In 2026, the iPhone 12 mini is the better long-term buy. It still receives Apple's latest software, iOS 27, while the iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16 and can no longer update. For roughly $50 more refurbished, the 12 mini adds 5G, a dual camera, an OLED screen, and years of extra support. The iPhone 8 still works for calls, texts, and light apps, but its software runway has ended. Here is the full comparison.
Quick answer for 2026, at a glance:
The iPhone 12 mini offers a world of difference over the iPhone 8 in design, camera, connectivity, and software support. Boasting three years of hardware improvements and a far longer update window, it is an excellent small form factor phone you can still buy today. But is the extra price worth it for your use case? Keep reading.
In this guide: why upgrade, software support, the specs table, the differences (display, design, performance, camera, battery, connectivity), the verdict, and the FAQ.
The most important difference in 2026 is software support. The iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 27, Apple's latest version, released on September 14, 2026, while the iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16 and cannot install anything newer.
Apple's iPhone 8 (A11 Bionic) shipped its last major update with iOS 16 and was left behind starting with iOS 17. The iPhone 12 mini (A14 Bionic) instead received iOS 17, iOS 18, and iOS 26, the release where Apple switched to year-based version numbers (jumping from iOS 18 straight to iOS 26).
In practice that means the 12 mini keeps getting security patches, new features, and app compatibility, while the iPhone 8 will increasingly see apps drop support. If you plan to keep the phone for more than a year, the 12 mini is the safer buy.
| Features | iPhone 8 | iPhone 12 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | 2017 | 2020 |
| Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 in 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 5.22 oz 148 grams | 4.76 oz 135 grams |
| Display | Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 750 x 1334 pixels at 326 PPI density (16:9 ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels at 476 PPI density (19.5:9 ratio) |
| Colors | Black Silver Space grey Gold | Black White (PRODUCT)RED Green Blue Purple |
| CPU | Apple A11 Bionic Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) | Apple A14 Bionic Hexa-core (2×3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4×1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Memory | 64GB with 2GB RAM 128GB with 2GB RAM 256GB with 2GB RAM | 64GB with 4GB RAM 128GB with 4GB RAM 256GB with 4GB RAM |
| Rear camera | Wide: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm, PDAF, OIS | Wide: 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120º, 1/3.6″ |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″ |
| Video recording | 1080p at 30fps | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS 1080p at 30/60/120 FPS, gyro-EIS |
| 5G connectivity | No | Yes |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 dust and water-resistant | IP68 dust and water-resistant (up to 6 meters for 30 min) |
| Battery capacity | 1821 mAh | 2227 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours of video playback | Up to 15 hours of video playback |
| Max OS compatibility | iOS 16 (no longer updated) | iOS 27 (current) |
| Original price | $699 | $699 |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at check price | Starting at $129 |
iPhone 8 glass design Image credit: Apple
Let’s further compare the most important differences between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 8 to make your choice easier.
The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD, while the iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED display. OLED displays are thinner, brighter, and more energy efficient than IPS LCDs, providing more vibrant colors and increased contrast. The OLED display of the iPhone 12 mini also has a higher resolution and more pixels.
The design of the iPhone 12 takes us back to the iPhone 5. This modern and elegant design is one of the most prominent since the release of the iPhone X. It has thinner bezels and an 85.1% screen-to-body ratio compared to the iPhone 8′ 65.4%, which provides much more screen space to enjoy your smartphone. At the same time, the iPhone 12 mini is smaller and lighter than the iPhone 8, so using it with one hand and carrying it around is more comfortable.
The iPhone 12 mini has a higher performance than the iPhone 8. All the iPhone 12 models have the same A14 Bionic processor, which is still a beast, while the iPhone 8 starts to lag behind with the A11 chip. However, for everyday usage, the iPhone 8 is still more than enough.
The iPhone 8 has a single rear camera setup with a 12 MP resolution and f/1.8 aperture. In terms of the front camera, the iPhone 12 mini has a 12 MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera, while the front camera of the iPhone 8 offers only 7MP with f/2.2.
The iPhone 12 mini is equipped with a dual-camera system, consisting of a 12 MP f/1.6 (up to 5x digital zoom and 2x optical zoom), wide-angle front camera, and a 12 MP f/2.4, ultrawide angle camera.
In addition, both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 12 mini are capable of recording videos in 4K at 24, 30, and 60 FPS and 1920×1080 at 30, 60, 120, and 240 FPS. However, only the 12 offers HDR.
iPhone 12 mini
Both phones feature a non-removable Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1821 mAh for the iPhone 8 and 2227 mAh for the iPhone 12 mini. Both also feature fast charging and wireless charging. To illustrate their battery capacity, the iPhone 12 mini offers up to 15 hours of video playback, while the 8 only delivers up to 13 hours. Even if these calculations are always estimates, the 12 mini lasts longer.
On connectivity, the iPhone 12 mini has an updated WiFi 6 version, and both phones have Bluetooth 5.0. The big difference comes down to 5G: only the iPhone 12 mini offers 5G, a vital advantage if you want to use a high-speed network for years to come.
In 2026, the iPhone 12 mini is the better buy for almost everyone. It has 5G, thinner bezels, more screen real estate, a dual camera, a much better OLED display and performance, and, most importantly, it still runs iOS 27 while the iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16. For roughly $50 more refurbished, you get years of extra software support. The iPhone 8 only makes sense if you want the cheapest possible working iPhone for basic everyday tasks and you accept that it no longer receives updates. Once you settle on the 12 mini, see how to pick a refurbished iPhone 12 mini for battery health, storage and seller grades.
👉 Learn more: iPhone 8 Plus vs. iPhone 12: How Do They Compare?
Both phones are now discontinued by Apple, so buying refurbished is the best way to find one and save in the process. On RefurbMe, we compare the best refurbished Apple deals from trusted merchants so you get the lowest price with a warranty, thoroughly tested and working like new. On October 28, 2026, Back Market had most of the refurbished iPhone 12 mini stock RefurbMe tracked in the US, and eBay Refurbished had the lowest prices. Compare all live offers below:
👇 Learn more:
If you have decided on the iPhone 8, you can compare all models here:
Don’t hesitate to check our list of the best iPhone accessories to enhance your experience even more.
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Yes. The iPhone 12 mini runs iOS 27, Apple's current software, and adds 5G, an OLED display, and a dual camera. At around $150 refurbished, it is a strong compact phone for most everyday users in 2026.
No. The iPhone 8 stopped at iOS 16 and cannot install iOS 17, iOS 18, iOS 26, or iOS 27. It still works for calls, texts, and basic apps, but it no longer receives new features or security updates. The iPhone 12 mini, by contrast, runs the current iOS 27.
A refurbished iPhone 8 typically costs around $90 to $110, while the iPhone 12 mini usually starts around $150. Prices change with condition and stock, so check the live comparison above for the current lowest offers. Note the iPhone 8 is 4G only, while the 12 mini adds 5G.
Good luck!
Last updated: Sep 15, 2026 · First published: Sep 22, 2023
CEO and Founder at RefurbMe. I made this project back when I was 15 when I had to wake up at 2am to buy my own refurbished Macbook Pro. Passionate about circular economy, great UX and goats.
