Many people will tell you that the best smartphone options available are Android devices, but if you ask around about the best small phones, someone will inevitably mention the Apple iPhone 12 Mini. This mini-model can be operated with one hand, is 5G capable, and packs all the same features as its larger counterpart.
Why We Like It – Apple iPhone 12 Mini
The Apple iPhone 12 Mini provides all of the features of its big brother, taking only a small reduction in size and a dip in battery life.
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- HDR Video Recording With Dolby Vision Technology
- 64 GB of Internal Storage
- Supports Wireless Charging
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- Locked to Cricket Wireless Service
- Reduced Battery Life Compared to the Apple iPhone 12
- Resolution Is Lower Than the Similarly-Sized iPhone 11 Pro Models
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Overall Performance
Using the A14 bionic chip, the new iPhone 12 Mini is excellent for video recording (thanks to its ultra wide 12 MP dual cameras with Night Mode), has a ceramic shield superior to any glass screen, and comes with a USB C to Lightning cable. The 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR screen has a resolution of 2340×1080p, which provides an excellent picture-perfect for viewing Youtube over wi fi, 4G, or 5G. The phone itself is IP68 rated so you can safely submerge the device in up to 6 meters of water for half an hour without damaging the iPhone.
Battery Life
Since this model isn’t as big as the iPhone 12, the battery life suffers. The internal 2,227 mAh battery will give you around 7 and a half hours of battery life per charge with normal use. You might get a full day out of the battery, but you’d have to use the device sparingly and most likely need to activate battery saver mode. On the plus side, the iPhone 12 Mini supports wireless charging in addition to traditional corded charging, so you’ll have options when you’re out and about (or try the Apple iPhone 11 Pro for better battery life). Alternatively, you can check out the Samsung Galaxy S20 if you need a phone with a better battery life as it lasts up to 28 hours.
Display
The iPhone 12 Mini has the same resolution as the Google Pixel 5, coming in at 2340 by 1080p. It uses a 5.4” Super Retina XDR display which has a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. Colors are excellent thanks to a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, and the display supports a variety of functions including Haptic Touch. It’s also fingerprint-resistant, which is a nice touch. This is a big improvement over previous models like the iPhone 11, which only offered a resolution of 1792 x 828p.
Durability
Like most Apple products, the iPhone 12 Mini was created with durability in mind. Being resistant to both dust and water, the 12 Mini has earned an IP68 rating (another IP68 rated phone is the Samsung Galaxy S20). You can fully submerge the device up to 6 meters of water for half an hour before damaging the device, although we really wouldn’t recommend it!. The design of the device follows the tradition of an aluminum body, with the addition of Ceramic Shield material to increase the durability of the screen.
Value
At $729, the iPhone 12 Mini isn’t a cheap device, but it’s still $100 cheaper than the regular iPhone 12 and $270 cheaper than the iPhone 12 Pro. There’s a decent selection of colors for this product: red, black, blue, green, and white. Unfortunately, you can only use this phone on Cricket Wireless, so you can expect to pay $784 upfront for a month of service, and $55 every month after that. Apple gives you a one-year limited warranty, but you’ll have to purchase AppleCare+ if you want accidental damage coverage.
Apple iPhone 12 Mini Wrap Up
The Apple iPhone 12 Mini is a good option for someone who wants an iPhone but needs something that will fit in their pocket. While the reduced size results in a smaller screen and a shorter battery life, we think these minor changes are worth saving $100 instead of paying more for the normal iPhone 12.
