aside from the size difference, a used mini runs in the $200-$400 range. the 17e is rumored to be $599. i've been leaning towards a mini, but a new phone would be nice too. any early comparison thoughts?
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iPhone 13 mini Used 13 Mini or New 17e?
- Thread starter rwh63
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If I didn’t already own or if I wasn’t already used to the smaller form factor, I would not buy a mini. You’re setting yourself up to get used to something that will no longer be supported by Apple. If there was an 18mini and you just needed to save money by buying the 13, that would be different. At least then you’d know that in a few years you could get an 18mini to save money on your next phone.
I logged in today with this thought in mind, but another angle to it. I’ve had a 13 mini 256gb since new. It still does everything that I bought it for: a phone!, messages, very compact and light of course, a good dual camera without any big bump, display is still a nice experience even if the size is a compromise for basic internet viewing. At 74% battery health it needs a replacement battery very soon. I could put that money towards a new 17e? Going to wait and see what the 17e is like when it comes out. But leaning to the cheapest option - still just need a good basic iPhone, have my ‘real’ cameras, iPad, and MacBook Pro - and just keeping the 13 mini, and that idea will be a no-brainer if the 17e stays with only 128gb of storage.
I have my 13 mini up for sale 256g with 90% battery in perfect condition. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested. I have a regular 13 now and just prefer the bigger size phone. It’s still on iOS 18 too which runs great on it.
Reverend Benny
macrumors 68000
If its likely that you will use much cellular data and especially on 5G its a difference between phones that's just a few years old and newer ones.
Speed, power consumption and efficiency is better on newer phones.
There a lot more that has improved since the 13 mini, but the above is one of many.
But, the 13 mini is a nice size if you have 20/20 vision.
Speed, power consumption and efficiency is better on newer phones.
There a lot more that has improved since the 13 mini, but the above is one of many.
But, the 13 mini is a nice size if you have 20/20 vision.
ClaraStahlbaum
macrumors 6502a
Macdctr
macrumors 65816
Right now I would pick up the 13 mini and use this until the 2027 iPhones come out. You might be surprised by what is available then. For now the 13 mini is still a solid iPhone that can still be used today. I have the option to use my 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, my Air and 17 Pro with my 13 mini.
I can use my 13 mini as my primary iPhone which I have been doing this past week and have not experienced any feelings of compromise or regret in using this device full time. I am not the ordinary iPhone user, I know this as I have all these iPhones that I have access to and still use today.
Going back to my original statement, if it were me and I was considering buying a new iPhone . . . I would still go with the 13 mini, get some time using this device, before seriously looking at Apple’s 2027 offering as I have heard it will be interesting.
I can use my 13 mini as my primary iPhone which I have been doing this past week and have not experienced any feelings of compromise or regret in using this device full time. I am not the ordinary iPhone user, I know this as I have all these iPhones that I have access to and still use today.
Going back to my original statement, if it were me and I was considering buying a new iPhone . . . I would still go with the 13 mini, get some time using this device, before seriously looking at Apple’s 2027 offering as I have heard it will be interesting.
Macdctr
macrumors 65816
yes, and a pile of them on ebay. i was just looking for that members phone. i thought it might here be on marketplace.
maerz001
macrumors 68030
SalisburySam
macrumors 65816
We have two iPhone13minis and love them. For us the form factor overrides other considerations, and we plan to keep them. If for you like us the form factor is paramount, then you have your choice. If any other reason exists, get the new one.
ayephoner
macrumors 6502a
I once directed my brother to buy a used 12 mini from amazon (or something similar). It was a mess. It looked fine, but the screen had been replaced and kept throwing a screen not recognized error (I think that's what it was). He tried some fixes, but it wouldn't stop and he returned it. I'm not sure how common that actually is, but it sounds like enough of a nightmare that I wouldn't want to ever deal with it.
HouseLannister
macrumors 68040
The 17e is going to be the far greater choice if you are going to keep it for awhile. RAM has been the limiting factor on software starting with Apple Intelligence and it will continue to be so for future features. All the 4 GB and 6 RAM devices will get cutoff from software updates far before a 17e. I would still hold out for a free base 17 or 17 Pro from your carrier since those offers seem to be everywhere, but if you are with an MVNO and don't have carrier deals, I can understand sticking with the "e" series.
actcyclist
macrumors 6502
I just returned a 16e because the Bluetooth range was abysmal. I couldn’t even walk around my home without it stuttering, or across a gym floor. Looked it up and it was a known issue at one stage https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidp...hone-has-a-bluetooth-problem-a-fix-is-coming/
I wasn’t going to put up with that after my 5.5 year old 12 Mini never had that problem,
I also hated the size, so I returned it and a refurb iPhone 13 Mini with new battery installed is coming today. Cost me $AU490 compared to the 16e which was AU980
BTW, I don’t get Apple Intelligence. It seems to promise AI but the reality I see in my iPad is nothing much. Gemini is years ahead already and works fine an iPhone.
I wasn’t going to put up with that after my 5.5 year old 12 Mini never had that problem,
I also hated the size, so I returned it and a refurb iPhone 13 Mini with new battery installed is coming today. Cost me $AU490 compared to the 16e which was AU980
BTW, I don’t get Apple Intelligence. It seems to promise AI but the reality I see in my iPad is nothing much. Gemini is years ahead already and works fine an iPhone.
Euroamerican
macrumors 6502a
^----- I never put two and two together on that bluetooth issue... I did notice that my Airpods would drop signal when I got out the front door of the house to the car, about the time I got to the car on the street! That's with my 16e. I'd just say, "hmmm", get whatever I was going for out of the car and go back to the house. A bit annoying, but not a deal breaker for me.