1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | S24+ is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; iPhone 12 mini is very pocketable. |
| Weight | 135g | 196g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying in a pocket. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ provides superior scratch and drop protection for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.4" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a much larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking; iPhone 12 mini is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 476 | 513 | S24+ has a slightly sharper display, but difference is not too noticeable |
| Technology | OLED | iPhone 12 mini's OLED offers vibrant colors and deep blacks; S24+ is unknown, likely OLED | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ has a more recent and powerful chip, offering faster performance and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 1,639,695 | S24+ provides much smoother gaming and overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24+ provides significantly better graphics performance, especially for games. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24+ captures more detailed photos with more megapixels and a larger sensor. iPhone 12 mini has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both are similar for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | S24+ allows for optical zoom, capturing more detailed zoomed-in photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Both offer similar wide-angle capabilities. S24+ has a wider aperture |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 8K 30fps HDR | S24+ can record higher-resolution videos. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a decent camera quality. S24+ is not tested |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 mini has a good quality for selfies. S24+ is not tested |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ has a much larger battery, offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W | 45W | S24+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 (Upgradable to Android 21) | iOS is known for smooth operation, while Android is more customizable. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | S24+ offers superior multitasking capabilities. |
| Storage | 64/128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both lack expandable storage, but S24+ offers more storage options out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24+ has faster and more stable Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24+ has better audio and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24+ has more accurate GPS. |
| Security | Basic security | Fingerprint sensor | S24+ has an additional layer of biometric security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact Size: Significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Slightly better audio: Offers Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus.
- Slightly wider aperture on the main sensor: Better low light photos.
- Mature and Stable Ecosystem: Apple's iOS is well-known for its stability and ease of use.
- MagSafe wireless charging: Offers a convenient magnetic charging system.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Larger Display: Significantly larger display, ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Higher Brightness: Much brighter screen, making it far more visible in bright sunlight.
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution standard camera, telephoto lens, and 8K video capabilities.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Offers substantially longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Charges faster using the 45W charging capability.
- Reverse wireless charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Adds an additional layer of security.
- Newer and more features: Newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS technology
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 mini prioritizes portability and a compact form factor at the expense of screen size and performance. It has a significantly smaller battery and lacks advanced camera features like a telephoto lens.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a top-tier experience in terms of display, performance, and battery life, but is larger and heavier, making it less convenient for one-handed use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 12 mini:
- Users who prioritize portability and pocketability above all else.
- Users with smaller hands who find larger phones cumbersome.
- Users who value Apple's ecosystem and ease of use.
- Users who are not heavy gamers or frequent video consumers.
- Users with less intense mobile usage
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 mini:
- A secondary phone for travel or workouts.
- Everyday usage including web browsing, social media, calling, and texting.
- Users who simply like the small form factor of this device
- Users who value ease of use over cutting-edge features
- Basic photography and video recording.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Users who want a top-tier smartphone experience, especially in display quality and performance.
- Users who frequently consume media, play mobile games, or engage in heavy multitasking.
- Users who value a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Users who need all-day battery life and fast charging.
- Users who prefer Android OS.
- Users who want more storage out of the box.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Power users who need a high-performance phone for demanding tasks.
- Mobile gamers who want a smooth, immersive experience.
- Content creators who frequently record videos or take photos.
- Users who need a large, bright display for viewing content in all conditions.
- Users who need a phone that can be used for long periods of time without needing to charge.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- iPhone 12 Mini: The price-to-value ratio is now lower, as it is an older device. Its compact size still makes it desirable for a small niche of users.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: This phone offers an overall better and more modern experience, justifying the increased cost for those who seek the highest quality device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is the most important factor when choosing a smartphone: portability or screen size?
- How important are high-end performance and gaming capabilities?
- What is your priority between a top-tier and versatile camera or better low-light performance
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Portability First
- If your priority is a small, pocketable device, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear choice.
Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Gaming
- If you want a larger display, smoother performance, and a better gaming experience, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the preferred option.
Scenario 3: All-Around Flagship
- If you seek a high-performing, feature-rich smartphone with a great camera and long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the better choice, as long as you don't mind the larger form factor.
Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious
- If budget is an important factor, the iPhone 12 mini might be cheaper because of its age, but the Samsung Galaxy S24+ will offer a better long term experience and it would be a better value for money in the long run.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+.
While I appreciate the compact form factor of the iPhone 12 mini, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ provides a superior overall experience that is more suited to my daily needs.
Here's why:
Display: The larger, brighter, and higher refresh rate display of the S24+ is a significant advantage for my media consumption habits and overall usability.
Performance: I frequently use my smartphone for various tasks, including gaming and multitasking; The much more powerful processor and larger RAM are essential for this.
Battery Life: A significantly larger battery on the S24+ means I would spend less time worrying about charging, which is very important for my busy lifestyle.
Camera System: The versatility of the S24+'s camera system, including the telephoto lens and 8K video, is very appealing to me as I like to use the camera.
Long term value: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a newer device, with superior technology and specifications. This would offer better long term value and keep the phone usable for longer.
The only real disadvantage of the S24+ for me is the larger size, but the advantages it provides far outweigh this trade-off. For my usage, the S24+ is a more future-proof option that offers a more enjoyable and capable experience.
