iPhone 12 mini How is everyone liking their iPhone 12 Mini after 3 or 4 months?

[snipr125]

wel I think many of us 12 mini and future 13 mini owners alike have already pontificated this.

firstly we’ll keep our devices and use them fully until they die. I personally always get AppleCare+ because since my iPhone 7 being damaged after buying it initially used got dropped and the screen was done done. I learned my lesson.

secondly the iPhone SE isn’t going to stay the same as it is now. Eventually Apple will migrate everyone over to FaceID. Then again the SE may have its power button like the Sony Xperia line has done since the 5 and iPad Air 4.

the iPhone 12 mini, unless I’m mistaken, seems to outsell the SE, no? If kit probably close.

in 4-5yrs after the 13 mini in 2021 Apple will revisit. After all it’s been the same timeline that the iPad Mini 5 debut and thus its rumoured to come out this year.

I think Apple knows or realizes not all it’s iPhone users want/need a large screen phone and right now they are THEY only manufacturer that offers a screen size under 6” which outside of iOS users could be a big market. The issue is Apple is NOT advertising which is a real shame and pure idiocy of loose sales revenues to be honest.

personally this is THE first year I’ll probably spend $5K+ on Apple products more than I ever have and my son will get the 12/13 Pro 256GB while I get the 13 mini, keeping my 12 mini as a primary phone especially when travelling in 2022

Yes i will get the 13 mini and use that for 2 years, maybe 3 after a battery change, and then just adapt to what iPhone models are available and get the most compact iPhone there is. I am really hoping by then, the iPhone flip will be released and that is where i am aiming at. An iPhone similar to the Galaxy Z Flip is what I am waiting for and Ming chi has rumoured that its on the radar, so it will be happening.

 

[Kingofclouds]

Battery is the main drawback. It’s now 8am with me and after two hour run/walk steaming YouTube, podcasts and Apple Music via 5G I have 60% battery. Not really good enough for my heavy use case although the form factor is immense.

After watching the WWDC keynote though I can’t help feel iOS is moving to a big screen requirement - l lot of the new features will work better with a bigger canvass.

 

[robrobrobro]

I love this little phone so much. I have a 7 as my work phone, and before that was my “little phone” (my personal phone was an 11). Now picking up the 7 feels bulky after using my mini most of the day. Battery could be better, but it is what it is. I keep 5G turned off- no need for it and would prefer better battery.

I was worried that the notch would feel to big on such a small phone, but I don’t notice it any more or less than I did on my 11. I picked up my friend’s 11 the other day to use it and it felt HUGE. It’s crazy how we adapted to carrying around such giant devices.

Every once in awhile I need to zoom in on some text on a web page because it’s too small, but otherwise I have no complaints or regrets. My favorite phone in years.

 

[brgjoe]

I've gone from little phones (original SE) to larger phones (8 Plus) and now back down to the Mini 12. And the Mini 12 is my favorite so far of all of 'em.

Yes, battery life isn't the best. But it's perfectly adequate for my use. And I still wish it would be a little bit wider for my fat thumbs to type. But overall, it has most of the original SE goodness with fewer compromises. I like that I can easily use it one-handed. And even in a case or sporting a MagSafe wallet, it's very easy to put into most any pocket I have.

FaceID has been a bit of a pain during this pandemic. But thanks to the new IOS feature of using the Apple Watch to unlock, it makes it much easier to deal with. I really like my Mini. I will hang onto it for awhile. Only thing that might make me jump to a Mini 13 would be the return of TouchID in some form.

Other than that, still very happy with my 12 Mini.

 

[neil74]

After watching the WWDC keynote though I can’t help feel iOS is moving to a big screen requirement - l lot of the new features will work better with a bigger canvass.

It may be going that way but I think that whilst some features are better with a larger device I also think that right now iOS makes more sense on a smaller screen overall.

I still think there are so many limitations and frustrations with the overall design of iOS and I think the max devices magnifies these. I am really enjoying the mini whereas when I had the max I almost always favoured my android device.

