iPhone 12 mini Undecided - 12 or 12 mini?

[prazakj]

I’ve used an Apple Watch for years. Yes, it does impact the battery life of the iPhone somewhat, but it’s not significant enough for me to ditch the Watch. It really is a great accessory, but be prepared to charge it every 2-3 days (using battery save mode during night helps a lot). At least the watch charges fast ? And with the new updates of both the watch and the phone, where you can now use the watch to unlock the phone while wearing a face mask, makes it even more useful. Also, you don’t have to get the newest Apple Watch. I have the older series-4 and it still works great.

Thanks. I think that I would charge it overnight daily as I do with my iPhone. Truth is, that feature is something that partly convinced me. ? Also I thought about getting Watch SE as my starters. ?

 

[DevinNj]

Thank you for your input. Sadly there is no LTE version of Apple Watch in our country, but for me as a starter in Watch I think I would prefer to go for SE model. Maybe it wouldn’t convince me in the end and letting go for the half of the price the Series 6 wouldn’t hurt me that much.

I don’t turn off wifi even outside, same applies for cellular and bluetooth. I do use AirPods almost daily so I can figure it out the usage. For example today I have 43% of battery on my 12 mini in 8pm and usage of 4hours and 32minutes. So give or take, Watch could take me around 10% daily?

Honestly, the only reason I got the LTE version was that I had a couple gift cards for Best Buy and wanted to try it out. Otherwise I'd have gotten the GPS version. Cellular is sketchy at best in my area, so using the watch standalone is marginal at best. Plus, I rarely ever leave my phone at home so I'm fine with the GPS version.

I always keep WiFi on too, just mentioned it because when I'm at work or home, I'm on WiFi which is a battery saver. I really have no complaints with the Apple Watch, in fact if they do a SE version this year, that's what I'd most likely upgrade to.

Not to sound silly but is there a secondary market where you live? Maybe you could find a nice one second hand and see if it's for you or not. That's what I did (a couple times) until I got my 4. Just a thought.

 

[DevinNj]

I’ve used an Apple Watch for years. Yes, it does impact the battery life of the iPhone somewhat, but it’s not significant enough for me to ditch the Watch. It really is a great accessory, but be prepared to charge it every 2-3 days (using battery save mode during night helps a lot). At least the watch charges fast ? And with the new updates of both the watch and the phone, where you can now use the watch to unlock the phone while wearing a face mask, makes it even more useful. Also, you don’t have to get the newest Apple Watch. I have the older series-4 and it still works great.

You're able to get 2-3 days? Wow, I'm usually ending my day around 25-35%. Not to contradict my prior post about cell phone battery life, but I do wish the watches were a little bit better in that department. Not asking for a month, but if I could get a solid 2-3 days on a charge, I'd be ecstatic.

 

[Barbareren]

You're able to get 2-3 days? Wow, I'm usually ending my day around 25-35%. Not to contradict my prior post about cell phone battery life, but I do wish the watches were a little bit better in that department. Not asking for a month, but if I could get a solid 2-3 days on a charge, I'd be ecstatic.

I agree, I’d prefer even much better battery life than 2-3 days, but you can’t have it all, lol. Yes, turning on the battery saving mode (or whatever it’s called in English) during night helps a lot. Also, contrary to your experience, I’ve found that turning OFF WiFi on the watch actually helps a lot to improve battery life as well. I’ve found the WiFi on the watch to be pretty much useless anyway, as the watch doesn’t automatically switch to WiFi when it loses connection to the iPhone...

 

[prazakj]

Honestly, the only reason I got the LTE version was that I had a couple gift cards for Best Buy and wanted to try it out. Otherwise I'd have gotten the GPS version. Cellular is sketchy at best in my area, so using the watch standalone is marginal at best. Plus, I rarely ever leave my phone at home so I'm fine with the GPS version.

I always keep WiFi on too, just mentioned it because when I'm at work or home, I'm on WiFi which is a battery saver. I really have no complaints with the Apple Watch, in fact if they do a SE version this year, that's what I'd most likely upgrade to.

