iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13 Mini Buyer's Guide: Comparing Apple's Two $599 iPhones

[bodonnell202]

I don't buy this argument, because the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE (1st gen.) were essentially the same phone, but with different form factors. But the iPhone 6S launched at $649, and the iPhone SE (1st gen). launched at $399.

But Apple doesn't want to give on the margins for a smaller phone like they did with the original SE. I'm still surprised they launched it at $399. That phone also lasted me about five years.

Except when they launched the original SE - they literally took the 5S, dropped in a new motherboard (with A9 chip) and a new rear facing camera. R&D costs were minimal, manufacturing startup costs were comparatively low considering they were just changing out a couple parts from the 5S line, hence how they were able to offer the original SE at such a low price. The same cannot be said for the 13 Mini since it was new, although in a couple years I could see them taking the 13 Mini, dropping in an updated chip with new colors and selling it at a sub $500 price point.

 

[Wanted797]

Even if you think the mini is too small. Get it and try it.

I think a lot of people are caught up on the idea it is “too small” while next to the other bigger phones, when in reality it’s perfectly fine and such a great phone.

 

[QCassidy352]

Even if you think the mini is too small. Get it and try it.

I think a lot of people are caught up on the idea it is “too small” while next to the other bigger phones, when in reality it’s perfectly fine and such a great phone.

Yeah. The usable screen space is between the 4.7” and 5.5” screen sizes that we all thought were just fine with iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8. It’s not like it’s the 3.5” screen on the OG iPhone.

 

[Carrotcruncher]

Iphone 11 still going strong !

 

[Wanted797]

Yeah. The usable screen space is between the 4.7” and 5.5” screen sizes that we all thought were just fine with iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8. It’s not like it’s the 3.5” screen on the OG iPhone.

Exactly. I really like the iPhone X size as well at 5.8”

Then I tried the 12PM and hated it. When I bought the pro max I thought the 12 mini was way to small. But I’m now a mini convert. 13 mini is amazing.

 

[rjp1]

They really should just adapt this size and style to the iPhone SE 3, they could move to LCD and lose a camera to cut costs. The mini failed because of the price.

I waited to buy my 13 mini this past week, because I was waiting for a mini with more ram.

 

[svish]

If the smaller screen size of 5.4" is enough, then definitely get the 13 mini. Otherwise iPhone 12 will do.

 

[TallManNY]

Anyone considering the 12 at this point would be doing it based almost entirely on price reasons. In that case they should be pointed in the direction of buying a used iPhone on the secondary market as they will get it for less than $599. The 13 mini is still the premier phone in its size class and really should be considered by many folks. Having a smaller phone is nice in many ways.

 

[hybrid_x]

I just upgraded from an original SE to the iPhone 13 mini, because I like phones designed for use with one hand. The regular-sized 12/13/14 is just a touch bigger and heavier than I like.

So far, I'm loving this phone, and really do hope Apple brings back a smaller form factor. Maybe follow Apple naming conventions and make it an "iPhone Classic". I'm still getting used to Face ID over Touch ID, and have had to use Reachability more than I'd like, but overall, the 13 mini is a solid and capable phone in a comfortable, pocketable, one-handed form factor.

 

[fdw777]

I just upgraded from an original SE to the iPhone 13 mini, because I like phones designed for use with one hand. The regular-sized 12/13/14 is just a touch bigger and heavier than I like.

So far, I'm loving this phone, and really do hope Apple brings back a smaller form factor. Maybe follow Apple naming conventions and make it an "iPhone Classic". I'm still getting used to Face ID over Touch ID, and have had to use Reachability more than I'd like, but overall, the 13 mini is a solid and capable phone in a comfortable, pocketable, one-handed form factor.

What color? Did you get a case?

 

[hybrid_x]

What color? Did you get a case?

Blue with matching Blue Jay silicone case. It's perfect.

I'm really impressed with the oleophobic coating on the glass.