1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly smaller, making it easier to handle one-handed and pocket-friendly. The M35 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 135g | 222g | The iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, enhancing portability and comfort during extended use. The M35 will feel heavier. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung M35 provides better screen protection against scratches and cracks |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.4" | 6.6" | The M35 offers a larger screen, ideal for media consumption and multitasking, while the iPhone 12 mini is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both have the same resolution, so image detail should be similar, though affected by pixel density. |
| PPI | 476 | 390 | The iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display, leading to crisper text and images, despite the same resolution. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The real-world difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The M35's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, which is noticeable during daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone 12 mini is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility under bright sunlight. The lack of nits for Samsung makes it difficult to determine performance |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A14 Bionic offers better overall performance with faster app loading and smoother gameplay. The Exynos is a capable mid-range chip, but weaker than the A14. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 578,500 | The iPhone 12 mini demonstrates significantly higher benchmark performance, translating to faster and smoother operations. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Apple GPU is more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm | The M35 offers higher resolution, theoretically resulting in more detailed photos. The iPhone has a wider aperture, better for low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Both are similar in resolution and aperture, however, the M35 has a bigger pixel size |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | The iPhone 12 Mini provides higher-resolution wide angle shots, while the M35 has a slightly wider aperture |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The M35 can take macro photos for close-up detail, a feature missing in the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The iPhone offers higher frame rate video recording, while both phones support 4K resolution. Samsung M35 has video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Photo:128, Video:129 Selfie:132, Photo: 127, Video: 140 | No Scores | iPhone 12 mini offers better overall mobile and selfie camera capabilities |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 has a significantly larger battery, meaning much longer battery life during daily tasks. |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | The M35 charges slightly faster, though both charge quickly given their respective capacities. |
| Features | Wireless Charging | None | The iPhone 12 mini has wireless charging, convenient for cable-free charging. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 upgradable to 18 | Android 14 | iOS ecosystem offers smooth experience and consistent updates. Android provides customizability and a wide selection of apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Significantly Smaller and Lighter: Easier to handle, especially for those with smaller hands or who prefer portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density leads to a noticeably crisper screen.
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Brighter Screen: Superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Wireless Charging: Convenience of wireless charging.
- Camera Performance: Better DXOMark scores for both mobile and selfie cameras.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Massive Battery: Significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- Newer Bluetooth: Provides improved audio connection and enhanced functionality.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 mini sacrifices battery life and screen size for its compact form factor and superior performance.
- The M35 has a much larger battery, but is bulkier, and has a lower-performing chipset than the iPhone 12 mini.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Ideal User: Individuals who prioritize portability, a compact design, and high performance, especially for gaming, photography, and general daily tasks. Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem will appreciate its seamless integration.
- Use Cases:
- Those who prefer single-handed use.
- Users who want fast performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Users who frequently view their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Photographers who like to capture images in low-light conditions.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Individuals who value a large screen for media consumption, long battery life, and a modern Android experience. Ideal for users who value media and who aren't interested in a portable device.
- Use Cases:
- Those who consume lots of media (videos, movies, browsing) on their phones.
- Users who want all-day battery life without frequent charging.
- Budget-conscious users who seek good value for money with a large display and good screen protection.
- Users who want a macro camera for close-up photography.
Price-to-Value:
- The iPhone 12 mini is likely more expensive, targeting premium users, whereas the M35 should offer a better price-to-value ratio for mid-range buyers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Portability vs. Screen Size: Do you prefer a pocket-friendly, one-handed device, or a larger screen for media consumption?
- Performance vs. Battery Life: Is it more important to have top-tier speed and performance, or all-day battery life?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, or do you prefer the openness and customizability of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Power User on the Go: If you need top-tier performance and a good camera in a small package, the iPhone 12 mini is the better option. It is perfect for quick photography sessions and fast multitasking on the go.
Scenario 2: Media Lover with a Budget: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is ideal if you prioritize a large display, long battery life, and good screen protection at a more affordable price. It will satisfy your media consumption habits and provide you with an all-day battery.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you are interested in mobile photography and have specific use cases in mind, the iPhone 12 mini provides better quality mobile photos with the added benefit of a good selfie camera. If you are a person who is interested in macro photos and you are on a budget, then the M35 is a good choice.
Decision
If I were choosing between the two, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy M35. While I appreciate the compact design and performance of the iPhone 12 mini, my priorities lean towards a larger screen for media consumption and longer battery life, which is especially important on a daily basis for me. The 120Hz refresh rate will give me a smoother user experience, and the inclusion of a macro lens will allow me to capture different types of photos, and I can get away with doing some light gaming. Additionally, the newer Bluetooth connectivity and expandable storage are features that are useful for my daily use case. While the iPhone 12 mini has the better overall performance, I do not need an extremely high performance from my phone, and I am willing to sacrifice it for an improved user experience for what I use a phone for the most.
