The iPhone 12 Mini was a big surprise. But the iPhone 13 Mini was also a big surprise. Several rumors indicated that Apple would discontinue this line, even stopping the production of the 2020 model, which did not happen. Cuts to 2021 and here’s Apple’s new small phone, with few visual updates and lots of hardware and software news.
The proposal of the Mini is very clear: meet that consumer who wants a small iPhone and it can be a good option for you who is in old models. Is it worth paying for everything Apple asks for? And, after all, what’s different about this device? The iPhone 13 Mini has been my main phone for almost four weeks and I count my impressions in this review.
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Using the iPhone 13 Mini as its primary phone is a different experience, especially for those who are used to using models with screens that go over 6 inches. That’s my case. After the adaptation period, I soon began to sympathize with this format and realized that using small cell phone is not so bad. Also because the ergonomics is fantastic and how good it is to move a light appliance with only one hand.
The most bland part in this generation is the timid changes in the look. Apple’s design team has worked on point adjustments and changed the layout of the lenses for everyone on the street to know that you are using an iPhone 13 Mini. Other than that, there was no major change: the buttons are the same, the Lightning connection remains here, as well as the square module that houses the cameras.
The flattened sides became thicker: they are 7.65 mm against 7.4 mm of the past generation. The reason for this is on the battery, which promises more iPhone time turned on. This change in structure did not sacrifice usability. Apple was able to maintain the comfort and lightness we already found in the 2020 version. Like the larger models, the 13 Mini is IP68 certified, which ensures that the appliance is resistant to water and dust. There is also the ceramic shield front, for durability on the screen.
We can not deny that Tim Cook’s company is more colorful and here would not differ, but the options of the iPhone 12 Mini please me more. The green has gone out of line and the purple has not yet been released. I tested the midnight version, which is pulled to a deep blue. It’s not the color I’d choose, but it attracts those who like something discreet.
The iPhone screen remains excellent. In 2020 the Cupertino giant abandoned the LCD and went on to deliver the OLED on all models. Apple says the phone’s display is brighter and can reach 800 nits. Actually, there is a significant difference when you go side by side with the iPhone 12. It has a Super Retina XDR panel of only 5.4 inches with resolution 2340 x 1080 pixels. With regard to quality, I do not need to share much, the company offers a flawless screen for any situation and content.
I expected a lot for a smaller notch on the iPhone 12 line, but to no avail. I confess that I was looking forward to this happening this time and it happened, but without great benefits to the user. They say the notch is 20% smaller than the previous one. In other words, Apple has reduced the width, but it has not brought a decent use. Among other sensors, there is Face ID, facial recognition technology that I like a lot.
Named ProMotion, the 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother system and gaming navigation has been restricted to the most powerful iPhones. I think the ideal would be to deliver significant upgrades in both hardware and software on the Pro line and already offer the refresh rate on all models. Hard to accept this strategy from Apple. Very difficult.
