expecting to "upgrade" from my OGSE at some point. I like the 13 mini. now the 17e is out. which way to go?
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iPhone 13 mini 17e v. 13 Mini: Let the comparisons begin!
- Thread starter rwh63
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Andeddu
macrumors 68020
The 17e is incredible value for money with an up to date chipset, 256gb storage and MagSafe. If I didn’t already have a 17 Pro I would consider it as my daily driver.
The 17e is a no-brainer - more power, storage, charging, improved camera and durability, and battery life.
ayephoner
macrumors 6502
did you buy your OGSE in 2016? If you use your devices for a decade, spring for the regular 17.
turbineseaplane
macrumors Penryn
I have my 13 mini specifically for the small size.
There is no comparison to be made here, at least not for me.
There is no comparison to be made here, at least not for me.
some comparisons:
13 mini 256gb retailed for $799 in 2021. had 4 gb of RAM. dual cameras. 5.4" screen. A15. 12 MP. Lightning, More colors
17e 256gb retails for $599 in 2026. has 8 gb RAM. one camera. 6.1" screen. A19. 48 MP, USB-C,
Both have ceramic glass, magsafe, OLED 60HZ, glass/AL, IP68,
13 mini 256gb retailed for $799 in 2021. had 4 gb of RAM. dual cameras. 5.4" screen. A15. 12 MP. Lightning, More colors
17e 256gb retails for $599 in 2026. has 8 gb RAM. one camera. 6.1" screen. A19. 48 MP, USB-C,
Both have ceramic glass, magsafe, OLED 60HZ, glass/AL, IP68,
Having just switched from a 13mini to a 17, I can tell you, the 17e is a better choice on paper but there is nothing that changes the size difference, which is the main reason most people still have their mini.
snipr125
macrumors 68030
If you want the smallest iPhone in the current lineup with current tech then the 17e is the only option at 6.1” (honestly they are ok one handed imo). Everything else is larger, but if you want the smallest iPhone with modern features then get the 13 Mini, but they are hard to find brand new sealed. Got both minis myself, just love them and will never sell them.
klasma
macrumors G4
It solely depends on your size tolerance, and if you care about the telephoto lens. If you’re fine with 6” AND care about having the second lens, go with the regular 17. For the size, you’ll just have to try what you can tolerate. (I’m firmly in the mini camp.)
aespana
macrumors 6502
Man, I wish I could use a OGSE. Sadly, mine is 16GB.
I had a 13 Mini that upgraded to iOS 26 and it was like killing him. Sold it to my brother and now I'm using a Pixel 9a. This phone is massive. Like the battery life and those 120hz but the size is massive.
Its really sad that we wont have small phones anymore.
I had a 13 Mini that upgraded to iOS 26 and it was like killing him. Sold it to my brother and now I'm using a Pixel 9a. This phone is massive. Like the battery life and those 120hz but the size is massive.
Its really sad that we wont have small phones anymore.
iPhone 13 mini 256 here, bought new and battery health is 74%. Have been waiting before I get a new battery (not expensive but does cost) to see if the 17e could be an option - new phone with selling/trade-in the 13 mini. I have no complaints about the mini even with iOS 26. New phone of course, longer daily battery use, USB-C, and future iOS longevity, and maybe even a larger screen for viewing, are the main reasons to change. But is it really worth it when with the cheaper option of a simple battery replacement will work for my basic needs?
aespana
macrumors 6502
Buy the battery replacement and keep your 13 Mini. You don't need a new phone and you will notice the size difference.
If you are good with Mini's iOS 26 performance, just change the battery and save the money
actually, size does matter. i like the mini, but a nice one with 256gb and a new battery is about $400. the 17e is $600.