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2026 iPhone Mini, Will it still be worth it? Honest review after using it myselfThe iPhone Mini, which has disappeared from Apple's iPhone lineup, still has a loyal fanbase. In 2026, what kind of experience is it like to use an iPhone 13 Mini? We honestly explore its pros and cons.
1. 📱 The Loyalty of iPhone Mini Users, What's the Reason? (Unboxing and First Impressions)
· The video begins with a discussion about the unique loyalty of iPhone Mini users.
· We share the process of unboxing and first impressions after purchasing a used iPhone 13 Mini.
· We check the exterior condition of the used iPhone 13 Mini, purchased for $190, and inspect for scratches.
· We mention that a new one can be purchased for about $320, and the price varies depending on the condition of the used product.
· A third-party charger is included in the box.
· Upon turning it on, the screen works normally, and the first impression is 'It's an iPhone, but small.'
· We share the process of unboxing and first impressions after purchasing a used iPhone 13 Mini.
· We check the exterior condition of the used iPhone 13 Mini, purchased for $190, and inspect for scratches.
· We mention that a new one can be purchased for about $320, and the price varies depending on the condition of the used product.
· A third-party charger is included in the box.
· Upon turning it on, the screen works normally, and the first impression is 'It's an iPhone, but small.'
00:00 - 01:38
1. 📱 The Loyalty of iPhone Mini Users, What's the Reason? (Unboxing and First Impressions)
· The video begins with a discussion about the unique loyalty of iPhone Mini users.
· We share the process of unboxing and first impressions after purchasing a used iPhone 13 Mini.
· We check the exterior condition of the used iPhone 13 Mini, purchased for $190, and inspect for scratches.
· We mention that a new one can be purchased for about $320, and the price varies depending on the condition of the used product.
· A third-party charger is included in the box.
· Upon turning it on, the screen works normally, and the first impression is 'It's an iPhone, but small.'
· We share the process of unboxing and first impressions after purchasing a used iPhone 13 Mini.
· We check the exterior condition of the used iPhone 13 Mini, purchased for $190, and inspect for scratches.
· We mention that a new one can be purchased for about $320, and the price varies depending on the condition of the used product.
· A third-party charger is included in the box.
· Upon turning it on, the screen works normally, and the first impression is 'It's an iPhone, but small.'
01:39 - 04:10
2. 📏 Comparison with iPhone 17: The Charm and Weight of Minimalism
· We compare the screen size difference between the iPhone 17 (6.3 inches) currently in use and the iPhone 13 Mini (5.4 inches).
· The iPhone 13 Mini has a screen that is about 1 inch smaller, which is more than twice the screen size difference between the iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro Max.
· Even without a case, the iPhone 13 Mini feels as heavy as, or even heavier than, the iPhone 17.
· We speculate this might be due to the weight being concentrated in a small form factor.
· The iPhone 13 Mini is made of an aluminum frame and glass back, and comes in various colors.
· We mention that used purchases may have a California Proposition 65 warning.
· The battery health is at 77%, emphasizing the importance of checking battery status when buying a refurbished product.
· We are using iOS 18, and the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini support the latest iOS.
· The iPhone 13 Mini has a screen that is about 1 inch smaller, which is more than twice the screen size difference between the iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro Max.
· Even without a case, the iPhone 13 Mini feels as heavy as, or even heavier than, the iPhone 17.
· We speculate this might be due to the weight being concentrated in a small form factor.
· The iPhone 13 Mini is made of an aluminum frame and glass back, and comes in various colors.
· We mention that used purchases may have a California Proposition 65 warning.
· The battery health is at 77%, emphasizing the importance of checking battery status when buying a refurbished product.
· We are using iOS 18, and the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini support the latest iOS.
04:11 - 07:44
3. 👍 One Week Usage Review: A Small but Satisfying Experience
· After using the iPhone 13 Mini for a week, we share an overall satisfying experience.
· The biggest advantage is its 'small size,' which feels refreshing and comfortable amidst the trend of ever-growing smartphones.
· Although we expected the small screen to be inconvenient, we find it sufficient for viewing necessary information, and the clarity of the OLED screen is also satisfying.
· We feel less like we are 'scrolling our lives away' because we scroll less than on larger smartphones.
· We feel it's closer to the fundamental purpose of a smartphone as a 'portable communication device,' and reflect on the excessive features of modern smartphones (gaming, movie watching, etc.).
· We find the iPhone 13 Mini more comfortable to use compared to the iPhone 17.
· Compared to the original iPhone SE, the Mini is described as 'comfortably small.'
· We also mention that it was $100 cheaper than the regular model at launch.
· For watching videos, we prefer using a laptop due to visual comfort.
· We find the design and colors of the iPhone Mini more appealing when used without a case.
· Details like the physical ring/silent switch are also cited as advantages.
· The biggest advantage is its 'small size,' which feels refreshing and comfortable amidst the trend of ever-growing smartphones.
· Although we expected the small screen to be inconvenient, we find it sufficient for viewing necessary information, and the clarity of the OLED screen is also satisfying.
· We feel less like we are 'scrolling our lives away' because we scroll less than on larger smartphones.
