iPhone 12 mini Impressions on going from 12 Pro Max to 12 Mini

[Kostas3000]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

 

[Ammar666]

I have the non-Pro 12 and my biggest gripe with the camera is the awful portrait mode. It only works somewhat well with human subjects, but with some object, it flat out fails. I wonder how much LIDAR helps in that.

 

[1rottenapple]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

Your story is my story. Got the 12 max. Tried the mini at Best Buy and loved it. Bought the mini and two weeks later I returned the max. One thing that bothered me are prominent reflections in low light with the max camera. My expectations for buying a 1250 home are pretty high. The other is how big it seemed that it made changing songs in my car a two handed operation. I’ve adjusted to the mini and now I’m a huge fan. Battery life is good. And love how it disappears in my pocket. I can’t see myself getting a big iPhone again.

 

[DexBell]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

Same. I have been a big phone guy since the 6 Plus and owned them all since then. Bought an SE 2020 as a second device and forgot how much I missed having a small, lightweight, pocketable device with one handed use. Didn’t like going back to the home button and huge bezels though, so I bought the Mini and love it. Sold my 12 Pro Max and selling the SE now too.

 

[1rottenapple]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

Yup user experience. My use hasn’t change but I just love the comfort of the mini. And of course I use my iPad Pro for major reading and multi tasking. My sister got the 12 Max but she uses hers for business and she doesn’t have an iPad.

 

[Barbareren]

It’s nice to finally see some love ❤️ for the Mini, lol. I think most people are so used to big phone screens now, that they just can’t see the Mini doing all the same things comfortably. It’s just a matter of adjusting and adapting one’s habits a little bit.

I also do exactly the same things on the Mini as I did when I were using bigger screen phones. Sure, sometimes I need to top off the battery during a long day, but that’s a non-issue for me thanks to fast charging.

 

[1rottenapple]

It’s nice to finally see some love ❤️ for the Mini, lol. I think most people are so used to big phone screens now, that they just can’t see the Mini doing all the same things comfortably. It’s just a matter of adjusting and adapting one’s habits a little bit.

I also do exactly the same things on the Mini as I did when I were using bigger screen phones. Sure, sometimes I need to top off the battery during a long day, but that’s a non-issue for me thanks to fast charging.

If they discontinue the mini i feel like we will be those se owners who hang on to their phones for 4 years lol. Not sure if I can do that since i'm used to upgrading but it would be a fun to see.

 

[hirsthirst]

I went from an 11 Pro Max to a 12 Pro & now think I should've waited to see the Mini too first - glad to read the positive experiences, something for everyone.

 

[1rottenapple]

I went from an 11 Pro Max to a 12 Pro & now think I should've waited to see the Mini too first - glad to read the positive experiences, something for everyone.

IMHO if you have access to an iPad, it makes the transfer to mini awesome. Mini for 80% of my use, and iPad for 20% for other things. Why carry a big phone when I don't need it.

Today, I was at the tire shop so I took my iPad and took an online training for work while waiting. It would be a pain to do it on a mini, or a 12, doable on a 12 Max but it was ideal for an iPad.

 

[Guillaume1]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

are you still happy with the mini. Currently have the 12 p max to big and heavy for me ..i could not try the phone before purchase due to covid.

 

[1rottenapple]

I am! very happy with it.

 

[Hal~9000]

I had a chance to use both quite extensively before making my purchase decision. I ended up going with the 12 Max over the 12 Mini for the following:

1. Bigger screen for stealthily consuming content while at work on a comfortable screen size, with a device that can instantly be put away if the boss walks in, unlike an iPad.
2. Larger battery for overall device longevity both now, with hours more screen-on time for the 12 Max, as well as years from now when the battery would naturally degrade for either device down to an uncomfortable level with the 12 Mini.

There are other advantages the 12 Max has over the 12 Mini that people often cite when explaining their purchase (brighter screen, louder speakers, telephoto lens, sensor shift, etc), but to me those aren’t as big as the 2 main reasons above.

 

[tinkerposts]

I'm currently on an X looking to get either a Mini or a Pro. I love the weight and how 'solid' the X feels, though I do think that I'd love it even more if it were the size of the Mini. I'm also a huge fan of going case-less and wasn't keen on how the back was such a fingerprint magnet. Does the Mini feel 'plastic-y' in comparison to the Pro Max?

 

[catean]

From my opinion, once you go small, you never look back. Mini is very light compared to the X, and I prefer aluminium compared to stainless steel. Finally I can wear my phone without my pants being dragged on a side.

 

[snipr125]

I'm currently on an X looking to get either a Mini or a Pro. I love the weight and how 'solid' the X feels, though I do think that I'd love it even more if it were the size of the Mini. I'm also a huge fan of going case-less and wasn't keen on how the back was such a fingerprint magnet. Does the Mini feel 'plastic-y' in comparison to the Pro Max?

No not plastic-y at all (i'm not sure if your implying that you think the Pro Max feels plastic-y). The 12 and 12 Mini have matte aluminium rails, and glass back so are very well built, solid phones with the industrial flat edge design. No plastic feeling parts that bend, creak or anything like that at all.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

I started out with the 12 Pro and ended up with a Mini shortly thereafter. I liked it so much that I sold the 12 Pro which turned out to be huge mistake because the Mini was a huge let-down in regards to battery life while I was on vacation. That combined with the dreaded FOMO led to me buying a second Pro and now I can't imagine going back to the smaller screen.

