1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | The Realme 12 Pro is significantly larger, making the iPhone 12 mini much more pocketable and easier to use with one hand. |
| Weight | 135g | 190g | The iPhone 12 mini is substantially lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.7" | The Realme 12 Pro offers a much larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone 12 mini's smaller display enhances portability. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer similar sharpness, though minor differences exist due to differing aspect ratios. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 476 | 394 | The iPhone 12 mini has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in finer details and text. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Practically, similar quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 12 Pro's 120Hz display provides smoother animations and a more responsive feel during scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | The iPhone 12 mini is noticeably brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Apple A14 Bionic offers significantly higher performance and is faster in most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 574,000 | The iPhone 12 mini demonstrates much higher benchmark scores, indicating better app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 710 | Apple GPU usually performs better in graphically demanding tasks and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The Realme 12 Pro captures more detailed photos with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | The iPhone 12 mini's wider aperture potentially allows more light, offering better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | The Realme 12 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The iPhone 12 mini's wider aperture potentially allows more light, offering better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (32MP) | Realme 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, not available on the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (12MP) | No | iPhone 12 Mini offers a wide-angle lens for wider shots, not available on the Realme 12 Pro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | The Realme 12 Pro offers macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 30fps | Both offer 4K video recording, however, the iPhone has more recording options. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 117 | Not Available | Apple iPhone 12 mini's camera quality is rated very high, although it is a test from 2020. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | Apple iPhone 12 mini's selfie camera is rated very high, although it is a test from 2020. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Realme 12 Pro has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W | 67W | The Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, which is convenient for users with a busy lifestyle. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W) | No | The iPhone 12 mini offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Android 14 | iOS is known for its simplicity, while Android offers more customization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both support common GPS systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone 12 mini offers an eSIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer the same max storage. The iPhone 12 mini offers more options for lower storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12GB | The Realme 12 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and heavy usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Realme 12 Pro has more advanced audio features for a potentially better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 12 Pro offers the convenience of a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to compare due to missing info. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The iPhone 12 mini has a barometer, while the Realme 12 Pro has a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful: The A14 Bionic chip provides superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (476 PPI) leads to a crisper and more detailed screen experience.
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits brightness offers better outdoor visibility than the Realme 12 Pro.
- Compact & Lightweight: Much smaller and lighter, enhancing portability and one-handed usability.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: F/1.6 aperture allows for more light in low-light situations.
- DxoMark Ratings: Higher ratings on DxOMark (although older) suggest a superior camera, and selfie camera performance compared to other phones.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for easier carrier switching.
- Ultra Stable Video Recording: Makes video recording very stable.
- RAW Photo Support: Allows users to capture and edit higher quality photos with more information.
- Night Mode: Can take clear photos in very dark settings.
- Manual Focus: Provides more control of focus when capturing photos and videos.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" display is much better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more fluid visual experience.
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity (5000 mAh) likely means better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging for quicker power-ups.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities, not available on the iPhone 12 mini.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures photos with more detail, thanks to the 50MP sensor.
- More RAM: 8GB or 12GB of RAM vs 4GB makes it better for multitasking and demanding games.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient way to unlock the phone.
- Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation: Provides a better listening and calling experience.
- Wider Bluetooth Codec Support: Can output audio in a variety of formats.
- Wi-Fi Direct and Display Support: Ability to directly connect to other Wi-Fi devices and displays without a router.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 mini trades battery life, telephoto zoom, and screen size for compact form, superior performance, and better camera performance (based on DxoMark scores).
- The Realme 12 Pro trades processing power, portability and some camera capabilities for display size, battery life, faster charging and more camera options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use, performance, and a high quality camera.
- Use Cases:
- Users who prefer a small phone that easily fits in pockets.
- Users who play intensive mobile games or use demanding apps.
- Those who need a phone with good quality camera and better video recording.
- Those already in the Apple ecosystem or prefer iOS.
- Price-to-Value: Good value if portability, power, and a premium camera are a priority, but could be pricier depending on the current market.
Realme 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who want a large display for media consumption and want all day battery life, and good camera features like zoom, and macro.
- Use Cases:
- Those who watch a lot of videos, or do a lot of scrolling on social media
- Users who need all-day battery life and fast charging
- Users who want a more customizable OS
- Users who need the flexibility of multiple camera options, zoom and macro
- Those who prefer a larger display for better visuals
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for users who prioritize features like a large display, long battery life, fast charging, and multiple camera options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important, phone portability, or screen size? (iPhone 12 mini is more pocketable, while Realme 12 Pro is better for media consumption).
- Do I need the best processing power, or is battery life and fast charging more important? (iPhone 12 mini for performance, Realme 12 Pro for battery).
- Do I prefer the flexibility of multiple cameras, or a slightly better main camera, video recording, and better selfie camera? (Realme 12 Pro offers more lenses, while the iPhone 12 mini has better main and selfie camera quality based on DxoMark scores).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming & Performance: If you prioritize high-end gaming, app performance, and better video recording, the iPhone 12 mini is better.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Long Battery Life: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, browsing, and need all day battery, the Realme 12 Pro is better suited.
- Scenario 3: One-Handed Use & Portability: If you prefer a pocket-friendly phone that is easy to use with one hand, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear choice.
- Scenario 4: Best all rounder: If you do not need an ultra small phone, and prioritize longer battery, and different camera lenses, the Realme 12 Pro is the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12 Pro. While I appreciate the power and small form factor of the iPhone 12 mini, my personal preference leans towards a larger screen for media consumption, longer battery life for all day use, and the added versatility of the telephoto, and macro lenses. Additionally, the faster charging is a huge bonus for my lifestyle.
Although the iPhone 12 mini is more powerful, I do not play many intensive games, and therefore, I would not take full advantage of its processing capabilities. The Realme 12 Pro strikes a better balance between the features that are more useful for my day to day usage.
