1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 mini and the Realme 12 Pro+, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly larger and less pocketable, while the iPhone 12 mini is much more compact and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 135g | 196g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, better for extended use without fatigue, Realme 12 Pro+ may feel heavier in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. iPhone 12 mini prioritizes compactness. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2412 | Both are very similar, differences are negligible for most users. |
| PPI | 476 | 394 | iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display, text and images appear clearer. Realme's display is still crisp, but not as sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ has smoother animations, scrolling and gaming will feel much more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 mini is substantially brighter for outdoor use. The Realme's brightness is unavailable, making it difficult to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic is significantly more powerful, providing snappier performance in apps, better multitasking and more robust gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 603,400 | iPhone 12 mini is significantly faster, smoother for demanding tasks and high end mobile gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 710 | Apple's GPU is more powerful, enabling better graphics in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has much larger battery, indicating significantly better battery life for all usage. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging, Li-Ion | 67W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, Unconfirmed capacity, 20W adapter sold separately, MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | Non-removable | iPhone 12 mini has a smaller battery, it's wireless charging capabilities give flexibility in charging, but it is slower than Realme's wired charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Realme 12 Pro+ captures more detailed images with more megapixels and larger sensor. Apple has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much higher resolution and pixel size for selfies but a narrower aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.70µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming without significant loss in image quality. The iPhone 12 mini lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | The iPhone 12 mini has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing more in a photo. The Realme 12 Pro+ lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers an additional macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo sound, Slow-motion: 240fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, Slow-motion: 240fps | Both offer good quality video recording, the iPhone has a more extensive range of fps options at 4k with HDR, while the Realme has EIS. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 128, Video: 129) | Not Available | iPhone 12 mini has been tested and scored by DXOMark. Realme has no data available. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 127, Video: 140) | Not Available | iPhone 12 mini has been tested and scored by DXOMark. Realme has no data available. |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous Autofocus, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Triple Camera, OIS, Digital Image Stabilization | Both offer OIS for stable footage; the iPhone adds features for videography and low-light photography. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a triple camera for enhanced versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 | iPhone 12 mini benefits from iOS, known for its smoothness and security. Realme 12 Pro+ offers greater customizability with Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, MIMO, Direct, Display | Both support Wi-Fi 6. Realme has additional features for direct connections and display mirroring. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP | 5.2 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer version with more codecs for better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has more accurate GPS thanks to more satellite bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone 12 mini supports eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme has much more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has a better set of audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 12 Pro+ has a fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | iPhone 12 mini has Barometer. Realme 12 Pro+ has fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight: Extremely pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use, ideal for those who dislike large phones.
- Higher Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly better performance, smoother operation, and better gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density makes text and images appear sharper.
- Brighter Display: The screen reaches 1200 nits of brightness, ideal for outdoor visibility.
- Better Video Recording Quality: Wider array of framerate options at 4K with HDR.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging provides flexibility.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital switching of carriers, convenient for travel.
- Software Ecosystem: iOS is known for its smoothness, security, and timely updates.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers dramatically longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging allows for quick replenishment of battery.
- More versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens for zooming and additional macro lens for close-up photography.
- Higher RAM: Better for multitasking and demanding games.
- Better audio quality: Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation microphone provide a better audio experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers more convenient and secure unlocking.
- Wider selection of Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Provides more versatility for audio devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Sacrifices battery life and screen size for compactness. It also lacks a telephoto and macro lens.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Is much larger, heavier, and less pocketable, it also has a weaker chipset and GPU compared to the Apple phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize compactness and portability.
- Individuals who value high performance for demanding apps and games.
- Those who prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user experience.
- Users who need a high-quality camera for general photography and videography.
- Users who are outdoors often and need a bright screen.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 mini:
- Daily commuting and on-the-go use where pocketability is key.
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics and fast response times.
- Capturing high-quality video content with advanced stabilization.
- Users who are heavily integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize large display and immersive media consumption.
- Individuals who want long battery life for extended daily usage.
- Users who want a more versatile camera with zooming capabilities and macro photography.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Users who prefer Android OS and its customizability.
- Individuals looking for a better value proposition.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 12 Pro+:
- Binge-watching videos, streaming content, and playing mobile games.
- Heavy smartphone users who need all-day battery life.
- Photography enthusiasts who want diverse camera capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a better audio experience.
- Those who require the convenience of fingerprint unlocking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The iPhone 12 mini is an older model, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is a newer midrange phone. Both are at different price points and may not be competing on a level playing field, but if the iPhone is available for a good price, its value proposition might be higher if it matches the user's needs. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more affordable price point, making it more accessible to a wider audience, while still offering key features like a versatile camera, long battery life and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers:
- How important is phone size and portability? If compact size is critical, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear choice. If a larger screen is preferred, the Realme 12 Pro+ is better.
- What is your primary use case: performance or media consumption and battery life? If high performance for gaming and demanding tasks are key, go for iPhone 12 mini, if media consumption and battery life is key, go for Realme 12 Pro+.
- Which OS ecosystem (iOS vs Android) do you prefer and which is more compatible with your other devices? Consider your existing ecosystem and how each phone integrates into it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on the Go: If you need a compact and fast phone for heavy usage while on the move, and are heavily integrated in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 mini is better.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Lover with Long Battery Needs: If you want a large-screen phone for media consumption and gaming, with extended battery life, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious Photographer: If you are looking for a versatile camera with a zoom lens while on a budget, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers better value.
- Scenario 4: User Focused on Privacy and Simplicity: If you prefer a simpler OS and value privacy, the iPhone 12 mini would be a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd go with the Realme 12 Pro+. Here's why:
Despite the fact that the iPhone 12 mini has a more powerful chipset, I personally value a large display and a long battery life. The additional cameras, faster charging and the fingerprint sensor are also major selling points for me. I also value the audio features of the Realme more, and do not mind the added weight. While the iPhone is good for its size and performance, the practical implications of having a smaller battery and smaller screen would hinder my day-to-day usage. The Realme offers the best balance of features and I personally favor the Android operating system. Ultimately, the Realme 12 Pro+ suits my preferences and usage habits better.
