iPhone 13 mini Small/light phone user frustration with Apple

[thefourthpope]

I, too, love my 13 mini. As of today I plan to keep it until Apple releases an updated mini or my device completely dies and there is no mini alternative.

Downsides:

• I may be waiting a while.
• I may miss out on new features for a while.
• The battery could die / I could break or lose my mini 13.

Upsides:

• I’m going a long time without paying Apple hundreds more dollars. I feel good.
• I’m telling myself I don’t care about features if they’re not available in a mini form factor. I may be filling myself.
• I should be more careful with these gadgets anyway?

 

[v0lume4]

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.

This is the answer right here.

If you like that S23, roll with it OP.

 

[v0lume4]

The battery could die

$89 is less than a $600+ phone my friend. I just had the battery replaced in my mother's iPhone 7 Plus (this was before Apple raised the battery prices a few weeks ago). I think it took about an hour. Easy peasy!

iPhone Battery Replacement - Apple Support

Need more power? An Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider near you can replace your iPhone battery. See the associated cost by coverage type.

support.apple.com

 

[joehohoho]

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.

Totally feel you, I'm in the exact same boat.

Unfortunately it seems Apple are happy to ignore the millions of us that like small phones with modern tech. I'm planning on keeping my 13 mini for another year and if there's rumours of a new mini or proper new SE then I'll hang around, if not then I'll probably be looking at the competition for my answer. I don't want to switch to Android but it's Apple themselves forcing my hand...

 

[Splitrail]

In comparing a mini to an SE, it seems to me that the screen size on the SE is very limited by comparison for the same overall height and width of the phone.
That's a lot to give up.

 

[rambo47]

If there were enough people who wanted a small phone to make it profitable for Apple, they'd be making/selling it.

 

[NoBoMac]

In comparing a mini to an SE, it seems to me that the screen size on the SE is very limited by comparison for the same overall height and width of the phone.
That's a lot to give up.

Not for me.

Having just done the switch from SE to Mini, did/do not have a “wow! Look at all that new real estate!” vibe. Then again, not actually looking at the screen a lot, 1.5-2.5 hrs/day. And a good chunk of that time is workout tracking and food tracking apps on screen.

 

[Capeto]

I had the 12/13 mini and absolutely loved the size. My only complaint was battery life (even with the improvement from the 12 to the 13), which was a severe enough complaint for me to make me trade it in for a 14 Pro. Some of the Pro features are neat (big fan of the telephoto camera; Dynamic Island and ProMotion are neat to have) and the improvement in battery life is really nice, but I miss the compact size and lighter weight especially when running and when out and about.

It's a wild stretch but if Apple were to release another Mini in the near-future with a telephoto lens I think I'd immediately switch.

 

[klasma]

The 13 mini will be good until 2026 or so. Let’s wait if Apple doesn’t release a new smaller iPhone until then.

 

[Insidious]

I'd stick with the 13 Mini for as long as I could if I were you. As for me, I'm really happy with the iPhone SE 3. I do wish it had a nicer camera though.

 

[bbates123]

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

No, one or the other. Lately I've been grabbing the S23 more even when I'm out and about, because if I get a call I can answer it on my Apple Watch Ultra or my S23 with Digits paired to my main sim in my iPhone 13 mini because my main line will ring all 3. When I leave my 13 mini behind, receiving calls and texts isn't a problem, it's sending from my AWU or S23 where it becomes problematic. I'd really like just one phone but right now there are things I love about both the mini and the S23.

 

[mpavilion]

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.

Why is the SE a joke?

 

[xxFoxtail]

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

As a mini fan myself, I ended up with the 14 Pro due to it being harder for me to see on screen stuff (turning up the font size just compacted everything, making the phone annoying to use, didn’t really do much for spreadsheets or word processing though - was bringing my phone plus my iPad to work, now I can just bring my iPhone).

The phone is definitely a lot bigger than than my old 12 mini, and actually just a tad bit lighter than the mini + MagSafe battery.

