When Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 mini, it returned to a beloved form factor reminiscent of the compact size many appreciated with the iPhone 8. This comparison aims to dissect and evaluate the contrasts between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 8, delving into design, performance, camera capabilities, and more to inform your choice between these two models.
Related: Compare iPhone SE to iPhone 8
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 8: Compact Powerhouse Showdown in 2024
Choosing the right iPhone can be tricky, especially when considering a smaller phone. Here, we compare the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8, two iPhones offering flagship features in a compact size.
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 |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Glass front and back | Aluminum frame, Glass front and back |
| Home Button | No | Yes |
While similar in footprint, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 diverge significantly in design language. The iPhone 12 mini adopts a more modern aesthetic with its flat edges and ceramic shield front, diverging from the iPhone 8’s rounded corners and glass back. This not only impacts the visual appeal but also the grip and feel of the hand.
When it comes to the display, the iPhone 12 mini boasts a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, a significant leap from the iPhone 8’s Retina HD LCD. This difference manifests in more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and an overall sharper image quality in the 12 Mini.
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 | None |
The iPhone 12 mini’s dual-camera system offers a wider aperture and enhanced computational photography capabilities compared to the iPhone 8’s single rear camera. This results in better low-light performance, more detailed photos, and the addition of Night mode, which is absent on the iPhone 8.
The iPhone 12 mini’s front camera provides higher resolution and better low-light performance for selfies and video calls. Moreover, it can record HDR video with Dolby Vision, a feature not available on the iPhone 8.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip | A11 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| Battery | 2227 mAh | 1821 mAh |
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 mini significantly outpaces the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic in terms of processing speed, efficiency, and graphics performance. This translates into smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and more efficient battery use.
Despite its compact size, the iPhone 12 mini offers commendable battery life, surpassing the iPhone 8 thanks to the efficiency of the A14 chip and advancements in battery technology. Both models support wireless charging, but the iPhone 12 mini includes MagSafe, offering a more secure and faster wireless charging experience.
Software
| Feature | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Latest iOS Version (as of Mar 2024) | iOS 16 | iOS 16 (eligible) |
| Future iOS Support | Likely longer support | Limited future support |
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 8 run on iOS, but the 12 mini benefits from being a newer model with a longer expected support window for software updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches for a longer period.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| MagSafe | Yes | No |
A significant advantage of the iPhone 12 mini is its support for 5G networks, offering faster download and upload speeds than the 4G LTE capabilities of the iPhone 8. This can drastically improve streaming, gaming, and web browsing experiences on the go.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 12 mini
- Pros: Superior display, faster performance, better camera system, 5G connectivity, MagSafe
- Cons: Smaller battery, pricier, no Touch ID
iPhone 8
- Pros: More affordable, familiar design with Touch ID, good camera for basic needs
- Cons: Lower-resolution display, older processor, no Night mode or Portrait mode, no 5G
Which Should You Buy?
If you prioritize a larger, sharper display, top-notch performance, and the latest features like 5G and MagSafe, the iPhone 12 mini is the clear winner.
Who Should Upgrade?
iPhone 8 users seeking a significant performance boost, a better camera, and a more modern design will benefit from upgrading to the iPhone 12 mini.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone 8?
If you’re content with the iPhone 8’s performance and prioritize affordability or a familiar design with Touch ID, you can likely continue using it for a while longer.
Final Thoughts
Both phones offer a compact iPhone experience, but the iPhone 12 mini is the superior choice in 2024, thanks to its cutting-edge features and superior performance. However, for budget-conscious users or those who value the Touch ID home button, the iPhone 8 remains a viable option.
Related: iPhone 12 Mini Compared to iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone: FAQs
Which phone is smaller?
Both phones are compact, but the iPhone 12 mini has a slightly larger display (5.4-inch) with a smaller body thanks to minimized bezels.
Which phone is lighter?
The iPhone 12 mini is slightly lighter (135g) than the iPhone 8 (148g).
Does the iPhone 12 mini have a better screen?
The iPhone 12 mini features a sharper Super Retina XDR OLED display compared to the iPhone 8’s Retina HD LCD screen.
Does the iPhone 8 have a home button?
Yes, the iPhone 8 retains the classic design with a Touch ID home button, which is absent on the iPhone 12 mini.
Can the iPhone 8 take good pictures?
Yes, the iPhone 8 has a decent 12MP rear camera for basic needs. However, the iPhone 12 mini offers a more versatile dual-lens system with better low-light performance and additional features.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 12 mini boasts a newer A14 Bionic chip and more RAM, significantly outperforming the iPhone 8’s A11 Bionic chip in terms of processing power.
Will the iPhone 8 get the latest iOS updates?
While both phones currently run the latest iOS version (as of Mar 2024), the iPhone 12 mini will likely receive software updates for longer due to its newer hardware.
