iPhone 13 mini Small/light phone user frustration with Apple

[thefourthpope]

$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

I was more thinking a future when the smaller battery isn’t available. I would certainly opt for a new battery over a new device.

 

[zildMacjian]

The obvious dream is the 13 mini with a battery that matches the 13

Tbh could be possible - the Asus zen9 is 4300mah

 

[Jumpthesnark]

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

The SE is not "total garbage" if it does what some consumers want and they like its form factor. No one is making you - or anyone else - buy one.

There's a real classist vibe running through this thread, implying that there's something wrong with people who don't want a more expensive iPhone. Apple makes many models, we should buy what we want and understand that others buy what they want, for their own reasons.

 

[FeliApple]

One of my favourite iPhones ever (that I haven’t ever had) is the 1st-gen SE running iOS 9 or 10. Can’t be matched in comfort and portability, great battery life. Unfortunately, Apple has moved away from it, and as a main phone (even if I could find one on iOS 10), it is no longer fully usable due to app support.

A massive utopia, but I’d love the 1st-gen SE with the latest iPhone’s internals and camera (if not the same one due to space, a massively upgraded one).

I sometimes use an iPhone 5c and it is the most comfortable iPhone I’ve ever held.

 

[mpavilion]

The 5c was awesome! My first iPhone.

 

[v0lume4]

I was more thinking a future when the smaller battery isn’t available. I would certainly opt for a new battery over a new device.

Valid concern. I was surprised that they had a battery for my mother's 7 Plus.

FWIW, I'm seeing that the website will give me a quote going all the way back to the iPhone 5. Hopefully that can give you some peace of mind.

 

[KOTN91]

The SE is not "total garbage" if it does what some consumers want and they like its form factor. No one is making you - or anyone else - buy one.

There's a real classist vibe running through this thread, implying that there's something wrong with people who don't want a more expensive iPhone. Apple makes many models, we should buy what we want and understand that others buy what they want, for their own reasons.

It is total garbage. It’s a design that’s nearly a decade old for heavens sake. On what planet is that acceptable, when you think how long 10 years is in technology. It should be shunned to send the message to Apple that such nonsense is totally unacceptable. As I said earlier in the thread, the design should have been retired with the iPhone 7, and even that was pushing it

 

[FeliApple]

It is total garbage. It’s a design that’s nearly a decade old for heavens sake. On what planet is that acceptable, when you think how long 10 years is in technology. It should be shunned to send the message to Apple that such nonsense is totally unacceptable. As I said earlier in the thread, the design should have been retired with the iPhone 7, and even that was pushing it

It is a design from 2014... but that doesn’t mean it is bad. If people like it, why shouldn’t Apple make it? Some people like that design language, so they choose to buy the newest iPhone with that design. Like I said, it would be cool if Apple were to make an iPhone with the 1st-gen iPhone SE’s design and improved internals, I think.

You are entitled to your opinion about the design language, and I’m nobody to say you’re wrong in thinking it is outdated, but it isn’t garbage.

Funnily enough, Honda makes the XR650L, a motorcycle which has a 2023 model, sold new today... with the exact same design as the one it had when it was released new back in... 1993. Why? Because it is reliable, it just works, and people like it.

I’m curious about what you said about being unacceptable. If people like it, why is it unacceptable?

 

[Annv]

It is total garbage. It’s a design that’s nearly a decade old for heavens sake. On what planet is that acceptable, when you think how long 10 years is in technology. It should be shunned to send the message to Apple that such nonsense is totally unacceptable. As I said earlier in the thread, the design should have been retired with the iPhone 7, and even that was pushing it

What you are talking about is an example of perceived obsolescence: a good old design is regarded as obsolete for no reason, only because it's old. That's exactly what Apple is trying to convince us of, as it means more profits for them.

1st gen SE design has so many advantages, that no matter how old it is, many people, including myself, still like it:
1) Pocketability
2) One-handed usage
3) Classic 16:9 screen
4) No distractions (from the notch/island)
5) Full status bar
6) Bezels that allow to better hold it
7) Headphone jack
8) Home button
9) TouchID
and more

What has been introduced with notched iPhones is a move for the worse, no matter how "new" it is. Not to mention, it's an ugly design.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

On what planet is that acceptable, when you think how long 10 years is in technology. It should be shunned to send the message to Apple that such nonsense is totally unacceptable.

It's clearly acceptable on this planet, where there are many people who want to own the SE and who will happily buy the next one when it's released. I don't see it being "shunned" any time soon.

