Why Small Phones Like the iPhone 12 Mini Still Matter in 2025

It’s honestly surprising that truly compact smartphones have nearly vanished. Sure, we see smaller variations of flagships—like the standard Pixel versus its XL counterpart—but where are the phones that genuinely fit into one hand, slip into the tiniest of pockets, and still offer a flagship-level experience?

When Apple introduced the iPhone 12 Mini back in late 2020, it was a rare gem. I pre-ordered it not out of a love for iOS, but simply because I craved a phone in that form factor. It was the last of a dying breed, followed by the iPhone 13 Mini, which also failed to gain traction. The sales numbers weren’t enough, and that led Apple to move away from the mini concept. Ever since, I’ve been longing for that perfect little device again.

Now, my daily driver is the much larger OnePlus 12. It’s a fantastic phone—powerful cameras, an enormous battery, everything you’d want in a modern device. But I constantly find myself missing the simplicity and ease of use that only a small phone can provide. The iPhone Mini, by contrast, is incredibly light and nimble, especially compared to the hefty flagships of today. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a tech world that seems addicted to bigger screens and bulkier builds.

Yes, the 12 Mini’s battery life was always its Achilles heel. A 2227mAh battery just doesn’t go far in 2025—especially not after nearly five years of use. My own unit has just 78% battery health remaining, and iOS has already suggested a battery service. But even so, the moment I pick it up, I’m reminded how liberating it feels to use something so lightweight and compact. It’s no exaggeration: it quite literally feels like a weight lifted.

Despite its age, the iPhone 12 Mini still performs well for daily tasks. The internal specs were nearly identical to the standard iPhone 12—same processor, camera system, RAM, and storage configurations. Apple didn’t compromise on hardware; they simply scaled everything down. That’s what made the Mini so special. You got a genuine flagship experience in a tiny shell.

And that’s probably why they still hold their value so well. Even in 2025, iPhone Minis continue to sell for surprisingly high prices on sites like eBay. I paid around £150 for mine, and it’s just the base 64GB model. A 13 Mini in similar condition often goes for nearly double that, thanks to minor upgrades like the smaller notch and improved camera layout.

The truth is, these phones are still perfectly usable—especially if you can find one with decent battery health. Apple’s track record of long-term software updates means these devices likely have another couple of years of support ahead. That makes them a compelling choice for anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing performance.

In fact, I’ve used even older iPhones like the XR for extended periods, and they held up surprisingly well. As long as you’re not expecting bleeding-edge performance or pro-level photography, these older models still handle everyday tasks with ease. And let’s face it—there’s a reason why older iPhones are still so commonly seen in the wild. They just keep working.

Speaking of photography, I took a few test shots with the Mini recently, and while it’s not going to compete with modern camera kings, the results were better than I expected. Apple’s processing does flatten the colors a bit more than I’d like, but the photos are still solid, and having access to the ultra-wide lens is a nice bonus—even if the quality isn’t top-tier anymore.

And one last thing—flat-sided phones. I’ve got thoughts. Flat edges feel great on a device as small as the Mini. You can comfortably wrap your hand around it, and it adds to the sleek, minimalist design. But on bigger phones? Flat sides just don’t work. Our hands aren’t built like rectangles; they naturally curl. That’s why larger devices benefit from curved or rounded backs—it’s just more ergonomic. But on the Mini? The flat design feels absolutely right.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the iPhone 12 Mini—and its sibling, the 13 Mini—stand as rare reminders of how elegant and practical a small smartphone can be. They’re not perfect, but they still deliver a flagship experience in a compact form, something sorely missing from today’s market. If you’ve ever wanted a phone that just fits—your hand, your pocket, your life—the Mini is still one of the best options out there.