Apple Refurbished iPhone 12 Mini Detailed Review

The Apple iPhone 12 Mini was Apple’s bold attempt to bring back the compact iPhone dream — and even in 2025, it remains one of the best small phones you can buy in the UK. If you’ve been looking for a powerful yet pocket-friendly iPhone, the iPhone 12 Mini is the answer.

In this in-depth review and buying guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the iPhone 12 Mini — from performance, camera, and battery to UK pricing, refurbished deals, FAQs, and whether it’s worth buying in 2025.

Apple iphone 12 Mini Launched in November 2020, the iPhone 12 Mini was Apple’s nod to the beloved smaller smartphones of yesteryear, packing all the punch of the iPhone 12 in a more petite package. It’s not just a phone; it’s a pocket-sized powerhouse that brings back the ease of one-handed texting and fits snugly in your jeans without a bulge.

Design & Build: Compact, Nostalgic, and Premium

One of the biggest reasons people still love the iPhone 12 Mini is its size and design. At 5.4 inches, it’s the smallest flagship iPhone since the iPhone 5S, yet it packs the same flat-edged aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield glass as its bigger brothers in the iPhone 12 series.

Holding it feels nostalgic but modern. Unlike today’s bulky 6.7-inch flagships, the 12 Mini slips into any pocket and allows for true one-handed use. Despite being compact, it doesn’t feel cheap — it carries the same premium finish Apple is known for.

Display: OLED Quality in a Small Package

The Super Retina XDR OLED display is one of the Mini’s strongest points. With a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (476 ppi), HDR10, and Dolby Vision support, videos look sharp, vibrant, and immersive.

Yes, it’s limited to 60Hz (unlike newer iPhones or Android rivals at 120Hz), but for everyday use — from watching Netflix to browsing Instagram — the screen looks fantastic. If you’re upgrading from an iPhone SE or iPhone 11, the difference is night and day.

Performance: Flagship Power with A14 Bionic

Don’t let the size fool you — the iPhone 12 Mini is a pocket rocket. Powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip (the same used in the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPad Air 4), it handles everything with ease:

• Gaming (Call of Duty, PUBG) runs smoothly.
  
  

• 4K video recording/editing is fluid.
  
  

• Multitasking with iOS 18 feels seamless.
  
  

Even in 2025, the A14 chip holds up against many mid-range Android devices. Plus, with 5G connectivity, you’re future-proofed for fast mobile data.

Camera: Dual-Lens Power in Your Pocket

The iPhone 12 Mini’s dual 12MP cameras (wide + ultra-wide) are identical to the iPhone 12, meaning you’re not missing out on quality despite the smaller size.

• Daylight photos: Crisp, natural colors.
  
  

• Night Mode: Huge improvement over iPhone 11 — works on all lenses.
  
  

• Video: Records in 4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps — cinema-level stabilization.
  
  

• Selfies: The 12MP TrueDepth camera supports Night Mode and Portrait effects.
  
  

For photography lovers, the iPhone 12 Mini still beats most Android compact phones in 2025.

Battery Life & Charging: The Only Compromise

The iPhone 12 Mini’s 2227 mAh battery is its weakest point. With heavy use (gaming, 5G, high brightness), you may need a mid-day top-up. But for light to moderate users, it lasts a full day.

Charging options:

• 20W Fast Charging: 0–60% in 30 mins (adapter sold separately).
  
  

• MagSafe Wireless Charging: Slower (12W), but great for accessories.
  
  

At Zextons, we ship every iPhone 12 Mini with a free charging cable + protection bundle, so you’re ready from day one.

Software & Updates: iOS 18 and Beyond

Launched with iOS 14, the iPhone 12 Mini now runs iOS 18 in 2025. Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–7 years, so you can expect updates until at least 2026/2027.

That means security patches, new features, and continued app support — making it a safe long-term investment.

💷 Pricing & Availability in the UK (2025)

• Launch Price (2020): £699
  
  

• Current Zextons Price: £179.99 (68% off)
  
  

Refurbished models in the UK typically sell between £250–£400, but thanks to our direct sourcing and in-house quality checks, Zextons offers the best refurbished iPhone 12 Mini deals in the UK.

iPhone 12 Mini vs Alternatives (2025)

Verdict: If you want the cheapest compact flagship iPhone in 2025, the iPhone 12 Mini refurbished is unbeatable.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design (perfect one-hand use).

• A14 Bionic = still fast in 2025.

• OLED HDR display with Dolby Vision.

• Excellent dual-lens camera system.

• 5G + MagSafe support.

• Huge Zextons savings + free bundle.
  
  

Cons:

• Battery life is average.

• No 120Hz refresh rate.

• Slower wireless charging.

Zextons Exclusive iPhone 12 Mini Offer (UK)

At Zextons Tech Store, we have a strong stock of refurbished iPhone 12 Mini models in excellent condition — and with our 68% discount, 18-month warranty, and free next-day delivery, you’re not only getting a legendary Apple device but also unbeatable value.

• Discount: 68% off – now just £179.99
  
  

• Storage Options: 64GB and 128GB
  
  

• Colors Available: Black, Blue, Green, Red, White, Purple
  
  

• Warranty: 18 months (longer than most UK retailers)
  
  

• Returns: 30 days, no hassle
  
  

• Free Bundle: Protection case, charging cable, SIMs
  
  

• Delivery: Free next-day delivery across the UK
  
  

• Sustainability Bonus: We plant a tree with every purchase
  
  

This makes Zextons the best place to buy a refurbished iPhone 12 Mini in the UK.