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I got the 12 mini at launch and enjoyed it for two years. Planned to upgrade to the 14 or 14 pro, but when I went to the Apple Store, I just couldn’t do it. The 13 mini felt sooo much better in my hand.

So, I used my carrier upgrade on a 256 GB 13 mini and love it. Basically the same as the 12 mini but runs cooler, slightly faster CPU, slightly better camera, and (most of all) WAY better battery life. Not sure what I’ll do for my next phone (assuming no more minis), but this should last a long time.
13 mini is a such a solid upgrade from the 12 mini. Cheers.
 
Are you going to 14 Pro this year?
Yerrrrrrp. I've had the Silver 14pro for three days now... Other than the Weight (oof), I freaking love this phone.

It's the perfect blend of the updated camera from the 13mini, and the premium materials from the 11pro that I bought used and just traded in to Verizon for this 14pro "upgrade". (I'm leaning towards selling the 13mini to help cover the cost of the 14pro :p

Gosh the square edges feel really solid in the hand, and the stainless steel is amazing... with dramatic heft of the device, though, it makes me yearn for a Mini size "Pro" material phone (stainless steel and frosted glass).

*just thinking about the premium build of the Pro, it reminds me of the hand-feel of the 5c and how nice the roundness of it was... and the click of the home button.... I really hated the plastic then, but after it was gone I really missed it. I suspect it will be the same with the 13 mini when I sell it (i.e. I'll miss the size and weight.)
 
Got my hands on a gold 14 pro 512GB via carrier deal but have decided to return it and to keep my trusty green 256GB 13 mini.

The relative size and weight of the 14p are just…ugly, to be honest, and the screen is really not for me (no, really; the 13 mini’s OLED is 95% good to my eyes but the 14p’s looked weirdly dim in comparison and induced PWM eye strain/nausea almost immediately—I felt sick all night last night after setting it up and again after work today when I went to erase it before the return).

Dynamic Island (Jesus I hate that name) was cool for the first three minutes but quickly proved to be a distracting gimmick.

Viva la mini! :cool:
 
Got my hands on a gold 14 pro 512GB via carrier deal but have decided to return it and to keep my trusty green 256GB 13 mini.

The relative size and weight of the 14p are just…ugly, to be honest, and the screen is really not for me (no, really; the 13 mini’s OLED is 95% good to my eyes but the 14p’s looked weirdly dim in comparison and induced PWM eye strain/nausea almost immediately—I felt sick all night last night after setting it up and again after work today when I went to erase it before the return).

Dynamic Island (Jesus I hate that name) was cool for the first three minutes but quickly proved to be a distracting gimmick.

Viva la mini! :cool:
The 14 Pro is a fantastic device but I laugh every time I see the cameras on the back.
 
The 14 Pro is a fantastic device but I laugh every time I see the cameras on the back.
Just looking at them and thinking of all the ways in which they could accrue damage made me nervous. The mini’s are so demure and sleek in comparison, which is probably a succinct way of describing the phone itself in today’s sea of wobbly, heavy iPlatters.
 
N
I'd suggest going for the 256GB minimum, makes it much harder (at 256/512GB) for Apple to swap to a regular iPhone of equal value down the road on AC+ when no more 13 mini's are left or viable stock is possible. Stock is very healthy right now still and NOT on refurb.

VERY unlikely at 256/512GB storage options of the 13 mini after 2yrs to be that low in price. But for now I'll smoke 2 of what you're having and not have to worry about dropping and damaging my 13 mini like I had with the 14 Pro in just 4 days of having it - that worry and uncomfortability was enough for that monstrosity to be returned.

Exactly what I did! Go the 512GB personally.

Ill purchase another before getting another iPad mini 6 before Christmas at full retail.
Nice 512. I’m debating going big on the 13 mini. I’d love to get the 512 and just be done with it.
 
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The 14 Pro is a fantastic device but I laugh every time I see the cameras on the back.
Yah it’s too much. I don’t get having such big cameras. It’s not like most users even use its capability but of course that’s my experience from 5 family members with pro max models who don’t even use the pro max features. They like it cause it’s a phone and iPad and nice shiny exterior.
 
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Hmmmm green. I was rocking a 12 blue mini and 13 blue mini. I might get black or white 13 mini. Like the white cause it hides finger prints and scratches (my blue shoes scratches on the body) but white makes the black camera obvious which is ugly. Black is bad ass but shows fingerprints. But I just may go black.
Got 13 mini 512 in alpine green - it seems the last variant and the biggest storage one.
Gonna hold to this little dude for years to come.
 
