iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 13 mini

[mikehalloran]

What improvements from the 12 to the 13 are going to allow you to be “more creative”?

Fair question and I'm happy to answer.

The 13 and 13 Mini have bigger light sensor for better low light photography, sensor shift optical image stabilization from the Max 12, the ultrawide lens promises more detail in the darker areas of images and twice the storage capacity… Ok, are all nice but the big one for me:

Cinematic mode
https://www.engadget.com/iphone-13-cinematic-mode-rack-focus-181710157.html

Yes!, Yes! Yes!

The 13 Pro adds faster lenses, additional enhancements to night, portrait and low light photography and an improved telephoto lens.

I do everything one-handed. For that reason, I will never, ever own a Max again. I've an 11 Pro now and, though it's manageable, I'd like it to be smaller — but only if it does everything I want. My decision will be made on the smaller size of the 13 Mini vs the telephoto lens on the 13 Pro. Stores will have them soon enough and I can decide by then.

The $300 price difference is not a factor for me. If it were, the 13 would be in the running which it's not — if I go that size, it will be to the Pro. Once I became handicapped a dozen years ago, cost went off the table as a determining factor. If I figure out I need something to make my life more enjoyable, I'll find a way to afford it. Photography is something I can still do while there are so many other activities that are now off the table. If all I needed was a phone, I'd have an SE.

 

[bbates123]

It's not the iOS 15 beta. My launch day 12 mini is down to 89%, and I never installed iOS 15. I've read others with the 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max also showing more battery degradation than previous years' models over the same time period.

Personally, I think one of the battery OEMs shipped some defective batteries for all of the 12 models that degraded faster than normal. Since Apple often uses multiple vendors for parts, it's very possible that not everyone got one of these batteries that is degrading rapidly.

The only reason I suspect the IOS15 beta cycle was that at various times and especially during all the bi-weekly then weekly updates my phone would get warm and I know heat degrades these batteries more than anything. But yeah, it probably shouldn't have degraded that much. Hopefully won't run into the same thing with the 13 mini.

 

[heyyitssusan]

Got my 13 mini for launch day delivery. can't wait. After using the 12, I think I would've been truly happy with the mini and I get to experience that now.

 

[mikehalloran]

I really don’t understand why they aren’t going to a touch ID power button on the mini.

One would think that would help get the cost down also

Had you been following the news over the last 3 years, you'd know that Apple has had a lot of trouble with integrating Touch ID under the touch screen. They know we want it.

It's now integrated into a button on the side of the new iPad Mini. From the Mini blurb:

Touch ID is integrated into the top button for fast, easy, and secure authentication. Use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad or quickly and securely make a payment.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Had you been following the news over the last 3 years, you'd know that Apple has had a lot of trouble with integrating Touch ID under the touch screen. They know we want it.

It's now integrated into a button on the side of the new iPad Mini but the iPhone isn't thick enough for that. From the Mini blurb:

Touch ID is integrated into the top button for fast, easy, and secure authentication. Use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad or quickly and securely make a payment.

Umm…

The iPad Mini is THINNER than the iPhone 13 mini chief.

0.25” vs 0.30”

“Had you bothered to read the product specs, you’d know that”

 

[taneff]

No there are technical differences in the sensors. Just compare the 13 Pro / Max to the normal 13 in their comparing sheets. Those cameras are all better than those on the 13, when it comes to specs at least.

The Pros I believe have the same sensor but agreed a better camera system overall. I actually hedged myself by pre-ordering both with little expectation that there will enough of a difference between the two. But lets see.

 

[taneff]

Umm…

The iPad Mini is THINNER than the iPhone 13 mini chief.

0.25” vs 0.30”

“Had you bothered to read the product specs, you’d know that”

I may even understand the tiny 12 Mini. They already did some terrific engineering to fit so much stuff in such a tiny body. But not even the Pro line? Why is everyone so keen on display Touch ID. I hate it on Samsung phones. Why not make it way easier and put it in the power button.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The going theory is simple, 'Smaller batteries degrade faster'

That theory is bogus. Size has nothing to do with it. Type of usage (including how one charges) against the ongoing chemical reaction of the battery (as each battery chemical reaction does not happen at exactly the same way as another battery, while some come with slightly more than 100% to begin with.

 

[QCassidy352]

I don't need to upgrade my 12 mini but, seeing as this is probably the last year of the mini, I am going to get the 13 mini. My 12 mini has been a great phone. I still have 100% battery health from a release day phone.

In the same spot. Its clearly not worth an upgrade from the 12 mini, but since this is looking like apple’s last reasonable sized phone, I may do it anyway.

 

[Apple_Robert]

In the same spot. Its clearly not worth an upgrade from the 12 mini, but since this is looking like apple’s last reasonable sized phone, I may do it anyway.

I will also be waiting for the 13 mini to go on a quick fire sale like the SE did on Apple's website a while back. I will snag several if that happens.

 

[prazakj]

I don't need to upgrade my 12 mini but, seeing as this is probably the last year of the mini, I am going to get the 13 mini. My 12 mini has been a great phone. I still have 100% battery health from a release day phone.

How can you managed that? I’m on 92% and I have it only 9 months. ?