Not to sound silly but is there a secondary market where you live? Maybe you could find a nice one second hand and see if it's for you or not. That's what I did (a couple times) until I got my 4. Just a thought.

They did SE version in September 2020. ?

I thought about it, but I like the design from Series 4 and newer. But the price is similar to what I can get with a discount from my friend for SE model.

 

[DevinNj]

I agree, I’d prefer even much better battery life than 2-3 days, but you can’t have it all, lol. Yes, turning on the battery saving mode (or whatever it’s called in English) during night helps a lot. Also, contrary to your experience, I’ve found that turning OFF WiFi on the watch actually helps a lot to improve battery life as well. I’ve found the WiFi on the watch to be pretty much useless anyway, as the watch doesn’t automatically switch to WiFi when it loses connection to the iPhone...

On my watch I use airplane mode at night to conserve battery. I've never used it for sleep tracking and whatnot, and I meant I don't see as much battery loss on my phone when I'm on WiFi as opposed to cell data. I'd love it if I could get 2-3 days on my watch. Sometimes I'll end my day slightly above 50%, but it's a quitter by mid next day. LOL

They did SE version in September 2020. ?

I thought about it, but I like the design from Series 4 and newer. But the price is similar to what I can get with a discount from my friend for SE model.

Yeah, I almost bought that one but didn't see too much of a difference between that and my Series 4. This year if they do a SE version, that's most likely what I'd upgrade to. I don't have need for the Blood Oxygen or the ECG apps.

 

[bubulol]

Thanks. I think that I would charge it overnight daily as I do with my iPhone. Truth is, that feature is something that partly convinced me. ? Also I thought about getting Watch SE as my starters. ?

One of the reasons which i wont buy an Apple Watch, its definitely its battery life
Meanwhile i can stand with an iPhone that only last 1 day of use (intensive) or maybe 1 day and half like 12 Mini
The combination of multiples devices to charge everyday is purely insane
I have an iPad Mini 5, iPhone 12 Mini and Airpods Pro, which means every day i have something to charge lol
Buying an Apple Watch means i will be overloaded
I can accept the fact of battery life that doesnt last long for each device, but having multiples devices to charge everyday, that might turn into an issue
I was sick of charging my iPhone/iPad/Airpods, the Magsafe/Wireless charging does help me alot of, its easier to put just ur device on stand and you r good to go
For now, no AW, i limit myself for three devices only

 

[Barbareren]

On my watch I use airplane mode at night to conserve battery. I've never used it for sleep tracking and whatnot, and I meant I don't see as much battery loss on my phone when I'm on WiFi as opposed to cell data.

Oh, I see! Sorry, I misunderstood. Yes, of course WiFi uses less battery than cellular data ? When my Apple Watch’s battery is draining unusually quick, I’ve noticed that it’s always when my AirPods Pro are connected to the watch. It’s very handy, though, as you can just use the watch to see and control all the music and podcasts etc., while leaving the iPhone in another room for example.

 

[Barbareren]

One of the reasons which i wont buy an Apple Watch, its definitely its battery life
Meanwhile i can stand with an iPhone that only last 1 day of use (intensive) or maybe 1 day and half like 12 Mini
The combination of multiples devices to charge everyday is purely insane
I have an iPad Mini 5, iPhone 12 Mini and Airpods Pro, which means every day i have something to charge lol
Buying an Apple Watch means i will be overloaded
I can accept the fact of battery life that doesnt last long for each device, but having multiples devices to charge everyday, that might turn into an issue
I was sick of charging my iPhone/iPad/Airpods, the Magsafe/Wireless charging does help me alot of, its easier to put just ur device on stand and you r good to go
For now, no AW, i limit myself for three devices only

I understand, but getting one (or two, hehe) three-in-one chargers should help... Personally I only use a couple official Apple 20W fast chargers (4 times faster charge at $19, how can you go wrong, lol). Wired of course, as I believe MagSafe is merely an overpriced gimmick at this point. Also, the so called wireless charging appears to be more damaging to the battery’s health.