I use a Peel MagSafe thin case. It doesn’t add a whole lot of bulk, probably won’t protect the phone from falls onto concrete, but gives me a lot of grip - which makes the phone a lot easier to hold and feel lighter than it actually is.

Super Thin MagSafe iPhone 14 Pro Case

Peel is the original and best Super Thin Magsafe iPhone 14 Pro Case. Super thin and branding free, it's designed to keep the original look of your phone while protecting it and allowing for MagSafe charging. Ditch the bulk and slim down with Peel. Available in multiple colors.

buypeel.com

 

[one more]

As a mini fan myself, I ended up with the 14 Pro due to it being harder for me to see on screen stuff (turning up the font size just compacted everything, making the phone annoying to use, didn’t really do much for spreadsheets or word processing though - was bringing my phone plus my iPad to work, now I can just bring my iPhone).

The phone is definitely a lot bigger than than my old 12 mini, and actually just a tad bit lighter than the mini + MagSafe battery.

I use a Peel MagSafe thin case. It doesn’t add a whole lot of bulk, probably won’t protect the phone from falls onto concrete, but gives me a lot of grip - which makes the phone a lot easier to hold and feel lighter than it actually is.

Super Thin MagSafe iPhone 14 Pro Case

Peel is the original and best Super Thin Magsafe iPhone 14 Pro Case. Super thin and branding free, it's designed to keep the original look of your phone while protecting it and allowing for MagSafe charging. Ditch the bulk and slim down with Peel. Available in multiple colors.

buypeel.com

The whole point of a mini, IMO, is that it is a companion device, to complement, rather than to replace, our iPads and/or computers.

The fact that so many people started using their iPhones as their only devices, be it due to the perceived convenience of it, budget, etc., might have contributed to poor mini sales, leading to Apple dropping them out.

If I did not have an iPad (Air 4), I would also be using a “regular” 6.1” iPhone for anything iOS-y, benefiting from a bigger screen, keyboard and larger battery to boot. However, since I do also have an iPad, which still outperforms any iPhone for multitasking (split screens, etc.), I can get by with using my mini just fine.

So quite a few factors at play there, as we can see.

As for your Peel case, it will only protect your iPhone (not its screen) from scratches and small bumps. I would consider a screen protector with it or a bit sturdier case with a lip for added screen protection.

 

[bbates123]

Why is the SE a joke?

Maybe my choice of words was a bit too harsh. I do appreciate that Apple offers a "budget" phone for people that can't afford the 13/14 lineup. But the SE's design is nearly 9 years old now. I think the mini form factor should become the next SE, but that seems very unlikely.

 

[bbates123]

The whole point of a mini, IMO, is that it is a companion device, to complement, rather than to replace, our iPads and/or computers.

The fact that so many people started using their iPhones as their only devices, be it due to the perceived convenience of it, budget, etc., might have contributed to poor mini sales, leading to Apple dropping them out.

If I did not have an iPad (Air 4), I would also be using a “regular” 6.1” iPhone for anything iOS-y, benefiting from a bigger screen, keyboard and larger battery to boot. However, since I do also have an iPad, which still outperforms any iPhone for multitasking (split screens, etc.), I can get by with using my mini just fine.

So quite a few factors at play there, as we can see.

Same here. If I didn't have a MacBook Air and Mac Studio I would have gone for a larger phone.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Yeah, it seems like Apple is done with the mini size. Guess it wasn’t selling. Most people went for the Max or the Plus and those who wanted a smaller iphone just got the 6.1” size. Perhaps if Apple ever comes out with a flip or foldable iphone a smaller size will sell well? It kind of reminds me of the ipad mini. For awhile it looked liked they were going to discontinue it. But then suddenly they upgraded it again with the flat edged design of the pro ipads so it could use the Apple Pencil 2. So maybe they’ll upgrade the mini iphone someday too.