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I had the exact same plan as you to upgrade to the 14 Pro or 13 mini from my 12 Mini. Anyway Apple made my decision easy by increasing price of the base Pro in the UK by £150. Amazon UK have actually increased the price of the 13 mini in some colours/storage options amazingly as demand has gone through the roof for the 13 mini. Midnight is always sold out! Seeing the comments here i might get a 256 gb version instead of base.
I have been in a very similar situation, except I actually ordered the 14 Pro to replace my 12 mini (really wanted to have the telephoto lens and macro feature) but returned it because it was just too heavy and big and therefore not worth the 1400€ for me.
Got a 13 mini product (RED) with 256 GB instead since I got a cash back deal which put it just under 800€ while prices for the 13 mini are increasing everywhere in Germany. I absolutely love everything about it, the minor improvements (like better cameras, slightly faster SoC, smaller Notch) as well as the way better battery life.
Also the dark/bold red of the 13 generation product (RED) just looks stunning and I like it way better than the kinda pale green of my previous 12 mini.

Only thing I am not yet sure about is whether I should get AppleCare+ again. I never had to use it in the 2 years I used the 12 mini (even though it hit the floor once or twice but took no serious damage with only some scratches in the aluminum frame). On the other hand I want to use the 13 mini as long as possible since there likely won't be another small iPhone and therefore some sort of coverage would be good. Luckily I still have some time to figure out if that's worth 180€ for me. 😅
 
Hmmmm green. I was rocking a 12 blue mini and 13 blue mini. I might get black or white 13 mini. Like the white cause it hides finger prints and scratches (my blue shoes scratches on the body) but white makes the black camera obvious which is ugly. Black is bad ass but shows fingerprints. But I just may go black.
I’m indecisive as hell and picked up the white and green one initially. Shortly after unboxing and setting up the green Mini, it was so fingerprinty my mind was made up.
The green is beautiful and the hue is different depending on ambient light, which is super sexy. Though as I refuse to use a case, fingerprint resistance is more important to me.
The white one is definitely the better option for me.
It also appears smaller from the front, due to the lighter colored border.
 
I’m indecisive as hell and picked up the white and green one initially. Shortly after unboxing and setting up the green Mini, it was so fingerprinty my mind was made up.
The green is beautiful and the hue is different depending on ambient light, which is super sexy. Though as I refuse to use a case, fingerprint resistance is more important to me.
The white one is definitely the better option for me.
It also appears smaller from the front, due to the lighter colored border.
The white and green 13 minis are both stunning.
 
The white and green 13 minis are both stunning.
Agreed; I think the green mini is the prettiest iPhone I’ve ever had, and fingerprints (at least on the body itself) aren’t really an issue since I’m always using a case. :)
 
Hmmmm green. I was rocking a 12 blue mini and 13 blue mini. I might get black or white 13 mini. Like the white cause it hides finger prints and scratches (my blue shoes scratches on the body) but white makes the black camera obvious which is ugly. Black is bad ass but shows fingerprints. But I just may go black.
The starlight is really gorgeous for an aluminum sided phone.
 
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I think we will see the mini form factor again. Apple already did the R&D, they will most likely use it again. We *may* get and SE mini and SE, or SE and SE Plus (either way they go with the names, it would be the mini form factor for the smaller and the rumored 6.1” on the larger). Would not surprise me at all. It already exists, and it does cater to a a segment of users that want that size phone.
 
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I think we will see the mini form factor again. Apple already did the R&D, they will most likely use it again. We *may* get and SE mini and SE, or SE and SE Plus (either way they go with the names, it would be the mini form factor for the smaller and the rumored 6.1” on the larger). Would not surprise me at all. It already exists, and it does cater to a a segment of users that want that size phone.
ok we I'm speculating obviously but I really don't think we will ever see a 5.4 in mini phone again. Here are my reasons why the next gen SE will not be based on my favorite iPhone the mini:

A). the mini is a flop, no doubt people are not interested in this size, and when its time to upgrade I believe people consciously see the value in screen sizes.
B). the SE models were based on very successful phones from the iPhone 5-5s, first gen se to iPhone 6 to 8 body size
C). other manufactures are making really good budget phone averaging 6 in to 6.4 in and making a new body budget phone with bigger screen size, even if its a 6.1 LCD based on the XR, 11, will be bonkers and will be successfully especially since apple is moving away from the notch as a mainstream feature to the dynamic island as a mainstream feature. 6.1 appears to be the mainstream ideal screen size for most people who are on a budget. They have tons of capacity to church out LCD 6.1 iPhones with notches.
D). it was acceptable to release the first gen se with the 4.5 in screen at the time it was released in 2016. It was barely tolerable to release the 2020 se with 4.7 in. But 2023 and 2024, I just don't see apple releasing a new SE with a small screen when they have the scale the make 6.1 in LCD screen which are way cheaper to produce but aesthetically and for people with limited budget, 6.1 is a nice screen size.
E). apple loves to scale up high end features that are 5 years old that they can churn out. 2nd gen Touch ID is top notch it just works. Touch ID on my m2 Mac and 14 Mbp is top notch. Same with the current faceID on the notch. Its really good technology. Yes 5 years later they can produce these screens and notches way cheaper than 5.4 in OLD or 5.4 LCD (5.4 LCSW it would be "new" and never released and they may need to change the body of the 5.4 if LCD is use which is not apple's typical move with the SE). They want the same technology, very little R&D use in the SE. Just fit an updated processor and maybe same or similar size battery for bigger profit margins in the same body).

