iPhone 12 mini Undecided - 12 or 12 mini?

[prazakj]

Well after a longer period, I came to understand that last year’s iPhone lineup was the hardest for me to choose from. Even though I originally thought it will be the simplest ever.

I have been using XS for a two years and my main problems were:
- weight
- round design
- size for using one hand

So when 12 mini came out I was happy to buy it almost immediately. After using it for last 3 months I’m more undecided than I ever was about sizes. These days when we are at home I don’t use phone as that much as I do use iPad or Mac. I also love the white color on 12 and 12 mini because the silver isn’t much nice to me on last generations. Here are the pros and cons of using mini and maybe this forum help me decide after all. I don’t compare obvious things like same specs or camera or even the smaller battery capacity because that was never a problem for me to this day. I’m not a heavy user and also not a light user - daily between 3,5-5hours based on the daily program. Also the 5G isn’t the real thing in our country.

Pros
1) Weight. It’s incredible how Apple made this phone so light. You barely notice it in your pocket or even in your hand. (XS was 177g and mini is 135g.)
2) Flat design. I always loved this design language and when I lay in bed on the side, I’m happy to use phone with one hand and one side of the phone laying on the bed. With mini I don’t even need to lay the side of the phone on the bed because it’s less slippery (I’m not a fan of cases.) That’s great.
3) Using with one hand. With XS I wasn’t able to type a message on my work iPhone SE 1. gen. With 12 mini I’m able to do that again because my hands adjusted. I’m able to type with one hand again as it holds in my hand perfectly. It’s amazing to use Apple Pay in shops while typing the code in one hand (I don’t have the Apple Watch) these days which is something I had to do both hands with previous one. When I cut my left thumb two weeks ago I was kinda adoring my smaller form factor phone - I can’t use both hands for typing or for anything else because of bandage. And it was great to be able to capture my niece or doing a selfies with her while I was holding her. This is probably a no-go with larger ones. (And I wrote this whole piece on mini while sitting in waiting room in a hospital to get my finger checked.)

Cons
1) Readability. I realized that I’m more often trying to bring phone closer to my eyes. I have always used to set the smallest font size on iOS devices as I still perfectly see everything without glasses. But with mini I sometimes feel that the text is really small for me to read comfortably. (And my favorite app for watching soccer stats -FotMob- feels different on smaller screen.)
2) Using with two hands. Despite it’s great to use and type with one hand, using two is quite strange. It could be done but at the same time it’s not too much faster than with one hand. Also writing with hand is still sometimes too weird for me because for a letter “a” or “caps lock” I have to stretch my thumb quite the same I did with XS. That brings me to the idea that with XS I learnt more how to handle phone with both hands more often that I didn’t use it with one hand almost at all. Also the mini has a two-way-grip to hold (at least for me). One is for typing with thumb on the keyboard and the littlefinger supports the bottom of the phone. The second one is for holding-while-reading with three fingers on the left side of the phone and thumb laying on the power button. I have to switch these two types of holding based on what I do on the phone. With larger screen you don’t have to switch because you almost always have to use the phone with two hands.

Titbits
I do miss telephoto more than ultrawide and quite suprisingly 3D Touch. I have convinced my friend to borrow me his 12 for a few days (his spare phone lol). But even after those days if I would be undecided that would be very funny for me. So I ask you my dear forum, are there any thoughts from you to help me think about it more? I know it's not a big deal and it's just a #firstworldproblem while so many precious people are passing away. It's just I have never been so torn about choosing a phone for me and I think that here are so many great people with nice opinions. Thank you for reading.

 

[snipr125]

I was the same as you regarding text size prazakj. I have always used the smallest font size on my previous iphones, but with the 12 Mini, i had to increase the font size by one increment. Maybe this is due to the increased 1080p resolution i'm not sure.

I think if their was a 5.8" Iphone 12, this would have been the sweet spot for you coming from the XS.

 

[greatness]

for what it's worth, at this point maybe it would be better to use the 12 mini (which is a great phone, I agree- as a 12 pro user) for 7-8 more months and give it a go at the iPhone 13 (or 12s...whatever it ends up being called) and the feature sets available to the latest model. At this point into the product cycle, unless the mini is a pain to use (small font like you mentioned) my recommendation would be to hold for the 13 instead of moving within the 12 family.

I agree with @snipr125 that the 12 (in white) might have been the better/closer match for you.

 

[prazakj]

I was the same as you regarding text size prazakj. I have always used the smallest font size on my previous iphones, but with the 12 Mini, i had to increase the font size by one increment. Maybe this is due to the increased 1080p resolution i'm not sure.

I think if their was a 5.8" Iphone 12, this would have been the sweet spot for you coming from the XS.

