The iPhone 12 Mini is one of Apple’s more interesting releases this year: it’s a flagship phone with flagship specs, but comes in a form factor that harkens back to earlier models like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5.
That’s right, folks: smartphones have gotten so big that companies (well…a company) are now going back in the other direction. And y’know what? That’s a good thing, if you ask us.
While less screen real estate might sound like a downgrade, there’s actually a lot to like about the iPhone 12 Mini. Here’s what we think about it after using it for a day.
Small In Size, Big On Usability
As its name suggests, the iPhone 12 Mini is basically a smaller version of the iPhone 12, measuring 5.4 inches, compared to its big brother’s 6.1 inches. Weighing in at just 133g, it’s easily the lightest phone we’ve used in recent memory too.
The biggest upside of this smaller form factor is the ability to use the phone with one hand — you can pretty much use the entire keyboard with one thumb, and with a little manoeuvring you can even reach the top right of the phone to access the control centre.
These ergonomics are a rarity in today’s smartphone landscape — let alone when it comes to flagship models — and make the iPhone 12 Mini a very attractive option for those looking for a smaller phone in 2020.
Performance-wise, the iPhone 12 Mini is equipped with the exact same specs as the iPhone 12, including the A14 Bionic processor, Super Retina XDR OLED display and dual camera system.
This standardisation is a good move on Apple’s part, allowing consumers to make their choice based on their size preference without having to worry about features.
A smaller phone, however, does naturally come with a smaller battery, and the Apple website states that the Mini will last two hours less than the iPhone 12 when it comes to video playback (15 hours to 17 hours).
This was our biggest concern when the Mini was first announced, but in our brief time with the phone it’s proven that it can easily last a full day of use. Starting with a full charge in the morning, we were still left with a respectable 27% 13 hours later.
Comparatively speaking the Mini does drain a little faster than the regular iPhone 12, but as far as regular use goes (i.e you aren’t gaming or streaming videos throughout the day) you’re not going to find any problems here.
A Return To Form (Factor)
In a time when you’re pretty much expected to use smartphones with two hands, the iPhone 12 is a breath of fresh air.
Being able to use a phone effectively with one hand might sound trivial on paper, but the convenience really does add up over time. Coupled with flagship specs, it’s a beautiful marriage of form and functionality.
And if you’re sitting on the other side of the fence and like your phones big, don’t worry — Apple has got you covered with the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Measuring at a whopping 6.7 inches (you’re definitely going to need two hands for this one), the Pro Max is Apple’s biggest iPhone ever, and comes with an equally big battery (1.5 days in our initial tests) and powerful triple-camera system that outshines even the regular iPhone 12 Pro.
Both the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available on the 13th of November, starting at S$1,149 (64GB) and S$1,799 respectively (128GB).
No matter which side of the size spectrum you’re on, it looks like Apple has got you covered this year.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
