Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support and newer features. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much smaller and easier to handle one-handed; Realme 12+ is larger, better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 135g | 190g | iPhone 12 mini is significantly lighter, better for long periods of use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a much larger screen for immersive media viewing and better multitasking. iPhone 12 mini is very compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, with minor differences that are likely indistinguishable to the average user. |
| Pixel Density | 476 PPI | 395 PPI | iPhone 12 mini has a noticeably sharper display due to its higher pixel density, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast and color reproduction, the difference is negligible in everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ has a much smoother scrolling and animation experience, especially noticeable in fast-paced content and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight thanks to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 | Apple A14 Bionic is a powerful chip, while Dimensity 7050 provides good performance for the price |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 601,000 | iPhone 12 mini offers significantly faster performance in benchmarks, suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G68 MC4 | Apple's GPU is more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ likely offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | No | iPhone 12 mini offers convenient wireless charging options |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 12MP | 50MP | Realme 12+ captures more detailed images due to higher resolution, offering better flexibility in cropping. |
| Main Camera Ap. | f/1.6 | f/1.88 | iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture, better for low-light photography. |
| Main Camera Sensor | 1/2.55" Sony IMX372 | 1/2" Sony LYT-600 | Realme 12+'s larger sensor gathers more light and improves overall image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 12MP | 16MP | Realme 12+ captures slightly more detail in selfies |
| Wide Angle Res | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 mini has a higher resolution wide angle camera |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Realme 12+ has a dedicated macro lens, allowing for close-up shots, a feature the iPhone lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 30fps EIS | Both are capable of 4K recording, but the iPhone offers more frame rate options, while Realme has EIS. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Night Mode, RAW, Optical Zoom | OIS, Digital image stabilization | Apple iPhone has more advanced camera features including optical zoom and RAW capture |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Up to 18) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | Different ecosystems, iOS is known for its simplicity and tight ecosystem, while Android is open-source and customizable. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6, Direct, Display | Both support fast WiFi; iPhone supports MIMO, Realme supports WiFi direct and display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, EDR, HID | Realme 12+ has a newer version and support for more profiles, providing better connectivity features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | iPhone has better location tracking due to support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano) | iPhone 12 mini offers an eSIM option for easier digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both have similar storage capacity options, but the iPhone starts with 64GB which may be too little for some users today. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12+ has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking performance and app responsiveness. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 12+ has more robust audio features such as Hi-Res and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 12+ offers convenient biometric security via fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | iPhone includes a Barometer; Realme has a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size: Significantly smaller and lighter, ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks.
- Higher Pixel Density: The sharper display results in better image and text clarity.
- Camera Features: Advanced camera features such as Optical Zoom, Ultra stable video and RAW image capture, and better video frame rate options..
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi compatibility.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for easier digital carrier switching and dual SIM functionality.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Larger Display: A much larger screen is better for media consumption and productivity tasks.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother visual experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility due to its higher brightness.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: Quickly recharge with 67W fast charging.
- More RAM: Higher RAM capacity (up to 12GB) for better multitasking.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Fingerprint sensor for basic biometric authentication
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and noise cancelling mics.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Smaller display, shorter battery life, slower charging, and less RAM for multitasking.
- Realme 12+: Larger and heavier, lower benchmark performance, and lacks certain camera features such as optical zoom.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize a highly pocketable and lightweight phone.
- Individuals who need high performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Those who prefer the simplicity of iOS and its ecosystem.
- Users who value better camera features over a large screen and long battery.
Use Cases:
- Daily use for communication, browsing, and social media on a compact device.
- Gaming and running performance intensive applications.
- Users seeking a premium experience within a very small design.
- Quickly capture important moments with the superior camera features.
Ideal User for Realme 12+:
- Users who prefer a larger display for media consumption and productivity.
- Individuals who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who need a smooth display experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Android users seeking versatility and customization options.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos, movies, and playing games on a large, immersive display.
- Long days away from a power source, where battery life is critical.
- Multitasking and using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Close-up photography using the macro lens and casual photography with the 50MP main camera.
- Users looking for good value with the latest features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Size and Portability: Do you prioritize a very compact phone that's easy to use one-handed, or do you prefer a larger screen for better media consumption?
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks, or is longer battery life and faster charging more important?
- Operating System: Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS, or are you more comfortable with Android's versatility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I need a very small phone that performs well." Choose the iPhone 12 mini. Its compact size and powerful processor make it ideal for users who prioritize a pocketable device without compromising on performance.
Scenario 2: "I watch a lot of videos on my phone, and battery life is important." Choose the Realme 12+. The large display, 120Hz refresh rate, and much larger battery provide a much better entertainment experience.
Scenario 3: "I want the best possible camera quality." Choose the iPhone 12 mini. It offers superior video recording options, better camera features, and a better DXOMARK score.
Scenario 4: "I want the latest features at a mid-range price." Choose the Realme 12+, with its newer hardware, higher RAM capacity, faster charging, and a larger screen, while also providing good performance.
What I would choose
If I were personally choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12+. While I appreciate the compactness of the iPhone 12 mini and its better performance, the overall experience of the Realme 12+ better suits my daily needs. I watch a lot of video content, and the larger, brighter, and smoother display is a huge plus. Additionally, the significantly longer battery life and faster charging are major advantages for my lifestyle. Though I'm aware of the performance advantage of the iPhone 12 mini, the Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 12+ is still very capable for most of my tasks. The additional features of a macro lens and fingerprint sensor add to its practicality. Therefore, for me, the Realme 12+ provides a better all-around experience.
