iPhone 13 mini Small/light phone user frustration with Apple

[bbates123]

As a fan of small/light phones, I feel like I’m at a crossroads with Apple after at least 15 years. I really appreciate that Apple dared to be different in 2020 when they came out with the iPhone 12 mini (which I upgraded to the 13 mini). It was the phone I had been dreaming of ever since the iPhone 5. Sadly it only lasted 2 years. So now what are small/light phone fans to do if they want newer features? It’s unlikely that the mini will ever return, so what’s the next best option? The SE is a joke. It’s looking more and more like the iPhone 15 lineup is going to be more of the same with newer feature going to the “Pro” line. I was really hoping for always on display and dynamic island in the in the base 15 models and now it looks like the only thing they will be getting is dynamic island. So why not just go with the Pro? Well, it’s 47% heavier than the mini and as someone who wears light short year-round (south Florida) that is significant. I was able to get a great deal on a base Samsung S23, which is only about an ounce heavier than the mini and I’ve been able to play around with that on a T-Mobile Digits line. It has many of the things I’m looking for in an upgrade including 120hz and always on display, among other things. It’s a great phone in many respects. I don’t want to leave Apple because I’m so heavily invested in the ecosystem and their biometrics are still so much better than Samsung, but it’s leaving me mighty frustrated about where I go with them moving forward. Sorry, just had to vent at some of the latest rumor news. Maybe Apple will surprise me come September.

 

[Splitrail]

That investment in the ecosystem can certainly limit the options.
Do you still have the 13 mini?
If so, just keep it for a while.

 

[sorgo †]

I’m holding onto my 13 mini for “good,” probably, until either it craps the bed and I have to upgrade or Apple releases another modem, compact device…whichever comes first.

And although I’ll probably never switch to Android I’ve always liked the thought and appearance of Sony’s line of Xperias Compact—if I had a spare $1,000 lying around I might just pick up an Xperia Compact 5 IV to play with.

 

[eyoungren]

As a fan of small/light phones, I feel like I’m at a crossroads with Apple after at least 15 years.

I hear you. As an iPhone 5 owner I am still waiting for Apple to remove the camera bump. I've broken down three times and have owned the 6+, the 6s+ and now the 11PM. This is primarily because I like iOS more than I hate the camera bump.

But I'm still waiting for the camera bump to go away.

I don’t want to leave Apple because I’m so heavily invested in the ecosystem and their biometrics are still so much better than Samsung, but it’s leaving me mighty frustrated about where I go with them moving forward.

I've often heard that when investing in financial markets (i.e., buying stock) it's best to diversify. I'm not an investor, so I don't know how true that is. But I do know it's a good idea in regards to services.

You end up becoming beholden to a company for everything and extracting yourself is a painful process. I prefer not to let any company own me or have me at their mercy. Since 2011 when I got my first iPhone I have diversified my services. Apple doesn't own me, despite my owning products they sell and using some of the services they offer. I have always searched for alternative methods and cross-platform services because not everything I own is Apple.

If you can extract yourself from Apple's clutches (services) you'll be better off in the long run.

 

[rambo47]

Take a look at Swappa for a new or mint Google Pixel 5.

 

[bbates123]

That investment in the ecosystem can certainly limit the options.
Do you still have the 13 mini?
If so, just keep it for a while.

Yep, still have the 13 mini with no intentions to get rid of it any time soon. Currently I'm using the mini for certain things like calls (it still has my primary sim) messaging on the go, sleep tracking, and managing my Apple Watch Ultra which I absolutely love and adore, and I'm using the S23 for pretty much everything else. I'll likely hang onto it and see what the 16 lineup brings.

 

[bbates123]

Take a look at Swappa for a new or mint Google Pixel 5.

Funny, but that's pretty much exactly what I did when I was looking to experiment with my first Android phone, except I got a 5a, on Swappa. It was dirt cheap. Nice phone but I just couldn't get into that fingerprint spot on the back of the phone. I also kind of prefer Samsung's OneUI over stock Android.

