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About the iPhone 13 mini
The iPhone 13 mini is Apple's last ever mini handset. The brand discontinued the size with the iPhone 14 range. So, if you like your phones on the smaller side, this might have been your last chance to get your hands on a new mini iPhone.
That said, there are other smaller models available if you’re not a fan of the bigger iPhones. Launched in 2025, the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest handset ever. It measures only 5.6mm at the thinnest point, so you should have no trouble slipping it in and out of your pocket.
When was the iPhone 13 mini released?
Apple released the iPhone 13 mini on 24 September 2021, alongside the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Smaller dimensions made it the budget and pocket-friendly offering in the lineup.
A brighter screen, longer battery life and better photo quality were just a few of the improvements made to the Apple iPhone 13 mini compared to the 12 mini.
iPhone 13 mini specs and features
Here’s what the iPhone 13 mini has to offer:
- Screen - 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
- Pixels - 2340 x 1080-pixel resolution
- Cameras - 12MP wide and ultra-wide rear lenses
- Measurements - 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.65mm
- Weight - 140g
- Storage - 128GB, 256GB or 512GB
- Colours - Midnight Black, Product Red, Blue, Pink, Green, Starlight White
- Variants - iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
What’s the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 12 mini?
The iPhone 13 mini offers more in key areas. Both phones have a dual camera setup but the iPhone 13 mini’s arrangement is a definite improvement.
It has a few features found in its Pro counterparts, like Cinematic Mode and Photographic Styles. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 mini doesn't have the assortment of fancy photography features reserved for the more expensive Pro models.
Additionally, the iPhone 13 mini has a bigger battery. On average, it lasts 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12 mini. Plus, the A15 processor delivers more power and better performance.
Is the iPhone 13 mini camera good?
The iPhone 13 mini makes no compromises when it comes to camera quality, driven by the same powerful A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13. They also have the same 12MP dual camera system.
The primary camera on the iPhone 13 mini has an f/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, 100% Focus Pixels and a seven-element lens to deliver vibrant colours and fine detail. The ultra-wide camera has an f/2.4 aperture and a 120° field of view to help you take better group and landscape photos.
When was the iPhone 13 mini discontinued?
Apple removed the iPhone 13 mini from its new product lineup in September 2023. This coincided with the launch of the new iPhone 15 range. But the mini wasn't an option in the iPhone 14 range, signalling the end of the line for this smaller-sized model.
Since then, Apple launched the iPhone Air, its thinnest ever iPhone. This could be a good alternative to the mini if you’re still looking for something smaller.
Is the iPhone 13 mini still supported by Apple?
Yes, Apple will support the iPhone 13 mini until at least 2028. After that, the model might not get iOS updates, bug fixes and security updates, but you can still use it.
Can you get a refurbished iPhone 13 mini?
Yes, you'll find refurbished iPhone 13 mini phones available from some reputable resellers. Refurbished handsets from trustworthy companies are generally safe to buy.
That said, there are plenty of alternative models available if you want something new. The Apple iPhone AirApple iPhone Air is the brand’s thinnest handset ever, measuring just 5.6mm at its thinnest point. The iPhone 16e is a budget-friendly alternative to the standard iPhone 16, if you want something a bit cheaper.
What other iPhone models should I consider?
If you're not set on an iPhone 13 mini, it's worth seeing what other Apple iPhone models have to offer. Here are some of the best options to consider:
- iPhone SE - Apple discontinued the SE in February 2025 but all the generations are still available refurbished. It's another smaller handset, ideal if you're still looking for something a bit simpler
- iPhone 13 - You can still find new iPhone 13 deals with Go.Compare from providers like iD mobile and Vodafone
- Newer iPhone models - Fancy a bigger upgrade? Compare the best iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 deals with us
- iPhone Air - How about the thinnest iPhone ever? It’s a lightweight handset that certainly doesn’t compromise on performance
How to find the best iPhone contract deal for you
There's plenty to consider if you're choosing your next iPhone contract deal. Start with a rough idea of how much you want to spend each month and how much mobile data you’ll need.
Most phone networks offer new and refurbished iPhones, so you’ll have plenty of options to compare in terms of contract length and benefits. See our iPhone deals to compare options and find the best one for you.