Apple's iPhone 12 mini has us questioning our larger phones

AppleInsider · November 19, 2020 7:18PM

We've been testing our new iPhone 12 mini the past few days, and its combination of size and power definitely has us questioning our iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The iPhone 12 mini is delightful

A new compact size

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The first thing we noticed when we picked up the iPhone 12 mini is how small it is -- in a good way. We come from the max-sized iPhones, so carrying around the iPhone 12 mini was something else entirely. We know several people who made the jump (or drop?) down to the mini size this year after Apple failed to release a more compact option generation after generation.

We can't quite kick the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the curb due to our preference for the better camera system, but it is ever so tempting.

iPhone 12 lineup sizes

Using this device feels entirely new to us, and mixed with iOS 14, Apple has a phenomenal phone very reminiscent of the iPhone SE -- just with more power.

5G

Introduction of 5G is the headline-grabbing feature of the new iPhone 12 line, but we still have to mention it specifically when it comes to the iPhone 12 mini. Apple loudly touts that this is the smallest and lightest 5G capable phone in the world. Not only that, but it supports the more impressive mmWave 5G. Rumors were pegging mmWave to be a "pro" exclusive feature, but Apple managed to include it in all the devices, including the iPhone 12 mini.

Smallest and lightest phone to support 5G

This all said, 5G is not a "today" feature. Very few customers will get to see what 5G can deliver in total in 2020, and likely not even in 2021. Uses of 5G will be more evident as time moves on and networks expand, making the technology more of a future-proof now, than an immediate need.

Short, but not short on power

Even if this is Apple's cheapest flagship phone and smallest in size, Apple doesn't skimp on its performance. It includes the same A14 Bionic processor as the other phones, up to and including the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It still has 6GB of RAM and the same performance across the board.

Apps are incredibly fast on iPhone 12 mini

Despite its small size, we didn't feel like we were giving up much. It feels as fast and powerful as the larger, more expensive options. It's compact yet mighty. We love how Apple isn't making tradeoffs in performance to fit the small size. We do get less battery life here, but we can live with that.

Apple's accessories

While the phone itself is great, the slate of available accessories is phenomenal as well. We are in love with Apple's leather wallet, which perfectly fits the back of the iPhone 12 mini. Thus far, Apple has released silicone cases, clear cases, and leather cases for the iPhone 12 mini, all supporting MagSafe. Soon, it will be releasing its unique leather sleeve for the iPhone 12 mini, as well.

iPhone 12 mini sleeve

Apple's leather sleeve takes the iPhone 12 mini and turns it into an always-nearby wristlet. The sleeve itself covers the whole phone, protecting all sides, including the camera. The front has a cutout hole that allows you to see the time while your phone is protected inside. Using NFC and MagSafe, your phone knows when it is in the case and matches the background color of the time to the case-- a very cool effect.

The case comes with card slots on the inside to carry a couple of cards with you simultaneously. It includes an optional leather strap to keep your phone right on your wrist. It also supports MagSafe so that it can be charged while in the sleeve.

Third-parties are all jumping on board with MagSafe, and it is only a matter of time before we see even more MagSafe accessories for this tiny iPhone.

Together, these features make the iPhone 12 mini a compelling, powerful, and capable device that is sure to satisfy those longing for a revitalized smaller form factor device.

Where to grab deals on the iPhone 12 mini

Wireless carriers are offering shoppers cash rebates and trade-in promotions on the new iPhone 12 mini, delivering some of the best iPhone deals on the popular handset.

sflocal · November 19, 2020 7:43PM

The mini’s tiny keyboard is useless to me due to my larger fingers.

JFC_PA · November 19, 2020 8:06PM

It’s not the size I prefer for content access but it’s terrific Apple is offering such a wide range of choices.

Afganblues · November 19, 2020 8:36PM

sflocal said:

The mini’s tiny keyboard is useless to me due to my larger fingers.

I have fat fingers too. And the small keyboard of the iPhone 4 was way easier and recognized my intended keystrokes better than my 7 max or my X. I think it’s because I don’t have to stretch my short fat fingers as far to reach the proper key

patchythepirate · November 19, 2020 9:24PM

I really hope Apple makes a mini pro next year!

I’ve mostly been on the regular pro, although I tried the max for a year. I’m 5x more efficient on the smaller phone, and I’m still having to pause, reach with my thumb, use two thumbs to type, etc.

cornchip · November 19, 2020 9:25PM

No question it would be my phone of choice. Hoping next year I can get a used mini and hand down the X to wife to replace the SE Classic.

MJG33 · November 19, 2020 9:43PM

The article claims 6GB RAM on the mini but it has 4GB like the regular 12. Only the 12 Pro and Pro Max get 6GB.

M68000 · November 19, 2020 10:12PM

The choice in phone sizes is great this year. The mini’s screen area approaches the screen area of the older 8 plus but is much easier to hold. I just wish I could get some really good data on whether or not magnets in the 12 series are going to be safe near the body for long periods. I mean after all, holding a phone close to your ear while on call puts the magnets very close to inner ear and the eyes. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but I think about things like this. Neodymium type magnets are the strongest type it appears. Just not thrilled with having MagSafe yet.

Sarkany · November 19, 2020 11:16PM

M68000 said:

The choice in phone sizes is great this year. The mini’s screen area approaches the screen area of the older 8 plus but is much easier to hold. I just wish I could get some really good data on whether or not magnets in the 12 series are going to be safe near the body for long periods. I mean after all, holding a phone close to your ear while on call puts the magnets very close to inner ear and the eyes. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but I think about things like this. Neodymium type magnets are the strongest type it appears. Just not thrilled with having MagSafe yet.

