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Replace the battery and keep using the mini. I just replaced the battery on my 2016 SE and am still using it today. It runs really smooth and quick with a fresh battery. Believe me, you won't be missing much by keeping the mini.
 
I swapped out my 12 mini for a 16 (bad battery forced my move) and honestly, I still kinda prefer the mini.

I think the perfect time to upgrade from a mini will be when the standard iPhone get's ProMotion, which sounds like it might happen this year.
 
Reading all of this just infuriates me again

God I wish they'd just pump out some kind of iPhone Mini every 3-4 years so those of us who basically only care about the size being manageable would have "something"

I don't care about AI - I don't need multiple lenses - I'm not playing games on my phone ...
I just want a simple & small iPhone that can keep running the latest iOS versions as we go along
 
Apple Intelligence is a joke.

Sadly, most people use iPhone primarily as a camera, game console, and/or video player. People who actually use iPhone for calling or messaging are pushed aside by the market.

I don't like it, but can't blame a company for wanting more profit.

If you are set on a smaller size, replace the battery now before Apple puts 13 mini in its vintage category.
 
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I currently have an iPhone 13 mini and love it dearly. Sad that Apple has chosen to discontinue it. With that said, the battery life on my mini is caput (80% battery health) and I am interested in the Apple Intelligence function in the new models, so am looking to upgrade. Factors going into selection:

- Apple Intelligence

- Size: the smaller the better

- Battery life: need something I can rely on without dying after a few hours without charging.

- Storage: 128GB to 256GB preferable. I have 2T storage via iCloud.

- Camera does not matter at all, I own a Fujifilm and take most all my photos on that.

With that said, I am thinking about paying $89 to replace the battery on my mini and get me through the next year before the iPhone 17 comes out. So I guess my question is, given the factors above, is:

Do I upgrade now from the 13 mini to the iPhone 16?

OR


Replace the battery on my 13 mini and wait for the iPhone 17?
13 mini user, I bought the 15 pro when it came out and returned it a day later. Just way too big. I will replace my battery when I have to and ride this phone out as long as I can. I bet it updates 3 more times. I will decide what to do then.
 
If anyone's interested, Apple has had the 13 mini on and off on their refurbished store for the last few days. I decided to order one a few minutes ago. I figured I'd think about if I really wanted it over the weekend before it arrives as from trying to get it in the past, they were sold out in minutes.

Ever since I got my 14 Pro, I've regretted getting rid of my 12 mini. I've since tried (and failed) making my Apple Watch Ultra a mini-phone replacement so I’m excited to try the mini again. I don’t use my phone for games, video or much of a camera anymore, so I’m not worried at all about the specs or battery life (still have my old Apple MagSafe battery pack from my 12 mini days anyway).
 
If anyone's interested, Apple has had the 13 mini on and off on their refurbished store for the last few days. I decided to order one a few minutes ago. I figured I'd think about if I really wanted it over the weekend before it arrives as from trying to get it in the past, they were sold out in minutes.

Ever since I got my 14 Pro, I've regretted getting rid of my 12 mini. I've since tried (and failed) making my Apple Watch Ultra a mini-phone replacement so I’m excited to try the mini again. I don’t use my phone for games, video or much of a camera anymore, so I’m not worried at all about the specs or battery life (still have my old Apple MagSafe battery pack from my 12 mini days anyway).

How much?
 
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If anyone's interested, Apple has had the 13 mini on and off on their refurbished store for the last few days. I decided to order one a few minutes ago. I figured I'd think about if I really wanted it over the weekend before it arrives as from trying to get it in the past, they were sold out in minutes.

Ever since I got my 14 Pro, I've regretted getting rid of my 12 mini. I've since tried (and failed) making my Apple Watch Ultra a mini-phone replacement so I’m excited to try the mini again. I don’t use my phone for games, video or much of a camera anymore, so I’m not worried at all about the specs or battery life (still have my old Apple MagSafe battery pack from my 12 mini days anyway).
dang, i had been watching for them to appear for a while. i have a SE1 that has a bad screen and needed a fast replacement. i don't like/want a big phone, and the SE4/16e is not of much interest, so ordered a new SE1 off ebay, arriving early next week. it was only $150 w/128 gb in space gray, and the 128 13 mini is $400 w/128. oh well. i like real home button and headphone jack.
 
dang, i had been watching for them to appear for a while. i have a SE1 that has a bad screen and needed a fast replacement. i don't like/want a big phone, and the SE4/16e is not of much interest, so ordered a new SE1 off ebay, arriving early next week. it was only $150 w/128 gb in space gray, and the 128 13 mini is $400 w/128. oh well. i like real home button and headphone jack.
I'd love to use my old SE (2016) again. By far my favorite iPhone, with the 12 mini being right behind it. I think $400 might have been a little steep for an almost four year old phone, but I'm trying to justify it knowing it'll help with my constant hand cramps (started getting these when I upgraded to the brick 14 Pro from my 12 mini), and it'll kind of force me to go back to having less screen time again with the not-so-great battery. My screen time basically doubled since owning my 14 Pro, unfortunately. I know a lot of it is self control, but these devices are designed to keep your attention as long as possible.

