TEST: Apple iPhone 12 mini

The iPhone 12 mini is the latest addition to the iPhone family.

Ever since Apple started with large mobile phones, there have been rumors of a mini version, and it seems only natural that there is now something on the opposite end of the scale for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

But the deaf as small as he is. Now I prefer as big a screen as possible so it produces just enough to make it feel extra mini. Just as there was a restructuring to go from big to small, there is an equally big restructuring to go back. Especially typing with smaller keys has been a great challenge.

THREE SIZES: This year’s iPhone models come in four different editions, but in three different sizes: 6.5-inch, 6.1-inch, and 5.4-inch. Photo: Kirsti Østvang

However, the 5.4 “screen is incredibly practical. We can stretch our thumb over the entire screen without having to change the grip. It fits nicely in the pants pocket. The same cannot be said for the Max model.

And it’s easy! 133 grams versus 226 grams in the giant 12 Pro Max is experienced very differently.

iPhone 12 in smaller suit

It is true that the Max model with which the mini cannot be compared. It is more closely related to the slightly larger standard version of the iPhone 12 with a 6.1 “screen.

In fact, the two share many of the same characteristics – they have the same new design with a glass back and aluminum frames. Nice, despite the fact that the glass attracts more dirt and fingerprints than the aluminum backs on the Pro models.

They both have fantastic OLED displays, albeit without a faster 120Hz refresh rate, and perhaps most importantly – the same good dual camera on the back, which takes very good photos and supports night mode. On video, the iPhone 12 models are extremely good.

The performance of the new A14 processor is nothing to write home about, either, and the mini also supports faster mobile browsing over the 5G network (although we haven’t been to a place where we can test it yet).

Since they are so similar, read our comprehensive iPhone 12 test to learn more about how they are used.

Weakest battery life

Besides the size, there is one important thing that separates the iPhone 12 from the iPhone 12 mini: the battery.

Apple does not specify specifications, but according to a “teardown” by Ifixit, the iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery compared to the 2815 mAh of the 12. It is true that it is more than the iPhone SE with its 1821 mAh, but at a good distance from the iPhone 12 Pro Max with 3687 mAh.

It is true that one should not look blindly at the numbers. The Max model, for example, has a larger and higher resolution screen, which consumes more power, and it is in such cases that we talk about the gain increasing in the turn.

But what does this mean in practice? As always, actual battery life depends on usage.

Personally, I don’t get 12 minis to last the day, but then I have screen time that is way above average.

However, we see that other reviewers have roughly the same experience, and the general opinion seems to be that this is a phone that you will probably have to plug in the charger when you go to bed.

An (unintended) consequence of the small screen? On the other hand, I have used the phone less during the trial period. I usually use my smartphone to check email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, especially during work hours, but since the smaller screen has taken my time getting used to, I have often turned to the Mac laptop.

conclusion

Earlier this year, Apple released a new version of the smaller iPhone model, the iPhone SE. “The mobile of your dreams for those who do not want a big smartphone”, we wrote in our test. A dream price too, at 5,490 kr.

The iPhone 12 mini is even smaller again. But much more expensive, with a starting price of 8,990 crowns for the 64GB version.

But where Apple has equipped the iPhone SE with an older processor and weaker cameras, the iPhone 12 mini is just a scaled down version of the top model of the iPhone 12. A truly compact top model whose only compromise is weaker battery life. Can you live with the latter? We don’t think there are better options in this size.