Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2023-02-17 | S23+ is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | S23+ is much larger and bulkier, iPhone 12 mini is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 135g | 196g | iPhone 12 mini is substantially lighter and easier to handle |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a significantly larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both offer the same level of detail |
| PPI | 476 | 393 | iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display due to higher pixel density, leading to a crisper image |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23+ offers much smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ screen is more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,508,732 | S23+ offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 740 | S23+ has superior graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4700mAh | S23+ has significantly longer battery life |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S23+ charges much faster |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Wireless, 20W Charger sold separately | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 10W Wireless | S23+ has more versatile charging features |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S23+ captures higher detail in photos |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture, better in low light |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.57" | S23+ has a larger sensor, leading to better image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | Comparable selfie camera performance |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (10MP) | S23+ has an advantage in zoomed photos |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S23+ has a wider aperture, better in low light |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S23+ records higher resolution video |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 117 (photo:128, video:129) | 133 (photo: 0, video: 0) | S23+ scores higher overall, but iPhone 12 Mini is rated better for photo and video quality based on dxomark. The S23+ is only tested for mobile quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, upgradeable to iOS 18 | Android 13, upgradeable to 17 | Different operating systems, preference varies by user |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar wifi capabilities, S23+ has more features |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S23+ uses a newer and better version of Bluetooth with more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23+ offers more accurate location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | S23+ starts with higher base storage |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | S23+ offers better multitasking performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio, S23+ includes High Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | S23+ offers more convenient biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has much better scratch and shatter protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S23+ has additional sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight: Significantly more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. This is perfect for users with smaller hands or who prioritize portability.
- Sharper Display (Higher PPI): The higher pixel density provides a crisper viewing experience, particularly noticeable for text and detailed images.
- DXOMARK Ratings: The iPhone 12 mini excels in photo and video quality scores according to DXOMARK test results.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Larger and Brighter Display: A much larger screen is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, paired with excellent outdoor visibility.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides superior performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Much Longer Battery Life & Faster Charging: The larger battery and faster charging provide all-day use and reduce downtime.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers more versatility with optical zoom capabilities.
- Newer Technology: Benefits from advancements in camera, chipset, and other features due to its newer launch date.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers vastly superior scratch and shatter resistance.
- More RAM: Much better multitasking due to more RAM.
- Additional Features: Fingerprint sensor, advanced GPS, newer Bluetooth version
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini: Compromises on battery life, performance, and screen size for its compact form factor.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+: Is significantly larger, heavier, and may not be comfortable for users seeking a small phone.
- The camera, although having higher resolutions, does not achieve better photo and video ratings according to DXOMARK.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone that is easy to handle and carry.
- Individuals who value a sharp, high-quality display, even at a smaller size.
- Users who prefer the iOS ecosystem and its streamlined user interface.
- People who do not play demanding games or need high performance for demanding tasks.
- Those who value camera and video quality as per DXOMARK's ratings.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for single-handed use and easily fits in smaller pockets.
- Excellent for casual browsing, social media, and communications.
- Suitable for users who prioritize portability over large screen experiences.
- Good for photos and videos, as per DXOMARK ratings
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Users who prefer a large screen for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
- Individuals who need high performance for demanding apps and games.
- Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- People who want a versatile camera system, especially with a telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer Android ecosystem and customization capabilities
- Users who need better multitasking ability
Use Cases:
- Ideal for watching videos, playing games, and using productivity applications.
- Great for users who want a powerful phone for demanding tasks.
- Suitable for users who want a long-lasting phone with fast charging capabilities.
- Excellent for photo and video with many options
- Perfect for someone who prefers android and the Google eco system.
Price-to-Value:
- The iPhone 12 mini, being an older model, may be available at a lower price. However, its technology is also older.
- The Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers premium features and modern tech at a higher price point, reflecting its newer release date and advanced capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Size and Portability: How important is it to have a compact and lightweight phone?
- Performance Needs: How demanding are your typical phone activities (gaming, multitasking)?
- Display Preferences: Do you prioritize a large screen for media consumption or a sharper, smaller display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Compact Power User": If you need a smaller phone but still want high performance, choose the S23+. The iPhone 12 mini might feel too slow.
- Scenario 2: "Media Consumption Focused": The S23+ is the obvious choice for large screen enjoyment.
- Scenario 3: "Everyday User": If your main use case is texting, calls, some casual browsing and taking pictures, the iPhone 12 mini would be a good option, but the S23+ is still significantly better due to its newer chipset and features.
- Scenario 4: "Battery life": The S23+ is the obvious winner.
- Scenario 5: "Camera quality": The DXOMARK results indicate that the iPhone 12 mini has a higher photo and video rating. But the S23+ is superior in versatility and more modern technology.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While I appreciate the compact form factor of the iPhone 12 mini, the S23+ offers too many compelling advantages for my typical usage. The larger display, superior performance, longer battery life, and versatile camera system significantly outweigh the appeal of a smaller device. I often use my phone for media consumption, and rely on it for various tasks throughout the day. The S23+ is clearly better suited for this usage pattern. Though the iPhone 12 Mini has slightly better image quality according to dxomark ratings, the S23+ overall is a superior phone.