Thanks man. I sure thing that bringing size 5,8" down by using flat design, it could be perfect for me. Right now it's kinda unsolved question in my head. That's why I have to write that down here. I can't say that I don't love mini, it just have some moments where I want to go bigger. For a reference I'm including mini in my hand. That feels is still great, tbh.

 

[prazakj]

for what it's worth, at this point maybe it would be better to use the 12 mini (which is a great phone, I agree- as a 12 pro user) for 7-8 more months and give it a go at the iPhone 13 (or 12s...whatever it ends up being called) and the feature sets available to the latest model. At this point into the product cycle, unless the mini is a pain to use (small font like you mentioned) my recommendation would be to hold for the 13 instead of moving within the 12 family.

I agree with @snipr125 that the 12 (in white) might have been the better/closer match for you.

Thank you. So rather increase that font size and not trying 12 for being sad after that? 😀 I don't think that I will upgrade to 13 - I'm trying at least for two years cycle, sometimes more. Still I can't imagine I would go back to XS after using 12 series.

 

[Significant1]

You could try using zoomed mode in settings->display & brightness. I think it makes many UI details the size or ought to be and still could in standard mode. Like icon size, lockscreen clock etc.

 

[prazakj]

You could try using zoomed mode in settings->display & brightness. I think it makes many UI details the size or ought to be and still could in standard mode. Like icon size, lockscreen clock etc.

Thanks for this tip but it wouldn’t OK for me.

 

[cableguy84]

Go 12 pro max you won’t regret it

 

[taneff]

I am like you almost exactly, there are so many times I love my 12 Mini. It is sooooo light and small for what it is, nice bezel less display, 5G etc. As I have small hands I love the feeling of putting it out of my pocket because it just feels nice to hold in the hands. You don't have to be careful to put it out and maybe let it slip because it is big and you didn't hold it the correct way. For checking stuff, like mails, information etc. I actually find it perfect. Not too big of a display to get you distracted too much.

But as I am traveling for work very much, even right now, I quite often miss the bigger display just to read and browse the web. It would also be more convenient for that as my eyes aren't these of a young human being anymore. I own an iPad mini and love it but sometimes I don't really need it and it stays in my luggage. So I only have this small display instead of a bigger one to read better or watch a short video or some sport's game for a few minutes. This is why I have thought about a second, bigger iPhone. I am still considering it for days when I use my phone more than I normally do.

But one thing is for sure. I won't sell my Mini and trade it for a bigger main device. Because I know one thing for sure, when overthinking everything about the iPhone I would miss it in a heartbeat if it wasn't there anymore. Consider this. How would you feel if you would own a normal iPhone 12? Would you miss it more than you miss reading on a bigger screen right now? My answer is yes. It will stay my main device for sure! SE2 is not an option because of bad cellular quality. Tried one before. Not for traveling at all. So am still considering a Max as a second device, maybe 12 Pro Max, but it has to be on sale, not for the normal price.

PS: I do use zoom mode instead of standard mode often times. Even with the way bigger display mode, it would actually be usable. But my main complaint here is that a lot of apps I use daily aren't developed for Mini zoom mode yet and have big black bezels on top and bottom. Very frustrating because otherwise it would be a real option for me. Still, I think Apple somehow "mis-developed" the display modes on the Mini. The standard mode is way too small imo and the zoom mode way too big. But I guess this is all about resolution? Standard mode = normal 12 and zoom mode = SE2???? No knowledge in that department. Could Apple change something about these modes regarding size?

 

[prazakj]

Go 12 pro max you won’t regret it

Absolutely not, this is 100% out of the question. There are no reason for me to buy that big one. But thanks.

 

[prazakj]

I am like you almost exactly, there are so many times I love my 12 Mini. It is sooooo light and small for what it is, nice bezel less display, 5G etc. As I have small hands I love the feeling of putting it out of my pocket because it just feels nice to hold in the hands. You don't have to be careful to put it out and maybe let it slip because it is big and you didn't hold it the correct way. For checking stuff, like mails, information etc. I actually find it perfect. Not too big of a display to get you distracted too much.

But as I am traveling for work very much, even right now, I quite often miss the bigger display just to read and browse the web. It would also be more convenient for that as my eyes aren't these of a young human being anymore. I own an iPad mini and love it but sometimes I don't really need it and it stays in my luggage. So I only have this small display instead of a bigger one to read better or watch a short video or some sport's game for a few minutes. This is why I have thought about a second, bigger iPhone. I am still considering it for days when I use my phone more than I normally do.

