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Comparing iPhone 12 models: Every difference between Apple's iPhone 12, Mini, Pro and Pro Max

Here's how all four of Apple's iPhone 12 models stack up spec-by-spec.

Lynn La Senior Editor / Reviews - Phones
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Lynn La
iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Mini vs. iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max

What are the differences between the four models in Apple's iPhone 12 lineup? Let us explain.

Patrick Holland/CNET

Apple's latest phone lineup includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All four models feature 5G connectivity, a magnetic backing branded as MagSafe that can attach to a number of accessories and a new Ceramic Shield display that promises to be more durable. Only the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini come in Apple's springy purple color

The iPhone 13 is expected to arrive this month. The new iPhone lineup is also rumored to feature four phones: a standard, Mini, Pro and Pro Max version. Here's how the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 compare based on rumors. 

Read more: iPhone 13 rumors so far: What we're hearing about release date, specs, price and more

Read more: Best eco-friendly iPhone 12 and 12 Pro cases

With so many devices, it can get a little confusing to understand what makes these handsets different from each other. In general, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini are the two most affordable phones in the lineup and have dual rear cameras. The two Pro models are the highest-end and priciest iPhones. In addition to a third telephoto camera, they also have a lidar scanner for modeling and object detection.

For a full rundown on the iPhone 12, take a look at the chart below, where you can see their specs side-by-side. And if you're still deciding between Apple and Samsung, here's the Galaxy S21 vs. iPhone 12 specs comparison.

Read more: iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max vs. iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max: Specs and features

Watch this: Our in-depth review of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max specs


Apple iPhone 12Apple iPhone 12 MiniApple iPhone 12 ProApple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Display size, resolution 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532x1,170 pixels5.4-inch OLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels6.1-inch OLED; 2,532x1,170 pixels6.7-inch OLED; 2,778x1,284 pixels
Pixel density 460ppi476ppi460ppi458ppi
Dimensions (inches) 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in.5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 in.5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in.6.33 x 3.07 x 0.29 in.
Dimensions (millimeters) 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm
Weight (ounces, grams) 5.78 oz.; 164g4.76 oz.; 135g6.66 oz.; 189g8.03 oz.; 228g
Mobile software iOS 14iOS 14iOS 14iOS 14
Camera 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing camera 12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixel
Video capture 4K4K4K4K
Processor Apple A14 BionicApple A14 BionicApple A14 BionicApple A14 Bionic
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
RAM UndisclosedUndisclosedUndisclosedUndisclosed
Expandable storage NoNoNoNo
Battery Undisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playbackUndisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playbackUndisclosed; Apple lists 17 hours of video playbackUndisclosed; Apple lists 17 hours of video playback
Fingerprint sensor No (FaceID)No (FaceID)No (FaceID)No (FaceID)
Connector LightningLightningLightningLightning
Headphone jack NoNoNoNo
Special features 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) Lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) Lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)
Price off-contract (USD) $829 (64GB), $879 (128GB), $979 (256GB)$729 (64GB), $779 (128GB), $879 (256GB)$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB)$1,099 (128GB), $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB)
Price (GBP) £799 (64GB), £849 (128GB), £949 (256GB)£699 (64GB), £749 (128GB), £849 (256GB)£999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB)£1,099 (128GB), £1,199 (256GB), £1,399 (512GB)
Price (AUD) AU$1,349 (64GB), AU$1,429 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB)AU$1,199 (64GB), AU$1,279 (128GB), AU$1,449 (256GB)AU$1,699 (128GB), AU$1,869 (256GB), AU$2,219 (512GB)AU$1,849 (128GB), AU$2,019 (256GB), AU$2,369 (512GB)