The Verge·May 6, 2026

📱iPhone 13 Mini: Apple's Small Phone That Refuses to Die

The iPhone 13 Mini is still hanging on despite being an underdog

TL;DR

Despite its small size and age, the iPhone 13 Mini continues to be used. It's smaller than most Android phones, has a full battery capacity but struggles with daily use.

Apple's iPhone 13 Mini is still in circulation despite being an underdog phone that Apple tried selling twice without success. The device measures only 131.5mm tall and was already over a year old when it hit the market again in 2023. Despite its age, the iPhone 13 Mini packs features like MagSafe, an ultrawide camera, and a physical SIM tray that make it useful for specific workflows. However, its small size means it struggles with daily use, barely making it through a full day on battery even when using Wi-Fi. The phone's Lightning port can be inconvenient but is still functional.

iPhone 13 Mini: Apple's Small Phone That Refuses to Die

Key Points

1

iPhone 13 Mini measures only 131.5mm tall, making it the smallest mainstream phone available.

2

Samsung Galaxy S26 is 18mm taller than iPhone 13 Mini, highlighting its compactness.

3

The device was reintroduced in 2023 despite being over a year old when initially released.

4

iPhone 13 Mini's battery capacity remains at 97% but barely lasts through daily use on Wi-Fi.

5

Physical SIM tray allows for easy conversion to eSIM, useful when switching between phones.

Why It Matters

If you're a fan of small form factors and need a physical SIM tray, the iPhone 13 Mini still offers these features. However, its battery struggles with daily use, making it less suitable for heavy users.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're a fan of small form factors and need a physical SIM tray, the iPhone 13 Mini still offers these features. However, its battery struggles with daily use, making it less suitable for heavy users.

What happened?

Despite its small size and age, the iPhone 13 Mini continues to be used. It's smaller than most Android phones, has a full battery capacity but struggles with daily use.

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