1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-04-14 | The Zenfone is significantly newer, benefiting from modern hardware and software. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is much smaller, fitting comfortably in one hand and pockets; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and more cumbersome. |
| Weight | 135g | 224g | The iPhone 12 mini is much lighter and more comfortable for extended use; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.78" | The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a much larger display, ideal for media consumption and gaming; the iPhone 12 mini prioritizes compactness. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, but the smaller screen of the iPhone 12 mini results in higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 476 | 388 | The iPhone 12 mini's higher pixel density will make text and images appear sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar quality displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone 11 Ultra's 144Hz refresh rate provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is much better for outdoor use and visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Zenfone 11 Ultra's chipset offers significantly better performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra demonstrates superior processing power for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 750 | The Adreno 750 in the Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly more powerful for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5500mAh | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much larger battery, promising significantly better battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 65W fast charging | The Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe/7.5W Qi | 15W | Both support wireless charging but the iPhone 12 Mini supports MagSafe. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed images due to higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.9 | The iPhone 12 mini may perform slightly better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.56" | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has larger sensor for improved light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | The Zenfone 11 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | The iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Minor difference in resolution; similar functionality. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra's wider aperture may allow better low light wide-angle shots. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | The Zenfone 11 Ultra can record higher-resolution video. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 125 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has slightly better overall score in the main camera. |
| DXOMark Photo Score | 128 | 131 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra takes slightly better photos according to DXOMark. |
| DXOMark Video Score | 129 | 115 | The iPhone 12 mini has better video recording score according to DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Different ecosystems; iOS is known for simplicity and tight integration, Android for flexibility and customization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra features a newer Bluetooth version with improved connectivity. |
| GPS | Multiple | More Systems | The Zenfone 11 Ultra supports additional GPS systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both are Dual Sim, however, the iPhone 12 mini can use an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB | Both offer a max of 512GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has Hi-Res audio and noise-canceling microphones, while the iPhone 12 mini features Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has a fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has more sensors than the iPhone 12 mini. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size: The most significant advantage is its incredibly small form factor, making it the most pocketable phone available.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density provides a sharper display despite a smaller size.
- MagSafe: Exclusive support for MagSafe charging and accessories.
- Slightly Better Video Recording: Higher DXOmark score for video recording compared to the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 mini is ideal for users who prioritize portability and one-handed use. The sharper display enhances the viewing experience despite the smaller size, while MagSafe offers convenient wireless charging and accessory options.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Larger Display: Superior for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz offers a much smoother visual experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides a substantial performance increase.
- Larger Battery: Much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows for quick power-ups.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, dedicated telephoto lens, and enhanced video capabilities (8K).
- More RAM: 12GB or 16GB of RAM allows for significantly smoother multitasking and heavy usage.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio support for premium sound quality.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more reliable biometric security.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is geared toward users who prioritize performance, multimedia consumption, and photography. Its large, bright screen is great for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. The high refresh rate makes interactions feel smoother. The larger battery ensures all-day usage.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Offers great portability but suffers from a smaller display, lower battery capacity and less power.
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: Much larger, heavier, and less comfortable for one-handed use. It can feel bulky in pockets.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Ideal User: Individuals who value extreme portability, one-handed usability, and the iOS ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Commuting and travel where size is paramount
- Quick phone calls and messages
- Light media consumption
- Users with smaller hands or preference for compact devices
- Price-to-Value: This is an older device so is likely cheaper than the Zenfone 11 Ultra, this can be a great value for people looking for a smaller device.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, content creators, and media enthusiasts who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Watching videos and movies on-the-go
- Photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking
- Users who need a large screen for productivity or accessibility
- Price-to-Value: The Zenfone 11 Ultra offers premium features at a higher price, offering excellent performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Portability or Performance?
- If extreme portability is crucial, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice. If you prioritize performance, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is much better.
- What is your main use case?
- If you are using it for light tasks and basic use, the iPhone 12 mini is adequate. For gaming, heavy apps and media creation, the Zenfone is the clear winner.
- Which ecosystem do you prefer (iOS vs Android)?
- If you prefer iOS, the iPhone is the only choice. If you are comfortable with Android, the Zenfone offers more options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler who values a small, light phone.
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12 mini. Its size and weight make it ideal for easy carrying, and it's still a capable phone for basic tasks.
- Scenario 2: Gaming enthusiast who wants the best mobile experience.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The high refresh rate, powerful processor, and large screen make it the ultimate gaming phone.
- Scenario 3: Content creator who needs high-quality photos and videos.
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The advanced camera system, 8K video recording, and telephoto lens offer more creative options.
- Scenario 4: Casual user who prioritizes ease of use and value.
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12 mini. It's a great option for basic use due to its ease of use and the reliability of the iOS ecosystem.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The main reason for this is that I use my phone primarily for multimedia consumption (watching videos, social media, some light gaming) and value battery life for the day. The Zenfone's much larger, brighter screen with the higher refresh rate is significantly better for this. The Zenfone also has better performance, future-proofing it for years to come. While I like the portability of the iPhone 12 mini, it's too small for my use cases and its battery life is inadequate. I also prefer the flexibility of the Android OS and the improved camera specs and quality in the Zenfone 11 Ultra. Finally, the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking is a bonus.
