iPhone 12 Mini review: Apple goes big on a phone so small
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The iPhone 12 Mini does something many of us wanted: It's a truly small phone without compromises. Making a device that comes in different sizes doesn't seem like a big deal. And yet it is because it's an iPhone. I spent a week putting the iPhone 12 Mini through its paces to see if it makes sense, in 2020, to have a phone this small.
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:03 "It's just a small iPhone 12"
0:02:01 Does it make sense to have this phone?
0:02:40 Design & reachability
0:03:30 I have a complaint
0:05:22 In my pocket
0:05:56 How are the cameras?
0:06:29 Photos & Videos
0:07:56 Why you may not like it
0:08:14 What about the battery?
0:08:58 Performance
0:09:23 And then, there's 5G
0:10:16 MagSafe
0:11:08 At the end of the day
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Best review of the mini and I’ve watched a ton
2 gb of Ram
Informative video. I was curious about which game you were playing. Just wanted to try it out. Looks interesting to me.
Hi, I have 11 pro now and I like 12 mini, what advice do you give me to go from 11 pro to 12 mini or wait until next year, I also think that the battery is smaller for mini but I don't know what to do? thanks
I love my mini as well. Pretty awesome and it’s very snappy.
One or the Best video about IPhone12 mini!! Thanks!!
Patrick, you are just awesome! Love your reviews and originality. A tech poet. What`s not to love? :-) Best for 2021.
Got mine fixed permanently by *dr.clark26* ōn !G He’s fast and reliable !!
Got mine fixed permanently by *dr.clark26* ōn !G He’s fast and reliable !!
I could see Rod Serling doing this video presentation.
Disappointed it doesn’t include EarPods and wall connector.. Apple is so selfish for this
You are natural for doing reviews..CNET should pay you handsomely sir.
😍😍
❤❤
The best part this marvelous IPhone12 Mini was not designed by J. Ive ......was tired of tinny iPhones from his time he sacrifice functionality for aesthetics....
best phone i've have ever seen
You just watch the likes of Android manufacturers start making smaller phones next year when the see the sales on the 12 mini
Apple could have priced this phone at $1500, call it IPhone 12 Steve Jobs Edition.
Very nice
It’s the perfect size.
Best review I’ve seen. I love my iPhone 12 mini. The blue is gorgeous. Feels so light. I find myself navigating through apps and texting a lot faster now. Plus, I’m always near chargers and usually put it in low pwr mode when not in use. Great phone ! Slap a case on it and you’re good to go.
But the voice recognition sucks. My Android phone dictates my voice perfectly.
🥦🥴👍🏼🇩🇪
I just got one couple days ago it’s wonderful! It’s what a phone should be like IMO.
For CNET to call the 12 mini tiny, I find it insulting. You want tiny, look for the unihertz atom
will buy it when price comes down
As an owner of a 5SE I jumped at the chance to get this one when the 5 died. It is lovely the only complaint I have is the large notch at the top of the screen. Hides the points on my Word Link game.
I actually don't understand why people call this a small phone. To me, it is a regular sized phone for the regular human being, unlike those latest massive Phones that should instead be called IPADS cause of how big they are.
I don't what crappy area you live at but I get 200mbs+ on at&t nationwide 5g
Everyone's talking like they shrank the iPhone 12 to make the mini and how amazing it is... Guys, they made the mini first and made it bigger to make the 12 😂
Your awesome 👏
iPhone 12 mini is great but the battery is too small
I bought one, and I’m so excited to receive it the next week 🥰
A small phone with an amazing camera and a amazing battery is the absolute combo and need. Perfect buy with a great tablet for anyone.
I wanted to switch to ios for this but I cannot transfer my work files because iTunes.
i am swapping my 11 pro for 12 mini. cant wait
I ordered one for the nostalgia of the 5, 5s and the se which I still have. But I can’t seen to let me 11 pro max go such a beast of a phone.
Held on to my old SE for 4 years and now I've ordered a white Mini to replace it. Feels like I've been waiting for this phone forever and now it's here. I love the feel and convenience of a smaller phone. When I want to consume media, I use my 27-inch high-res computer screen (LOL) or my tablet.
Ordered one today. My first ever smartphone. Been resisting modern tech for years but finally caved in. Not keen on the look of those big paddle phones and I'm coming from an internetless Blackberry 3g. Judging by all the reviews, I think I got it right first time. Looking forward to using Apple pay, not sure what else will interest me about the phone but who knows.
@CNET Thanks! Will do.
Let us know how it goes for you!
I was thinking of this phone but what dose that internet look like. I mean nowadays people do all there shopping on there phone. If you have to zoom in constantly then that’s going to get old really really quick. There’s a reason why phones are bigger. If your just going to make calls and text take photos and that’s it. This phone will be great but other then that....it’s just a novelty
Great Video🤍 I also filmend and Unboxing of my new silver Iphone 12 pro max and I’ve loved using it so far. 🥰it would mean the world if you guys can give it a look and show me some support as a new youtuber🥺💕thank youu😘😘
Nice video. Is tat bad the typing experience? I have thick fingers and that makes me boubt between the mini and the regular 12. I love the size of the mini. Cheers
Thank you so much apple, thanks a lot for launch it.. although I can't afford it, im pretty sure android will follow
My SE Mk1 is better and smaller than this one!
