When Apple dropped the iPhone 12 back in 2020, it didn't just change the internals. It fundamentally shifted how the phone felt in your palm. If you're looking at one today, maybe as a refurbished steal or a hand-me-down, the question of what size is iPhone 12 is about more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It's about how it manages to feel smaller than an iPhone 11 while having the exact same screen real estate.
Honestly, it’s kinda impressive.
Apple moved from the rounded, soap-bar edges of previous years to a flat-edge design that mimics the old iPhone 5. This change alone makes the phone feel more "mechanical" and precise. But let’s get into the hard data first because that’s why you’re here.
The Raw Dimensions: Breaking Down the Numbers
The standard iPhone 12 is a 6.1-inch device. But "6.1 inches" is a diagonal measurement of the screen, not the actual footprint of the phone. If you're trying to figure out if it fits in your favorite pair of jeans or that specific car cubby, you need the millimeters.
The Physical Footprint
The iPhone 12 measures exactly 146.7 mm (5.78 inches) in height. It is 71.5 mm (2.82 inches) wide. Perhaps the most noticeable spec is the thickness—or lack thereof—at just 7.4 mm (0.29 inches).
If you compare this to the iPhone 11, the 12 is actually 4.2% shorter and 11% lighter. It weighs in at 164 grams (5.78 ounces). In your hand, that weight difference is massive. It feels light. Almost surprisingly so. You won't feel like you’re carrying a brick, which is a common complaint with the newer "Pro Max" models that can tip the scales at over 200 grams.
What Size is iPhone 12 Compared to Others?
Apple didn't just release one phone that year. They released four. This is where people usually get confused. If you’re looking at the "12 series," the sizes vary wildly.
- The Mini: This was the tiny one. 5.4-inch screen. It’s tiny. Like, "disappears in your pocket" tiny.
- The Standard 12: The 6.1-inch middle ground. This is the "Goldilocks" size for most humans.
- The 12 Pro: Identical in size to the standard 12. Seriously. You can even swap most cases between them, though the camera bump on the Pro is slightly more pronounced.
- The 12 Pro Max: The behemoth. 6.7-inch screen. You need two hands for this one unless you have NBA-player palms.
The standard iPhone 12 basically hit the sweet spot. It’s large enough to watch a Netflix show without squinting but narrow enough that most people can still reach the top corner with one thumb—if they stretch a little.
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The Display Tech and the "Bezel" Factor
The screen itself is a Super Retina XDR OLED. It has a resolution of 2532-by-1170 pixels at 460 ppi. Because Apple shrunk the borders (the bezels) compared to the iPhone 11, you’re getting more "glass" and less "plastic" on the front.
Real-World Ergonomics: How It Actually Feels
Numbers are one thing. Real life is another. On forums like Reddit and the Apple Support communities, users have had years to live with this design. Some people love the flat edges because they provide a better "bite" for your fingers. It’s harder to drop because your fingers have a flat surface to grip onto.
However, there is a flip side.
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If you use your phone for hours without a case, those flat aluminum edges can start to feel a bit sharp. They "dig in" to the pinky finger you use to prop up the bottom of the phone. This is a very real phenomenon that led many users to buy cases with slightly rounded edges to soften the feel.
Does it fit in pockets?
Generally, yes.
The 71.5 mm width is narrow enough for most standard pockets. If you wear very tight clothing, you’ll notice the corners. Unlike the older curved iPhones that "rolled" into a pocket, the iPhone 12 "slides" in. It’s a subtle difference, but you’ll feel it.
Surprising Details About the 12's Build
One thing people often overlook when asking about the iPhone 12 size is the Ceramic Shield. Apple claimed this made the glass four times more drop-resistant. While it doesn't change the physical dimensions, it does change the "density" feel of the front glass. It feels solid.
Also, the MagSafe magnets inside add a tiny bit of internal "heft" that wasn't there in older models, but it doesn't affect the external dimensions. If you attach a MagSafe wallet, though, be prepared for the thickness of the phone to basically double.
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Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are trying to decide if the iPhone 12 size is right for you, do these three things:
- Check your current phone: If you’re coming from an iPhone 6, 7, or 8, the 12 will feel significantly larger but the screen will feel massive because there's no "Home" button taking up space.
- The Paper Test: Cut a piece of cardboard to 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm. It sounds silly, but holding that "template" in your hand for two minutes will tell you more than any YouTube video.
- Consider the Case: Almost everyone puts a case on their phone. A standard silicone case will add about 2mm to the width and height. If you already think the iPhone 12 is at the limit of your hand size, look for "ultra-thin" cases from brands like Peel or Totallee.
The iPhone 12 remains one of the most balanced designs Apple has ever produced. It moved away from the "phablet" bloat while refusing to be a "mini" phone. It’s just a phone. A normal-sized, highly functional phone that fits most lives without demanding you buy bigger pants.