But one thing is for sure. I won't sell my Mini and trade it for a bigger main device. Because I know one thing for sure, when overthinking everything about the iPhone I would miss it in a heartbeat if it wasn't there anymore. Consider this. How would you feel if you would own a normal iPhone 12? Would you miss it more than you miss reading on a bigger screen right now? My answer is yes. It will stay my main device for sure! SE2 is not an option because of bad cellular quality. Tried one before. Not for traveling at all. So am still considering a Max as a second device, maybe 12 Pro Max, but it has to be on sale, not for the normal price.

PS: I do use zoom mode instead of standard mode often times. Even with the way bigger display mode, it would actually be usable. But my main complaint here is that a lot of apps I use daily aren't developed for Mini zoom mode yet and have big black bezels on top and bottom. Very frustrating because otherwise with would be a real option for me. Still, I think Apple somehow "mis-developed" the display modes on the Mini. The standard mode is way too small imo and the zoom mode way too big. But I guess this is all about resolution? Standard mode = normal 12 and zoom mode = SE2???? No knowledge in that department. Could Apple change something about these modes regarding size?

Or maybe wait with mini until fall to see what Apple brings to life and if the new lineup wouldn’t change much, try bigger 12. Even if I loose some money like if I don’t sell mini as good as I did with XS, I want device when I can be 100% satisfied. Which bring me to your question. I think that I wouldn’t trade the pocketability for a bigger display. That’s why I want to try 12 over the weekend and see how I feel about it.

 

[DevinNj]

I like a smaller sized phone strictly for ease of carrying. BUT, I love the zoom lens so I buy the Pro versions. I have no use for the wide-angle, I hardly ever have use that. Is it worth it, to me it is. Now if they made a Pro version of the Mini, I'd be all about it. It's a tough call which to get, good luck with your decision.

 

[taneff]

Do that. But better put the 12 Mini completely away. And at the end see if you miss it. But also keep in mind that atm many people are staying at home quite a lot. And spring and summer is coming. Smaller devices, esp for men who don#t use a purse, are way nicer when going out, esp in summer time.

I would keep it, and if you really aren't satisfied at all sell it and buy an iPhone 13 and then wait two years. It is a new size and you should give it a chance if you really love it. I will...

 

[prazakj]

I like a smaller sized phone strictly for ease of carrying. BUT, I love the zoom lens so I buy the Pro versions. I have no use for the wide-angle, I hardly ever have use that. Is it worth it, to me it is. Now if they made a Pro version of the Mini, I'd be all about it. It's a tough call which to get, good luck with your decision.

Thanks man. Last few weeks I mainly choose between sizes. Despite not having tele, it still makes fantastic portrait - thanks to ML. But I understand your point of view.

 

[prazakj]

Do that. But better put the 12 Mini completely away. And at the end see if you miss it. But also keep in mind that atm many people are staying at home quite a lot. And spring and summer is coming. Smaller devices, esp for men who don#t use a purse, are way nicer when going out, esp in summer time.

I would keep it, and if you really aren't satisfied at all sell it and buy an iPhone 13 and then wait two years. It is a new size and you should give it a chance if you really love it. I will...

Thank you. I still don’t know how people in the summer can go out with Pro Max. It’s like a carrying a gun. Lol. Set pandemic aside, I know that I won’t be travelling too much but yeah, lighter and smaller phones is better in those days in shorts.

 

[TechLord]

Worth giving the 12 a fair go. It’s not much bigger than the 5.8 inch models but slimmer and lighter. For me it has the perfect balance of size,
weight and pocketability. Will be interested to read your thoughts after a you’ve used it for a while.

 

[prazakj]

Worth giving the 12 a fair go. It’s not much bigger than the 5.8 inch models but slimmer and lighter. For me it has the perfect balance of size,
weight and pocketability. Will be interested to read your thoughts after a you’ve used it for a while.

Great, now I have a commitment. 😂

 

[Isamilis]

Well after a longer period, I came to understand that last year’s iPhone lineup was the hardest for me to choose from. Even though I originally thought it will be the simplest ever.

I have been using XS for a two years and my main problems were:
- weight
- round design
- size for using one hand

So when 12 mini came out I was happy to buy it almost immediately. After using it for last 3 months I’m more undecided than I ever was about sizes. These days when we are at home I don’t use phone as that much as I do use iPad or Mac. I also love the white color on 12 and 12 mini because the silver isn’t much nice to me on last generations. Here are the pros and cons of using mini and maybe this forum help me decide after all. I don’t compare obvious things like same specs or camera or even the smaller battery capacity because that was never a problem for me to this day. I’m not a heavy user and also not a light user - daily between 3,5-5hours based on the daily program. Also the 5G isn’t the real thing in our country.

