The iPhone 13 Mini is most compact edition in 2021's suite of iPhones. Read on for a snapshot of what it's got to offer.
Features and specs
- 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with 2340 x 1080-pixel resolution at 476 ppi
- Weight: 140g
- Dimensions: 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.65mm
- Dual lens camera with 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide cameras
- Three storage options: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB
- 2406mAh battery capacity
- Five colourways: Product Red, Blue, Pink, Starlight White, Midnight Black
- Other models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Mini is the most affordable and most compact model in Apple's iPhone 13 range. But it still manages to pack all the features of the regular iPhone 13 in its compact frame, such as dual rear cameras, 5G support and an A15 Bionic chip.
Availability and price
iPhone 13 Mini release date: 24 September 2021
Price: From £679 (at release)
At the time of writing, the iPhone 13 Mini is priced £679 when you buy it SIM-free and off-contract.
That's quite a bit cheaper than the higher-end iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models, but still quite a lot to find as a lump sum.
If you'd prefer to spread the cost, the iPhone 13 Mini is also available on a range of contract options from all household-name networks.
Better still, if you shop around and compare deals using our comparison tables you can get it with no upfront cost and a decent data allowance.
How good is the iPhone 13 Mini's design and display?
Like the previous iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 13 Mini takes the design of its regular counterpart and shrinks it into a very pocketable size. Featuring curved edges, a wraparound aluminium frame and a flat-edge design, it’s super sleek. And with tough Ceramic Shield technology in the screen, it’s durable too.
The main difference to the iPhone 12 design is that the notch at the top of the screen has shrunk, so you get to see more of the dazzling display.
And when it comes to display, it’s great. Although it’s certainly smaller, the 5.4-inch OLED screen is bright and pleasing to the eye.
How good is the iPhone 13 Mini’s camera?
Like the regular iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Mini sports a dual rear camera setup, with a 12MP wide lens and ultra-wide lens.
The wide lens captures 47% more light than 2020's iPhone 12, to help you get better shots when you're shooting in challenging, low-light conditions.
Meanwhile, new sensor-shift optical image stabilisation technology helps cut down on shakycam, keeping your shots steady and blur-free.
Both rear cameras are equipped with Apple’s new Photographic Styles, which are real-time filters that can customise the look and feel of your photos. There’s also the new Cinematic Mode, which helps capture professional-looking videos with a depth-of-field effect.
On the front, the notch houses a 12MP selfie camera and retina-scanning security technology.
How good is the iPhone 13 Mini’s battery life?
Although its compact size means a smaller battery, the iPhone 13 Mini still packs a 2406mAh battery that's larger and lasts longer than iPhone 12 Mini.
It’s not quite as long-lasting as the rest of the iPhone 13 range, but it’s well-optimised and should be able to take you from morning to night with moderate usage.
Plus, there’s faster wireless and wired charging too.
iPhone 13 Mini full review
For more on the iPhone 13 Mini, read our full review.
What's the difference between the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini?
At first glance, not an awful lot. Both phones have the same 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, as well as a very similar overall look and feel.
However, the iPhone 13 Mini is a major improvement in a lot of key areas.
Although both phones sport a dual camera system, the setup on the iPhone 13 Mini is a marked upgrade. While the iPhone 12 Mini lacks the range of fancy photography features exclusive to the more premium Pro models, the iPhone 13 Mini includes new features that can be found in its Pro counterparts, such as Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles.
The iPhone 13 Mini also features a greater battery capacity – on average, you can expect around 1.5 hours longer battery life than the iPhone 12 Mini.
Plus, the new A15 processor promises much greater power.
How does the iPhone 13 Mini compare to other flagship handsets in the UK market?
On the Android side of things, other flagships include the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Google Pixel 6. However, you’d be hard pressed to find flagships as small as the iPhone 13 Mini.
MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating
Our rating out of five: 4/5
The iPhone 13 Mini delivers the same premium experience as the regular iPhone 13. While it’s still on the pricier side, it’s definitely the most affordable way of getting your hands on an Apple flagship.
The main thing to consider is whether the size works for you. If you’re searching for a device that’s eminently pocketable and easy to use with one hand, the iPhone 13 Mini ticks all the boxes. On the other hand, if you value more screen real estate, you may want to check out the rest of the iPhone 13 line.
