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What’s the issue with the earpiece? Is it just a defect with your phone or is it present in all models? I will say with mine I have found, unlike previous iPhones I’ve owned, that my ear has to be over the exact right spot to hear at full volume, otherwise my caller sounds distant or completely silent. That said, I usually use headphones or speaker phone for calls so I don’t find it a problem, but it has taken some getting used to.

I don't think it's defective, just doesn't sound good. If you think about EQing something, the earpiece sounds like it's got the bass all the down, the mids all the way up, to point where it's ever so slightly distorting the sound for louder voices. Again, it's doesn't sound broken, just extremely poor quality (IMO).

I love everything else about it, so I may just 'live with it', but it's certainly not something I expected even from a small phone (iPhone!)
 


It's Friday, November 13, which is the official launch date for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max. iPhone orders are arriving to customers, and Apple has begun selling the new devices in retail stores.

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Image via MacRumors reader Azing

We've seen multiple reviews of the two new iPhones from media sites, but now regular customers have the smallest and largest iPhones in hand and are sharing their opinions of the device on the MacRumors forums. For those waiting for their own new iPhone or considering making a purchase, impressions from regular consumers provide useful insight.

iPhone 12 mini

MacRumors reader elephantnut had a long list of thoughts to share. The flat edges are a "welcome departure" from the rounded edges, but the design makes the phone look and feel thicker. The white color is "elegant but cute," and more of a warm white than a cool white.
MacRumors reader Hoobaman shared some useful photos of the iPhone 12 mini in a Leather Case for those wondering how the new leather cases look.

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MacRumors reader pinchies said that the size is nice and allows for one-handed typing, but getting to Control Center still "requires a hand shuffle." The screen is dimmer than the iPhone 11, and it's not quite as sharp as expected. MacRumors reader skyhawkmatthew disagreed on sharpness, though, and said that "colour and sharpness on the display look great."

Prior 2016 iPhone SE owner Klasma said that the iPhone 12 mini is both heavier and larger than expected and not as "handy" as the SE when it comes to chassis size.

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Image via MacRumors reader WRXiceman

Other insights from iPhone 12 mini owners:
  • It's so small and lightweight that it feels like air
  • The notch eats up too much of the screen compared to the rest of the iPhone 12 lineup
  • Speakers sound much better compared to older iPhones, but sound is "thinner" than iPhone 11 with less bass
  • The screws on the bottom of the mini are not color matched to the device
  • The display is warmer than older iPhones
  • The iPhone 12 mini is barely noticeable in a pocket
iPhone 12 Pro Max

MacRumors reader Vengapat9 returned his iPhone 12 Pro because of battery life issues and chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its larger battery. He says the phone is "big as hell" and a "tiny bit wider," with the larger screen displaying more information "even better."

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Image via MacRumors

reader Sal09​

MacRumors reader Gtg456x loves the larger screen size and says that it "doesn't seem that big."MacRumors reader Ryancgray said that the stabilization for video recording is "incredible," while MacRumors reader lukeoneill90 said that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is "blazing fast" with quality speakers.

Other insights from iPhone 12 Pro Max owners:
  • The gold color is stunning and classy
  • Face ID is the same as on 11 Pro Max
  • Weight is similar to 11 Pro Max
  • Feels more solid and secure to hold than 11 Pro Max
  • HDR video recording is amazing, it looks very real and vibrant
  • It's huge and may take some time to get used to
Have a new iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12 Pro Max? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Make sure to check out our iPhone forum too, where people are sharing more thoughts on the new phones, photos, and more.

Article Link: First Impressions From New iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max Owners
I have to honestly say I prefer my iPhone6S Plus over the iPhone 12 ProMax. Overall its pretty much just another iPhone but the 6 did it better. The cameras are an upgrade but don’t base your choice on them. Its just an upgrade, not earth shattering and if you have a dslr use that instead. Everthing else about the 12 is pretty much ho-hum. Apple has to keep coming out with updates just tokeep it, well, functioning correctly. I’ll be honest. After owning it a few months, I’m unimpressed. Facial recognition is a pita as touch was better, especially in low light. I may just fire up the 6 and sell the 12. The i_hone 12... if you have money to blow, get it. Otherwise, you don’t need it.
 
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