 

[one more]

I am still using a 12 mini and was planning to upgrade it to 13 mini this summer just before it gets [most likely] discontinued. This would give me another 2-3 years of a small iPhone.

If Apple do not release anything sub-6.1” ever again, I will take it, reluctantly, as I still prefer iOS over any Android flavour. Besides, with all the iOS “opening up” rumours, it can only get better over time.

My ideal scenario, however, would be them bringing back a 5.8” screen size, which would also allow for a bigger battery and a slightly bigger screen & keyboard. Let’s see…

 

[Jay-Jacob]

When I have iPhone 8 and I was hoping another iPhone that is small cos it was all big iPhone only and battery was getting really bad on iPhone 8 and then iPhone Mini 12 come along and I was very surprised and happy able get another 3 more years on small iPhone size because I thought have to get used to bigger one. Now I am expecting to deal with bigger iPhone and no more mini. I wait and see what Apple do for iPhone 15. Decide what to do then and if able hold on my iPhone 12 mini for longer or not depending how battery life is like.

 

[KOTN91]

It’s not exactly as if the iPhone 13 Mini is going to stop working any time soon?

If you absolutely must have the very latest, then the 6.1 standard iPhone is not overly large or heavy. The 15 will likely be getting the dynamic island too, though not the AOD. Though I can’t understand why you’d want the AOD anyway, must be a nightmare when your phone is on the bedside table at night

The Pro models are heavier, and because they have that ridiculous camera bump, the weight distribution, particularly on the 6.1 Pro, is very poor

 

[Populus]

Indeed, I am considering giving the 6.1” iPhone 14 a try.

I’m a iPhone 8 user for many years, and I’ve been trying the 13 mini, but it didn’t convince me. First of all, because its screen hurt my eyes, be it PWM or anything else. But secondly, because I would rather try something a little bit bigger, just like @one more said above, a new 5.8” iPhone with the current boxy design would be a dream come true. I really like small smartphones but the mini was a bit too narrow for my taste, honestly.

Ive been using an iPhone 8 with a case for several years, and with my current case, the size of my iPhone 8 is barely the same as the iPhone 14. Yes, the 14 is few millimeters taller, but naked, the 14 has the same width as my cased iPhone 8. So I think I could adapt to a 6.1” iPhone, at least naked. I’ll try to look for the slimmest case I can find, because I’ve never used a naked iPhone, although lately I barely drop my smartphone anymore.

Another reason to go with the 14 is that it has an easier reparability, you don’t have to touch the screen in order to replace the battery or repair other components of the logic board, and the central aluminum plate dissipates better the heat from the inside. Overall I like the new internal structure of the 14 better. And they say the new 14 OLED screen is easier on the eyes than previous models.

The iPhone 14 has 6GB of RAM versus the 4GB of the 13 model (I’m talking about the regular lineup, not the pro), which sure grants it a longer and better lifespan when it comes to future iOS versions.

The last reason to give the iPhone 14 a chance, once it drops its price when the 15 gets released, is that it will probably be the last 6.1” iPhone. All the leaks point towards a slightly bigger 6.2” iPhone 15 (again, I’m not talking about the pro, that one is going to be hella expensive here in Europe). So, while I could barely adapt to the 6.1” size, I don’t think I could handle a 6.2” device at all.

That’s why me, a small phone lover, is going to give a chance next Christmas to the iPhone 14. Now I need to decide between starlight and midnight -or even that bright red-.

EDIT: this could be a good case to help minimize the bulk of a 6.1” iPhone:

 

[h.gilbert]

Just use your 13 Mini until it is no longer supported. That'll be years in the future. Sure, it looks like for now there won't be another Mini this year, but maybe the next year, or the year after or the year after that there will. Apple seems to go around in cycles. Meanwhile your 13 Mini will still be going strong. If the battery life gets bad, just replace it. Not sure what the concern is here.

