iPhone 12 Anyone with the iPhone 12 mini having regrets?

[Seanm87]

Same here.

I had a 12 non pro originally but the boxy design cramped my hands. The 12 mini didn’t have that problem but the text was way too small.

I’ve gone back to my XS and it’s perfect. Big screen but not obnoxiously big.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

You might be dealing with PWM, related to OLED panels. there was a huge thread on this started when the X came out: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/eye-strain-while-using-iphone-x.2085427/page-112#post-27798203

I am not sure how much they have improved PWM since the X, but it would not surprise me at all if they still do. It's like if you got sick looking at certain CRT displays, the flicker is making you sick. If this is the case, then all of the 12 phones will probably exhibit this issue.

Personally I am affected as well, and I probably will return mine and get a different phone altogether. Maybe an SE, I liked my 6S just fine.

I'm 100% suffering from the PWM issue. I was able to tolerate the X, but the 12 is killing my eyes. The Xs flickered at 272ish hertz, the 12 is down to 222 or something. I just bought a 1st gen SE off eBay and will be returning my 12, but I'd much rather find a way to make the 12 mini work.

 

[the future]

I had a white mini and the device itself is absolutely gorgeous. Sent it back because I missed the third camera too much. I would gladly pay Pro Max money for a Pro mini.

 

[jm31828]

Decided to return my Mini today (a decision that makes me more than a little sad). Size, weight and one-handed use are all great. Battery life is a noticeable step down from my 11 Pro. I was expecting that though and could probably work around it. What really got me was the size of text. I know you can adjust that in system settings, but that doesn’t help with web pages. Maybe it’s a sign that I am getting older, but I just found my 5.8” 11 Pro easier and more comfortable to read. And I can use the 11 Pro one handed. It’s just not as natural as using a Mini. But, it seems like the best compromise for me. Bigger text, better battery life, better camera system, still mostly useable one-handed.

Will be swapping out my Mini for a 12 Pro when my local Apple store gets stock tomorrow (reserved one through he Apple Store app). Hoping the boxy design will let me use the 12 Pro without a case most of the time. That would actually be a weight reduction over my 11 Pro, which has to be used in a case because the curved sides make it so dang hard to hang onto.

That is quick turn around to get ahold of a 12 Pro! I looked last night and it would be December 11-18th to get one, via delivery or pickup at any Apple store in my area.

 

[MacDevil7334]

That is quick turn around to get ahold of a 12 Pro! I looked last night and it would be December 11-18th to get one, via delivery or pickup at any Apple store in my area.

Keep checking the Apple Store app a few times per day. Stores are getting shipments here and there still. One interesting thing I have noticed this year is that at least some stores are showing stock the day before it arrives. When I checked yesterday morning, my local store showed pickup available but only for the next day. In past years, you could only see stock available for pickup the day it arrived in store. In any case, keep checking and you should be able to get one well before the shipping estimate. Your odds go up if you are flexible on color.

 

[jm31828]

Keep checking the Apple Store app a few times per day. Stores are getting shipments here and there still. One interesting thing I have noticed this year is that at least some stores are showing stock the day before it arrives. When I checked yesterday morning, my local store showed pickup available but only for the next day. In past years, you could only see stock available for pickup the day it arrived in store. In any case, keep checking and you should be able to get one well before the shipping estimate. Your odds go up if you are flexible on color.

Thanks for that advice! Not totally sure I would want to make that move, but I have been slightly curious and looking.... so I will keep a closer watch each day to see if one of the Apple stores here in my metro area might show stock on any given day.

 

[MacDevil7334]

Thanks for that advice! Not totally sure I would want to make that move, but I have been slightly curious and looking.... so I will keep a closer watch each day to see if one of the Apple stores here in my metro area might show stock on any given day.

No prob! I have been able to beat the shipping estimates every year for the past few years using this technique. In the past, you could also set up email alerts on istocknow.com but that site doesn’t seem to be working this year.