· We feel it's closer to the fundamental purpose of a smartphone as a 'portable communication device,' and reflect on the excessive features of modern smartphones (gaming, movie watching, etc.).
· We find the iPhone 13 Mini more comfortable to use compared to the iPhone 17.
· Compared to the original iPhone SE, the Mini is described as 'comfortably small.'
· We also mention that it was $100 cheaper than the regular model at launch.
· For watching videos, we prefer using a laptop due to visual comfort.
· We find the design and colors of the iPhone Mini more appealing when used without a case.
· Details like the physical ring/silent switch are also cited as advantages.
07:45 - 09:54
4. 🤔 Downsides: Lightning Port, Overheating, and Lack of ProMotion Display
· We point out the downsides of the iPhone Mini, including the Lightning port, overheating, and the absence of a ProMotion display.
· While the Lightning port itself isn't a major issue, we experienced significant overheating during wireless charging or after 15-20 minutes of use.
· This is mentioned as a common issue with the iPhone Mini models.
· Although we used it after upgrading to iOS 16, there were no particular problems, but the lack of a ProMotion display (120Hz) makes screen transitions feel slightly less smooth.
· However, we add that this might not be a significant concern for everyone.
· The display was clean, but we raise the possibility of it being a third-party display and mention experiencing screen flickering.
· Compared to the iPhone 17's peak brightness (3,000 nits), the iPhone 13 Mini's peak brightness (1,200 nits) shows a difference in outdoor visibility.
· While the Lightning port itself isn't a major issue, we experienced significant overheating during wireless charging or after 15-20 minutes of use.
· This is mentioned as a common issue with the iPhone Mini models.
· Although we used it after upgrading to iOS 16, there were no particular problems, but the lack of a ProMotion display (120Hz) makes screen transitions feel slightly less smooth.
· However, we add that this might not be a significant concern for everyone.
· The display was clean, but we raise the possibility of it being a third-party display and mention experiencing screen flickering.
· Compared to the iPhone 17's peak brightness (3,000 nits), the iPhone 13 Mini's peak brightness (1,200 nits) shows a difference in outdoor visibility.
09:55 - 12:24
5. 📸 Camera Performance: Subtle Differences, Still Decent Results
· Camera performance is generally similar, and most users won't notice a significant difference.
· While the iPhone 17 has a larger sensor and a 48MP camera, the iPhone 13 Mini can still capture photos and videos of decent quality.
· We personally feel that the iPhone 13 Mini's photo output is slightly less processed, making it look more natural.
· Although similar results can be achieved on the iPhone 17 through style settings, the default processing is disappointing.
· Both front camera and microphone performance are rated as decent on both devices.
· We specifically introduce a technique for the iPhone 17 where rotating the phone achieves a similar effect to landscape video recording during vertical recording.
· While the iPhone 17 has a larger sensor and a 48MP camera, the iPhone 13 Mini can still capture photos and videos of decent quality.
· We personally feel that the iPhone 13 Mini's photo output is slightly less processed, making it look more natural.
· Although similar results can be achieved on the iPhone 17 through style settings, the default processing is disappointing.
· Both front camera and microphone performance are rated as decent on both devices.
· We specifically introduce a technique for the iPhone 17 where rotating the phone achieves a similar effect to landscape video recording during vertical recording.
12:25 - 13:25
6. 🔋 Battery: Disappointment and Potential for Improvement
· The battery performance of the iPhone Mini models was not great to begin with, and a used product with 77% battery health has a very short usage time.
· On average, we recorded about 2 hours and 30 minutes of screen-on time, and the battery tended to drop rapidly when it fell below 30%.
· However, replacing the battery at an official Apple service center can significantly improve performance, and we expect it to last for about two years with a replacement.
· However, replacing the battery at an official Apple service center can significantly improve performance, and we expect it to last for about two years with a replacement.
· On average, we recorded about 2 hours and 30 minutes of screen-on time, and the battery tended to drop rapidly when it fell below 30%.
· However, replacing the battery at an official Apple service center can significantly improve performance, and we expect it to last for about two years with a replacement.
· However, replacing the battery at an official Apple service center can significantly improve performance, and we expect it to last for about two years with a replacement.
13:26 - 14:57
7. 🚀 The Future of iPhone Mini: Possibility of Revival and Suggestions
· In 2026, the iPhone 13 Mini is still usable, and we can feel the charm of its small form factor, concluding the review.
· We argue that Apple should bring back the Mini model, suggesting that offering both Mini and Plus models would broaden choices.
· We point out that even the Android market currently lacks modern, small smartphone alternatives like the iPhone Mini.
· Although it was discontinued due to poor sales, considering its loyal user base, we suggest that Apple could consider releasing an improved Mini model every three years.
· While we will continue to use the iPhone 17, we acknowledge the appeal of the iPhone Mini and respect those who currently use Mini models.
· We argue that Apple should bring back the Mini model, suggesting that offering both Mini and Plus models would broaden choices.
· We point out that even the Android market currently lacks modern, small smartphone alternatives like the iPhone Mini.
· Although it was discontinued due to poor sales, considering its loyal user base, we suggest that Apple could consider releasing an improved Mini model every three years.
· While we will continue to use the iPhone 17, we acknowledge the appeal of the iPhone Mini and respect those who currently use Mini models.