 

[AlixSPQR]

As a fan of small/light phones, I feel like I’m at a crossroads with Apple after at least 15 years. I really appreciate that Apple dared to be different in 2020 when they came out with the iPhone 12 mini (which I upgraded to the 13 mini). It was the phone I had been dreaming of ever since the iPhone 5. Sadly it only lasted 2 years. So now what are small/light phone fans to do if they want newer features? It’s unlikely that the mini will ever return, so what’s the next best option? The SE is a joke. It’s looking more and more like the iPhone 15 lineup is going to be more of the same with newer feature going to the “Pro” line. I was really hoping for always on display and dynamic island in the in the base 15 models and now it looks like the only thing they will be getting is dynamic island. So why not just go with the Pro? Well, it’s 47% heavier than the mini and as someone who wears light short year-round (south Florida) that is significant. I was able to get a great deal on a base Samsung S23, which is only about an ounce heavier than the mini and I’ve been able to play around with that on a T-Mobile Digits line. It has many of the things I’m looking for in an upgrade including 120hz and always on display, among other things. It’s a great phone in many respects. I don’t want to leave Apple because I’m so heavily invested in the ecosystem and their biometrics are still so much better than Samsung, but it’s leaving me mighty frustrated about where I go with them moving forward. Sorry, just had to vent at some of the latest rumor news. Maybe Apple will surprise me come September.

Maybe the mini form factor will live on as the new SE?

 

[Populus]

Maybe the mini form factor will live on as the new SE?

That would be cool, but sadly, that’s not gonna happen, because of many reasons that have been discussed over and over on this forum. And the latest leaks point towards a 6.1” iPhone SE…

 

[themacobserver]

Take a look at Swappa for a new or mint Google Pixel 5.

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I don't think that recommending a phone that will not receive any updates after October 2023 is a good idea in March 2023.

 

[ian87w]

The regular S23 is definitely the choice for lightweight phone. Not only it’s lighter than the regular iPhone 14, it has triple cameras to boot.

But it is an anomaly in the world of Android. Phones are getting heavier, and even Samsung’s own A54 breaks the 200g barrier. If that sense, the regular iPhone 14 is still an acceptable weight and size.

The Pro iPhones have stainless steel, so that automatically put them at a disadvantage.

And yeah, I’ll join the club of preferring more compact phone. Imo the iPhone 11 Pro is the sweet spot between feature, weight, and size. It’s probably the smallest iPhone with triple camera setup. Too bad it’s a one off and Apple doesn’t make that form factor anymore.

The problem is not just with Apple, but it’s with the whole smartphone industry. Glass, big battery, multiple camera units, all add bulk and weight. So cannot blame Apple specifically, it’s the nature of physics.

 

[jonnysods]

This is my exact struggle too. 13 Mini user here, and running into some limitations and battery issues after just a year of owning it, but I can't consider an upgrade because the other iPhones that have nice features are huge and heavy. I'd really like a 15 Pro if they keep the screen size and reduce the dimensions and weight, but the camera bumps are nuts!

 

[one more]

Indeed, I am considering giving the 6.1” iPhone 14 a try.

I’m a iPhone 8 user for many years, and I’ve been trying the 13 mini, but it didn’t convince me. First of all, because its screen hurt my eyes, be it PWM or anything else. But secondly, because I would rather try something a little bit bigger, just like @one more said above, a new 5.8” iPhone with the current boxy design would be a dream come true. I really like small smartphones but the mini was a bit too narrow for my taste, honestly.

Ive been using an iPhone 8 with a case for several years, and with my current case, the size of my iPhone 8 is barely the same as the iPhone 14. Yes, the 14 is few millimeters taller, but naked, the 14 has the same width as my cased iPhone 8. So I think I could adapt to a 6.1” iPhone, at least naked. I’ll try to look for the slimmest case I can find, because I’ve never used a naked iPhone, although lately I barely drop my smartphone anymore.