 

[Tripps9000]

I switched to the iPhone 14 myself last year from a 12 mini before that I always used the 4.7 inch iPhone models the 12 mini was a really big improvement over those models but the battery life was so bad over time with all of them and I finally just went out and got the standard 14 the bigger screen is nice and the battery life is just the best very nice not having to keep it on a charger all the time.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

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

uh… you do know you can set the always on display to turn off at night, right?
I believe 16.4 adds it to focus modes, but even before there’s still a setting just to… Turn it off.
Also setting the face down turns it off, you can have a black background while it’s on… plenty of ways around that concern.

 

[Timpetus]

I'll keep my 13 mini as long as I can. It will definitely get its battery replaced at least once. I tried a larger phone with the 11 and it was OK, but not as great as the 13 mini has been. Fortunately, battery life is really the only area I have an issue with, but it's worth the trade-offs. I'm sure I'm an edge case as I use the 13 mini a lot throughout my day, so I typically need to keep a charger ready at my desk.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

.. I do appreciate that Apple offers a "budget" phone for people that can't afford the 13/14 lineup. But the SE's design is nearly 9 years old now...

If you think all SE owners are just miserable and poor people who would rather own a 13 or 14 but can't afford one, I think you need to examine that, and where your perceptions/prejudices are coming from. This entire thread is about your desire for a smaller & lighter iPhone, after all.

 

[KOTN91]

uh… you do know you can set the always on display to turn off at night, right?
I believe 16.4 adds it to focus modes, but even before there’s still a setting just to… Turn it off.
Also setting the face down turns it off, you can have a black background while it’s on… plenty of ways around that concern.

It’s inconvenient to have to toggle the setting to turn it off each night. I certainly won’t put my phone face down either

What is the benefit for such inconvenience?

 

[KOTN91]

If you think all SE owners are just miserable and poor people who would rather own a 13 or 14 but can't afford one, I think you need to examine that, and where your perceptions/prejudices are coming from. This entire thread is about your desire for a smaller & lighter iPhone, after all.

SE is total garbage. If you want a smaller or lighter phone, get a 12/13 mini. If you want a cheap but still capable phone an XR. Just say no to the SE. The iPhone 7 should have been the last iteration of that design

 

[Populus]

Okay, let's keep the waters calm guys. I guess saying the SE 3rd gen is garbage is just an opinion, because it is a pretty capable smartphone with a -yes- dated design. I don't agree that the iPhone 7 should have been the last iPhone with that design, because it was a great design and, hell, I have been using my iPhone 8 since 2018, and it has been a great device.

But, yes, in my opinion, the third gen SE should have had a bezel-less screen. Or, at least, smaller bezels. But I understand that, from the business point of view, that didn't have the potential to generate enough revenue, so they did the minimum: put an A15, increase the RAM to 4GB, slightly bigger battery, and that's it. A lazy move from Apple.

But, that being said, that lazy smartphone can be pretty useful to a niche that still needs TouchID, that doesn't care about the latest design, the screen is good enough, and so on. But yeah, it is still a lazy move from Apple.

I have thought about getting the SE third gen. Because, being used to my iPhone 8, the transition would be pretty easy. However, I have to admit that I am tired of the Home button, and the soap bar design. I am really interested in jumping to an all-screen iPhone, as I said above, but I just wanted to say that, at some point during this year, I actually thought about getting a second hand SE 3rd gen. I finally decided not to, but some family members did, and they are pretty happy with it.

 

[Populus]

Not for me.

Having just done the switch from SE to Mini, did/do not have a “wow! Look at all that new real estate!” vibe. Then again, not actually looking at the screen a lot, 1.5-2.5 hrs/day. And a good chunk of that time is workout tracking and food tracking apps on screen.

Same happened to me, coming from an iPhone 8, I have been trying a 13 mini for weeks before returning it, and indeed, I didn't have that impression of more screen real state. Actually, I noticed the narrower screen, and that bothered me a bit (although that wasn't the reason why I ended up returning it).