Apple 12 series options seem not to end. When they introduced the biggest iPhone ever with the 12 Pro Max, they also introduced the smallest option iPhone 12 Mini. In times like ours when no one wants to introduce a device with a smaller screen than 6-inch, here you get a smartphone at 5.4 inch. Well, how smart a call is that, let’s find out.
Apple seems to be competing with its own options. Or maybe they are just keeping an option for everyone who demands an iPhone. iPhone 12 Mini is the most affordable iPhone in the 12 series. It is not a lower version in any form. Neither does it miss out on performance nor on features in comparison to the iPhone 12.
DISPLAY
Despite being smaller at 5.4 inches, with a lower resolution of 1080×2340, the screen is still an OLED panel with support for haptic touch feedback, HDR, the wide DCI-P3 colour gamut, and a 1200nit maximum brightness. The device’s frame is made of aerospace-grade aluminium along with Apple’s new Ceramic Shield material on the front and reinforced glass on the rear. With an IP68 rating, the screen is vivid and bright. Colour contraction is spot on and the device feels very premium in its display department.
CAMERA
You get 12-megapixel wide and ultra-wide cameras on the back, and 12-megapixel selfie camera. Even the Mini, just like its older sibling, has a phenomenal camera. Even though you do not have too many options with the Apple devices, you get enough to get great results. Mini is no different. You get enough collaboration to get desired results in bright day light. They get good enough ultra-wide images and the front camera gives you results as good as the iPhone 12.
The real winner in the camera department is the night mode. The night photography is so clear and crisp that it won my heart. You need to hold the camera from 1-3 seconds and the results are crisp and the colours are bright. If there is something for which you want this device, it would be night & low light photography.
For recording video, you can use Dolby Vision HDR. Slow-mo comes with some fun editing options. Your video capture goes up to 240fps at 1080p and is just as crisp as regular video. You can select the area you want to be slow-mo and can work on other multiple editing options.
PERFORMANCE
The device comes with Apple’s 5nm A14 Bionic SoC. The best chipset Apple has ever had as they claim. The Mini does not miss out in this department as well. The only issue that you will face with this device is that of heating up. The device tends to heat up while playing games and even when used without a break for way too long. It is certainly not a device which would be a gamer’s choice due to the screen size. Nonetheless you will not find a lag while playing by heating up will remain a concern.
BATTERY
iPhone 12 Mini has a 2,227mAh battery. The device runs well on a single charge for a full day, but you would need to charge the device completely at night as it supports 12W on the MagSafe charger and not 15W like its older sibling.
VERDICT
For a long time, people have been asking for a smaller Apple device. SE did make its mark in the market but the Mini is altogether different. It does not miss out at all in any department from its elder sibling. Be that built quality, display, camera, or performance. The iPhone 12 Mini has got the best in all departments. It might not have the best-in-class battery life but in all other departments it is the clear winner. For anyone who wants an everyday, single-hand device which is convenient and premium, then the Mini is your pick. If you are someone who views too much content on your smartphone or is a gamer, then maybe the device will leave you wanting for more. It’s starting price is Rs 67,900.