If you don't want one, don't buy one. Understand that others will make their buying decisions that disagree with yours. It's really simple.

 

[mpavilion]

Yeah, design /= “technology.” Anyway, my 8+ still looks “modern” to me!

 

[bbates123]

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.

Honest question because I'm curious...why would someone get an SE over a mini if price weren't a concern? The mini is smaller and lighter with a bigger screen, 2 cameras, more advanced features, etc. etc.

 

[bbates123]

The SE is not "total garbage" if it does what some consumers want and they like its form factor. No one is making you - or anyone else - buy one.

There's a real classist vibe running through this thread, implying that there's something wrong with people who don't want a more expensive iPhone. Apple makes many models, we should buy what we want and understand that others buy what they want, for their own reasons.

I totally agree with you that everyone should get what they like/want and it's great when Apple provides something for everyone. I'm just honestly curious why someone would want an SE over a mini that is smaller, lighter, with a bigger screen, and offers more features if price isn't a concern. What does the SE offer that appeals to you over the mini? Is it that you prefer the Touch ID button over Face ID?

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Honest question because I'm curious...why would someone get an SE over a mini if price weren't a concern? The mini is smaller and lighter with a bigger screen, 2 cameras, more advanced features, etc. etc.

I can likewise ask why someone would get a mini over an SE? The answer to both questions is the same - what do you want in an iPhone? If you want Face ID, an ultrawide camera, a better selfie camera, more colors to choose from, a higher-resolution display, 3 grams less weight and a similar slight difference in size, etc., then get a Mini. If you're someone who doesn't watch full movies on your phone, prefers Touch ID, hardly ever uses their phone as a camera and doesn't like the notch, then get the SE. They both have the same processor, so it's not like one is faster than the other. The Mini does have a slightly better battery but that's basically the only feature I would consider as making a difference to my purchase.

 

[NoBoMac]

If you're someone who doesn't watch full movies on your phone, prefers Touch ID, hardly ever uses their phone as a camera and doesn't like the notch, then get the SE.

So much this. I don’t watch videos, play games, take selfies, use the camera much, OLED is meh for me, only using about 33GB of storage on the phone, but want/need Face ID, so needed to “overpay” for the one thing that was important for me.

If Apple had an SE-R phone, SE size, Face ID, lower spec-ed other pieces, would be all over that and willing to pay a price between SE and 13 Mini.

 

[Insidious]

Personally, I was reluctant to say bye to Touch ID when I chose the SE 3, but I will admit I was also looking to spend less because my iPhone 8 Plus had internal issues that needed repair. I do love having a home button and would have purchased an iPhone SE Plus had it existed. I kept hearing rumors about it coming and gave up on waiting.

 

[tcatsninfan]

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.

Your message is all over the place and sounds a bit manic, to be honest.

Let me see if I understand you. You don't like that Apple has stopped releasing new Minis because you like small and light phones, and the SE doesn't have good features. Also you mention being heavily invested in Apple and liking their biometrics. So...you bought a Galaxy S23?

The S23 has a 6.1" screen, the same as the regular iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. This means the S23 isn't smaller like the Mini, so there's no advantage there. Also, the S23 weights 168g whereas the regular 14 weighs 172g. I dare say no one can feel the difference between 4 grams, so the S23 doesn't represent a significant weight reduction compared to the 14.

You complain that the better features like 120hz displays are only being given to the Pro iPhones. OK, but you said you liked the Mini. The Mini doesn't have those premium features either.

So I read your message and I don't understand what you want. If you want a new phone that's the size of the Mini, that ship has sailed. No new phone, not even Android, is that size anymore.

It is true that you can get some premium features on cheaper Android phones. The S23 has an AMOLED screen and starts at $799 whereas the iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999. So if you're worried about that $200 price difference, fine. Go with S23.

But then you're losing access to Apple's ecosystem and biometrics, both of which you said you liked.

So...you want a screen size that isn't made by any company anymore, you want it to have premium features that can't be supported by a small screen size because it means the battery is too small and battery life will be too short, and you want it to be cheap?

 

[klasma]

It is total garbage. It’s a design that’s nearly a decade old for heavens sake. On what planet is that acceptable, when you think how long 10 years is in technology.

What does design have to do with the pace of technology? A design doesn't suddently get bad because years pass.

I could understand if you say you prefer FaceID over TouchID, or OLED over LCD, etc., that is, an actual argument about technology. But people have different preferences, and there are those who prefer TouchID or LCD or a physical home button. Those don't make anything "total garbage".