YMMV

 

[Eso]

Really? Most people are getting 6h plus usage out of their mini, sounds awesome for such a small device.

Yeah well these days people are apparently on their phones for 8 hours of screen time doing God knows what.

 

[Tagbert]

Battery is the main drawback. It’s now 8am with me and after two hour run/walk steaming YouTube, podcasts and Apple Music via 5G I have 60% battery. Not really good enough for my heavy use case although the form factor is immense.

After watching the WWDC keynote though I can’t help feel iOS is moving to a big screen requirement - l lot of the new features will work better with a bigger canvass.

Whether I'm working from home or working from the office, it's rare that I can't do a little top up if I am using my phone more than normal, but on a typical day, I still have around 50% of charge even without top ups.

As for iOS moving to a bigger screen, IO see no evidence of that. Do they want to leave customer behind? I see no large benefit in a larger screen. If I need larger, I have other devices for that that do it better. I want something small that fits pockets and doesn't become a burden to carry around.

 

[ghanwani]

Yeah well these days people are apparently on their phones for 8 hours of screen time doing God knows what.

Don't know about others, but I'm usually trying to keep up with all the articles on macrumors and making sure I share my wisdom with everyone.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Yeah, it will be interesting to see what they will come up with in a few years. I also do believe something similar to the Mini will come back in some form, maybe not flagship device though.

This year is the first I haven't gotten AC+, in several years. The Mini is so small and most of the time I even use an ultra slim case with it. I don't feel I could let it fall easily. So now after your post I am thinking of what to do with the 13 Mini. I would need a monthly plan to have AC+ for many years which will get expensive. Around 10$ each month here. Or just get a battery replacement after 2 years. But what if it breaks... Hm... Off course you will get a Mini for certain even two years later brand-new. Apple will sell it till September 2022. Maybe even after that as they do now with the normal 11. I think this would be highly possible if the 13 Mini sells quite well. And even if they don't, resellers will normally sell such a phone at least one more year, sellout. So available till approx mid 2023 at least. Normally I wouldn't need AC anymore, only for Max phones because it is easier to drop them. Difficult.

Only thing I know, a Mini will be my daily driver for many years to come. If a new iPhone gets me very interested because of whatever I will buy it as a second phone, but the Mini is just perfect besides battery life.

any long day battery life woes for me personally is now solved

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yeah, it will be interesting to see what they will come up with in a few years. I also do believe something similar to the Mini will come back in some form, maybe not flagship device though.

This year is the first I haven't gotten AC+, in several years. The Mini is so small and most of the time I even use an ultra slim case with it. I don't feel I could let it fall easily. So now after your post I am thinking of what to do with the 13 Mini. I would need a monthly plan to have AC+ for many years which will get expensive. Around 10$ each month here. Or just get a battery replacement after 2 years. But what if it breaks... Hm... Off course you will get a Mini for certain even two years later brand-new. Apple will sell it till September 2022. Maybe even after that as they do now with the normal 11. I think this would be highly possible if the 13 Mini sells quite well. And even if they don't, resellers will normally sell such a phone at least one more year, sellout. So available till approx mid 2023 at least. Normally I wouldn't need AC anymore, only for Max phones because it is easier to drop them. Difficult.

Only thing I know, a Mini will be my daily driver for many years to come. If a new iPhone gets me very interested because of whatever I will buy it as a second phone, but the Mini is just perfect besides battery life.

For me, the less I need to use my phone the better. That is why I have a watch, an iPad, and 4 Macs. 🙂 Us mini folks are the exception as it seems more and more people are living on their phones. It is sad that so many can't seem to go very long without using their phone. Phone addiction is getting worse.

 

[Apple_Robert]

any long day battery life woes for me personally is now solved

Is that a Mophie or another third party no name?

 

[DeepIn2U]

Is that a Mophie or another third party no name?

Mophie gods no!

