iPhone 17 13 mini and 17 base

[firemenhon]

I bought the 17 base and suppose to replace my 13 mini ,after use it two days , i feel really struggle about the size and iOS 26 , and now i have already switch back to 13mini , and I am struggle to give it to my wife she is using 16 pro almost two years, is it a good move? although my mini’s battery is 88 now and I still want to keep it to my main phone , 17 base is really really huge ……in my city Hong Kong , apple dont have the return policy…..I can only trade in my old device within 14 days , her 16pro worth $ 653 if I take it back to trade in to apple , I am really really upset and frustrated right now, please give me some advice , thanks all of you

 

[awintersdaybyth]

If you've spent all that money and can't return it maybe give it a try for longer than 2 days and see if you can eventually adjust to the size?

 

[firemenhon]

If you've spent all that money and can't return it maybe give it a try for longer than 2 days and see if you can eventually adjust to the size?

I don’t know how long go get to use it or I don’t eventually , the size is a form factor , iOS version is also a factor, I am still using iOS 18, I really hate the iOS 26, wtf the liquid glass … of course I understand it’s a hug jump from 13 mini to 17, but …it’s really depressing

 

[Andeddu]

Are you extremely small? The 17 is a good size and I am not a big guy at 5’8, lol.

The only issue I have with these regular sized phones is that I find them uncomfortable to use in bed watching something as I go to sleep. That’s why I have an OGSE and an 8 as secondary phones.

I believe you can turn off a lot of the Liquid Glass effects to make iOS 26 look more like iOS 18.

 

[firemenhon]

Are you extremely small? The 17 is a good size and I am not a big guy at 5’8, lol.

The only issue I have with these regular sized phones is that I find them uncomfortable to use in bed watching something as I go to sleep. That’s why I have an OGSE and an 8 as secondary phones.

I believe you can turn off a lot of the Liquid Glass effects to make iOS 26 look more like iOS 18.

No I am also 5’8 to 5’9 but my hand is small ,and finger is short , at that two days on. 17 base , I really can’t use it at one hand ,but on 13 mini , my hand can reach every corner on the screen , I have already turn off all the damn liquid glass function , am I really stubborn on the tech market …..😩😩😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

 

[Andeddu]

No I am also 5’8 to 5’9 but my hand is small ,and finger is short , at that two days on. 17 base , I really can’t use it at one hand ,but on 13 mini , my hand can reach every corner on the screen , I have already turn off all the damn liquid glass function , am I really stubborn on the tech market …..😩😩😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Yeh, so you aren’t supposed to use a regular sized phone with one hand.

That’s your issue. I can’t even do it with the 17 Pro. If you want to use it with one hand you can purchase a pop socket.

 

[snipr125]

I went 12 mini, 13 mini, 15 Pro and now 17 Pro. I like my smaller sized phones, and the 17 Pro is the max size i can do one handed albeit with some finger gymnastics. A grippy case helps. Give the 17 a chance it’s a great phone and quite lightweight also.

 

[firemenhon]

I went 12 mini, 13 mini, 15 Pro and now 17 Pro. I like my smaller sized phones, and the 17 Pro is the max size i can do one handed albeit with some finger gymnastics. A grippy case helps. Give the 17 a chance it’s a great phone and quite lightweight also.

How long you get to use it from 13 mini to 15 pro ? I don’t know is it my own problem , when I use 13 mini , I am heavy user , I need to bring the power bank every day ,

 

[Macdctr]

I have a Green 13 mini that is used as a secondary iPhone to my Black Titanium 16 Pro. I have no problem using my 16 Pro using one hand although I understand why some people refuse to leave their 12 minis or 13 minis for the larger sized iPhones. I get it as I still enjoy using my 13 mini today.

I put in a new SUNWODA 2577mAh high capacity diagnostic compatible battery in my 13 mini giving it 108% battery health. My device lasts all day under my fairly light usage and stays at 100% charge most of the morning. As a heavy user you will probably still need a battery pack but having the higher capacity battery keeps the 13 mini running longer before needing a recharge.

If you plan to keep using your 13 mini then consider replacing the battery and continue using it.

 

[okkibs]

I suggest you try to update the new iPhone 17 to the iOS 27 public beta. It runs well enough right now and it turns down liquid glass a lot. There is nothing to do about the physical size as Apple has discontinued the Mini series and there don't seem to be any plans to make such a compact iPhone again. Even if you choose to keep using your iPhone 13 Mini you will have the same issue sooner or later when you retire it.

 

[awintersdaybyth]

I suggest you try to update the new iPhone 17 to the iOS 27 public beta. It runs well enough right now and it turns down liquid glass a lot. There is nothing to do about the physical size as Apple has discontinued the Mini series and there don't seem to be any plans to make such a compact iPhone again. Even if you choose to keep using your iPhone 13 Mini you will have the same issue sooner or later when you retire it.

