The iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 8 are significant milestones in Apple’s history, showcasing the evolution of smartphone design and technology. While the iPhone 8 was lauded for its solid performance and classic design upon its release, the iPhone 12 Mini emerged as a powerhouse in a compact form, appealing to those yearning for a smaller device without sacrificing functionality. Comparing these two models sheds light on Apple’s design philosophy shifts, technological advancements, and the potential benefits for users considering an upgrade or purchase.
Related: iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 8
iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 8
Looking for a powerful iPhone in a compact package? Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 offer premium experiences but cater to different needs. This comparison guide will help you decide which iPhone reigns supreme for you in 2024.
Design and Display
| Feature | iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels | 750 x 1334 pixels |
| Design | Flat edges, aluminum frame, all-screen design with notch | Curved edges, aluminum frame, large bezels with Touch ID home button |
The iPhone 12 Mini boasts a modern design with a Ceramic Shield front, aerospace-grade aluminum edges, and a glass back, offering improved durability over the iPhone 8’s glass and aluminum build. The newer model’s flat edges also mark a departure from the rounded contours of its predecessor, providing a fresh aesthetic that nods to classic iPhone 4 style cues.
Despite its advanced features, the 12 Mini is surprisingly compact and lightweight, even more so than the iPhone 8. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a phone that’s comfortable to hold and carry around without compromising on-screen real estate or capabilities.
The iPhone 12 Mini’s display is a clear upgrade over the iPhone 8. Its 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen dwarfs the older model’s 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD. The Mini’s higher resolution and contrast ratio delivers vibrant colors and deeper blacks, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Thanks to OLED technology, the 12 Mini’s screen provides better brightness levels and wider viewing angles than the LCD found in the iPhone 8. HDR support further enhances the visual experience, making photos, videos, and games look lifelike.
Camera
| Feature | iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | Dual-lens 12MP wide and ultrawide | Single-lens 12MP wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Features | Night mode, Portrait mode, Deep Fusion, Dolby Vision HDR recording | None |
Both the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 8 feature impressive main cameras, but the 12 Mini takes the lead with its dual-camera system, offering 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses compared to the 8’s single 12MP wide lens. The newer model’s larger aperture and advanced processing capabilities enable better low-light performance and more detailed images.
The iPhone 12 Mini introduces Night mode and Deep Fusion technology, which is absent in the iPhone 8. These technologies allow for remarkable improvements in dimly lit environments and finer texture and detail capture in various lighting conditions.
The 12 Mini’s 12MP TrueDepth front camera offers a significant upgrade over the iPhone 8’s 7MP FaceTime HD camera. It offers better depth-sensing for portraits and enhanced low-light performance.
Video enthusiasts will appreciate the iPhone 12 Mini’s ability to record HDR video with Dolby Vision, a feature not available on the iPhone 8. Additionally, improved optical image stabilization ensures smoother footage across both devices.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip | A11 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours video playback | Up to 13 hours video playback |
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 Mini vastly outperforms the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic in CPU and GPU tasks. This leap in processing power translates to faster app launches, more responsive gaming, and the ability to easily handle complex computational photography.
Users upgrading from the iPhone 8 to the 12 Mini will notice a significant improvement in overall performance. Smoother multitasking and enhanced AR experiences showcase the advancements in Apple’s chip technology.
Despite its smaller size, the iPhone 12 Mini offers comparable, if not slightly better, battery life than the iPhone 8, thanks to its more efficient processor and software optimizations. Both models support wireless charging and fast charging, though the 12 Mini benefits from a faster wireless charging capability with MagSafe technology.
The introduction of MagSafe on the iPhone 12 Mini enhances wireless charging speeds and introduces a new ecosystem of magnetic accessories, providing a level of convenience and versatility not found with the iPhone 8.
Software
The iPhone 12 Mini ships with iOS 14 and is guaranteed to receive several years of software updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security enhancements. While the iPhone 8, launched with iOS 11, has received significant updates, its support window will inevitably close sooner than the 12 Mini’s.
The newer A14 chip in the iPhone 12 Mini unlocks exclusive software features unavailable on the iPhone 8, such as enhanced AR capabilities, improved Siri performance, and more dynamic widgets on the home screen. The integration within the Apple ecosystem is also more seamless, with better handoff capabilities and tighter integration with other Apple devices.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 12 Mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe and Qi support | Qi support only |
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 12 Mini is the inclusion of 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds than the 4G LTE capabilities of the iPhone 8. Additionally, the 12 Mini supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing improved wireless performance and range.
While both models feature Touch ID for secure authentication, the iPhone 12 Mini also includes Face ID, offering a faster and more secure way to unlock the device, authenticate payments, and log into apps. The 12 Mini’s Face ID system works in various lighting conditions and angles, making it more versatile than the fingerprint-based Touch ID.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 12 Mini
- Pros: Superior display, powerful performance, versatile camera system, future-proof software support, MagSafe compatibility
- Cons: Smaller screen, shorter battery life (compared to some newer iPhones), more expensive
iPhone 8
- Pros: Compact and affordable, good camera for its time, familiar design with Touch ID
- Cons: Outdated display technology, lower performance, limited camera capabilities, aging design with large bezels
Which Should You Buy?
If you prioritize a powerful, compact phone with the latest features and a future-proof design, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear winner.
Who Should Upgrade?
iPhone 8 users seeking a significant performance boost, a better camera system, and a larger display with a more modern design will benefit from upgrading to the iPhone 12 mini.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone 8?
If you’re happy with the iPhone 8’s performance, prefer a physical home button, and prioritize affordability, you can likely stick with it for a while longer. However, software updates may become limited in the future.
Final Thought
The iPhone 12 mini remains a fantastic option for those seeking a powerful and compact iPhone experience in 2024. However, the iPhone 8 can still be a valuable choice for budget-conscious users who don’t require the latest features. Consider your priorities and budget to determine which iPhone best suits your needs.
Related: iPhone 12 Mini Compared to iPhone 13
iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 8: FAQs
Which iPhone is smaller, the 12 Mini or the 8?
Both are compact, but the iPhone 12 Mini has a slightly larger display due to its bezel-less design.
Is the iPhone 8 still getting software updates?
Yes, as of March 2024, the iPhone 8 is still receiving iOS updates. However, support may end sooner than for the iPhone 12 Mini.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 12 Mini?
Upgrading is a good choice if you want a faster phone with a better camera, a larger display, and future-proof software support.
I like the Touch ID on the iPhone 8. Does the iPhone 12 Mini have it?
No, the iPhone 12 Mini relies on Face ID for security.
Battery life is important to me. Which iPhone lasts longer?
Battery life is comparable, but the iPhone 12 Mini might have a slight edge due to its more efficient processor.
The iPhone 12 Mini is more expensive. Are there any advantages to the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone 8 is significantly cheaper and has a familiar design with a physical home button that some users prefer.