Its smaller size means a smaller battery, too. But this may be a worthy trade-off for a more lightweight and compact design.
The Pro models also have an extra telephoto lens on its rear camera, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re a keen snapper – the iPhone 13 Mini only has two, although they’re both very capable.
Contract options
If you want to get a mobile phone contract, rather than buying the device outright, there are several ways you can get a good deal.
Can I get the iPhone 13 Mini with no upfront cost?
Yes, you can. In fact, because the iPhone 13 Mini is the cheapest model in the iPhone 13 range, it's easier to find contracts with no upfront charge than it would be with the more expensive models.
Can I get the iPhone 13 Mini with unlimited data?
Absolutely. Pretty much all the major networks offer the iPhone 13 Mini on contracts that include unlimited data.
What's the cheapest way to get the iPhone 13 Mini?
If you’re able to splash out the cash, the cheapest way of buying an iPhone 13 Mini is to buy it upfront, off-contract. And then get a SIM-only deal that meets your needs.
Although it’s more money to spend upfront, it works out cheaper than buying the phone on a monthly contract.
However, if you’re unable to buy the device outright, we'd recommend you get the iPhone 13 Mini on a standard monthly contract. That way, you can spread your payments over a monthly basis.
Can I get the iPhone 13 Mini with poor credit?
Major networks generally carry out pretty rigorous credit checks, especially with new iPhones. So we'd say your chances of being approved for an iPhone 13 Mini contract are slim.
If you currently have a poor credit rating, you'll most likely have better luck by choosing an older, less costly phone. Or saving up a lump sum to be able to get the iPhone 13 Mini off-contract.
Visit our webpage on what you can do if you have a bad credit score.
Is the iPhone 13 Mini worth buying in 2023?
At the time of writing (February 2022), it’s one of Apple’s latest models. If you’re keen to get your hands on the most up-to-date tech, now is a great time to buy the iPhone 13 Mini.
Plus, if your heart is set on the mini size, it may be well worth getting it now. Rumour has it that this will be the last time Apple releases a mini version of the iPhone, so there may not be an iPhone 14 Mini.
Will the iPhone 13 Mini drop in price?
Typically, you’ll have to wait until the newest model is released before the current line-up drops in price.
Apple usually unveils its newest generation of iPhone every September or October. So, if you’re hoping the iPhone 13 Mini will drop in price, you’ll have to wait until then.
Should I upgrade or wait for the 2023 model?
Right now, at the time of writing (February 2022), the iPhone 13 Mini is one of Apple’s latest models. If you’re itching to upgrade to the most current iteration, it may be well worth taking the plunge – particularly if you have an older phone.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel the urge to upgrade just yet, you can always wait to see what the iPhone 14 line-up has to offer.
iPhone 13 mini specs
Manufacturer | Apple |
---|---|
Operating System | iOS |
Sim Card Type | Nano |
Accelerometer | Yes |
---|---|
Proximity | Yes |
Compass | Yes |
Barometer | Yes |
Gyroscope | Yes |
GPS | No |
Form Factor | Candy Bar |
---|---|
Thickness | 7.7 mm |
Size | 64.2mm x 7.7mm x 131.5mm |
Weight | 141 g |
Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
---|---|
Capacity | mah |
Standby | hours |
Talktime | hours |
Display Size | 5.4 inches |
---|---|
Screen Type | AMOLED |
Resolution | 1080 x 2340 inches |
Pixels Per Inch | 476 ppi |
Touch Screen Type | Capacitive |
CPU | 0 mhz |
---|---|
Processor Cores | 6 Cores Cores |
Memory | 6000 MB |
Internal Storage | 128, 256, 512 |
---|---|
External Storage | No |
Primary Camera | 12 MP |
---|---|
Flash | Yes |
LED Flash | |
GEO Tagging | Yes |
Auto Focus | Yes |
Fixed Focus | Yes |
Touch Focus | |
Face Detection | Yes |
Smile Detection | |
Image Stabilisation | Yes |
Video Quality | |
2nd Camera | 12 MP |
Generation | 5G |
---|---|
Frequency | Dual-band |
NFC | No |
Wi-Fi | No |
Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
Wi-Fi Direct | No |
Bluetooth | No |
USB | No |
Loudspeaker | Yes |
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