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iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 mini users - will you upgrade or keep using?
- Thread starter sleven
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On the bright side, those of us who are determined to use a mini until it's no longer possible are going to save some money. We can sit back and relax and casually observe the hustle and bustle around the iPhone updates for the next few years.
I understand your point of view, and I have been considering getting an iPhone 13 mini. However, why should I replace something old but still fully functional with something only slightly newer that may soon become outdated or unsupported.
If there were an iPhone 16 Mini or 17 Mini, I’d be excited to pre-order because that would offer a meaningful upgrade. But I'm not the type of person to upgrade just for the sake of having something newer. If my current phone works, I see no reason to change. However, if a new Mini could have significant improvements, like USB-C, dynamic island, or Touch ID — that works in the dark, that would make a difference. Otherwise, upgrading for a small step forward doesn’t feel worthwhile for me.
For example, I replaced my iPhone 8 battery two years ago, and it’s still performing well. My only frustration is that I can’t get the latest iOS updates. And when it comes to photography, I rely on my mirrorless camera. I don't really use my phone to take photos other than quick snapshot.
Shoot, I've been rocking Pro models for the last couple years but I might hop on another Mini phone if Apple ever brings one back. Face ID and USB-C would be enough for me, if they at least offered those features (vs. periscoopy cameras, 12000Hz screen, etc.).
Mini 13 till it dies, then I'll buy another Mini.
Instead of a normal 16 (or even SE4), I'd sooner get an iPad Mini and use that with my Apple Pocket Watch.
Not impressed with anything 'better' than what is currently available, or whats been announced so far about the upcoming lineup.
Instead of a normal 16 (or even SE4), I'd sooner get an iPad Mini and use that with my Apple Pocket Watch.
Not impressed with anything 'better' than what is currently available, or whats been announced so far about the upcoming lineup.
Doesn’t make a difference. I have a 6S which was charged off of a 5w OEM brick which ended up with 82% battery health after 2 years of use. I charged the device once per day and never used a portable power brick or anything like that. I also have an 8 which I used for 2.5 years which was charged with a 5w OEM charger and it ended up at 83% battery health.
Battery degradation is unavoidable so there is no point in worrying about it.
I have replaced both batteries at the Apple store so the phones are operating as intended again.
What are you going to do with the Apple Watch once you sell or trade in the iPhone 13 mini? An Apple Watch cannot be setup without an iPhone.
That also includes family setup which cuts down some features and makes the Apple Watch an independent device with its own cellular line.
I still own an (many) Apple phones I could activate/pair with. I just wouldn't daily carry the phone
That said, i have Applecare+. my battery is at 81% health. Ive been trying desperately to thrash it in all the ways so i can get a replacement before Apple says no more 13 minis!
😂 it’s almost to that point where you can get a replacement! So does that mean you will be putting your iPhone at home and not bringing it with you?
Yes, i can't wait for it to tick over to 79%!! Ive kept applecare+ since day one.
As far as leaving it home, yes! I do this with my Pocket Watch very often already!
I can just never buy into the large screen phones.
Just loop some graphically intense game while MagSafe charging while using gps at 100% brightness with no sleep mode should speed things up a tad
I’m torn because I still love the size of my 13 mini but also want USB C, a better camera, and the new Siri. TBD for me.
No I get that. Usually I'm at 70% after 3 years. That's with slow charging of past iPhones.
With the new fast charging and magnetic charging which seems to generate a lot of heat, it would seem that always using that method would further degrade the battery through extra stress, on top of the natural aging. I haven't done this through a test though. I fast charge when I absolutely need to but it's rare.
Of course, but I cannot do that with my iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple Fitness+ would be rendered useless if I do not wear my Apple Watch on my wrist, especially for two of my favorite apps that rely on sleep tracking in order to analyze my routine/circadian rhythm, vitals and other physiological factors.
Even so, I do miss carrying a small iPhone like I explained in the Apple pocket Watch thread you posted about. When I had an iPhone 5s I could even slip it into these small pockets in my shorts and jeans without worrying that it would fall off. But not anymore… iPhones keep getting bigger and bigger. The XR is already so wide that it stretched out a few pockets.
I do have another challenge though. Would you hook the Oura ring (or any other smart ring) into the black lugs you use with your power bank case?
Great idea, i told an Apple Watch wearer to also track lots of workouts on their Apple Watch Series 5 to qualify for a battery replacement, without any Low Power mode or anything disabling always on display. The battery health on my iPhone 7 did go down a lot when I beta tested iOS from 13 to 15, and I even played video games like Roblox and Angry Birds 2 on it a lot so it dropped it down to about 53% capacity when it was time to upgrade.
lol @ stretching out your pockets! it really is absurd! I love the 5s/SE form factor. that was my favorite. Still have a couple of phones from that era!
Ahh good idea thinking about the Oura! haha. you have to almost constantly wear it, to get useful data, i imagine.
Plus the black ring I have on it now is special! It is programmed with cloned credentials of my buildings access control keyfob, so the ring itself is my fob!
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Really there’s an NFC chip inside the ring? That is a great idea to use it as a keycard. There is no way you can use it as a card in Apple wallet as entry keys and connections with Ultra Wideband require an Apple Watch Series 6 and later, SE excluded.
I am still torn whether or not to trade in my 14pm for $620 this weekend… before it dips more after Monday’s announcement
It hasn’t been used since I got my 13 mini for the most part
It hasn’t been used since I got my 13 mini for the most part
Unfortunately, all refurbished 13minis I've seen come in midnight. Seems that's the only color they offer. I'm on the lookout for blue and I've been wanting for over a year
Yeah you might have to look on secondary used market for any non midnight colors
What do you mean by “Touch ID that works in the dark”? It already did on my iPhone 8 and FaceID works well in the dark on my 13 mini too! 🤔
Yep! They can be found on ebay. My access control system is a 125khz HID system. The fobs are easily clone-able to the T7755 RFID tags and rings.
And you are correct, the ring cant work as a payment card itself, but the Apple Watch can! My setup really is all I need when I leave without a phone. Leaving behind almost none of the functionality (minus a real browser).