I’m still undecided if I’m actually going to keep the 13 mini or not. The purchase was a FOMO reaction as it's been very quickly sold out on the refurbished page in the past. It's too late for me to cancel the order, so I have a few days to think about it before it arrives. Not even sure if I should open it up because I know I’ll immediately love it.
 
They must have been hoarding refurb minus, they all of a sudden have lots of colors and and storage sizes
From what I can see, only Midnight 128gb is available for the 13 mini right now (the last few days, other storage sizes were available). Lots of standard size 13s in different colors and storage space though. Probably a lot of people upgrading from them to the 16e.
 
I currently have an iPhone 13 mini and love it dearly. Sad that Apple has chosen to discontinue it. With that said, the battery life on my mini is caput (80% battery health) and I am interested in the Apple Intelligence function in the new models, so am looking to upgrade. Factors going into selection:

- Apple Intelligence

- Size: the smaller the better

- Battery life: need something I can rely on without dying after a few hours without charging.

- Storage: 128GB to 256GB preferable. I have 2T storage via iCloud.

- Camera does not matter at all, I own a Fujifilm and take most all my photos on that.

With that said, I am thinking about paying $89 to replace the battery on my mini and get me through the next year before the iPhone 17 comes out. So I guess my question is, given the factors above, is:

Do I upgrade now from the 13 mini to the iPhone 16?

OR


Replace the battery on my 13 mini and wait for the iPhone 17?
13mini aficionado here too (and Fujifilm X10 that is underused... - Lightroom + iPhone 13 mini camera provides a good set of photos, even with HEIC).
My battery is also down to 80% and I don't quite make it through the day (podcasts and internet, no games, no social media).

But the APPLIntelligence is going to be underwhelming. Siri is still useless beyond setting a timer...

I can manage storage on my 128GB model and everything in the current lineup is many cm bigger in H and W, so regardless of the cost - there is nothing that I _want_ to update to!
I'll probably do a battery replacement and see what 2026 might offer.
 
13mini aficionado here too (and Fujifilm X10 that is underused... - Lightroom + iPhone 13 mini camera provides a good set of photos, even with HEIC).
My battery is also down to 80% and I don't quite make it through the day (podcasts and internet, no games, no social media).

But the APPLIntelligence is going to be underwhelming. Siri is still useless beyond setting a timer...

I can manage storage on my 128GB model and everything in the current lineup is many cm bigger in H and W, so regardless of the cost - there is nothing that I _want_ to update to!
I'll probably do a battery replacement and see what 2026 might offer.
How long have you had your 13 mini for, for it to reach 80% battery life? I believe my 12 mini took roughly two years to reach that mark. By the time I replaced it with my 14 Pro, I had the Apple Magsafe Battery pack on it all day, plus had to recharge it at some point - like you, no social media or games, just some internet usage, music and podcasts (5G was off). To compare, my day-one 14 Pro is at 82% capacity and can easily make it through the day with the same lighter usage.

If I choose to keep the 13 mini I just ordered, I know I’ll be taking a downgrade on the camera. I never hated my 12 mini's camera, I always chose to shoot with my DSLR while I was out. Recently got a new-to-me camera a month ago that I'm looking forward to using.
 
My 12 mini, bought on launch, is still 82% which is quite impressive for 4 years and a half. I heard that Apple will only replace the battery if it is below 80%, is still the case?
I plan to buy the Air this year mainly to properly test my apps, but I would to keep the mini as a work phone with a brand new battery.
 
I never trade in my old phones and the Mini 13 I have is the BEST one so far followed by my dear iPhone 5S.
I think most of us Mini users will find it hard to give up our devices and like others have said, Mini 12/13 users may find ways to continue to use them replacing its battery as needed to keep it running until it ceases to function. The build quality on my 13 Mini is so good I think I can keep it running comfortably for a few more years. By then Tim Cook may be gone and the new CEO could well be a big fan of the iPhone Mini and bring it back!!!!
 
I never trade in my old phones and the Mini 13 I have is the BEST one so far followed by my dear iPhone 5S.
I think most of us Mini users will find it hard to give up our devices and like others have said, Mini 12/13 users may find ways to continue to use them replacing its battery as needed to keep it running until it ceases to function. The build quality on my 13 Mini is so good I think I can keep it running comfortably for a few more years. By then Tim Cook may be gone and the new CEO could well be a big fan of the iPhone Mini and bring it back!!!!
It really is hard phone to break up with. The rumored watch ultra with satellite function might push me to go in that direction for the times I go hiking off roading but still keep my 13 mini!
 
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I just got my Apple Refurbished 13 mini in about an hour ago. I'm already in love with this size again (Had the 12 mini a couple years ago). Time will tell if I can replace my 14 Pro with it, I think I have a 2 week return window. It's so light and easy to hold. I'll miss some of the 14 Pro's features, but if it means less hand cramps, I'm all for it. It's really too bad they don’t make this size anymore.
 
Today I upgraded from my 13 mini to a 16e. The change in size is easier than I thought, although it feels too big when I take it out of my pocket. I hope to notice a LARGE change in battery life; my 13 mini was giving me 4 hours of screen time with 84% battery life.
 
Just got my 16 delivered today. Thought I'd hold onto my mini for longer, but the shortening battery life and worsening sight didn't help... Did the trade-in/upgrade through T-Mobile to maximize its value.
 
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