Well, if you have an iPhone 12 in your pocket for too long, it will cause all iron in your blood to pool around that area, basically forming an iron ore in your leg that would later have to be amputated.

I’m loving my 12 mini despite this fact.

fastasleep · November 19, 2020 11:23PM

The royal we?

fastasleep · November 19, 2020 11:24PM

M68000 said:

The choice in phone sizes is great this year. The mini’s screen area approaches the screen area of the older 8 plus but is much easier to hold. I just wish I could get some really good data on whether or not magnets in the 12 series are going to be safe near the body for long periods. I mean after all, holding a phone close to your ear while on call puts the magnets very close to inner ear and the eyes. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but I think about things like this. Neodymium type magnets are the strongest type it appears. Just not thrilled with having MagSafe yet.

You sound like an alarmist.

retrogusto · November 20, 2020 12:15AM

I wish they had different camera options for the different sizes, the way they have storage options—I’d gladly pay a premium for a Mini with the cameras of the Pro or (ideally) Pro Max. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in that.

gadgetfreak-apple · November 20, 2020 12:38AM

A few of you have noted that you'd love a Pro Min -- totally agree. Went with a Max because I really wanted the camera -- I would trade for a mini format in a second even if it was the same price. Go ahead and make it thicker -- just want a smaller screen without sacrificing camera quality.

MplsP · November 20, 2020 5:28AM

M68000 said:

The choice in phone sizes is great this year. The mini’s screen area approaches the screen area of the older 8 plus but is much easier to hold. I just wish I could get some really good data on whether or not magnets in the 12 series are going to be safe near the body for long periods. I mean after all, holding a phone close to your ear while on call puts the magnets very close to inner ear and the eyes. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but I think about things like this. Neodymium type magnets are the strongest type it appears. Just not thrilled with having MagSafe yet.

boy- let’s hope you never need an MRI!

zimmermann · November 20, 2020 7:15AM

gadgetfreak-apple said:

A few of you have noted that you'd love a Pro Min -- totally agree. Went with a Max because I really wanted the camera -- I would trade for a mini format in a second even if it was the same price. Go ahead and make it thicker -- just want a smaller screen without sacrificing camera quality.

Go ahead, put in a Max camera and a bigger battery. Then I would not think for a minute.

rundhvid · November 20, 2020 11:21AM

MplsP said:

M68000 said:

The choice in phone sizes is great this year. The mini’s screen area approaches the screen area of the older 8 plus but is much easier to hold. I just wish I could get some really good data on whether or not magnets in the 12 series are going to be safe near the body for long periods. I mean after all, holding a phone close to your ear while on call puts the magnets very close to inner ear and the eyes. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but I think about things like this. Neodymium type magnets are the strongest type it appears. Just not thrilled with having MagSafe yet.

boy- let’s hope you never need an MRI!

No reason to worry—an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a good example why MagSafe is a non-issue (unless you carry shrapnel, metallic heart valve etc in your body).

An MRI is somewhat like a CT-scanner, that creates a tremendously strong magnetic field around the body. Our bodies are mainly composed of water—H2O—of which the hydrogen atom are most easily affected by a magnetic field. Inside the MRI, this results in polarization and alignment of all the hydrogen atoms 😳
By recording the position of the excitatory atoms (~ magnets), when the magnetic fields are released, the MRI can create a 3D image of the body.
Contrary, perhaps to the above description, an MRI is completely harmless, although it makes a very loud and scary symphony of noise 😳

The question is valid, though—especially before implementing a new technology.

crowley · November 20, 2020 11:58AM

I’ve no desire to update this year, but I hope the Mini sticks around as that’s definitely the form factor for me. I could stand it getting a bit smaller even. The iPhone 5 was my preferred size.

eriamjh · November 20, 2020 2:22PM

Big fingers and fat thumbs here. Max pro is my best, but the Mini is there for those who prefer it.

It’s nice having a decent choice.

ne4now76 · November 20, 2020 3:06PM

crowley said:

I’ve no desire to update this year, but I hope the Mini sticks around as that’s definitely the form factor for me. I could stand it getting a bit smaller even. The iPhone 5 was my preferred size.

I went from a 5S to a 7 and SWORE I would never go bigger so I held on to that 7 until last week when I received this new 12 mini and I absolutely love it.
Im a guy with a size Large hand in gloves, so this has nothing to do with "tiny hands". I just prefer a compact phone. Always have. Even back before they had touch screens.
This 12Mini's size, shape & feel is everything I loved about the 5S but with a screen that is bigger than the 7 (and it seems significantly bigger when using side by side).
The camera is great and the speed is awesome.
If you liked that 5 body style, this is perfect.

seanj · November 20, 2020 3:33PM

Perfect iPhone for me would be a Pro Mini, and even better if it were the same size as the original 5 - that was the original perfect pocket size.

fred1 · November 20, 2020 4:25PM

I love the fact that the phone itself is smaller than my 7, but the screen size is bigger! A definite improvement and maybe the reason I need to finally upgrade . . .

Apple's iPhone 12 mini has us questioning our larger phones

A new compact size

5G

Short, but not short on power

Apple's accessories

Where to grab deals on the iPhone 12 mini

Comments