Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. OnePlus Nord 4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-08-08 | OnePlus Nord 4 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much smaller and easier to handle one-handed; Nord 4 offers more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 135g | 199.5g | iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.74" | Nord 4 offers a significantly larger display for better media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4 provides sharper visuals, especially noticeable on the larger screen. |
| PPI | 476 | 450 | iPhone 12 mini has a slightly higher pixel density, which leads to marginally crisper images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED is generally associated with better energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nord 4 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 offers superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4 has a more modern, higher-performing processor, resulting in faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 shows better benchmark performance, indicating potentially faster app launch and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 732 | Different GPU architectures, but both offer capable graphics for their respective platforms. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227 mAh | 5500 mAh | Nord 4 has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Nord 4 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, MagSafe & Qi wireless charging | Non-removable | iPhone 12 mini offers wireless charging, while Nord 4 charges substantially faster with a larger battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Nord 4 captures more detail, but the iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Nord 4 has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies, while the iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | iPhone 12 mini has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, while Nord 4 has wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K 60fps with EIS | Both capture high-quality video, but Nord 4 has EIS, while iPhone 12 mini has a larger variety of HDR options. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 128, Video: 129) | Not Available | iPhone 12 mini's camera has been tested and demonstrates good overall performance based on DxOMark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 127, Video: 140) | Not Available | iPhone 12 mini's selfie camera has been tested and demonstrates good overall performance based on DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Digital image stabilization | iPhone 12 mini has more advanced camera features while Nord 4 is more basic. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems, users will be more comfortable in the environment they are familiar with. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer modern WiFi standards for fast internet, Nord 4 has better connectivity features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer version, with improved codec support, and better range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1,B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Nord 4 offers more accurate positioning with advanced GPS features. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone 12 mini supports eSIM which allows you to switch carriers digitally |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both offer a maximum of 512 GB but the iPhone 12 mini starts at 64 GB while Nord 4 starts at 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12/16 GB | Nord 4 has significantly more RAM, providing better multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers | iPhone 12 mini provides better audio quality due to Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | basic fingerprint sensor | Nord 4 has a more advanced way to unlock your phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | iPhone 12 mini has more environmental sensors, while Nord 4 has a fingerprint sensor for security. |
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.
- Higher Pixel Density: Sharper image clarity on the smaller screen.
- Better Audio Quality: Enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM Support: The ability to switch carriers digitally with eSIM functionality.
- More advanced camera features: Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, RAW, and Night mode.
- Has been benchmarked in both selfie and mobile camera tests: DxOMark results available for the camera.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Significantly larger screen for better media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother display experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Higher Brightness: Much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Processor: More powerful chipset, leading to better overall performance and faster app launch.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Much better battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging, drastically reducing charging times.
- More RAM: Offers 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB RAM configurations, enabling smoother multitasking.
- More modern Bluetooth version: Includes APT-x, LDAC, SBC, and AAC.
- More accurate positioning: With L1+L5 frequencies.
- Has a fingerprint sensor: For biometric authentication.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller screen and shorter battery life compared to Nord 4.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Larger size and heavier weight, may not be as comfortable for one-handed use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users with small hands: Appreciating the compact design and ease of one-handed operation.
- Those prioritizing portability: Preferring a light and pocketable device.
- Apple ecosystem users: Integrated experience with other Apple products and services.
- Users who value great audio quality.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 mini:
- Easy one-handed navigation: Great for quick tasks on the go.
- Comfortable for calls/texting: Very ergonomic for quick communication.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging and compatibility with other Apple products.
- Those who prefer advanced camera features.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Multimedia consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger screen.
- Power users: Those who need longer battery life and faster charging.
- Multitaskers: Requiring more RAM for running multiple apps smoothly.
- Gamers: Those who need high performance and fast refresh rate.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Extensive multimedia consumption: Ideal for long video sessions and mobile gaming.
- Heavy daily usage: Providing all-day battery life with fast charging to prevent downtime.
- Users who value accurate positioning for maps and navigation.
- Those who want a modern bluetooth version with many codec capabilities
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What size and weight is comfortable for you? (Compact and lightweight vs. larger screen and weight)
- Is battery life or screen experience more important? (Long battery life with Nord 4 vs. more portable size and weight with iPhone 12 mini)
- Which ecosystem are you more comfortable in? (iOS vs Android)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: One-Handed Use and Portability - If you prioritize one-handed usage, portability and pocketability, the Apple iPhone 12 mini is better suited for you due to its compact design and light weight.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Heavy Usage - If you watch videos often, require long battery life, and engage in demanding applications, the OnePlus Nord 4 is better suited with its larger display, bigger battery, and faster performance.
- Scenario 3: Brand Ecosystem and Integrated Experience - If you are already in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple iPhone 12 mini offers the best experience due to its seamless integration with Apple services, and a better audio quality experience.
- Scenario 4: Security and Bluetooth If you are looking for a fingerprint sensor to unlock your phone, and a newer version of bluetooth with many codec capabilities, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a better option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4. While I appreciate the compact size of the iPhone 12 mini, the significantly larger display, much longer battery life, faster charging, and more modern chipset of the Nord 4 are more aligned with my needs and usage patterns. I tend to watch a lot of videos on my phone and I prefer to charge less frequently. The significantly better display and battery life are simply more valuable to me than the compact design and audio enhancements of the iPhone 12 mini. I am also an android user, so it would be easier for me to operate. Additionally, the newer Bluetooth capabilities and fingerprint sensor are a nice addition.