 

[prazakj]

One of the reasons which i wont buy an Apple Watch, its definitely its battery life
Meanwhile i can stand with an iPhone that only last 1 day of use (intensive) or maybe 1 day and half like 12 Mini
The combination of multiples devices to charge everyday is purely insane
I have an iPad Mini 5, iPhone 12 Mini and Airpods Pro, which means every day i have something to charge lol
Buying an Apple Watch means i will be overloaded
I can accept the fact of battery life that doesnt last long for each device, but having multiples devices to charge everyday, that might turn into an issue
I was sick of charging my iPhone/iPad/Airpods, the Magsafe/Wireless charging does help me alot of, its easier to put just ur device on stand and you r good to go
For now, no AW, i limit myself for three devices only

Well I understand you. Still, I’m charging my iPhone 12 mini through wireless Qi (and slow haha) charger overnight, almost every second day my iPad Pro and MacBook Air mostly in three days (because of heavy load on videomeetings). I almost forgot when to charge AirPods because they somehow are still charged. ? And my work iPhone SE first gen is the worst because it doesn’t have wireless charging. But still I think that charging is somehow a new style of living these days. Would I take to charge once a week? Of course. But At the same time I understand that is not going to happen soon. So yeah, Watch for me wasn’t on the wishlist for a longer period because I didn’t think I will use them. Charging everyday is somehow a cost that you have to pay if you want to use these tech. Sadly.

 

[stanza.richi]

Hi guys again. As long as I didn’t have specific thread about this and also don’t want to start a new one, I try to ask you here. I’m thinking about getting my first Apple Watch. I never saw much usage for me personally before and nowadays I mostly workout with YouTube videos as none of downloaded apps were OK for me. So here is that question: how much battery can Apple Watch pairing takes you from your iPhone? For me personally, iPhone 12 mini to be exact. Maybe @stanza.richi could help me with this. ?

All of my reported time and experience with 12 mini was with AW bluetooth connection. Today, for example, 7 hours at work, 90 minutes of sport streaming and 2 trip on charge connected with car play. Now in bed 15 hours after wake up with 52%.

PS buy a discounted AW5, far better thant SE in my opinion

 

[taneff]

It depends if you don't use BT otherwise. If it is turned off, like I do, then connecting it 24/7 will show in less battery life. If you have BT on all the time anyway it shouldn't make a big difference. I noticed it when I owned an AW with my iPhone 11.

But AW will make a big difference if it is in airplane mode or always connected.

 

[DeepIn2U]

On my watch I use airplane mode at night to conserve battery. I've never used it for sleep tracking and whatnot, and I meant I don't see as much battery loss on my phone when I'm on WiFi as opposed to cell data. I'd love it if I could get 2-3 days on my watch. Sometimes I'll end my day slightly above 50%, but it's a quitter by mid next day. LOL

Yeah, I almost bought that one but didn't see too much of a difference between that and my Series 4. This year if they do a SE version, that's most likely what I'd upgrade to. I don't have need for the Blood Oxygen or the ECG apps.

Disable social media notifications to the Watch! This alone, if you're very active on s.m. (social media) and you get all kinds of alerts. Heck disable needless ones on the phone wile you're at it. Doing this when I had the S4 got me 1/2 to a full day - stretching with no workouts to almost a 2.7 days (.7 being 7hrs into the third day). Now with the the S6 Nike+ I did the same yet had to disable Always ON Display (AOD) and getting just up to a full 2 days (with an hour workout via 3rd party app on the watch).

 

[prazakj]

All of my reported time and experience with 12 mini was with AW bluetooth connection. Today, for example, 7 hours at work, 90 minutes of sport streaming and 2 trip on charge connected with car play. Now in bed 15 hours after wake up with 52%.

