1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-09-25 | Motorola is significantly newer, implying longer software support |
Size | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much more compact and pocketable; Moto G35 is larger and more suited for media consumption |
Weight | 135g | 188g | iPhone 12 mini is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods. |
Display | |||
Size | 5.4" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers a significantly larger viewing area, better for movies, gaming, and multitasking |
Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Similar sharpness, negligible real-world difference |
PPI | 476 | 392 | iPhone 12 mini display will appear noticeably sharper and more detailed |
Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 mini has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 provides smoother scrolling and animations; a more fluid visual experience |
Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | iPhone 12 mini is more easily viewable in direct sunlight |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Apple A14 offers much higher performance, faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming |
AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 423,297 | Apple iPhone 12 mini offers a far superior user experience in demanding tasks |
GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G57 (ARM Mali-G57 MP4) | Apple GPU offers superior graphical performance |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 2227 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G35 will likely have much longer battery life due to its significantly larger battery |
Charging | 20W fast charging | 18W fast charging | iPhone 12 mini charges slightly faster, but the Moto G35 has much longer battery life |
Features | Non-removable, MagSafe/Qi Wireless | Non-removable | iPhone 12 mini offers convenient wireless charging options; Moto G35 is more standard |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Moto G35 has higher resolution; iPhone 12 mini has a brighter aperture and larger sensor, implying better low light performance |
Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G35 has higher resolution; iPhone 12 mini has a brighter aperture |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 mini has higher resolution but Motorola Moto G35 has slightly wider aperture; iPhone 12 mini has larger sensor, implying better low light performance |
Video | 4K@60fps HDR, Stereo Sound, advanced features | 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 mini offers superior video recording capabilities, including higher frame rates and HDR |
DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a verified good camera performance, G35 is not tested |
DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a verified good selfie camera performance, G35 is not tested |
Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Digital image stabilization | iPhone 12 mini offers advanced camera features with OIS, RAW, and Night mode |
Software | |||
OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 | Different operating systems with distinct user interfaces and app ecosystems |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | iPhone 12 mini supports newer Wi-Fi for faster speeds |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | iPhone 12 mini has a slightly newer version for improved connectivity |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar location capabilities |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both provide dual SIM capabilities, both support eSIM |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | iPhone 12 mini offers more maximum storage options |
RAM | 4GB | 4/8 GB | Moto G35 has an option for 8GB RAM variant |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | iPhone 12 mini offers Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced audio experience; Moto G35 has dual microphones |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G35 has a fingerprint sensor, iPhone relies on FaceID/passcode |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G35 offers better screen scratch resistance |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | iPhone 12 mini includes barometer, Moto G35 has a fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip delivers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, as indicated by the AnTuTu benchmark difference.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (PPI) on its OLED screen results in a crisper, more vibrant image quality.
- Better Camera: Superior low light performance, advanced features (OIS, RAW, Night Mode), and higher quality video recording options (4k@60fps with HDR).
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Significantly smaller and lighter, offering better portability and one-handed usability.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support means faster speeds and better performance on modern networks.
- Ecosystem: Access to Apple’s ecosystem and ecosystem benefits.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options.
- Premium Build Quality: Although screen protection is not confirmed it is likely to be superior to the Motorola, however it is not clear.
Practical Implications of iPhone 12 Mini:
- Smoother user experience
- Better image quality and low-light performance
- Better usability due to small form factor
- Seamless ecosystem
- Faster download and upload speeds
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage between charges.
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides smoother animations and scrolling.
- Fingerprint Sensor: More secure and convenient biometric unlocking.
- Expandable Storage (Not supported on either, but still worth mentioning): Ability to expand storage via microSD (Not applicable)
- More Affordable: Typically offered at a lower price point.
- Newer Software: Android 14 comes preinstalled.
Practical Implications of Moto G35:
- All-day battery life without constant charging.
- Better for media viewing due to the larger display.
- More fluid scrolling
- Easy unlocking
- Good for people who like customizability.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller battery, higher price, no fingerprint sensor, and smaller screen.
- Moto G35: Lower overall performance, lower screen sharpness, weaker camera, larger size, and lower quality video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand smooth, fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and creative apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable device for ease of use and portability.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Users who are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and want the seamless experience.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Photography and videography
- On-the-go professionals needing a compact device
- Users heavily relying on Apple services.
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G35:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking a reliable smartphone with essential features at an affordable price.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large display for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who need all-day battery life without frequent charging.
- Android Customization Enthusiasts: Users who prefer the flexibility of the Android operating system.
Use Cases:
- General day-to-day tasks
- Media consumption
- Light gaming and casual use
- Users who need long battery life
- Users who want better customizability
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and high-quality camera features, or long battery life and a larger screen?
- Is a compact, easily pocketable design important, or do you prefer a larger display for media consumption?
- Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem, or do you prefer the flexibility of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Power User"
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Reasoning: Superior processing power, camera quality, and ecosystem features outweigh the smaller battery.
- Scenario 2: "Budget-Conscious Media Consumer"
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35
- Reasoning: The larger display, long battery life, and more affordable price point make it a better value for media consumption and everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: "Portability and Performance"
- Recommendation: Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Reasoning: The compact design without sacrificing performance is the ideal choice.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone 12 mini.
Reasoning: While the Motorola Moto G35 has a larger display and longer battery life, my priorities are focused on performance, camera quality, and compactness. The Apple iPhone 12 mini offers a significantly superior user experience in terms of processing power, display sharpness, and camera capabilities. The smaller size is a significant plus for portability, and I'm heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, which provides seamless continuity and integration. I value the premium feel and features, even if it comes at the cost of a smaller battery. The quality of life features that the Apple phone provides outweigh the minor benefits of the Motorola.