater durability.
While I appreciate the compact design of the iPhone 12 mini, for my specific needs, the ROG Phone 8 provides a much more compelling package. The trade off in size would be worth it for the performance gains.
