iPhone 13 Mini Review | Two Months Later...

Reviewing Apple's iPhone 13 Mini two months post-launch, including camera tests, gaming chops and more, to see if it's the best compact smartphone as we hit 2022. Spoiler alert: as pretty much the ONLY compact phone, the iPhone 13 Mini basically wins by default.

While the Pixel 6, Samsung's Galaxy S21 and other pro Android flagships are mostly 6-inches plus, Apple's smaller sized handset is a refreshing change. The camera tech isn't changed up much vs the iPhone 12 generation, while the Pro and Pro Max models boast better optics. However, the iPhone 13 Mini can still capture great looking photos and video if the conditions are okay.

Gamers can blast through Genshin Impact and other demanding App Store titles, no worries. That A15 chipset can handle it all. Just a shame this model tops off at 60Hz refresh, although the OLED screen is a stunner in most regards (obnoxious notch aside). I was also impressed by the iPhone 13 Mini's battery life, which will happily keep you going all day long.

So that's my thoughts, but what do you reckon?

iPhone 13 Mini Review Chapters:
0:00 - The boring start bit
1:17 - Design
2:19 - iOS 15
4:42 - Screen & audio
7:15 - Performance & gaming
8:01 - Battery life
8:46 - Camera
11:07 - Verdict

[jewbydrew]

I switched from an iPhone 13 Pro Max to the iPhone Mini. I gave the Pro Max to my wife but I have loved the mini in every way. I love it’s size and ease of use. The pocketability of the phone is amazing. I hope apple doesn’t axe the mini phone in years to come.

[inakilrg]

Once I used the iPhone 13 mini for a couple of weeks, it’s hard going back to a full sized 2021 flagship phone, they feel ridiculously oversized and something not meant to go in a pocket nor being used one-handed. I was drawn to it because I spend quite some time running outside and I like carrying my phone with me, but now I see it like the natural size for everyday use. Very happy with it!

[Marngel]

The iPhone 13 mini is the first phone I ever bought with my own money and paid in full. It was very much worth it. It’s just so nice to use and it’s the most unique phone Apple makes.

[alexgetting]

I think if you want a small phone, you should absolutely get this one. This is probably the best small phone on the market, and it probably will stay that way for some time. Apple are rumoured to be dropping the mini line next year, so if you want a small phone, get the 13 Mini now!

[MrPiikkipallo]

I upgraded from my 6s+ to this 13 mini, pretty much the same screen size as on the 6s+ but with no notches, and also it is so much lighter in the hand. For a little while I used a cheap android as an secondary phone, it has a humongous 6.5" screen, that phone barely fits in my pockets. I mean sure a bigger display is more nice for viewing content like netflix/movies/videos, but you sacrifice so much on usability and it's more a kin to using a small tablet than a phone, where everything becomes a two-hand action. I have relatively small hands and I can actually use my phone with one hand, that's really cool.

The market is seemingly headed towards the synergy of a phone and tablet, remember the old phrase 'phablet'. Like the pro max is nearing 7" in screen size, there are literally cheap tablets with the same screen size and even apple's ipad mini is 8", might as well get a ipad mini for cheaper and use it as a phone.

Jokes aside, I'd rather have two devices for two different uses - a tablet and a phone -, because if you have something inbetween, you will have compromises, and for someone like me, who uses their phone mainly as phone ie. checking mail, calling, texting, social media, news. Rarely do I use my phone for watching videos, and honestly that screen size is good enough for when watching stuff laying on your bed or on the couch,

As for the battery life, for me it last's around 3 days on a single charge, since on an average day I'll have maybe 2h SOT and after two days the battery is generally around 30-40%, but since it's a small battery recharging it is quite fast.

I'm sad to hear that apple is thinking of binning the mini lineup, but hopely this 13 mini will last me as long as my 6s+ did.

[fartherdude]

I upgraded from my old iPhone 8 to the iPhone 13 mini. I walked right into the apple store and paid in cash. First phone I ever purchased by myself and I do love it. The size is literally perfect and the battery life is hella nice. There’s really not much wrong with it.

[danmei-mariah-taylor-BL]

Transferred from Samsung A71 to this iPhone mini and when I am holding the A71, I feel like I am holding a tablet already. Mini is the perfect size and the software is really the sweet spot of the phone (compared to most android phones). Will stick to this for the next few years.

[squangan]

Went from my well loved 6s to the 13 mini and am really liking it, the screen is slightly larger than what I’m used to yet the body of the phone is a familiar and easy to handle size. Also the battery life is great, with my normal usage I’m getting two full days out of a charge with ample juice left over.

[zain]

Your reviews are unique and worth watching

[shawnpritchard]

I love my Starlight 256gig 13 mini. Coming from a 6.7" Sammy. It's perfect.

[alexcorll]

I really think Apple never should have moved away from the 5.8inch screen for the base model, that was a near perfect compromise. I like my iPhone 11, but it's certainly rather big and difficult to fit in most pants pockets, especially activewear.

[canutraceme]

I switched from S21ultra to 13 mini, and I absolutely love its small form factor.

[bboybrumley]

After a decade, THIS is the phone that converted me to Apple. And I have zero regrets.

[Bessie]

Got the iPhone 14 pro max - bloody hate it. Unnecessary functions etc. It’s going back on Sunday. After seeing this going to go for the iPhone 13 mini.

[devdattachatterjee]

It's the pinnacle of technology, packing everything in such a beautiful form factor without any constraints

[petarkolev]

Wow, if we consider iPhone 13 mini as "tiny" I can imagine hanging around 43" phones in a few years.... :D
Thanks for the wonderfull review :)))

[frankiepavinato]

Got my product red 13 mini with 512gb a couple of months ago and I completely agree with you, the only thing I miss is the headphone jack but otherwise is a fantastic phone...so light and so portable...and so powerful as well...videos and photos are incredible, 'm very happy.

[JudgeCastle]

The mini is such an amazing companion device. I truly keep it on my desk at all times when on my MBP and when at home, I generally use my iPad. I love having such a small footprint in my pocket. Such a shame that it is being discontinued. I understand the market doesn't want small phones. I hope they somehow keep this form factor moving forward at some point.

[James.]

Man I want the 13 mini, that blue frame looks gorgeous 😆

[SRolla]

Switched from my iphone 7 after 5 years staying with it. I must admit that I absolutely loved the 7 series (size, internal memory, still fast OS) and still today it’s working so I have zero complaints about it, and the 13 mini was just a well deserved refreshment for me in every way, I’m loving it to the fullest!!! I hope Apple keeps this line for years to come