 

[Quarric]

I regret not waiting to look at getting the mini, as it happens I got one with a particularly aggravating level of the touch screen problem mentioned in another thread, it had the issue without a case or screen protector, I'm convinced my accessibility settings were making it worse too.
I've now returned it.
If I'd waited to upgrade like I normally do, I'd have been aware of the problem and known to hold off until there was a fix, and hopefully not be in lockdown so I could get to a shop to test one to make sure it worked perfectly with voice over.
I loved the size and feel of the mini though, plus the camera upgrades from my 8 and the general extra swiftness in performing actions, when I could get into it.
I had been hoping to give my 8 it's well earned retirement this year, as the family member I was presuming it would be rehomed too is apparently still happy with the 5S I gave them. But it's going to have to carry on until I can decide what to replace it with.

 

[Channan]

Yea... everyone would gladly get ride of the case if the phone wasn't that fragile or expensive to repair.
Nowadays the screen is way more resistant than it used to (I remember cracking my 4S and 5S with a single drop from pocket height..) but the back being glass again, combine with the fact it's not repairable since the iphone 7 (up to the 11 I guess) made me put a case. I have found a slim one that is still very protective, it's a spigen ultra hybrid gen2 (has air cushion on the corners)

All I was saying is for me, the bulk of cases isn’t worth reducing the risk of cracking my phone. I know it is for some people, which is why cases exist. 1 cracked iPhone (and the back at that) in over 12 years is not bad, IMO.

 

[snipr125]

I'm 100% suffering from the PWM issue. I was able to tolerate the X, but the 12 is killing my eyes. The Xs flickered at 272ish hertz, the 12 is down to 222 or something. I just bought a 1st gen SE off eBay and will be returning my 12, but I'd much rather find a way to make the 12 mini work.

I have PWM issues with the 12 mini, but solved this by turning auto brightness off and keeping the screen at 50% brightness, with Reduce white point set to about 75%. Below 50% brightness is where the flickering occurs and it was frazzling my eyeballs, but now I have no issues at all thankfully.

 

[Quarric]

I have PWM issues with the 12 mini, but solved this by turning auto brightness off and keeping the screen at 50% brightness, with Reduce white point set to about 75%. Below 50% brightness is where the flickering occurs and it was frazzling my eyeballs, but now I have no issues at all thankfully.

Would smart invert help? I use it all the time for light backgrounds, white in particular because I find white backgrounds uncomfortable to look at and that's on an 8 never mind a 12.😂

 

[Angelo921]

Decided to return my Mini today (a decision that makes me more than a little sad). Size, weight and one-handed use are all great. Battery life is a noticeable step down from my 11 Pro. I was expecting that though and could probably work around it. What really got me was the size of text. I know you can adjust that in system settings, but that doesn’t help with web pages. Maybe it’s a sign that I am getting older, but I just found my 5.8” 11 Pro easier and more comfortable to read. And I can use the 11 Pro one handed. It’s just not as natural as using a Mini. But, it seems like the best compromise for me. Bigger text, better battery life, better camera system, still mostly useable one-handed.

Will be swapping out my Mini for a 12 Pro when my local Apple store gets stock tomorrow (reserved one through he Apple Store app). Hoping the boxy design will let me use the 12 Pro without a case most of the time. That would actually be a weight reduction over my 11 Pro, which has to be used in a case because the curved sides make it so dang hard to hang onto.

We’re you charged a $50 restocking fee? TMobile store says they charge that fee of the return is because of not liking the phone.

 

[Hammerd]

All I was saying is for me, the bulk of cases isn’t worth reducing the risk of cracking my phone. I know it is for some people, which is why cases exist. 1 cracked iPhone (and the back at that) in over 12 years is not bad, IMO.

I would care about the scratches too. I like having mine like new even if it's hidden haha

 

[ocanalix]

I've caught myself sometimes thinking it's too small, and other times thinking it's too big. Reckon that means I made the right choice.

 

[MacDevil7334]

We’re you charged a $50 restocking fee? TMobile store says they charge that fee of the return is because of not liking the phone.

Bought mine sim free from Apple directly so there was no restocking fee. I generally avoid buying through carriers for just this reason. The upgrade fees and restock fees are borderline highway robbery.