The Mini absolutely has its advantages (one-handed usability, aluminum frame) but I'm enjoying the Pro a lot more than I did the first time 'round.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Every year I buy a spec'ed out Pro Max. The same happened this year. I noticed small improvements over the last year's model, mainly in the camera. Other than that, I didn't really notice any new capabilities by using the 12 Pro Max.
I went to the Apple store to get the new Mac Book Air M1. I saw the new 12 mini and held it in my hands for a few minutes. That was it. I was impressed by how much comfortable it felt on my hands. I was trying to resist buying it, but I gave in and bought it.
My plan was to try it for a week, try one more time the Pro Max, assess the differences and at two weeks from the buying date, decide whether to keep it or not. The two weeks mark was yesterday. I have liked the Mini so much that I didn't want to do the switch to go back to 12 Pro Max for a day or two to assess one more time the differences between the phones.

So here are my impressions for the 12 Mini, coming from 12 Pro Max.

Battery: Yes, the Mini has smaller battery. It created a battery anxiety int he beginning, but I had to charge it through the day only once. Of note there have been days of heavy use of the Pro Max which have also created battery anxiety. I bought a small battery pack that I have placed in my jacket pocket, just in case. As I develop trust on the 12 Mini's battery and I get to understand the battery life, I might just have a short USB-Lighting cable in my pocket to top up the phone from a computer's PC, if need be.
Speakers: I cannot appreciate any differences
Signal reception: I cannot appreciate any differences
Camera: It doesn't have the telephoto, the bigger sensor of Pro Max for low light photos, it doesn't take ProRAW. Honestly, I think these camera differences are negligible for me and there are very rare occasions that I would think of using them. On the contrary, the 12 Mini is much easier to hold and I have found that it is much more pleasant to use the camera with, especially when I take video and move around.
Lidar: no Lidar for 12 Mini. I have used the Lidar to scan some rooms, it was cool, but that was it. No practical applications for Lidar. I understand that it might also help with focusing the camera in low light conditions, but this is a negligible advantage for my use case
Charging: The Mini does not charge from my Tesla's wireless charger, because the smaller size does not allow it to align properly. This might be an issue with other wireless chargers that they don't charge in a horizontal position (to allow proper alignment). No issues with using the Magsafe wireless charger.

Screen size: This is a big topic that I will break it down
Facebook/twitter/web browsing: no differences in the overall experience between the two screen sizes
Reading pdf: the iPhone, even the Pro Max is still small for reading pdf in the portrait mode. In the landscape mode, the little more space you get in the Pro Max does not convey any real advantage. No practical advantages for the larger screen of 12 Pro Max.
Zoom/virtual meetings: I cannot appreciate any differences
Typing: the Mini offers one hand typing that is so convenient. I can also double type without issues
Watching movies: I don't usually do that on the phone so haven't tested it. My impression from YouTube videos is positive for the mini. Yes, you need to hold it a bit closer to the eyes, but on the other hand is much lighter and easier to hold.

Overall size: very light to use, it feels as though it is plastic, that light. It easily fits in the front jeans pocket, without noticing that it is there, that comfortable fit. The 12 Pro Max can fit, but you definitely feel it there.


TLDR: I feel that I have overall the same capabilities with the Mini as I have with the 12 Max Pro. It comes in a very compact size and light weight that makes it easy to hold for prolonged time and allows ONE HAND use of the phone, which is very convenient. The 12 mini doesn't offer advantages in the technical specifications but it offers advantages in the USER EXPERIENCE.


PS although I have all kind of Apple computers (iMac, MacBook, iPads, iPhones) I have been trying unsuccesfully to consolidate the devices in as few as possible. I explored the iPad, but the software limitations were too annoying that I gave up after years of trying. I have tried the big screen iPhones, but the screen size is still too small for some of my use cases and the software is also limiting.
I am now leaning towards MacBook Air M1 and 12 Mini. I might also get the rumored desktop Apple screen if it becomes available, to stop using the iMac.

Welcome to the 12 mini club mr max.

Very educated and concise assessment between hardware features, and end user experiences along with font size in apps.

Like you ... the camera differences are negligible for me from the Pro and the Max models ... in fact that’s why I never got any of the Pro/Plus models. I’m no shutter bug. Actually I’m SUPER impressed with the optical zoom on the 12 mini I still sometimes forget about it and keep reverse pinch to zoom in lol. I’ve positioned my home desk to face the window so that I can see the young Perigrin Falcon taking flight over the hydro field. Hoping to get a chance dive attack picture this spring/summer

With MagSafe portable batteries on the market I feel this is the proper way going forward. I missed out on a 10:30K mAh Qi battery pack, and frankly happy I did. That would only be useful wearing my winter jacket or in my backpack.

Very happy to reach all over the screen - only controls I cannot reach by the signal strength indicator, which forces me to swipe down to enable reach ability.

And critically I don’t have to straight out my leg, or pivot on 1 buttcheek to reach into my front jeans/chino pants to reach for my phone while sitting down. (sry for the mental visual but you get why i dislike having to do that).

12 mini ... in my user experience, use case is THE perfect iPhone I personal enjoy using. Now just give it matte shades later this year Apple.