Apple iPhone 13 mini

Apple's iPhone 13 mini, released in September 2021, presents a compact yet powerful option in the realm of smartphones. Designed to cater to those who prefer a smaller device without compromising on performance, this model packs impressive features within its diminutive frame.

The device boasts a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing both everyday tasks and media consumption. With a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, the screen delivers sharp and clear visuals, ensuring that text and images are rendered with precision. This compact display is protected by Ceramic Shield, a material that significantly increases durability and provides better drop protection.

Under the hood, the iPhone 13 mini is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, Apple's latest and most advanced processor at the time of release. This chip features a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The combination results in exceptional speed and responsiveness, handling everything from daily apps to more demanding tasks like gaming and augmented reality applications with ease.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera system on the back, which includes a 12MP wide camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The wide camera features a larger sensor, allowing for more light to be captured, improving low-light performance. Sensor-shift optical image stabilisation is a notable inclusion, reducing blur and making night-time shots more detailed. The ultra-wide camera offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots.

Video capabilities are equally impressive. The iPhone 13 mini can record in 4K at up to 60 frames per second, and the Cinematic mode introduces a new dimension to mobile videography. This mode automatically adjusts focus to create professional-looking depth-of-field effects, similar to what is achieved with high-end cameras.

On the front, the 12MP TrueDepth camera supports Night mode and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, ensuring selfies and video calls are of the highest quality. Face ID, integrated into the TrueDepth camera system, remains the most secure facial authentication in a smartphone, according to Apple, providing peace of mind for users concerned about security.

Battery life sees a marked improvement over its predecessor, thanks to both hardware and software enhancements. Despite its small size, the iPhone 13 mini can comfortably last through a full day of regular use. Apple's optimisations mean that streaming video, playing games, and other intensive tasks have less impact on battery longevity.

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 13 mini supports 5G, enabling faster download and upload speeds where the network is available. This future-proofs the device as 5G networks become more widespread and robust. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 support ensure that connections to other devices and the internet are both stable and fast.

The design of the iPhone 13 mini follows the sleek aesthetic Apple is known for. Available in a range of colours including Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and Product(RED), it features an aluminium frame and a glass back. The IP68 rating means it is water-resistant up to 6 metres for 30 minutes, adding a layer of durability for everyday mishaps.

Running on iOS 15, the software experience is smooth and user-friendly, with features like Focus mode, redesigned notifications, and enhancements to FaceTime making everyday tasks more efficient. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimised for the iPhone, ensuring that users have access to the best tools for productivity, entertainment, and more.

The iPhone 13 mini starts at an Australian RRP of $1,199 for the 128GB model, making it a competitively priced option for those looking for a high-performance smartphone in a compact form factor. Its release marked a continued commitment from Apple to cater to different user preferences, especially those who favour smaller devices without sacrificing functionality and power.

Overall, the iPhone 13 mini delivers a premium experience, combining a powerful processor, excellent cameras, and a vibrant display, all housed in a sleek, compact design. Its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features make it a standout choice for anyone in the market for a smaller smartphone.

This description was last updated August 2024.