Introduction

A supply chain analyst has recently predicted that owing to weak demand, Apple may stop producing the iPhone 12 mini in the second quarter of 2021. The mini-version was launched in the iPhone 12 series alongside the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which are speculated to have comparatively better market results. Apple launched the iPhone 12 mini as a flagship option for consumers who are looking for a smaller yet a powerful smartphone. Unfortunately, the latest model was not able to fulfill the expectations.

Unjustified price point

One of the main reasons for the poor demand for the iPhone 12 Mini was the high price of the smartphone. It was priced on the higher end and came with similar features as the iPhone 12 which costs only a few dollars more but offers a significantly bigger screen. In the iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12 debate, it made a lot more sense to slightly increase the budget and choose a genuine upgrade than settle for the mini version.

Battery life not up to the mark

Another reason for the likelihood of iPhone 12 Mini discontinuation is the battery life. The iPhone 12 Mini can't help but lose out to its brothers with such a small frame. In the battery test, the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 lasted 8 hours and 25 minutes, whereas the iPhone 12 mini on the same network only averaged 7 hours and 28 minutes. Any outcome under 8 hours in the test is not considered ideal. Thus, this makes it not the best choice for users who need every minute of longevity they can get during the day.

Better to choose iPhone 12 over iPhone 12 mini

As much as the two phones have in common, there are some notable variations in the iPhone 12 series i.e. between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.

In terms of screen size, the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display, and the iPhone 12 mini goes small with a 5.4-inch display that appeals only to users who prefer smaller devices. Further, the iPhone 12 mini has a battery that's smaller than the iPhone 12. The MagSafe charging speed is also different between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, where the latter charges at 15 watts. There are no major differences, but in the fight between iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 12, iPhone 12 wins the race with a bigger display and better battery life.

Should they save the mini apple?

iPhone 12 Mini user response highlighted that the market for compact smartphones did not have much substance. The increase in streaming services and mobile gaming popularity has left the smartphone manufacturers with little choice, making imperative to equip their smartphones with large displays and powerful hardware, all of which contribute significantly to the device's size.

Consumer concerns for the mini relate to the battery life and display size. Users want their phones to last longer, and larger packs is the only answer to that, which cannot be solved by a phone as compact as iPhone 12 Mini. Thus, keeping these factors in mind, experts do not recommend continuing the iPhone 12 Mini from the iPhone 12 series.

Conclusion: Is iPhone 12 Mini a failure?

Calling iPhone 12 a complete disappointment and failure would be incorrect. It was an experiment which  that failed for a variety of reasons. The idea was to bring flagship-grade specifications in a smaller form. The iPhone 12 featured a Super Retina XDR 5.4-inch display, supports the 5G network, comes with IP68 dust and waterproof body certification.

For its future experiments, Apple has learned the lesson to create distinguished identities. The iPhone SE was a hit because it was moderately priced but we cannot say the same for the iPhone 12 Mini. The timing of the launch of the iPhone 12 series may also have played a critical role as it was launched during a pandemic where video consumption was at a high. And, what do you need for video consumption? A big display.

Conclusively, owing to weak demand, the iPhone 12 Mini could not be a mass seller. It was introduced keeping a niche group of smartphone users in mind who do not want to compromise on the specifications but prefer compact shape variables.