 

[Apple_Robert]

How can you managed that? I’m on 92% and I have it only 9 months. ?

I did my best not to let it drain completely or keep it on the charger longer than needed.

 

[snipr125]

I will also be waiting for the 13 mini to go on a quick fire sale like the SE did on Apple's website a while back. I will snag several if that happens.

Yes same, here in the UK the 12 mini has been on sale on Amazon UK for £599 for the last few months (£100 off RRP), so will wait for the 13 mini deals like this and then snag one probably in the Midnight colour. For me the larger battery and 128 GB base storage are the best upgrades overall. The camera upgrade and higher brightness are bonuses.

 

[Barbareren]

The going theory is simple, 'Smaller batteries degrade faster'

Not according to the responses on these forums; the 12 Mini’s battery hasn’t degraded any more than the other 12-series iPhones. Mine is at 98% while others still have 100% battery health on the Mini.

 

[Barbareren]

But the Pro line has a new camera system with better specs and sensors, not the normal 13 line unfortunately according to tech specs.

I really hoped Apple would make the 13 Mini more feature proof. More RAM, better sensors[…]

Agreed. I’d really like a macro mode (and of course optical zoom) on the Mini… Alas, that’s not happening… I am actually tempted to go with the 13 Pro… Didn’t think I would be, but the much improved camera and battery life might actually sway me, despite the significantly larger size and weight… ?‍♂️

 

[Barbareren]

View attachment 1833473

11.6% increase over last year

Are those numbers correct??? Why would the standard 13 have a bigger battery than the 13 Pro??? And why is the Pro Max mentioned twice, with different battery specs?

 

[xpxp2002]

Are those numbers correct??? Why would the standard 13 have a bigger battery than the 13 Pro??? And why is the Pro Max mentioned twice, with different battery specs?

More room inside the 12, without the telephoto lens and LIDAR hardware.

 

[westcoastcyc]

I bought my 12mini on Dec 15th and today its battery capacity is down to 85%. I ordered a ProductRed 13 mini, hoping for better battery luck.

 

[mikehalloran]

Why do so many people think this is the last year if the iPone Mini? Apple has never hinted that this might be true. According to thread after thread, the 12 was supposed to be the last version and that so-called ”news” was flying hot and heavy within three months of its release.

Wait… Do people really believe all the unsubstantiated nonsense posted on a board called MacRumors?

Let’s see what happens next year.

 

[mikehalloran]

I bought my 12mini on Dec 15th and today its battery capacity is down to 85%. I ordered a ProductRed 13 mini, hoping for better battery luck.

I assume that you have Optimize Battery Charging checked in Settings/Battery/Battery Health, yes?

There are 3rd party charging cables that cut off at 100%. I’ve been using such cables for years and believe that my iPhone and iPad batteries have lasted years longer because of them. McDodo is well known but they aren’t the only game in town. Amazon and others carry them.
McDodo

 

[Tal_Ent]

How can you managed that? I’m on 92% and I have it only 9 months. ?

My launch day 12 Pro Max still shows 100% battery capacity as well. I very rarely let it charge to 100% or let it drain below 20%.

 

[satchmo]

Why do so many people think this is the last year if the iPone Mini? Apple has never hinted that this might be true. According to thread after thread, the 12 was supposed to be the last version and that so-called ”news” was flying hot and heavy within three months of its release.

Wait… Do people really believe all the unsubstantiated nonsense posted on a board called MacRumors?

Let’s see what happens next year.

Yes, it’s a rumour board, and many here do enjoy the speculation.
Of course no one but Apple knows, but this analyst Kuo has been pretty accurate. Hence the sentiment that the mini’s demise is probable.

Kuo: 2022 iPhones to Feature 48-Megapixel Camera, 8K Video, and 6.1 and 6.7" Sizes With No 5.4" Mini Option

The upcoming 2022 iPhone lineup will feature two 6.1-inch devices and two 6.7-inch devices, with no mini-sized 5.4-inch iPhone, well-respected Apple...

www.macrumors.com

 

[v386]

I bought my 12mini on Dec 15th and today its battery capacity is down to 85%. I ordered a ProductRed 13 mini, hoping for better battery luck.

My 12 mini battery capacity is down to 86%, started service Nov. 13 last year. Optimized Battery Charging has been turned on the whole time. Charging with very few exceptions has been with the Apple magsafe puck. So I'd say that's a pretty similar result. Initially I could get the whole day with 5hrs SOT on a half charge, now I go down to 20% after 3hrs SOT. Of course there have been software updates in the interim so that doesn't necessarily say anything about the battery. Since there's still 14 months left of AppleCare+ there may be some chance the battery health will dip below 80% indicated, in that time.

 

[Barbareren]

There are 3rd party charging cables that cut off at 100%. I’ve been using such cables for years and believe that my iPhone and iPad batteries have lasted years longer because of them.

I just have a simple battery life app on my phone and on my Apple Watch. It’ll notify me on my watch when my phone has reached a certain battery level (low and high), as well as notify me on my phone when my Watch has reached a certain battery percentage. It’s not perfect, but it works quite well…

 

[prazakj]

I did my best not to let it drain completely or keep it on the charger longer than needed.

You have my admiration. I have never been that controlling about charging because I just always thought that charging overnight is OK.