Ok I obviously have way too much time to think about this topic lol. carry on.
 
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ok we I'm speculating obviously but I really don't think we will ever see a 5.4 in mini phone again. Here are my reasons why the next gen SE will not be based on my favorite iPhone the mini:

A). the mini is a flop, no doubt people are not interested in this size, and when its time to upgrade I believe people consciously see the value in screen sizes.
B). the SE models were based on very successful phones from the iPhone 5-5s, first gen se to iPhone 6 to 8 body size
C). other manufactures are making really good budget phone averaging 6 in to 6.4 in and making a new body budget phone with bigger screen size, even if its a 6.1 LCD based on the XR, 11, will be bonkers and will be successfully especially since apple is moving away from the notch as a mainstream feature to the dynamic island as a mainstream feature. 6.1 appears to be the mainstream ideal screen size for most people who are on a budget. They have tons of capacity to church out LCD 6.1 iPhones with notches.
D). it was acceptable to release the first gen se with the 4.5 in screen at the time it was released in 2016. It was barely tolerable to release the 2020 se with 4.7 in. But 2023 and 2024, I just don't see apple releasing a new SE with a small screen when they have the scale the make 6.1 in LCD screen which are way cheaper to produce but aesthetically and for people with limited budget, 6.1 is a nice screen size.
E). apple loves to scale up high end features that are 5 years old that they can churn out. 2nd gen Touch ID is top notch it just works. Touch ID on my m2 Mac and 14 Mbp is top notch. Same with the current faceID on the notch. Its really good technology. Yes 5 years later they can produce these screens and notches way cheaper than 5.4 in OLD or 5.4 LCD (5.4 LCSW it would be "new" and never released and they may need to change the body of the 5.4 if LCD is use which is not apple's typical move with the SE). They want the same technology, very little R&D use in the SE. Just fit an updated processor and maybe same or similar size battery for bigger profit margins in the same body).

Ok I obviously have way too much time to think about this topic lol. carry on.

The only problem with the mini was the price.
With SE you had the latest SOC with an older & smaller design for about 399.
I dunno about US but for many EU countries the mini costs twice as much compared to SE. The average consumer would prefer to pay 100 extra for the bigger flagship model at that price point, or half the price for the SE.

And to be honest, yes, the mini flopped compared to iPhone 12 and 13. But compared to other manufacturers the sales were great.
Also the 12 mini was announced just a few months after the SE. A phone that sold mostly to SE gen1 users after 4 years, or anyone that wanted a reliable basic smartphone that will last for years.

I don’t think that this specific target group would buy the 12 mini after 5 months or the 13 mini after 1.5 year…
 
What hurt Mini-sales the most, I think, was launching it simultaneously with the "regular" and Pro models. When presented with 3 options, most people take the middle ("sensible") one.
 
Am I the only one who does not like the stainless steel frame? 😅
I'd take the telephoto lens and matte glass back for a Pro mini any time but I would very much prefer the "rougher" aluminum frame over the imho slippery stainless steel. Had it on the iPhone XS and 14 Pro and did not like it on any of them.
 
I am still using a 12 mini which I plan to upgrade to 13 mini some time soon. This should give me another good 3-4 years before something fresher sub-6.1” comes out. If there are no more “small” iPhones by then, I will just go with the smallest and lightest Apple offering at the time and not necessarily the latest model. For example, if Apple were no longer selling minis, right now I would consider an SE2022 instead. I would probably miss mini’s excellent OLED screen and the cameras, but portability in a phone is way more important for me.
 
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I'll also keep my 12 mini for the time being.

There is currently no better phone in sight in that format (the 13 is too incremental for the price in my view).

I'm still wonder why apple named it "mini". It's bigger than my Blackberry Q10, which was my favourite smartphone so far (and iOS still lacks features).
 
I am still using a 12 mini which I plan to upgrade to 13 mini some time soon. This should give me another good 3-4 years before something fresher sub-6.1” comes out. If there are no more “small” iPhones by then, I will just go with the smallest and lightest Apple offering at the time and not necessarily the latest model. For example, if Apple were no longer selling minis, right now I would consider an SE2022 instead. I would probably miss mini’s excellent OLED screen and the cameras, but portability in a phone is way more important for me.
I was going to just keep my 12 Mini and replace the battery, as it has served me well with no issues at all for last 2 years. No lag or freezing, just smooth as butter. The A14 is a powerhouse. I am reaching the limit of the 64 GB storage though, so a 13 Mini (128 GB) is the perfect upgrade for me now, so just ordered a 13 Mini in Midnight yesterday which should arrive today.
 
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