Another reason to go with the 14 is that it has an easier reparability, you don’t have to touch the screen in order to replace the battery or repair other components of the logic board, and the central aluminum plate dissipates better the heat from the inside. Overall I like the new internal structure of the 14 better. And they say the new 14 OLED screen is easier on the eyes than previous models.

The iPhone 14 has 6GB of RAM versus the 4GB of the 13 model (I’m talking about the regular lineup, not the pro), which sure grants it a longer and better lifespan when it comes to future iOS versions.

The last reason to give the iPhone 14 a chance, once it drops its price when the 15 gets released, is that it will probably be the last 6.1” iPhone. All the leaks point towards a slightly bigger 6.2” iPhone 15 (again, I’m not talking about the pro, that one is going to be hella expensive here in Europe). So, while I could barely adapt to the 6.1” size, I don’t think I could handle a 6.2” device at all.

That’s why me, a small phone lover, is going to give a chance next Christmas to the iPhone 14. Now I need to decide between starlight and midnight -or even that bright red-.

EDIT: this could be a good case to help minimize the bulk of a 6.1” iPhone:

Just a comment about iPhone cases. I have tried quite a few of them and would eventually end up with Apple’s own - I currently use their silicone one and the fit is just perfect. The problem with these super slim ones is that if a phone falls face down the screen is kaput, so then you also need a screen protector. Check out “Mobile Reviews Eh” YouTube channel, they do good reviews in different iPhone case categories.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Yep, still have the 13 mini with no intentions to get rid of it any time soon. Currently I'm using the mini for certain things like calls (it still has my primary sim) messaging on the go, sleep tracking, and managing my Apple Watch Ultra which I absolutely love and adore, and I'm using the S23 for pretty much everything else. I'll likely hang onto it and see what the 16 lineup brings.

Does this mean you carry two phones, the 13 Mini and the S23?

 

[TechRunner]

I live in SW Florida and understand your desire to have a small/light phone for lighter shorts. That was one reason I chose the Galaxy Z Flip 4. It tucks nicely into any shorts/pants I'm wearing, and the crease on the screen doesn't bother me in day-to-day use. I'm not a heavy user, so YMMV there. It's not a perfect phone, as the cameras aren't flagship, the battery life is just okay, and it requires a bit of care when handling (I'm caseless), but I'm really enjoying the experience and am willing to overlook what I perceive to be the current shortfalls in the device.

 

[Sami13496]

I’m secretly hoping that iPhone lineup would start with smaller size in the future

iPhone 5.8”
iPhone Plus 6.x”
iPhone Pro x.x”
iPhone Ultra x.x”

I would pick iPhone 5.8”

 

[dmr727]

I have a 12 mini and plan to hang onto this thing until either the hardware fails or I can no longer receive security updates. Not sure the plan once that day arrives.

 

[mikext]

I know the rumor is that the XR body will become the next iPhone SE but I'm really hoping the mini form lives on as an SE phone. I recently switched to the 14 Pro from a 13 mini for a bit more battery life but the 13 mini was the perfect size for me.

 

[ikir]

iPhone 13 mini is just the best pocket phone out there. Just enjoy it and sto blaming Apple for market choices which are fully understandable. Very few smartphone can beat 13 mini all around and you have super light device. Just use it.

 

[Surfsalot]

A month ago there was 12 mini deal here in Australia, 256gb for $474 with $125 sim, bought 2 got a refund on the sims so was $$329 each, sold one for $650 so basically a free one.
Had a 13 max so sold it and payed out my Telstra contract and pocketed $700.
Used the 12 mini for a month had every intent on keeping it, only negs were the battery and camera but better than I thought, then a week ago along came a 14 pro 256gb brand new for $1k, was too much of a bargain, $900 off retail so got it.

If there was a mini pro i would be all over it.