Well the iPhone 17e would be a little bit smaller than the 17 (although a refurbed 15 pro may be a better option depending on user needs, albeit a bit heavier and thicker).

e2a: I am currently in possession of a 13 mini, although I am looking to change phone due to the screen having an irritating scratch on the front and also wanting a slightly bigger screen. Have tried out the 17 for around a week and a half and a refurbed 15 Pro and find the 15 Pro to be the best potential replacement down to feel in hand (as about as one handed as I can get at the moment) and the other improvements (2 days before needing a charge on the mini, 3 on the Pro). For me the 17 is just a bit too big to use comfortably whereas I can manage ok on the 15 Pro.

 

[firemenhon]

I have a Green 13 mini that is used as a secondary iPhone to my Black Titanium 16 Pro. I have no problem using my 16 Pro using one hand although I understand why some people refuse to leave their 12 minis or 13 minis for the larger sized iPhones. I get it as I still enjoy using my 13 mini today.

I put in a new SUNWODA 2577mAh high capacity diagnostic compatible battery in my 13 mini giving it 108% battery health. My device lasts all day under my fairly light usage and stays at 100% charge most of the morning. As a heavy user you will probably still need a battery pack but having the higher capacity battery keeps the 13 mini running longer before needing a recharge.

If you plan to keep using your 13 mini then consider replacing the battery and continue using it.

can i buy it at amazon ? do you feel it reliable ？ any over heat problem ?thanks

 

[firemenhon]

I suggest you try to update the new iPhone 17 to the iOS 27 public beta. It runs well enough right now and it turns down liquid glass a lot. There is nothing to do about the physical size as Apple has discontinued the Mini series and there don't seem to be any plans to make such a compact iPhone again. Even if you choose to keep using your iPhone 13 Mini you will have the same issue sooner or later when you retire it.

yes i get it , i know apple is just focus on profit right now and they don’t listen to market and i realize the small phone will fade out finally ..

 

[Macdctr]

can i buy it at amazon ? do you feel it reliable ？ any over heat problem ?thanks

Yes you can get the battery from Amazon, this is where I got mine. Here is the link . . .

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

www.amazon.com

I did my battery replacement in May and the new battery has been performing as expected. I have been very pleased with the new battery so far and have no unknown part warning from the new battery.

 

[firemenhon]

Yes you can get the battery from Amazon, this is where I got mine. Here is the link . . .

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

www.amazon.com

I did my battery replacement in May and the new battery has been performing as expected. I have been very pleased with the new battery so far and have no unknown part warning from the new battery.

thanks for your details man , would you tell me what’s that mean no pop up on that battery i saw at the description

 

[firemenhon]

Yes you can get the battery from Amazon, this is where I got mine. Here is the link . . .

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

GUPFIX Diagnostic Battery for iPhone 13mini No Pop-up Unknown Part Warning | High Capacity Real Capacity 2520mAh Long Last Time Wireless Charging Support Durable Tool For DIY Phone Repair Shop

www.amazon.com

I did my battery replacement in May and the new battery has been performing as expected. I have been very pleased with the new battery so far and have no unknown part warning from the new battery.

this is a 2520 mah battery not that SUNWODA 2577mAh?which one is more better ?since i can’t find the SUNWODA one at amazon ,thanks for you again

 

[Macdctr]

thanks for your details man , would you tell me what’s that mean no pop up on that battery i saw at the description

That means when you install this battery, Apple will flag the new battery and have you run Apple Repair Diagnostics and Configurator. This battery will pass Apple’s Repair Diagnostics software and be paired to the logic board eliminating the unknown part warning in your settings. This is why I used this battery and the added benefit is a higher capacity so the 13 mini lasts longer between charge times as a result.

 

[Macdctr]

this is a 2520 mah battery not that SUNWODA 2577mAh?which one is more better ?since i can’t find the SUNWODA one at amazon ,thanks for you again

When you connect the 13 mini to your Mac and run the 3uTools app, it will provide the actual battery manufacturer, date of manufacture of the installed battery, the battery’s serial number, design capacity of the 13 mini which is 2392mAh, current capacity which at the time I installed my battery was at 2565mAh, and full charge capacity of 2577mAh.

I have installed this battery on four of my 13 minis this year and after connecting them. You can see the information from my screen capture below:

The actual battery ratings differ slightly as you see in my excel worksheet on my 13 minis. The link I provided is the actual batteries I have personally installed into my 13 minis and verified the manufacturer of these batteries are from SUNWODA which Apple also uses on some of their devices.

 

[firemenhon]

When you connect the 13 mini to your Mac and run the 3uTools app, it will provide the actual battery manufacturer, date of manufacture of the installed battery, the battery’s serial number, design capacity of the 13 mini which is 2392mAh, current capacity which at the time I installed my battery was at 2565mAh, and full charge capacity of 2577mAh.