The best part about this small phone is that it actually has a 'big enough' screen at 5.4". I played around with one in Best Buy yesterday. The phone is physically sized exactly between the original iPhone SE and the iPhone 8, bigger than the SE, but not as big as an iPhone 8. AFAIC, it is the perfect physically sized phone. But the screen is bigger than both those phones!! I think Apple has a real winner on their hands here. By the way, if you hate really large phones but don't want to go as small as the Mini, I have to say that the iPhone 12/12Pro is actually a really nice sized phone considering it has a 6 inch screen, actually smaller sized than the old iPhone 8+
This guy review is the best i have ever seen !
Sounds like a real treat! Love how it has most of the big phone features in a compact size. You've convinced me to get one :-)
Hey CNET, Tthis guy is awesome, you should feature more of him!!
Thanks for the review. You convinced me to consider it. Although it would be hard to move from my iPhone 11 Max Pro to 12 mini. We will see...
Yeah. Agree. Mini is a winner.
Great review 👍, will get one for sure!
This phone reminds me of the iphone 5 and 5s and the ios 7, the nostalgia is real everybody was so hyped with the iphone 5 and 5s
It also charges on a Mophie round charger. I have had the same Mophie since iPhone 2008.
I hate to sound trollish, but notch-notch...notchy notch and son of a notch. What the notch is the notch so notch with the notch?
you forgot to mention that the battery life isn't the same in your intro.
Steve jobs be like : this does put a smile on my face
I wished the mini has 512gb...
This would be a great budget friendly phone for kids and teenagers
Or for people with small hands who prefer a smaller phone
Perfect size for me. I will buy one after the holidays when user reviews are positive. Great video. Thank you.
Can't wait to open my iPhone 📲 12 mini even though I carry a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as u know it's pretty big which I'm use to but I've been wating for a phone 📱 this small. All the reviews I've seen are awesome 👍 about the new mini 12 📲 I can't wait for Christmas 🎁 to open it
Ugly notch, pathetic battery life , no fast charging. Over all mini does not justify 600$ price tag..
I’m on a 7+ and I’m strongly considering the mini. I can barely type on the 7+ one handed, so... reachability
I am so confused! Regular 12 or the mini? Though I prefer a smaller form factor but the battery and keypad are definitely a bummer.
Watching this on my mini right now. It’s everything I need it to be. Going to have it for years hopefully.
I like this reviewer. Well humored, informative.
5:45 that is also called coin pocket..
Phones are big that’s what she said
The only thing i don't like on iphone 12 mini is that camera shape.
I just dump my Xs Max for mini best decision I ever made on a phone..
What is it missing, a charger perhaps
What?? No banana for scale? Instant dislike! JK, nice vid!
Battery life 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎. Battery life sucks. Iphone 9 best.
6:30 what's that track playing? Shazam says it's Soundboy Burial by Mister T. It sounds VERY similar but it's not the track.
I went to Apple store wanting a 12 pro... but I saw the mini Needless to say.. I forgot about the pro and bring home the mini...
Is that a watch pocket? I'm always thinking it's a coin pocket...
I think it’s awesome. Can’t wait to see it in person. But I’m holding out for a foldable iPhone still.
I'll buy this with stock android😂❤️
The only legit CNET reviewer, IMO.
It’s not as small as i thought id be, but im satisfied! At least i can upgrade my 2016 SE now lol
Ihope🙏 someone give me iphone to use my daily vlog😞
I think it’s still too big. Move in the right direction though
what is the game at 1:40 ?
Bought it for my wife. She is happy.
Still to big compare my Motorola Razr flip phone! I just got a refurbished one and is only cost my $250.00! Bargain!
A small beast 🔥 *12 mInI*
CNET: Apple goes big me: Yea that NOTCH is still big
If Apple put the pro camera on the mini to make a 12 pro mini I would be persuaded to get it.
OKAY! CNET! WE THE POEPLE WANT TO SEE THIS FELLOW MAN! DO ALL YOUR REVIEWS! THE GUY IS A NATURAL 👌👌👌👌👌
looks lik apple beat android at making my dreams of a small 5.5in "full" screen phone. im kinda heart broken.
I might return after long time (didn't use iPhone since 5s)
Ordered one and finally LOVE an updated original SE that I loved for a long time! I HATE large phones.
Tons of people reporting iPhone 12 mini Lock Screen issue regarding a case and screen protector. Are you able to confirm this as an issue on your end?
ياريت يصير عندي
حلو بس غالي
I've had my 7 for three years now and the battery suffers when I browse or check email. Had enough of it but didn't want to get the 11 because of the size. Thank you apple for this mini-Now I have to spend hours finding the right deal for me at the right price.
I wish it were as small as the original SE without the bezels. But hey, I’ll take it. Simply HATE the bulk of my X.
tells a bit of a lie at 6:48 He obviously hasnt checked out the mi 10 ultra or the note 20 ultra or the mate 40 pro
I love the build on the iPhone 5, felt quality, will have to check this mini one out
iPhone 4s/Air3 iPad user. iPad has spoiled me. Love the 4s and will order a 12mini iPhone BUT I can see where Siri will need to VoiceAssist the usability gap on the 12mini going forward. Siri is critical on this form factor. Apple gets Siri one better than Google, we can look forward to a next Gen of small form factor products.
:)