Design and Build Quality of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini is a compact smartphone with a premium look. It's perfect for those who want fewer features in a smaller device. The iPhone 12 Mini is one of Apple's most compact devices, measuring just 5.4" in size. It has flat edges that are reminiscent of those of the iPhone 4 and a sturdy, classic feel. Ceramic Shield Glass covers the front and rear of the iPhone 12 Mini, providing four times more drop resistance than older models. The aluminum frame also adds durability to this lightweight device.
The iPhone 12 Mini is noticeably smaller than its rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (6.4") or the Xiaomi Mi 11 LITE (6.55"), which makes it perfect for users who enjoy one-handed use. While the iPhone 12 Mini's build quality is excellent, its smaller screen size may be an issue for those who are used to bigger screens. The Google Pixel 6 also has a similar compact design, with a aluminum unibody. However, the iPhone is more appealing because of its premium glass finish.
Display of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini comes with a 5.4" Super Retina XDR display that offers a resolution 2340 x1080 pixels. The result is a 476-ppi pixel density, which ensures sharp and vivid visuals. OLED provides excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. This display has been certified HDR10, Dolby vision, and allows for a better viewing experience with compatible content such as Netflix movies.
Apple's calibration standards ensure that the iPhone 12 Mini is superior to competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE with its larger, 6.4-inch Dynamic 2X AMOLED display. It also has more natural colors and tones. Xiaomi Mi 11 Mini (6.55" AMOLED display) offers an equally vibrant screen, but does not support HDR or peak brightness.
The iPhone 12 Mini's brightness peaks at 1,200 nits when HDR content is played, which puts it on par with other OLED displays, including the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Mini is ideal for outdoor use, since it provides excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple’s A14 Bionic chipset powers the iPhone 12 Mini, which offers impressive performance for its small size. It is now in the same league with flagship models. A14 has a 5-nm chip with six CPU cores (two performance cores and four efficiency cores), four GPU cores and a Neural Engine. The A14's configuration ensures smooth gaming and multitasking, while also delivering impressive energy efficiency. It is capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, streaming and social media. But it also excels in demanding applications such as high-end video editing and gaming.
The iPhone 12 Mini is a class leader in benchmark tests. Geekbench scores impressively 1600 for single-core, and 4200 for multi-core. This is similar to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, with its Snapdragon 888 processor, which scored slightly lower on both the single-core and multi-core test, demonstrating the power of Apple’s custom silicon. The iPhone 12 Mini is faster than the Xiaomi Mi 11 LITE, which uses the Snapdragon 732G. It also has smoother frames in games and a more responsive system.
The A14 Bionic Neural Engine also accelerates machine-learning tasks, like facial recognition or camera optimizations. This gives the iPhone 12 Mini an edge for the future. The iPhone 12 Mini, when paired with iOS which has been optimized to work with this hardware, delivers an experience that is smooth and snappy, even after prolonged usage.
Operating System and UI of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple's iPhone 12 Mini is powered by iOS 14. It can be upgraded to iOS 17 for a seamless, fluid experience. It is a well-optimized operating system, with slick controls, intuitive navigation and a smooth user interface. iOS offers a refined and secure experience with its widgets, App Clips, which allow quick access to applications, and App Store.
iOS's deep integration into the hardware is one of its key strengths, providing optimal performance for tasks like multitasking and app switching. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE runs Android 12 and Samsung's One UI. This contrasts with Android-based phones like this one. One UI offers a feature-rich, highly customizable experience, but iOS is streamlined and minimalistic, appealing to those who want consistency and simplicity.
Apple's iOS is superior to Xiaomi Mi 11 LITE which uses MIUI on Android 11. It offers regular security updates, and Apple provides them directly. iOS is more reliable than MIUI, which offers many customizations, such as themes, additional features and other options.
Camera of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini has a dual camera system that includes a 12MP lens with wide angle (f/1.6), and another 12MP lens for ultra-wide (f/2.4). The setup captures vibrant and detailed photos in different lighting conditions. Thanks to its larger aperture, the wide lens offers excellent performance in low light, while the wider lens gives you greater flexibility for landscapes and group shots. Night Mode is also included in the iPhone 12 Mini. It works with both wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras to enhance its capabilities.
The iPhone 12 Mini is a better camera than its competition, including the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (12MP+12MP dual-camera setup). It has a more natural reproduction of colors and broader dynamic range. Xiaomi Mi 11 LITE, while boasting a larger megapixel count (64MP+8MP), struggles to capture color accurately and in detail in difficult lighting conditions. Apple's A14 Bionic chip powers its computational photography which helps to produce photos with more clarity and accuracy.
The iPhone 12 Mini is a great choice for content creators who want to capture cinematic-quality videos on the go. The iPhone 12 Mini is a good choice for creators of content who are looking to create cinematic videos while on the move. Front camera with 12MP TrueDepth Sensor supports HDR, Night Mode and ensures high quality selfies in low-light conditions.
