Is the iPhone 13 Mini Still a Good Travel Companion in 2025?

As my wife and I packed our bags for a work trip to Switzerland, I decided to bring along a smartphone that most people have long forgotten—the iPhone 13 Mini. It’s been a few years since Apple discontinued the Mini line, but I’ve always had a soft spot for compact phones. So, I figured, why not put it to the test in 2025?

Compared to the massive ultra-sized phones I’ve been using lately, the 13 Mini feels almost comically small. That’s exactly what intrigued me—how would it hold up today, especially while traveling?

The Setup: Dual Phones for Perspective

To really understand the Mini’s performance, I kept it in my left pocket and paired it with a much larger ultra phone in my right. The contrast in size made one thing clear—Apple really nailed the engineering of the Mini. Originally released in 2021, the iPhone 13 Mini improved upon the short-lived 12 Mini by offering better battery life thanks to the A15 Bionic chip and a slightly larger battery.

But Apple eventually dropped the Mini due to low sales—just 5% of iPhone 13 units sold were Minis. So it quietly disappeared from their lineup.

Packing the Essentials

As we got ready for the trip, we loaded up on all our usual gear: cameras, chargers, headphones, and travel tech. Among the essentials was my MagSafe battery pack—pretty much a requirement when traveling with a phone known for its tiny battery.

Still, I had high hopes. I even had the battery replaced recently, so it was showing 100% health. We headed to the airport, dropped off the kids at Grandma’s, and started our journey.

Setting Up for International Travel

Before flying out, I made sure to install an eSIM for Switzerland. We’ve been burned by ridiculous roaming fees in the past, so this time I partnered with Airalo to get connected instantly on arrival. The setup process was simple: download the app, pick the plan, install the eSIM, and you’re good to go.

By the time we boarded, the Mini was still holding up—with about 89% battery and just over 30 minutes of screen time. Once we landed, I turned on the phone, and within seconds, the data was live. No stress. The eSIM worked flawlessly, making it our go-to phone for rideshares and navigation throughout the trip.

Real-World Use: Performance vs Portability

For most of the trip, the iPhone 13 Mini became our main GPS device. I used the bigger phone for streaming, video, and heavier tasks, while the Mini handled maps, Uber, and local searches.

This setup helped the Mini last much longer than expected. At one point, after nearly a full day of casual use and constant navigation, the battery was still at 24% by evening. That was surprising for such a tiny phone.

That said, I rarely used the Mini’s camera—mainly because the ultra phone had a far superior one. So if you’re into photography, the Mini might not be your first choice.

Battery Verdict: Still a Weak Point

Even with a fresh battery, the iPhone 13 Mini struggles to last a full travel day on its own. While I never hit zero battery or felt stressed—thanks to a second device and a portable charger—I wouldn’t rely on it as my only phone during a trip.

When you’re on the move, you tend to use your phone more—scrolling, hotspotting, navigating. And the Mini’s tiny battery just isn’t built for that kind of load.

Still, its compact size is incredibly convenient. It slips into any pocket, never feels bulky, and is ideal for lightweight use. If you’re someone who travels with multiple devices or carries a power bank, the Mini can still fit into your travel routine.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with the iPhone 13 Mini in 2025 has been a mixed experience. It’s undeniably portable, surprisingly capable, and still handles everyday tasks well. But if you’re planning to rely on it for long days of travel, be prepared to carry a backup charger—or a second phone.

It might be small, but it hasn’t lost its charm. Just don’t expect it to keep up with the powerhouses of today.