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Apple iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone SE 2022

The iPhone SE 2022 is the better pick for most people: its A15 Bionic chip is two generations newer than the 12 Mini's A14, it adds 5G, and Apple supports it with iOS updates longer. The 12 Mini wins on the screen and the camera: a 5.4-inch OLED panel with far higher resolution and contrast, plus an ultrawide rear lens and Night mode that the SE lacks. Owners of the Mini often mention battery drain and the small keyboard; SE owners praise the familiar home button and Touch ID but note the dated design and thick bezels.

  • Choose the iPhone 12 Mini if you want a small phone with a sharp OLED screen, Face ID and a second ultrawide camera, and you accept shorter battery life.
  • Choose the iPhone SE 2022 if you want the fastest chip in this pair, 5G, Touch ID and the longest software support, and you don't mind an LCD screen with big bezels.

Prices

  • Apple iPhone 12 Mini: $174.99 at Plug (last seen Nov 10)
  • iPhone SE 2022: $139.99 at Plug (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the iPhone SE 2022 is $35.00 cheaper than the Apple iPhone 12 Mini at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 12)
Apple
iPhone 12 Mini Black 64GB (Unlocked)

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini Black 64GB (Unlocked)

4.8(5,206 ratings)
$174.99at PlugChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Plug
Pros
  • Sharp OLED screen with deep blacks
  • Ultrawide camera and Night mode
  • Face ID and Ceramic Shield glass
  • IP68 water resistance
  • Small and light in the hand
Cons
  • Battery drains fast, especially on 5G
  • Older A14 chip
  • Smaller keyboard and text
  • No telephoto or macro
  • 64GB fills up quickly with photos and apps
Apple
iPhone SE 2022 Starlight 64GB (Unlocked)

iPhone SE 2022

iPhone SE 2022 Starlight 64GB (Unlocked)

4.9(2,565 ratings)
$139.99at PlugChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit Plug
Pros
  • A15 Bionic is the fastest chip here
  • Longer iOS update runway
  • About 15 hours of video streaming
  • Touch ID home button many people prefer
  • IP67 and 5G
Cons
  • LCD screen looks flat next to OLED
  • Low resolution for the screen size
  • Single rear camera, no Night mode
  • Thick bezels and older design
  • Heavier feel for its screen size

What separates them

Apple iPhone 12 MiniiPhone SE 2022
ChipA14 BionicA15 Bionic, roughly 15-20% faster CPU and stronger GPU
Display5.4-inch OLED, 2340 x 1080, high contrast4.7-inch LCD, 1334 x 750, lower pixel density
CamerasDual 12MP wide and ultrawide, Night modeSingle 12MP wide, no ultrawide, no Night mode
5GSub-6GHz 5GSub-6GHz 5G
UnlockFace IDTouch ID home button
BatteryAbout 10 hours video streaming, smaller cellAbout 15 hours video streaming
BuildAluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68Aluminum frame, glass front, IP67
Software supportLaunched 2020, fewer iOS upgrades leftLaunched 2022, newer chip means longer support

Prices at every store

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

  • PlugNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $174.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Plug
Prices and history →

iPhone SE 2022

  • PlugNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $139.99Checked Nov 12
    Visit Plug
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPhone 12 MiniiPhone SE 2022
Chip—A15 Bionic
Display size—4.7-inch
Display type—LCD
Rear camera—12-megapixel
Front camera—7-megapixel
Connectivity—5G
Dimensions—138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
Weight—144g
Resolution—1334 x 750
Storage—64/128/256GB
Battery life—15 hours video streaming
Water resistance—IP67

What reviewers say

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

  • 4.8 / 55,206 ratings

Owners rate the 12 Mini highly for its size, speed and cameras, and many call it the best small phone they have owned. The recurring complaint is battery life, with heavier users saying it does not last a full day.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners like that it fits in a hand and pocket where larger phones do not.
  • BatteryCriticisedMany say it needs charging before the day ends with heavy use.
  • PerformancePraisedReviewers find the A14 chip keeps apps and games running smoothly.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 64GB base model fills up fast with photos, apps and updates.

iPhone SE 2022

  • 4.9 / 52,565 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, praising the speed, size and price-to-performance of the A15 chip. Common complaints are the dated screen, the single camera and battery life that needs a charge by evening for heavy users.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A15 chip keeps the phone fast and smooth for everyday apps and games.
  • SizePraisedBuyers like the compact, light body that works one-handed and fits small pockets.
  • BatteryCriticisedHeavy users report needing a charge before the day ends, and video streaming is rated at about 15 hours.
  • DisplayCriticised

Questions and answers

Which has the better camera?
The iPhone 12 Mini. It adds an ultrawide lens and Night mode, so low-light shots and wide scenes come out better. The SE 2022 has one 12MP wide camera and no Night mode.
Which lasts longer?
The iPhone SE 2022. Its A15 chip is newer, so Apple will support it with iOS updates for more years. The 12 Mini's A14 is older and its battery is smaller.
Is the SE 2022 faster?
Yes. The A15 Bionic in the SE beats the A14 in the 12 Mini in benchmarks and in heavy apps and games. For everyday browsing and messaging the gap is small.
Which is better for small hands?
The 12 Mini. It is narrower and lighter, and its full-screen design fits one-handed use better. The SE is shorter but wider with large bezels.
Do both have 5G?
Yes. Both support sub-6GHz 5G. Neither has mmWave in every model, so check the specific unit if that matters to you.
Is the 12 Mini worth stepping up to over the SE?
If screen quality and camera flexibility matter more than battery life and update longevity, yes. If you want the longest useful life and the fastest chip, the SE is the smarter buy.

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Buying guides that pick them

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Reviewers call the 4.7-inch LCD low-resolution and dated next to larger, sharper screens.