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Apple’s iPhone 12 series introduced major upgrades in design, performance, and connectivity. The lineup includes four models: iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. While all models share the same A14 Bionic chip and 5G support, there are meaningful differences in size, camera capabilities, battery life, and premium features.
This comparison helps you understand the key differences across the iPhone 12 lineup, including how the standard and Pro models compare, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Feature |
iPhone 12 Mini |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2020 |
2020 |
2020 |
|
Display Size |
5.4 inch |
6.1 inch |
6.1 inch |
6.7 inch |
|
Display Type |
Super Retina XDR OLED |
Super Retina XDR OLED |
Super Retina XDR OLED |
Super Retina XDR OLED |
|
Resolution |
2340 × 1080 |
2532 × 1170 |
2532 × 1170 |
2778 × 1284 |
|
Build Material |
Aluminum frame, glass back |
Aluminum frame, glass back |
Stainless steel frame, matte glass |
Stainless steel frame, matte glass |
|
Rear Camera Setup |
Dual 12 MP wide + ultra wide |
Dual 12 MP wide + ultra wide |
Triple 12 MP wide + ultra wide + telephoto |
Triple 12 MP wide + ultra wide + telephoto |
|
LiDAR Scanner |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Optical Zoom |
No |
No |
2x optical zoom in |
2.5x optical zoom in |
|
Front Camera |
12 MP TrueDepth |
12 MP TrueDepth |
12 MP TrueDepth |
12 MP TrueDepth |
|
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
|
Battery Performance |
Compact, shortest battery life |
Balanced all day use |
Better efficiency |
Best battery life |
|
5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Face ID |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Water Resistance |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
|
Ideal For |
Small phone lovers |
Balanced users |
Photography focused users |
Power users and media consumption |
Key Differences Explained
Design and Display
All iPhone 12 models feature flat edge design and OLED displays. The main difference is size. The iPhone 12 Mini is compact and easy to use one handed, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers the largest screen for videos and gaming. The standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro share the same display size but differ in build quality.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 offers a reliable dual camera system that performs well in most lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a telephoto lens and a LiDAR scanner, allowing for optical zoom, improved portrait shots, and better low light performance. The Pro Max builds on this with enhanced optical zoom and sensor level image stabilization, making it the best option for photography and video recording in the iPhone 12 lineup.
Performance and 5G
All four models run on the A14 Bionic chip, delivering fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and daily use. Each device supports 5G connectivity, making the iPhone 12 series more future ready compared to earlier generations.
Battery Life
Battery life varies by model. The iPhone 12 Mini has the shortest battery life due to its compact size. The standard iPhone 12 offers reliable all day performance. The iPhone 12 Pro Max provides the longest battery life in the lineup, making it ideal for heavy users.
Which iPhone 12 Model Should You Choose?
- Choose iPhone 12 Mini if you want a compact phone with flagship performance
- Choose iPhone 12 if you want a balance of size, performance, and price
- Choose iPhone 12 Pro if photography and premium build matter most
- Choose iPhone 12 Pro Max if you want the biggest screen and best battery life
You can explore current availability and pricing for iphone 12 nz through our collection.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 series offers something for every type of user. While all models deliver strong performance and OLED displays, the differences in size, camera capabilities, and battery life play a major role in choosing the right device. Understanding these differences makes it easier to select a model that fits your usage and long term needs.
FAQs
How to turn off iPhone 12
To turn off iPhone 12, press and hold the side button and either volume button at the same time until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device.
iPhone 12 release date NZ
The iPhone 12 was released in New Zealand in October 2020, with pre orders opening in mid October and official availability beginning later that month.