PS buy a discounted AW5, far better thant SE in my opinion

Thank you. Truth is that in our country not many people switched to Series 6 so there are not many people are selling Series 5 in second hand. Also there are very small differencies between these two models (always on display and EKG) but when buying in shops they are still pricier around 30-40% more than SE. And because Apple don’t sell them directly anymore, I can get that discount from my friend only for models which sells Apple. (Also for a new models from Apple, I can choose more types of bands.)

 

[prazakj]

Disable social media notifications to the Watch! This alone, if you're very active on s.m. (social media) and you get all kinds of alerts. Heck disable needless ones on the phone wile you're at it. Doing this when I had the S4 got me 1/2 to a full day - stretching with no workouts to almost a 2.7 days (.7 being 7hrs into the third day). Now with the the S6 Nike+ I did the same yet had to disable Always ON Display (AOD) and getting just up to a full 2 days (with an hour workout via 3rd party app on the watch).

But you are charging iPhone still every day right?

 

[stanza.richi]

Thank you. Truth is that in our country not many people switched to Series 6 so there are not many people are selling Series 5 in second hand. Also there are very small differencies between these two models (always on display and EKG) but when buying in shops they are still pricier around 30-40% more than SE. And because Apple don’t sell them directly anymore, I can get that discount from my friend only for models which sells Apple. (Also for a new models from Apple, I can choose more types of bands.)

Understood. Late November I picked up a discounted SS series 4 with original ML on Amazon: 409€, a little bit than an SE but with better features (in my opinion) like sapphire glass and SS I don’t know if in your country you can fine deal like that, but consider it also. Or jump and pick a new 6 aluminium (best resell value if you decide that AW isn’t working for you.

 

[DevinNj]

Disable social media notifications to the Watch! This alone, if you're very active on s.m. (social media) and you get all kinds of alerts. Heck disable needless ones on the phone wile you're at it. Doing this when I had the S4 got me 1/2 to a full day - stretching with no workouts to almost a 2.7 days (.7 being 7hrs into the third day). Now with the the S6 Nike+ I did the same yet had to disable Always ON Display (AOD) and getting just up to a full 2 days (with an hour workout via 3rd party app on the watch).

I have a very small footprint on social media and have minimal alerts set on my watch. I use my watch for text/calls/etc throughout the day, there's not much more I could disable or would even want to. Best battery I've had at the end of the day was around 50%, and that's rare. It's never gone dead on me, but even Apple advertises a day's worth of battery to be average, I'd just like to see it a little bit longer.

 

[DeepIn2U]

But you are charging iPhone still every day right?

Nope.

im down to about 40% when I’m done work and I use my iPad Pro thereafter and if I’m going out for several hours I would charge to top off to 60% before leaving. If not then I charge mid morning next day and then use it heavily to charge the following night. Then repeat.

 

[prazakj]

Nope.

im down to about 40% when I’m done work and I use my iPad Pro thereafter and if I’m going out for several hours I would charge to top off to 60% before leaving. If not then I charge mid morning next day and then use it heavily to charge the following night. Then repeat.

Never heard about this type of charging but happy it works for you. ?

 

[furou]

Regarding battery life with the Apple Watch, I haven’t tested it but I imagine any hit to the battery from having an AW connected, is cancelled somewhat by not picking up and checking your iPhone as much, since you can glance at notifications from the Watch instead.
I love my AW and really happy I got one (SS Series 4 with cellular).

 

[prazakj]

Understood. Late November I picked up a discounted SS series 4 with original ML on Amazon: 409€, a little bit than an SE but with better features (in my opinion) like sapphire glass and SS I don’t know if in your country you can fine deal like that, but consider it also. Or jump and pick a new 6 aluminium (best resell value if you decide that AW isn’t working for you.

I'm using AW S6 40mm and iPhone 12 mini for last one week and it's OK for me. Battery is fine and mini isn't draining as much as I thought it would be. Still - sometimes I have a moment when I'm thinking about selling mini and getting 12. Despite I surely know I wouldn't be much happy about that size. Neverending story for me. ?