the 5 most important differences in a row

The iPhonededitors are often asked for purchase advice, for example when people have to choose between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11. In this comparison, we therefore list the main differences between the two. We also provide purchase advice.

Comparison: iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 11

Are you short on time? Then tap the links below to go directly to that section.

1. Design and housing

If you place the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 next to each other, you will immediately notice the difference in design. The 12 mini, like the other iPhone 12 phones, has an angular design, hard edges and a screen that lies ‘flat’ on the housing.

The iPhone 11, on the other hand, has a more ’round’ design. The edges are less prominent and the screen flows more smoothly into the housing.

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Furthermore, the two also differ in size, of course. The smallest iPhone 12 can rightly call itself “mini”, because the device is even smaller than the iPhone SE. So you can operate the 12 mini with one hand without any problems and it fits in almost every pocket and bag. That is not the case for everyone with the iPhone 11.

• Dimensions iPhone 12 mini: 131/5mm (height) by 64.2mm (width) by 7.4mm (thickness)
• Dimensions iPhone 11: 150.9mm (height) by 75.7mm (width) by 8.3mm (thickness)

Are you a klutz first class? Then you better buy the 12 mini. This device has a ceramic shield layer on the display. This makes it more robust than the iPhone 11, which does not have this protective layer.

The 12 mini is also better against water. You can use the device underwater for a maximum of 30 minutes up to 6 meters. The iPhone 11 can hold its breath up to a depth of 2 meters.

Also read: Review update: iPhone 11 will last well in 2021, but is not future-proof

2. Screen: LCD vs OLED

A big difference between the entry-level iPhone of 2019 and 2020 is the screen. The iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel, the 12 mini an OLED display. OLED is better than LCD in all areas, so the compact iPhone 12 undoubtedly wins in this respect.

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An OLED screen is very good at showing contrasts, because the color range is very high. This is ideal for people who watch a lot of movies or play games. Furthermore, OLED is more energy efficient than LCD and the resolution has been increased. Everything looks sharper on the iPhone 12 mini.

• iPhone 12 mini screen: OLED panel with resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels (476 pixels per inch)
• iPhone 11 screen: LCD panel with resolution of 1792 by 828 pixels (326 pixels per inch)

3. Hardware: hello 5G

The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 not only differ from each other on the outside, but also under the hood there are few similarities.

The main difference is the processor. The 12 mini is powered by an A14 Bionic chip. Not only is it faster than the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip, it also has support for 5G. If you want to get started with the new network, you have to purchase an iPhone 12 (mini): the iPhone 11 will remain stuck on 4G.

Do you attach little value to this? Then the choice for an iPhone 11 becomes even more interesting. The device is still lightning fast and can handle intensive tasks without any problems. On paper, the 12 mini is more powerful, but most people will never notice the difference very clearly.

Interesting: Explanation: Why the iPhone 11 doesn’t have 5G

4. Camera: it’s in the details

In this iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 11 comparison, we come across many differences so far. This does not apply to another important part: the camera.

The 12 mini has exactly the same sensors as the 11. You can get started with a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens on the back, above the screen is a single selfie camera (all 12 megapixels).

However, Apple has tinkered with the camera software. For example, with the iPhone 12 mini, all lenses have a Night mode and Portrait mode, and the HDR mode has also been improved. You can also record (mini) movies in Dolby Vision with the iPhone 12. This standard is used, for example, for cinema films.

5. Battery and Charging

Newer isn’t always better. A good example of this is the iPhone 11. This device has a larger battery capacity than the iPhone 12 mini. This makes the device last much longer than its newer colleague.

With normal use, the 12 mini lasts a day(s) on a full battery charge. If you use the device intensively, you will have to top up at the end of the afternoon or early evening. On the iPhone 11 you don’t have this problem. Even when you use the device intensively, you will reach the end of the evening.

• Battery from iPhone 12 mini: 2227 mAh
• Battery from iPhone 11: 3110 mAh

It is true that the 12 mini can charge faster than its larger predecessor, although it is not much. The small Apple smartphone of 2020 charges a maximum of 20 Watts of power, while the device from 2019 remains a maximum of 18 Watts.

Another difference is that the 12 has mini MagSafe. This allows you to click (suitable) wireless chargers onto the back, after which charging begins. Other accessories (such as card holders) also automatically find their place. The iPhone 11 does not have MagSafe.

Also interesting: iPhone 12 mini review: the new iPhone favorite of many is good, but not perfect

Purchase advice

The iPhone 12 mini is a clear improvement over the iPhone 11. The hardware is ready for the future thanks to 5G, the design has been thoroughly overhauled and the OLED screen is ideal for film lovers.

The biggest drawback is the battery life. Fanatic users are guaranteed to charge the device at the end of the (mid) day, which is a shame for an expensive device.

Not interested in this? Then you better go for the iPhone 11. The considerably larger device still holds up well and can last quite a while. However, the iPhone 11 is not very future-proof. For example, it does not have 5G and the design is also outdated.

Also read: Review update: iPhone 11 will last well in 2021, but is not future-proof

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