Battery and Charging of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini comes with a 2227mAh lithium-ion battery. While smaller than other devices of similar size, the A14 Bionic processor and compact design still provide a respectable level of performance. The iPhone 12 Mini can last a whole day with normal usage. This includes social media browsing and some light gaming. Heavy users, however, may have to recharge it at night, particularly if they are streaming video or playing games for long periods of time.
The iPhone 12 Mini is compatible with Apple's MagSafe charger for 15W charging. It can also charge to about 50% within 30 minutes using a higher power adapter (sold separately). It is comparable to many rivals including Samsung Galaxy S21 FE which has 25W of fast charging and can charge from 0% upto 50% in 30 minutes. The Xiaomi Mi 11 LITE supports 33W rapid charging. This delivers a complete charge within an hour. It is slightly faster than the iPhone 12 Mini.
The iPhone 12 Mini isn't as powerful as larger smartphones, but it has been optimized to provide a decent amount of battery life. The iPhone 12 Mini is not the ideal choice for those who require a long battery life and super-fast charging. Its overall performance, however, is sufficient for most users.
Connectivity and Network of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini comes with a wide range of connectivity features, such as 5G, that ensures high download speeds, low latency, and future-proof performance. The iPhone 12 Mini offers a range of connectivity options, including 5G support, which ensures fast download speeds and low latency for future-proof performance. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 is included to ensure stable connections with accessories like smartwatches, wireless headphones, etc.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE supports 5G and has sub-6GHz compatibility. It also provides similar performance. However, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Mini is only compatible with 4G LTE. This makes it less futuristic than an iPhone 12 Mini in places where 5G networks have just begun to roll out.
Apple Pay is also supported by the iPhone 12 Mini, which ensures seamless contactless payment. Lightning is used for wired connections, which are standard across Apple devices. However, some users may prefer USB-C as found on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. The iPhone 12 Mini has excellent connectivity, particularly for those in areas where 5G networks can be found.
iPhone 12 Mini Storage Options: A Bangladeshi Perspective
Apple iPhone 12 Mini comes in three storage options: 64GB; 128GB and 256GB. It is notable that it does not have a slot for a microSD memory card, so the storage option you choose becomes crucial.
Bangladesh-Specific Considerations
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64GB Version: Although the standard model, this may not be enough for those who want to store many apps, videos, or photos. The 64GB model may quickly fill due to the popularity of social media.
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Variant 128GB: An ideal choice for the majority of users. It offers ample storage for documents, apps and media without requiring frequent management.
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Variant 256GB: Perfect for content creators or power users who want to store large media libraries on their local devices.
Alternative Compact Smartphones in Bangladesh
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Samsung Galaxy S21: Has storage capacities of 128GB or 256GB, and the option to expand storage with a microSD card.
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Xiaomi Mi 11: Offers 128GB of storage space, allowing users to have a compact device with enough room.
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Google Pixel 5 Has 128GB of storage and focuses on an Android experience that is clean in a small form factor.
Sound Quality of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini features dual stereo speakers, one at the bottom of the device and the other integrated in the earpiece. The configuration enhances media experiences with rich and clear audio. DXOMARK reports that the iPhone 12 Mini has a global score of 73. This places it in the top ranks for smartphone audio.
Playback Performance
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Audio: Due to its small size, the speakers' bass is not as powerful.
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Dynamic: The audio playback is dynamic, and the bass accuracy remains satisfactory despite the lack of deep bass.
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Spatial : Stereo setup provides a large and immersive audio stage, with precise localization of the audio sources.
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Volume The maximum volume level is adequate for casual listening but lacks the punch and depth of larger devices.
Recording Performance
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Timbre The high-end is subdued, but vocals are captured with clarity.
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Dynamic: Captures audio in a dynamic manner, capturing subtleties of different environments.
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Spatial Creates an accurate sense of distance and location in recorded audio.
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Volume: The volume levels of recordings are constant, making them suitable for voice memos and meetings.
Compare with competitors
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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Stereo speakers with Dolby atmos deliver rich, full sound. The Galaxy S21 FE may have slightly better speakers than the iPhone 12 Mini.
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Xiaomi Mi 11 Mini: The Mi 11 Mini lacks stereo speakers and relies on one bottom-firing loudspeaker, which results in a less immersive sound compared with the iPhone 12 Mini.
User Feedback
Users have complained about the quality of call audio on iPhone 12 Mini. They describe it as distorted or muffled. This appears to be a one-off issue, as many users praise the overall performance of the iPhone 12 Mini's audio.
Features Exclusive to the Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini will be released in 2020 and offers a compact design combined with the latest technology. It has several features to offer users who are looking for portability as well as performance.