I have installed this battery on four of my 13 minis this year and after connecting them. You can see the information from my screen capture below:

The actual battery ratings differ slightly as you see in my excel worksheet on my 13 minis. The link I provided is the actual batteries I have personally installed into my 13 minis and verified the manufacturer of these batteries are from SUNWODA which Apple also uses on some of their devices.

Millions thanks for you details provide to me , thanks for your suggestion , I will try to buy it and install by myself although I never try to DIY on battery replacement ! 🙏🙏🙏

 

[snipr125]

How long you get to use it from 13 mini to 15 pro ? I don’t know is it my own problem , when I use 13 mini , I am heavy user , I need to bring the power bank every day ,

Battery life was obviously better on the 15 Pro when brand new, but not amazing or anything. Yeah if your a heavy user, your gonna struggle with the 13 Mini especially at 88% battery capacity for sure. But there is hope, with iOS 27 you can apparently use 2 iPhones on the same number, so I will be getting my 12 or 13 mini out to use with my 17 Pro!

 

[Mr_Ed]

Yeh, so you aren’t supposed to use a regular sized phone with one hand.

That’s your issue. I can’t even do it with the 17 Pro. If you want to use it with one hand you can purchase a pop socket.

So what you're saying is . . “you are holding it wrong”? 😁

I actually prefer to hold my 15PM with one hand unless I’m typing. I’ve recently realized I would love a significantly smaller, lighter phone. Not only would it be easier hold one-handed, it would fit better in my pockets (less worry about it falling out when I sit or bend for any reason), plus it wouldn’t feel like I am carrying a brick in my pocket pulling my pants down if I’m wearing loose-fitting clothing or not wearing a belt.

Clearly most prominent phone manufacturers are not building phones with any of that in mind so I’ll just have to choose the “lesser of evils” the next time I decide to get a phone.

 

[Macdctr]

Millions thanks for you details provide to me , thanks for your suggestion , I will try to buy it and install by myself although I never try to DIY on battery replacement ! 🙏🙏🙏

there are plenty of great youtube videos on how to do this. Just make sure you have all the right tools to do this job right.

Watch the YouTube videos several times until you are comfortable doingbthe work. That is what I did before doing my first 13 mini.

 

[Lynxpoint]

Yeh, so you aren’t supposed to use a regular sized phone with one hand.

That’s your issue. I can’t even do it with the 17 Pro. If you want to use it with one hand you can purchase a pop socket.

I remember the intro of the first iPhone, and how one of the big things was that you could do everything with one hand, and I miss that so much.

I relate to the OP. I went from a 12mini to a 16 pro, and I still get frustrated and disappointed with the lack of ability to do what were the simplest of one-handed actions easily (as in it requires two hands and a reach at times) on the mini on the seriously gargantuan 16 pro.

On the plus side, it has pushed me further away from these boat anchors they call iphones these days. I got all my important contacts to use Garmin Messenger, and my watch has become my 'goes with me' device.

And I don't think the poor design of the current phones should be fixed by users via physical add-ons. Reminds me of the infamous 'you are holding it wrong' era.

 

[Andeddu]

So what you're saying is . . “you are holding it wrong”? 😁

I actually prefer to hold my 15PM with one hand unless I’m typing. I’ve recently realized I would love a significantly smaller, lighter phone. Not only would it be easier hold one-handed, it would fit better in my pockets (less worry about it falling out when I sit or bend for any reason), plus it wouldn’t feel like I am carrying a brick in my pocket pulling my pants down if I’m wearing loose-fitting clothing or not wearing a belt.

Clearly most prominent phone manufacturers are not building phones with any of that in mind so I’ll just have to choose the “lesser of evils” the next time I decide to get a phone.

I remember the intro of the first iPhone, and how one of the big things was that you could do everything with one hand, and I miss that so much.

I relate to the OP. I went from a 12mini to a 16 pro, and I still get frustrated and disappointed with the lack of ability to do what were the simplest of one-handed actions easily (as in it requires two hands and a reach at times) on the mini on the seriously gargantuan 16 pro.

On the plus side, it has pushed me further away from these boat anchors they call iphones these days. I got all my important contacts to use Garmin Messenger, and my watch has become my 'goes with me' device.

And I don't think the poor design of the current phones should be fixed by users via physical add-ons. Reminds me of the infamous 'you are holding it wrong' era.

I completely agree that we should have the option of smaller phones. The issue is that Apple gave us the Mini and very few people supported it resulting in it becoming a commercial failure. It wasn’t such a massive deal because we still had the SE3 as a viable small phone however the 16e and 17e are the same size as regular phones and cannot be comfortably used with one hand. There are no small phone options anymore, sadly.

I bought a 12 Mini on launch and did complain about the battery being pretty poor. I hope they’ll release a new small phone once improved battery tech is out.