Third party Qi portable charger from AliExpress vendor. Took a month to arrive from regular shipping (as clearly stated when I ordered) but delivered. 5000mAh, 12W charging wireless 20W over USB-C

https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.html?orderId=8131721370811758

One of most recent posts is in a large thread with similar MagSafe compatible portable chargers that others bought chose or cautioned on.

have a look n cheers.
tough choice on AC/not on 13mini. If you choose no, find a quality used SE OG if you plan international travel to minimize loss or damage

 

[DeepIn2U]

For me, the less I need to use my phone the better. That is why I have a watch, an iPad, and 4 Macs. 🙂 Us mini folks are the exception as it seems more and more people are living on their phones. It is sad that so many can't seem to go very long without using their phone. Phone addiction is getting worse.

Been seeing that even more so since pandemic. Most people will walk to a section on subway or bus platform to wait & pick out their phone to scroll - not even launch an app just to swipe. Swipe addiction jumping from app to app waiting for a significant winner notification that wasn’t their in the first place.

my goal this year is:
Use my phone smarter,
Use apps that’ll help me get smarter or work smarter or use my time smarter or help me be much more productive.

when I commute I prefer to listen to music, yet if DuoLingo gets their arse in gear and have their app recognize H1 headphones microphone I’d be learning Spanish on my own a LOT faster!! I’ve written support, blasted on Twitter etc nothing yet.
iOS 15 new widgets will help me much more efficiently check: email, stocks, some personal notifications and full weather details all ata. Glance or quick swipe action. My city isn’t the best looking but I still like looking around and seeing things, people, pets versus staring at my iPhone no matter how much I love my 12 mini and iOS 😉

 

[Apple_Robert]

Been seeing that even more so since pandemic. Most people will walk to a section on subway or bus platform to wait & pick out their phone to scroll - not even launch an app just to swipe. Swipe addiction jumping from app to app waiting for a significant winner notification that wasn’t their in the first place.

my goal this year is:
Use my phone smarter,
Use apps that’ll help me get smarter or work smarter or use my time smarter or help me be much more productive.

when I commute I prefer to listen to music, yet if DuoLingo gets their arse in gear and have their app recognize H1 headphones microphone I’d be learning Spanish on my own a LOT faster!! I’ve written support, blasted on Twitter etc nothing yet.
iOS 15 new widgets will help me much more efficiently check: email, stocks, some personal notifications and full weather details all ata. Glance or quick swipe action. My city isn’t the best looking but I still like looking around and seeing things, people, pets versus staring at my iPhone no matter how much I love my 12 mini and iOS 😉

I am of the same mindset. I don't spend thousands of dollars a year on Apple products to waste time on mindless drivel. I use Apple products like you, to be better organized, healthier, learn more effectively, and be the best know it all I can be, while still interacting with real people around me. Life is too short to have my nose stuck to a device all day every day.

 

[taneff]

I agree although for me there are some situations when I am one of those walking in the streets with iPhone in their hand person. Rarely, but when I need to check the train delay and other important stuff in that situation etc. Even then when crossing a street I ALWAYS look up, never ever look at my screen. Dumbest accidents have happened because off this. Stupid, sorry.

But normally what I do most on an off day is using my phone for listening to music, podcasts etc. when out. I am with you. I don't need anything bigger, still thinking about buying an 13 Pro Max, as a second phone, and sell my iPad mini if no iPad mini 5G will arrive.

But I also need to say that I own an iPad and MacBook too. F.e. a quite young friend of mine is not that into social media etc. Only WhatsApp. She always owned a small sized iPhone, 7 f.e. Then she bought an 11 Pro which she loved. But back then she wanted something iPhone 7 like in size. Now she has gotten herself a 12 Pro Max and I was shocked. Asked her why because she always liked small phones. She does everything on her phone, she doesn't own an iPad nor computer. So I understand. First, battery life should be good because she does stuff on the phone which I do on my MacBook or iPad. And then display size is important too. She is not eager to buy Max phones but it was offered to her and she likes it.