Pros
1) Weight. It’s incredible how Apple made this phone so light. You barely notice it in your pocket or even in your hand. (XS was 177g and mini is 135g.)
2) Flat design. I always loved this design language and when I lay in bed on the side, I’m happy to use phone with one hand and one side of the phone laying on the bed. With mini I don’t even need to lay the side of the phone on the bed because it’s less slippery (I’m not a fan of cases.) That’s great.
3) Using with one hand. With XS I wasn’t able to type a message on my work iPhone SE 1. gen. With 12 mini I’m able to do that again because my hands adjusted. I’m able to type with one hand again as it holds in my hand perfectly. It’s amazing to use Apple Pay in shops while typing the code in one hand (I don’t have the Apple Watch) these days which is something I had to do both hands with previous one. When I cut my left thumb two weeks ago I was kinda adoring my smaller form factor phone - I can’t use both hands for typing or for anything else because of bandage. And it was great to be able to capture my niece or doing a selfies with her while I was holding her. This is probably a no-go with larger ones. (And I wrote this whole piece on mini while sitting in waiting room in a hospital to get my finger checked.)

Cons
1) Readability. I realized that I’m more often trying to bring phone closer to my eyes. I have always used to set the smallest font size on iOS devices as I still perfectly see everything without glasses. But with mini I sometimes feel that the text is really small for me to read comfortably. (And my favorite app for watching soccer stats -FotMob- feels different on smaller screen.)
2) Using with two hands. Despite it’s great to use and type with one hand, using two is quite strange. It could be done but at the same time it’s not too much faster than with one hand. Also writing with hand is still sometimes too weird for me because for a letter “a” or “caps lock” I have to stretch my thumb quite the same I did with XS. That brings me to the idea that with XS I learnt more how to handle phone with both hands more often that I didn’t use it with one hand almost at all. Also the mini has a two-way-grip to hold (at least for me). One is for typing with thumb on the keyboard and the littlefinger supports the bottom of the phone. The second one is for holding-while-reading with three fingers on the left side of the phone and thumb laying on the power button. I have to switch these two types of holding based on what I do on the phone. With larger screen you don’t have to switch because you almost always have to use the phone with two hands.

Titbits
I do miss telephoto more than ultrawide and quite suprisingly 3D Touch. I have convinced my friend to borrow me his 12 for a few days (his spare phone lol). But even after those days if I would be undecided that would be very funny for me. So I ask you my dear forum, are there any thoughts from you to help me think about it more? I know it's not a big deal and it's just a #firstworldproblem while so many precious people are passing away. It's just I have never been so torn about choosing a phone for me and I think that here are so many great people with nice opinions. Thank you for reading.

I think, the Cons that were mentioned by OP are all related to functionality, not esthetics. In addition, you may later on concern on small battery capacity in 12 mini. I would choose 12 for its better functionality and bigger battery than 12 mini.

 

[ahostmadsen]

I like a smaller sized phone strictly for ease of carrying. BUT, I love the zoom lens so I buy the Pro versions. I have no use for the wide-angle, I hardly ever have use that. Is it worth it, to me it is. Now if they made a Pro version of the Mini, I'd be all about it. It's a tough call which to get, good luck with your decision.

Yes, I wish they had put the tele lens on the 12 (mini) instead of wide angle. The wide angle is such a poor quality lens.

 

[prazakj]

I think, the Cons that were mentioned by OP are all related to functionality, not esthetics. In addition, you may later on concern on small battery capacity in 12 mini. I would choose 12 for its better functionality and bigger battery than 12 mini.

Interesting thought. Thank you for your input. I will certainly think about it during trying the bigger 12.

 

[prazakj]

Yes, I wish they had put the tele lens on the 12 (mini) instead of wide angle. The wide angle is such a poor quality lens.

Despite it is not my main problem (but the size is), I couldn't agree more.

 

[stanza.richi]

After more or less one month, I’m still in love with my mini. Forget that you have it in your pocket is something, in my opinion, that is priceless.

 

[prazakj]

After more or less one month, I’m still in love with my mini. Forget that you have it in your pocket is something, in my opinion, that is priceless.

I hear you and agree. It’s just sometimes about feeling. Maybe in future it will be a foldable way - small to carry, large to operate. 😀

 

[taneff]

Great, now I have a commitment. 😂

Me too. Tell us how it worked and your decision.

From early reports Apple's foldable in a few years is about a big screen in a small form factor, much like the Galaxy Z Flip(?), not about a tablet in a big phone size. Would also be my favorite direction, like the Flip.

 

[prazakj]

Me too. Tell us how it worked and your decision.

From early reports Apple's foldable in a few years is about a big screen in a small form factor, much like the Galaxy Z Flip(?), not about a tablet in a big phone size. Would also be my favorite direction, like the Flip.

I will try to summarize that.

One my colleague love foldables but personally I have reservations for cracking it. 🤔