iPhone 17 Air vs 17 - Reluctantly from Mini

[jabbr]

The form factor of the 12 mini is greatest of any phone I've ever had ('cept maybe than the 5S). The absolutely underrated, best feature is that fact that you can forget it's even on you. It disappears in a pocket, especially if you're going naked like the good lord intended.

now that the battery is down to 76% health and I've collected tons of micro scratches over 5 years, along with the annoyances of a fairly dim panel + glare outside, and lightning port, I'm kinda considering upgrading. I have large hands so it's not so much the handling that concerns me, but the pocket-ability/ brick-on-you at all times feel.

The weight of the 17 vs Air isn't very significant, only 12 grams. But the volume is ~23% less, which seems like a lot. I guess the air is going to stick out of a back pocket a bit more, but maybe the volume savings would be a good trade off... less bulge factor

I'm not worried about the battery life differences, because I'm a relatively minimal phone user (would rather use a real computer or an iPad whenever possible). Either way both new phones should eclipse my 12 mini pretty easily I imagine (even with a fresh battery).

So, I'm wondering the thoughts of anyone else considering going from 12/13 mini to one of these modern monstrosities.

 

[turbineseaplane]

So, I'm wondering the thoughts of anyone else considering going from 12/13 mini to one of these modern monstrosities.

My thoughts?

I will get a new battery for my 13 Mini and continue on.

Size & weight are top priorities for me in this type of device. No amount of better or newer features is going to make me get over much larger and heavier for all the current phones.

That's what's so frustrating about this. For what I do with iPhones, I don't want or need a larger screen or device, and I've never wanted a heavier one. I still miss the weight of my SE1s that I use. Every time I pick those up I think "man, why can't I have something like this again!??". It feels AMAZING in hand.

Will my 13 Mini last forever?
No. I will worry about it when I have to I guess.