iPhone 12 mini review

Two months with Apple’s compact flagship and we’re smitten.

iPhone 12 mini
(Image: © Basil Kronfli)

Our Verdict

A welcome compact alternative to the oversized competition. While its size may be a throwback, there’s nothing dated about the iPhone 12 mini. With the same screen tech, power and camera as the traditional iPhone 12, not to mention water resistance, high-end design and fun colour options, if you’re after a small phone, this is the best out there.

For

  • Excellent camera
  • Compact design
  • Fast, smooth performance

Against

  • No optical zoom camera
  • Disappointing battery life
  • Slow wireless charging

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The year: 2021. Smartphones have turned into mini TVs for palms and pockets. But in a world of big-screened mobiles, is there really place for a teeny tiny contender like the iPhone 12 mini? In short, yes. Absolutely. 

Rather than making a pocketable TV, Apple has shrunk down its iPhone 12, giving the world what could be the best mini mobile you can buy. Now, this is no iPhone Pro smartphone. Instead of three cameras, as found on the iPhone 12 Pro, there are two – but don't let that put you off, it's still voted one of the best camera phones in our round up. The iPhone 12 mini also has slightly slower wireless charging than its bigger siblings and a smaller battery, but aside from that, it’s a top-tier flagship in a more demure body.

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