A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
To make an informed decision between the Apple iPhone 12 mini and the Samsung Galaxy S21, consider the following tradeoffs: If a more compact form factor is preferred and a higher price isn't a concern, the iPhone 12 mini could be an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a device with a larger screen and potentially better battery life, which usually comes at a lower cost than its Apple counterpart, the Galaxy S21 could be the better option. Also take into account the operating systems; the iPhone runs on iOS, while the Galaxy S21 uses Android, which may influence your choice based on ecosystem preference. Finally, if camera quality is a top priority, you might find that one phone boasts a more advanced camera setup that suits your photography needs better than the other. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple iPhone 12 mini
- The Apple iPhone 12 mini has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 has no clear advantages over the Apple iPhone 12 mini.
Key differences
Video Quality
7.2
6.6
The Apple iPhone 12 mini takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 takes only fair videos.
The iPhone 12 mini delivers commendable video capabilities owing to its top-tier video stabilization and dynamic range, combined with its remarkable video software experience. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S21 excels with its impressive video resolution and framerate, and good video software experience, offering robust video stabilization and dynamic range, as well as ensuring clear audio capture.
Battery
5.1 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 5.1 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has a screen size of 5.4 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 is 6.2 inches.
Cost
$300
$145
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has a price of $300 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 costs $145.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Phone
Find your new phone
Key similarities
Overall Camera Quality
7.3
7.2
The Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good overall cameras quality.
The Apple iPhone 12 mini boasts a very high selfie score due to excellent software experience and quality, making it ideal for selfie enthusiasts, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 also offers impressive selfie quality and camera versatility, which is enhanced by its telephoto capabilities and higher video resolution options. Both phones provide good low light performance and dynamic range in photos and videos, although for those valuing camera versatility and video options alongside selfie quality, the Galaxy S21 stands out.
Photo Quality
7.1
7.0
The Apple iPhone 12 mini and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good photos.
The Apple iPhone 12 mini captures high-quality selfies because of its excellent photo software and good dynamic range, as well as its capable low light performance. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21, while still providing good selfies, stands out with its camera versatility and excellent video capabilities, suitable for those who value high-quality video recording alongside their selfie needs.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple iPhone 12 mini and the Samsung Galaxy S21 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$300 | $145 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | iOS | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 13, 2020 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 5.4" | 6.2" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 476 | 421 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | A14 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.3/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 12 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 5.1 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 2227 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 12 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.18" x 2.53" | 5.97" x 2.8" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.76 oz | 5.96 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Blue, Purple, Green, White, Black, Red | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | N/A | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Apple iPhone 12 mini
See more
Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
James Peckham | September 2022
"If you’re going to opt for an iPhone and you want a smaller device without buying up the latest iPhone 13 mini, this is the perfect option for you – and it’s one of the smallest 5G phones on the market too. The camera is versatile, the screen is fantastic, it comes with reams of power and the added benefits of 5G and MagSafe mean this is a phone that will last you for years to come."
Samsung Galaxy S21
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Huseman Joe | February 2022
"The Galaxy S21 delivers the flagship Samsung experience in a phone that's much more pocketable (and affordable) than the top-end S21 Ultra.The triple-camera system is incredibly capable, Samsung's One UI 3.1 software is chock-full of features and settings to mess with, and I've not once missed having expandable storage."
Get a great deal on the Apple iPhone 12 mini or the Samsung Galaxy S21
About Apple
The tech giant called Apple is synonymous with the most popular smartphone in the world: the iPhone. Known for their build quality and aesthetics, as well as for their excellent integration between hardware and software, iPhones have defined the smartphone industry ever since their conception and they continue to do so by setting new industry standards. Apple's own operating system, called iOS, is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and the company tends to complement it well by creating devices with some of the most powerful processing hardware available in the mobile world. The iPhone is also known for its robust ecosystem of accessories, as it facilitates a very seamless experience when interacting with other Apple products, more so than most of its competitors.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Phone guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Motorola Moto G100
VS
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Samsung Galaxy A25
VS
Compare Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. Samsung Galaxy Note10+
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Samsung Galaxy S10e
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Samsung Galaxy S10
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
VS
FAQs
FAQs about phones
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
151,800
Recommendations made
86,020
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
Featured in
