BeastCompare

Galaxy S9 vs iPhone 12 mini: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2018

Galaxy S9

Galaxy S9
65/ 100
Launch price$720
Apple · 2020

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 mini
65/ 100
Launch price$699
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 1 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
1 win
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 mini
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9iPhone 12 mini
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 12 mini
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S9
    65
    63
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger battery3,000 mAh vs 2,227 mAh
  • iPhone 12 mini charges faster20W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S9 has the bigger screen5.8" vs 5.4"
  • iPhone 12 mini is lighter133 g vs 163 g
  • iPhone 12 mini launched cheaper$699 vs $720
  • iPhone 12 mini has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 8 MP
  • iPhone 12 mini has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓Bigger 3,000 mAh battery (+773 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓5.8" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 12 mini
  • ✓30 g lighter (133 g vs 163 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$21 cheaper at launch ($699 vs $720)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9iPhone 12 mini
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size5.8"5.4"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)2340x1080 (476 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness864 nits peak625 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 8.0iOS 14
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12 MP, f/1.6, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/A12 MP, f/2.4
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens8 MP, f/1.712 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 12 mini Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm
Weight163 g133 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh2,227 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging20W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless charging15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$720$699
Our verdict

Galaxy S9 and iPhone 12 mini are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S9 for its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,227 mAh) and bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.4"), or the iPhone 12 mini for its faster charging (20W vs 15W) and lighter body (133 g vs 163 g).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Larger battery: 3,000 mAh vs 2,227 mAh

Buy iPhone 12 mini if you want

Lighter: 133 g vs 163 g (30 g less)

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or iPhone 12 mini?

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S9 for its bigger battery (3,000 mAh vs 2,227 mAh) and bigger screen (5.8" vs 5.4"), or the iPhone 12 mini for its faster charging (20W vs 15W) and lighter body (133 g vs 163 g). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, iPhone 12 mini 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and iPhone 12 mini?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch display and 2227 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and iPhone 12 mini compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone 12 mini scores 64/100.

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