Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Motorola ThinkPhone
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | ThinkPhone is significantly larger, less pocketable, and harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 135g | 188.5g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone has better screen durability against drops and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.6" | ThinkPhone has a much larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Similar sharpness, though the size difference means ThinkPhone has lower pixel density overall. |
| PPI | 476 | 399 | iPhone 12 mini has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in practical use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both are equally bright for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone’s newer chip offers higher raw performance, better for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has a higher benchmark score, showing a moderate performance advantage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone's GPU handles graphically intensive games better. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | ThinkPhone’s extra RAM allows for smoother multitasking and running more apps in the background. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | ThinkPhone can capture more detail, potentially better for large prints and cropping. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 mini captures more light, potentially better in low-light scenarios. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.55" | ThinkPhone's larger sensor will capture more light overall resulting in better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | ThinkPhone captures more detail and offers greater clarity for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | iPhone 12 mini has better light capturing ability for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | iPhone 12 mini offers a wider field of view for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | ThinkPhone has a dedicated lens for better depth information in portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes (13MP) | ThinkPhone has dedicated lens for both wide angle and macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | ThinkPhone is capable of higher resolution video recording for professional content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Both phones offer smooth video recording even when moving. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 117 (Main), 132 (Selfie) | Not Available | iPhone 12 mini camera performance has been tested for more professional analysis. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone has significantly larger battery capacity for longer usage without charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 68W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | ThinkPhone charges much faster and has a high capacity, therefore offering better endurance. |
| Battery Features | MagSafe & Qi wireless | 15W wireless | iPhone 12 mini has more charging options through the MagSafe ecosystem. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | Android 13 | Different operating systems. iOS prioritizes simplicity and a robust ecosystem, Android prioritizes customizability and open-source flexibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct & Display | Both offer similar WiFi capabilities, with ThinkPhone offering a more advanced feature set. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | ThinkPhone has a newer version of Bluetooth offering better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | iPhone 12 mini supports QZSS while ThinkPhone includes SUPL. Slight difference in positioning features. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | iPhone 12 mini supports eSIM for more connectivity options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 256 GB | iPhone 12 mini has more options for higher storage capacities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phones offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | iPhone 12 mini offers more advanced spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | ThinkPhone has additional biometric protection for security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | iPhone 12 mini has environmental sensors. ThinkPhone provides fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density provides a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
- More Advanced Audio Features: Offers Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced spatial audio, better surround sound, and more audio separation.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility for dual-SIM usage with a digital carrier.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Offers additional charging options with the MagSafe ecosystem.
- Advanced Environmental Sensors: Features a Barometer and Compass for environmental readings and navigation.
Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- Smoother Display: Higher refresh rate makes animations and scrolling feel much more fluid.
- Higher Performance: Newer and faster chipset with more RAM offers better performance, particularly for gaming and demanding apps.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Much longer battery life for prolonged usage.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds for more efficient power-ups.
- Superior Build Quality: Utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better protection from damage.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors and an additional macro lens allows for more creative and detailed photography.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a biometric security option for quick and secure access.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller screen and less battery life for better one-handed use and portability.
- ThinkPhone: Larger size and weight reduces portability and single-hand use in favor of larger display and better battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users with smaller hands: Comfort and ease of one-handed use is a top priority.
- Those wanting extreme portability: Size and weight are primary concerns.
- Existing iOS users: Stays within the Apple ecosystem with its familiar interface and app ecosystem.
- Users who prioritize screen sharpness: Want the most detailed image quality possible within this size category.
- Users not needing all day battery: Will use the phone moderately or have ways to charge their phone during the day.
Specific Use Cases:
- Easy to carry in a small pocket or purse.
- Convenient for messaging, social media, and casual browsing on the go.
- Great for users who value camera quality and ecosystem integration.
Ideal User for Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Power users: Users who need maximum battery life, performance, and multi-tasking capability.
- Media consumers: Users who regularly watch movies, TV shows, or play video games on their phone.
- Android enthusiasts: Users who value customizability, open-source flexibility, and access to a wide variety of apps.
- Business professionals: Will use a phone with a large display to be more productive on the go.
- Photographers: Want a better camera for more flexibility and detail in their shots.
Specific Use Cases:
- Ideal for gaming and streaming content on the go.
- Best for multitasking for work or school use.
- Great for individuals who require a long battery to last the entire day.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the primary purpose of your smartphone? (Portability, media consumption, gaming, productivity)
- How important is screen size vs. portability? (Do you prefer a compact phone or a large display?)
- What is your preferred operating system? (Are you already in the Apple or Android ecosystem?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Extreme Portability & One-Handed Use: If you highly value a small, lightweight phone for easy one-handed use, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice, despite its lower battery life and smaller display.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Performance: If you prioritize a larger display, longer battery life, and smoother performance for gaming and media consumption, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the better option, despite its less sharp display and bulkier form factor.
- Scenario 3: General Daily Use With Balanced Features: If you want a balance of features, including a great camera, ecosystem integration with other Apple devices, and a compact design, then the iPhone 12 mini is suitable; however, if you value faster charging, higher performance, and a larger display while using an Android OS, then the Motorola ThinkPhone is a better fit.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While I appreciate the compact size and sharpness of the iPhone 12 mini, my daily usage involves a lot of media consumption, multitasking, and photography. The ThinkPhone’s larger display, significantly larger battery, higher performance, and higher resolution camera system would better suit my needs. The faster charging is also a big plus, and I am comfortable with the Android operating system. While it is less portable, the overall improvements in battery and performance outweighs the need for a compact device in my use case.
