You shouldn't buy the iPhone 13 mini in 2024, and we figured out why it's better to choose the iPhone 15

iPhone 13 mini was announced in the fall of 2021. This is a compact smartphone from Apple with a screen diagonal of only 5.4 inches. And the iPhone 15 was introduced in 2023 - this is the newest flagship iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen. And that’s why it’s preferable to choose it in 2024.




Screen diagonal
At first glance, it is strange to compare devices from different classes. The iPhone 13 mini has a compact 5.4-inch display, while the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch screen. But by modern standards, a miniature matrix is no longer relevant.
The small screen greatly limits functionality. It is difficult to read long texts and view photos. It’s more comfortable to watch YouTube or play games on a larger display, not to mention the fact that developers are in no hurry to adapt the program interface for the 13 mini.
The iPhone 15 had smaller frames and installed Dynamic Island, which increased usable space. So 6.1 inches in the new product is an ideal option for lovers of compactness.


Size and weight
Of course, the iPhone 13 mini wins in size and weight. It measures 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm and weighs only 140 grams. But the iPhone 15 is also quite compact: 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm at 171 g.
30 grams of “extra weight” is not at all critical for comfortable use. But you get a much more functional smartphone. So in terms of size-to-screen ratio, the iPhone 15 is better than the compact but limited iPhone 13 mini.


Autonomy
The iPhone 13 mini has a 2406 mAh battery. This is barely enough for 1 day with a moderate load. With intensive use, you will have to recharge the smartphone several times a day. And the iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery. Such a battery can easily last one and a half, or even two days of active work without recharging.
Over time, batteries age and lose capacity. The iPhone 13 mini's maximum battery performance will decrease faster and will lose precious hours of autonomy after just six months of use.


Camera
The iPhone 13 mini camera, although released in 2021, still takes excellent photos. However, in iPhone 15 the system has received significant improvements:

1. new 48 MP sensor;
   
2. best optics;
   
3. next generation portrait mode.
   

Also in the iPhone 15, the aperture of the main camera module has been increased to f/1.6. This allows you to take even brighter photos with clearer detail in low light. As a result, the pictures on the device are even more detailed and of higher quality, especially in difficult conditions. And night mode is faster and more accurate thanks to the Photonic Engine.


Compacts are becoming a thing of the past
iPhone 13 mini is still a compact and powerful smartphone. But in 2024, it cannot compete with new models. iPhone 15 is one of the most balanced devices in terms of price and capabilities. It costs more but offers much more. And this functionality is worth the sacrifice of one-handed control.