 

[grillface]

I regret not waiting to look at getting the mini, as it happens I got one with a particularly aggravating level of the touch screen problem mentioned in another thread, it had the issue without a case or screen protector, I'm convinced my accessibility settings were making it worse too.
I've now returned it.

Oh dear, if only you had waited one more day...!
(fix was released by apple today)

 

[Quarric]

Oh dear, if only you had waited one more day...!
(fix was released by apple today)

Oh dear, if only you had waited one more day...!
(fix was released by apple today)

As I'm sat here not regretting it, I've probably made the right decision anyway. If it actually turns out to be completely fixed with voice over enabled too it simply means I can consider it again in the future and by that time if there are any issues still now, there shouldn't be then.
I'm also used to being visited by Sod's law so the fact there's a fix when I've returned it just isn't a surprise.😂 if I'd kept hold of it no doubt the fix wouldn't have arrived until after the return window had closed, or voice over gestures would still be buggy, it's just my luck, and I don't know if the latter might not be the case yet.
Saved me some money now anyway.
There's certainly no way I'd be spending that much on a phone again without getting my hands on a couple in a shop to test that everything works how I need it to though.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm 100% suffering from the PWM issue. I was able to tolerate the X, but the 12 is killing my eyes. The Xs flickered at 272ish hertz, the 12 is down to 222 or something. I just bought a 1st gen SE off eBay and will be returning my 12, but I'd much rather find a way to make the 12 mini work.

What about turning the brightness up on the mini? I am told that that lessens the likelihood of flicker. I don’t suffer from PWM but, thought I would pass that along if helpful.

 

[FranApple]

I've caught myself sometimes thinking it's too small, and other times thinking it's too big. Reckon that means I made the right choice.

Would definitely prefer too small than too big when it comes to phones!

 

[mg51015bb]

I ended up returning mine. Was too concerned with the battery life. Loved the form factor and one hand usage, but the screen was a little too small for my tastes. Ideally would prefer a phone that’s in between the mini and pro, but the 12 pro will do for now.

 

[rjedoaks]

I really like everything about it except the volume level on notifications. I have the volume all the way up but still struggle to hear notifications.

Have had my mini for only one day. One thing I never thought about was the speaker size. Coming from the 8, which is loud, the Mini speakers are smaller obviously. I haven't heard anybody else complaining. Hopefully it won't be an issue because I don't hear well and have noticed the same thing. Not an issue so far though

 

[TouchedByAl]

I said I wasn’t going to do it but I traded in my 11 for the 12 mini and love it! I’ve missed having a one handed phone so much. I’ve loved the form factor but I’m getting used to the battery life. I’m not a gamer/social media user. I watch some YouTube, play music and podcasts, browse the web and read articles. With my 11 most days I would end with 50% battery life so I’m not worried about the smaller battery with the smaller form factor.

 

[tunastink]

Absolutely no regrets here. The mini is, in my opinion, currently the best phone you can get. Performance of a flagship phone with a very good camera system as well, all in a package approaching a more reasonable size.

That said, of course there is still room for improvement. Need the camera system from the 12 Max (all three focal lengths, improved sensor, lidar). Body physically the size of the iPhone 4; maybe a bit thicker to increase battery capacity. So I’m hoping my next upgrade is to the iPhone Pro Nano in a couple years. For now, yeah I’m very happy.

 

[VSMacOne]

OP, I think what may be bothering your typing is that the keyboard sits lower on the screen than the 4.7” home button phones since you lose that chin at the bottom of the screen. Your typing should adjust over time. I went thru that with my first non-home button phone the iPhone X.

 

[bandrews]

My husband just got the regular 12 so I tried it out next to my mini and all it did was make me love the mini even more. Couldn't even come close to using the 12 one handed without nearly dropping it. I actually find the 12 mini easier to use 1 handed than the original SE as my hands and fingers are pretty big so have fewer typos. I've had no problems with battery yet - no gaming, lot of photos/video/instagram posting. Really loving the magsafe charger too - just throw it on, snaps to the back. When I pick it up I just push it to the side and it drops off. No more hassle than a regular Qi charger and easier to align.

For me the best phone since the 5S.