Compact form factor: The iPhone 12 Mini is the smallest, lightest, and most portable 5G phone at the time of its launch. It features a 5.4" Super Retina XDR screen, which makes it easy to use and highly portable.
Ceramic Shield front cover: The front cover is equipped with Ceramic Shield and offers four times more durability than previous models.
MagSafe: MagSafe is a new magnetic accessory and charging system that allows for the easy attachment of chargers. This enhances user experience.
Connectivity to 5G: iPhone 12 Mini is compatible with 5G, which enables faster downloads, better video streaming and responsive gaming. Users can stay in touch with the most recent network advances.
Advanced camera system: The iPhone 12 Mini features a dual 12MP back camera with Night Mode, Deep Fusion and HDR recording up to 30 frames per second with Dolby vision.
The iPhone 12 Mini is a device that stands out for those who are looking for a feature-rich, compact smartphone.
Apple's iPhone 12 Mini launched late in 2020 is still a great choice for those looking for a powerful yet compact smartphone. Here is a list of eight prominent competitors in Bangladesh. The differences between them are highlighted to help you make an informed choice.
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iPhone 12 Mini: BDT 70,000 (official); BDT 65,000 (unofficial).
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Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite: BDT 35,000 (official); BDT 30,000 (unofficial).
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Key Differences:
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Design: iPhone 12 Mini boasts a premium glass and aluminum build; Mi 11 Lite has a plastic body.
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Performance: iPhone's A14 Bionic chip outperforms Mi 11 Lite's Snapdragon 732G in processing speed.
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Camera: iPhone's camera system delivers superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
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Winner: Apple iPhone 12 Mini provides a more premium build, superior performance, and better camera quality, justifying the higher price point.
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iPhone 12 Mini: BDT 70,000 (official); BDT 65,000 (unofficial).
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Vivo V21e: BDT 35,000 (official); BDT 30,000 (unofficial).
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Key Differences:
Price and Value for Money of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini in Bangladesh
Apple iPhone 12 Mini is a small device with a powerful performance. It was introduced late in 2020. The price of the Apple iPhone 12 Mini in Bangladesh varies depending on its storage capacity and where it is purchased.
Official Price
Unofficial Price
Value proposition: The iPhone 12 Mini is positioned as a premium product at its official price. Unofficial versions are available at lower prices and can be a good option for consumers who want flagship features but don't have a large budget. This device offers a strong display and camera, as well as a powerful performance. It is a great choice for the midrange market.
Considerations
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Need for Storage: Base variant only offers 64GB. This may not be enough storage space for those with large needs.
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Battery life: Although adequate for moderate users, heavy users may find that the battery is less durable.
Audience Targeting Suitability for the Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple iPhone 12 Mini users will appreciate its compact size without having to sacrifice performance. The 5.4-inch display is ideal for casual and professional users alike who are looking to maximize their portability. It also offers flagship power thanks to the A14 Bionic processor. The iPhone 12 Mini camera, which features Night Mode, Dolby Video recording and Dolby Audio, is perfect for those who love photography.
It may not be ideal for heavy users that need to store a lot of data or have a long-lasting battery. Its smaller capacity battery may be a problem for heavy media users or gamers. Users who want a larger display for work may also prefer the OnePlus 9.
Apple iPhone 12 Mini Availability in Bangladesh and Support After Sales
Apple iPhone 12 Mini can be purchased in Bangladesh via both official and non-official channels.
Official Accessibility: Although the iPhone 12 Mini has been discontinued by Apple and is not actively promoted, authorized resellers can still find it online. Kry International, for example, offers a 128GB official variant with Apple International Warranty at a price BDT 52,490. However, it's currently sold out.
Unofficial availability: Different local retailers and on-line stores sell the iPhone 12 Mini for a variety of prices. Custom Mac BD, for example, lists the iPhone 12 Mini starting at BDT 71,000 depending on its storage capacity.
Support After Sales: Apple offers international warranty coverage on the iPhone 12 Mini. This is valid at Apple Authorized Service Providers located in Bangladesh. Some of the most notable service centers are:
Apple service centers provide services like battery replacement, repairs and technical support.
Conclusion: Apple iPhone 12 Mini Review
Apple iPhone 12 Mini offers a powerful, compact device that does not sacrifice flagship features. The A14 Bionic processor ensures high-level performance and its OLED screen delivers vivid visuals with a compact form factor. Its camera is versatile and offers excellent video and photo quality. The build quality and durability are enhanced by the Ceramic Shield. The smaller battery may not be suitable for heavy users and its lack of expandable memory might limit some.
The iPhone 12 Mini is a great choice for those looking for an ultra-compact powerhouse. It may not be the best choice for users who want a bigger screen, or a longer battery life. However, for people looking for a smartphone with a good camera, portability and performance it is a great option.