Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2023-04-04 | Motorola is a newer device, benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller and more pocketable, while Motorola offers a larger screen. |
| Weight | 135g | 199g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.67" | Motorola has a much larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Similar sharpness, though Motorola's larger screen spreads pixels a bit more. |
| PPI | 476 | 394 | iPhone 12 mini offers a sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | Motorola provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | iPhone 12 mini slightly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Motorola offers faster processing for demanding apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,532,500 | Motorola scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 740 | Motorola's GPU provides better graphics for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4600mAh | Motorola has a much larger battery, potentially lasting much longer. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 125W fast charging | Motorola charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, MagSafe 15W wireless, Qi 7.5W | Non-removable, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired | Motorola provides reverse charging; iPhone offers MagSafe, but with unconfirmed adapter. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Motorola captures more detailed images with larger sensor; iPhone has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514 | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Motorola provides much higher resolution selfies with a dedicated sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Motorola offers optical zoom capabilities lacking on iPhone. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Motorola has more megapixels and a wider aperture; Apple has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Motorola records higher resolution video; Both offer HDR, stereo sound, and slow-motion |
| DxOMark Mobile | Main: 117, Photo: 128, Video: 129 | Main: 130, Photo: 133, Video: 135 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro demonstrates overall higher camera quality according to DxOMark scores. |
| DxOMark Selfie | Main: 132, Photo: 127, Video: 140 | Not Tested | |
| Features | Dual, OIS, Ultra-stable, RAW | Triple, OIS, Time-Lapse, 8K, RAW | Motorola offers more versatile camera features; Apple has dedicated ultra-stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, Max 18 | Android 13, Max 16 | Different OS ecosystems, offering varied user experiences. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax | 802.11be | Motorola offers faster, more advanced WiFi; Motorola supports WiFi Direct & display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Motorola features newer Bluetooth with advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Motorola provides L1/L5 & E1/E5a frequency support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Both offer dual-SIM functionality and eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Motorola lacks 64GB and 128GB option. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Motorola has much more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 mics | Motorola offers better audio separation and voice capture due to its 4 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers biometric fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola has superior screen protection, whereas iPhone protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola features a fingerprint reader; Apple includes a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size & Lightweight: Highly pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use, ideal for users who prefer smaller phones.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for a crisper image.
- Slightly Higher Brightness: Improved outdoor visibility.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Unique and convenient charging option.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Enhanced audio experience.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Significantly Faster Refresh Rate: Provides a much smoother user experience.
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and more RAM for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Much Larger Battery: Offers potentially much longer battery life.
- Much Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging time.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens and higher resolution sensors for improved image quality and zoom capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher-resolution video capture for professional or enthusiast needs.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster speeds and advanced features.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a convenient biometric security option.
- Reverse Charging: Allows for charging other devices.
- Superior Screen Protection: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for improved durability.
- Better DxOMark Camera Scores: Higher overall mobile and photo scores.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Small screen and potentially shorter battery life. Slower performance compared to Motorola.
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro: Significantly larger and heavier, less pocketable. Lower pixel density leading to a slightly less crisp display. Lacks MagSafe wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini Ideal Users:
- Users who value a small, lightweight, and pocketable smartphone.
- Those who prefer iOS and the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who prioritize a sharp display and don't need the best performance or large screen.
- Those who appreciate features like MagSafe and don't mind a smaller battery.
- Users who don't need demanding gaming and heavy multitasking.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance and a smooth user experience.
- Those who want a large, high refresh rate display for gaming, media, and multitasking.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who appreciate a versatile camera system with a zoom lens and 8K video.
- Users who prefer Android and its customizability.
- Users who value newer connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7.
Use Cases:
- iPhone 12 mini: Quick texting, calls, light browsing, listening to music, casual photography, and easily fitting into a pocket.
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro: Mobile gaming, video streaming, content creation, multitasking, travel with heavy navigation, and taking high-quality photos and videos.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price-to-value ratio will depend on the market. The Motorola is a newer device and offers higher specs compared to the older iPhone. The price should reflect this, but it may still not be the case in some places. Consider your budget and specific needs to determine which one is a better value for you.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size and Ergonomics: Do you prefer a small, pocketable phone or a larger display for media and gaming?
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming and multitasking, or is basic performance adequate?
- Battery Life: Do you need all-day battery and fast charging, or is a smaller battery acceptable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The "Pocketability" User: If a small size and lightweight design are your top priorities, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice, despite the performance, battery, and camera limitations.
Scenario 2: The "Power User": If you need the best performance, a large display with a smooth refresh rate, all-day battery, and advanced camera features, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the better option.
Scenario 3: The "Balanced" User: If you prefer a good overall experience, with a focus on display quality, smooth user experience, fast charging and good camera system for varied uses, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the better option. The iPhone offers a better display in terms of pixel density, but the refresh rate of Motorola is a huge benefit for general usage.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. The much larger and smoother display, combined with its significantly higher performance, larger battery with much faster charging, and a more versatile camera system would better suit my needs and provide a more modern user experience. While I appreciate the compact design of the iPhone 12 mini, I find its trade-offs in terms of screen size, performance, battery life, and camera versatility to be too significant for my everyday use. The additional features like the fingerprint sensor and the newer connectivity features are also a big plus. The Motorola Edge 40 Pro seems to provide a better overall value proposition for my requirements.