So not everyone owning a Max phone is a heavy user. And I, and maybe you all too, do most of the stuff on tablet and computer why others don't own anything but their phone. I don't judge anyone because of the size of their phone, also sometimes I don't understand it but I do also judge people who run around looking only on their phone and not seeing stuff around them any maybe even challenging an accident. Stupid.

What I don't understand though is someone buying a Pro phone without using their extra function just to show they own the most expensive phone. Totally uncool.

I would still buy a 12 Mini but if not owning anything else I think I would also buy an iPhone Max I think.

 

[taneff]

One more questions to you guys. Since 14.6 update, clean install with hardreset through iTunes, I experience a massive battery drain compared to before. I would say I lose in same situations approx 15-20% more battery a day. All the same apps, usage etc. Read about many others complaining 14.6. battery life is bad. 14.7 beta should be way better. How about you?

 

[brgjoe]

Yeah, I had the very same battery drain issue. I think it's because after the update, it was doing a bunch of stuff in the background and sucking battery life after it fully performs the update.

After a couple of days or so, my battery life turned back to normal. Hope yours clears up soon as well!

 

[taneff]

Mine did not unfortunately. Worst BL since owning the 12 Mini.

Battery drain after an update is normal, that is indeed right.

 

[snipr125]

Mine did not unfortunately. Worst BL since owning the 12 Mini.

Battery drain after an update is normal, that is indeed right.

Since updating to 14.6, i specifically get battery drain on my 12 mini when viewing Macrumours after about 5 mins or so. I think it might be the advert macros or something. I can actually feel the back of the phone slowly warming up. I do not get this issue at all doing the same thing on my Ipad Air 4 which is still on 14.2 though.

 

[taneff]

Since updating to 14.6, i specifically get battery drain on my 12 mini when viewing Macrumours after about 5 mins or so. I think it might be the advert macros or something. I can actually feel the back of the phone slowly warming up. I do not get this issue at all doing the same thing on my Ipad Air 4 which is still on 14.2 though.

I mostly use the phone with safari browser. Esp during work, for checking stuff for work. So maybe that could be a reason for draining. Several pages not adapted to whatever.

Edit: Read about MR forum issues but I haven't visited MR that much in the last days. Shouldn't be my battery drain problem, at least if there aren't more sites having this problem.

 

[gnomeisland]

I don't love my mini as much as I thought I would, but I'm still glad I bought it. Coming from a XS, I miss the "telephoto" camera and the one-handedness is both a joy and strange sensation after years of mid/large-size phones.

Overall though, it is a great phone for people who want who an iPhone but don't prefer phones over other devices.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Battery is the main drawback. It’s now 8am with me and after two hour run/walk steaming YouTube, podcasts and Apple Music via 5G I have 60% battery. Not really good enough for my heavy use case although the form factor is immense.

After watching the WWDC keynote though I can’t help feel iOS is moving to a big screen requirement - l lot of the new features will work better with a bigger canvass.

I know a cost is associated with what I'm about to say but ... why not stream your podcasts and music 5G (or pre-cache on local storage) for the Apple Watch? Much lighter and less distracting for running than a phone bouncing alone in your pocket. Youtube if the phone is locked ios 14.xx will pause the playback so not sure how you're streaming youtube on a run with an unlocked phone the entire time.

 

[taneff]

Streaming is a major battery killer by itself, via 5G, forget it. Experienced it myself. I always download music and podcasts. If something is newly available, I will download it via 5G/LTE, and than play it offline. Way less battery consuming than streaming which I don't get at all.

 

[subjonas]

still thinking about buying an 13 Pro Max, as a second phone, and sell my iPad mini if no iPad mini 5G will arrive.

Just curious, if you have both the iPhone mini and iPhone max, when/where would you use each?

 

[taneff]

I travel A LOT for work. And there I don't need to carry my phone with me ALL the time, Mini doesn't matter that much here. So for private uses a Mini and when working, also often with staying at hotels overnight, a Max phone. But Mini would be my main, private use phone.

But read there will be a new iPad mini, probably with 5G, this year. So, wait and see....