 

[one more]

So...you want a screen size that isn't made by any company anymore, you want it to have premium features that can't be supported by a small screen size because it means the battery is too small and battery life will be too short, and you want it to be cheap?

You raise some good questions in your post above. However, let’s not forget that Apple still make and sell 13 mini and will continue doing so until iPhones 15 come out later this year. I guess the OP very much dislikes the fact that this sub-6.1” screen option will no longer be available. Of course the mini public (myself included) will eventually move on - we can stock up on minis now, get a refurbished one later, or just jump to the smallest available offering directly from Apple. No matter what, I personally am not planning to react by switching to Android any time soon, hoping that Apple might revive their 5.8” screen models at some point.

 

[KOTN91]

It's clearly acceptable on this planet, where there are many people who want to own the SE and who will happily buy the next one when it's released. I don't see it being "shunned" any time soon.

If you don't want one, don't buy one. Understand that others will make their buying decisions that disagree with yours. It's really simple.

Well it has been shunned as barely anyone is buying them

 

[geta]

Honest question because I'm curious...why would someone get an SE over a mini if price weren't a concern? The mini is smaller and lighter with a bigger screen, 2 cameras, more advanced features, etc. etc.

Touch ID.

 

[bbates123]

Your message is all over the place and sounds a bit manic, to be honest.

Let me see if I understand you. You don't like that Apple has stopped releasing new Minis because you like small and light phones, and the SE doesn't have good features. Also you mention being heavily invested in Apple and liking their biometrics. So...you bought a Galaxy S23?

The S23 has a 6.1" screen, the same as the regular iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. This means the S23 isn't smaller like the Mini, so there's no advantage there. Also, the S23 weights 168g whereas the regular 14 weighs 172g. I dare say no one can feel the difference between 4 grams, so the S23 doesn't represent a significant weight reduction compared to the 14.

You complain that the better features like 120hz displays are only being given to the Pro iPhones. OK, but you said you liked the Mini. The Mini doesn't have those premium features either.

So I read your message and I don't understand what you want. If you want a new phone that's the size of the Mini, that ship has sailed. No new phone, not even Android, is that size anymore.

It is true that you can get some premium features on cheaper Android phones. The S23 has an AMOLED screen and starts at $799 whereas the iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999. So if you're worried about that $200 price difference, fine. Go with S23.

But then you're losing access to Apple's ecosystem and biometrics, both of which you said you liked.

So...you want a screen size that isn't made by any company anymore, you want it to have premium features that can't be supported by a small screen size because it means the battery is too small and battery life will be too short, and you want it to be cheap?

Let me rephrase and hopefully it won't sound quite so manic. To make it simple, I'll lump the base iPhones that are currently being produced into the small/light category since by today's standards they're small and light, just not as small and light as I would prefer. What I'm bothered by is the fact that to get the features that I want now, such as always on display, dynamic island, and 120hz screen, better cameras, I have to get a Pro. Though I wouldn't be happy about spending $1K on a phone, I can afford a Pro...but honestly the main thing is I just don't want the size and heft. It would be flopping around in my light shorts all day long. The base 14 is really at my limit.

What I would REALLY like is a mini Pro, but I understand that ship has sailed and will likely never happen. So people that prefer the smaller/lighter phones are just sitting on the sidelines watching all the big/heavy phones get the good stuff. I know that the rumors are that the base 15 models will get dynamic island and that's great, but not enough for me to want to upgrade from my 13 mini, so I'm probably going to sit out yet another year and pass on the new iPhones.

I'm looking at my S23 that has all of the stuff that I want (except for good face unlock), but I can't switch to it exclusively mainly because I don't want to leave the Apple ecosystem. So for the time being I'm using both phones. The mini for things like messaging on the go, making calls, and managing my Apple Watch Ultra. And I'll use the S23 for things like managing notifications, managing home devices, Spotify, news, and work stuff (Outlook/Slack/Teams) when I'm away from my MacBook or Studio. The solution works OK but I'd like to get back to 1 phone at some point.

 

[bbates123]

Touch ID.

OK, fair enough. I can see why some people would prefer that.

 

[mpavilion]

Well it has been shunned as barely anyone is buying them

Clearly they are – Apple keeps releasing new versions.

 

[RRC]

Well it has been shunned as barely anyone is buying them

They’re selling plenty… companies who provide work phones, people who want an updated version of their old iPhone, first time iPhone users etc are all given an entry point at a “cheap” price point.