1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2024-10-03 | Samsung is significantly newer (almost 4 years), likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | iPhone 12 mini is much smaller and easier to handle one-handed; S24 FE is larger, better for media consumption, but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 135g | 213g | iPhone 12 mini is considerably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. S24 FE is heavier and might be more tiring to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.7" | S24 FE has a significantly larger screen, better for watching videos, gaming and multitasking; iPhone 12 mini is much more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar detail, but the smaller screen of the iPhone 12 mini results in higher sharpness |
| PPI | 476 | 385 | iPhone 12 mini has a sharper display, text and images will appear clearer. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 FE display will feel smoother and more fluid during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's chipset is newer; benchmark scores indicate the S24 FE has better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers considerably better overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE’s GPU is more modern and has better graphics performance, which translates to smoother gameplay. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S24 FE has much higher resolution, capable of capturing more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture, beneficial for low-light performance, though the S24 FE has a much larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.57" | S24 FE's larger sensor can capture more light for potentially better low-light performance, but is not always directly comparable to smaller sensor with larger aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 10.8MP | iPhone 12 mini has a slightly higher resolution front camera |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | iPhone 12 mini has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, missing on the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 13MP | Both have similar wide angle capabilities; S24 FE has a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 FE is capable of recording video at 8K resolution. Both have similar 4K options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 133 | S24 FE has a better overall DxOMark score, indicating better camera performance overall. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Available | Only the iPhone 12 mini has been scored by DxOMark for the selfie camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE has a much larger battery, offering significantly better battery life. |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired, 15W wireless | S24 FE has slightly faster wired charging and wireless charging compared to the iPhone 12 mini. |
| Battery Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless | Bypass, Reverse, wireless | S24 FE has additional features, such as reverse wireless charging |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | Android 14 | Different operating systems, iOS offers a more consistent ecosystem, Android is more customizable. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE has better Wi-Fi support with Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version with more features and better audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | More systems, including L1+L5 bands | S24 FE provides more accurate location data. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | S24 FE has more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both have comparable options, but the iPhone 12 mini offers a lower starting configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos | Noise cancellation microphone | iPhone 12 mini has better audio features, specifically Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint sensor | S24 FE has fingerprint sensor while iPhone 12 mini offers only basic security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity | S24 FE offers additional sensor options |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size and Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density on the smaller screen offers a sharper image.
- Slightly better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides immersive spatial audio experience, better for watching videos and music.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Larger Display: A much bigger screen enhances media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother scrolling and animations, better visual experience for daily use and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer chipset and more RAM for faster app loading, smoother operation, and enhanced gaming.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life and less frequent charging.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers more versatile photography with optical zoom capabilities.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor captures more light, potentially better low-light performance.
- 8K Video: Higher resolution video recording.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Secure and fast biometric unlock.
- More modern Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for better performance and faster speeds.
- Superior Screen Protection: More scratch and drop resistant screen.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini trades performance, battery life, display size, and camera versatility for a smaller, more pocketable design.
- Samsung S24 FE trades pocketability for enhanced multimedia, camera performance and higher performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini - Ideal User:
- Users with small hands or prefer one-handed use: The compact size makes it easy to handle and use.
- Users who prioritize portability: Fits easily in pockets, perfect for people on the go.
- Users who value a sharp, high-quality display: For those who appreciate fine detail and clarity.
- Users who are invested in the Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users who want premium feel: The build quality is good.
- Users with modest needs: Suitable for day to day use.
Use Cases:
- Commuting, running errands, general browsing, light social media
- Secondary phone for calls and light use
- Users who don't want a large or heavy phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE - Ideal User:
- Users who enjoy multimedia: Ideal for watching videos, gaming, and browsing with a larger, more immersive display.
- Users who want top-tier performance: The newer chipset and more RAM ensure smooth performance for demanding tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The larger battery capacity means longer usage between charges.
- Users who need a versatile camera: The telephoto lens and larger sensor enable more photography options.
- Users who want the latest technology: Up to date chipset, better wifi and bluetooth technologies.
- Users who value security: Fingerprint sensor provides an additional security layer.
- Users who prefer Android OS: Full Android capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, watching movies, streaming content
- Taking photos and videos, editing, creative work
- Multitasking, demanding apps, work tasks
- Frequent travellers needing longer battery life and a better display
Price-to-Value:
- The iPhone 12 mini, being an older model, may be available at a lower price, representing value for users seeking a small, premium device.
- The Samsung S24 FE, as a more recent release, may command a higher price but provides better value for users seeking current technology and superior performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority: portability or screen size? If portability is a must, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice. If you prioritize a large screen for media and gaming, the S24 FE is superior.
- How important is performance and battery life? The S24 FE significantly outperforms the iPhone 12 mini and offers much better battery life. If these are critical, the S24 FE is a better fit.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? The iPhone 12 mini uses iOS, while the S24 FE uses Android. Your preferred operating system should factor into your decision.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You value compact size and portability over everything else. Recommendation: iPhone 12 mini.
- Scenario 2: You are a power user who needs top-notch performance and a large screen. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- Scenario 3: You want a reliable phone with good battery life and a capable camera. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Reasoning:
While the iPhone 12 mini is an attractive option due to its incredibly compact size, my preference lies with the overall capabilities offered by the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. As a daily driver, the larger, brighter 120Hz display of the S24 FE would significantly improve my user experience. I watch a lot of videos, read articles, and browse the web on my phone, and the bigger screen would be a huge advantage for all these use cases.
The performance difference is another key factor. The Exynos 2400e chipset is a noticeable leap over the A14 Bionic, and with 8GB of RAM, the S24 FE would handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps much more smoothly. I am also an avid photographer and videographer so the 8K recording, telephoto lens, larger sensor and superior DxOMark score also give the S24 FE an advantage. Lastly, the significantly larger battery of the S24 FE addresses my tendency to use my phone throughout the day, without constantly being on the lookout for the next charging opportunity.
While I do appreciate the sharp display and small form factor of the iPhone 12 mini, these are not features that are essential for me. I value a high quality screen that’s larger, a smooth user experience, modern tech, versatile camera capabilities, and a device that can last me through the day. Therefore, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the better fit for my needs.
