Pricing and Specifications Overview

The iPhone SE begins at £419/$429, and if you opt for maximum specifications, the price can reach £569/$579.

In contrast, the iPhone 13 mini starts at £679/$699, with the price soaring to £979/$999 for fully-loaded specs. Both models provide classic Apple options, allowing you to choose your preferred color and storage size. Unfortunately, the color range for the iPhone SE is rather limited, featuring only Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED, while the iPhone 13 mini boasts six vibrant color choices.

When it comes to storage, the iPhone 13 mini offers up to 512GB, whereas the iPhone SE maxes out at 256GB. The starting storage options are also quite disparate, with the iPhone SE beginning at 64GB, which many users find inadequate. Isn’t it time to retire the 64GB variant, Apple?

Both devices are powered by the same A15 Bionic chip and support 5G connectivity. Thus, the base model iPhone 13 mini demands an extra £260/$270 over the iPhone SE. But what do you really gain with that additional expenditure?

Design and Display Features

Here's where things get a bit peculiar. The iPhone 13 mini is physically smaller than the iPhone SE by a noticeable margin. The iPhone SE is over 3mm wider and nearly 7mm taller, weighing in at 144 grams compared to the iPhone 13 mini's 140 grams.

Despite its smaller size, the iPhone 13 mini features a larger screen due to its reduced bezels and the absence of the Touch ID home button. The 5.4-inch display of the iPhone 13 mini outshines the iPhone SE in every aspect. It offers an OLED panel (while the SE remains LCD), resulting in richer blacks and a maximum brightness of 800 nits, making it much more readable in bright sunlight. Additionally, the iPhone 13 mini has a superior contrast ratio, greater pixel density for sharper visuals, and HDR support.

For those who appreciate technical specifications, it's worth mentioning that the iPhone SE has only a 720p resolution, whereas the iPhone 13 mini boasts a 1080p display.

Both devices are easily manageable with one hand, which is a relief for those who struggle with larger phones. However, the rounded edges of the iPhone SE feel more comfortable than the sharper design of the iPhone 13 mini. Regardless, both are built to last, which is a hallmark of Apple.

Camera Performance

The iPhone SE is equipped with a single 12MP wide camera featuring an f1.8 aperture. It delivers decent photographs and, thanks to the A15 Bionic chip, captures images without noticeable lag or processing delays. As with most iPhone cameras, it performs reliably (check out my iPhone SE review for more).

On the other hand, the iPhone 13 mini sports a dual-camera setup with two 12MP lenses, offering both wide and ultra-wide angles. The standard wide lens has an f1.6 aperture, allowing it to capture more light compared to the iPhone SE. It also features Night Mode, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and a cinematic mode for video. The iPhone 13 mini ranks among my favorite smartphone cameras, and you can see its capabilities in my iPhone 13 mini review.

The disparity in camera capabilities is significant, and for iPhone users, the added cost for the iPhone 13 mini is likely justified.

MagSafe and Biometrics

One notable feature of the iPhone 13 mini is MagSafe, which the iPhone SE lacks (although it would have been a great addition in the 2022 model). MagSafe enhances user experience by simplifying charging and enabling accessory compatibility.

I’m personally frustrated with Apple's reliance on the Lightning connector. With nearly all my other devices using USB-C, Apple's proprietary method is often inconvenient. MagSafe charging is my go-to option, though the iPhone SE can also charge wirelessly via Qi.

The MagSafe Wallet has also been a game changer for me, eliminating the need for a traditional wallet and streamlining my daily carry to just my iPhone.

While MagSafe alone may not justify the premium for the iPhone 13 mini, it is a feature that you'll miss if it’s absent.

When it comes to biometric security, preferences vary. The iPhone 13 mini utilizes Face ID, which provides convenience but comes with the infamous notch. In contrast, the Touch ID on the iPhone SE might seem outdated, yet it feels secure and familiar, especially for users accustomed to fingerprint sensors.

Battery Life Evaluation

The battery life of the iPhone 13 mini has improved significantly compared to its predecessor. It easily lasts a full day without issues.

The same can be said for the iPhone SE, which sometimes feels like it outperforms the iPhone 13 mini, despite official figures suggesting otherwise. Both models support fast charging and have impressive standby times, which is crucial for battery performance. They might not last two days, but they certainly offer commendable endurance for their size.

Conclusion: The Last of Its Kind?

We may not see another iPhone mini in the future. Rumors suggest that due to disappointing sales of the iPhone 12 mini, a new version may not be on the horizon. Similarly, the aging design of the iPhone SE is likely to receive significant updates in 2023, which may mean saying goodbye to Touch ID as we know it.

As it stands, both the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE could be considered the final iterations of their kind. The choice between them ultimately depends on your budget, camera preferences, biometric security preference, and desire for the latest design.

In summary, the iPhone 13 mini presents the most convenient version of Apple’s notch design, while the iPhone SE caters to those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics. The added features of the iPhone 13 mini, particularly its display and camera capabilities, justify the higher price tag. However, you likely already know which option suits you best.

Before You Go

Join my mailing list for exclusive behind-the-scenes content. If you appreciate my writing, consider supporting my work on Medium. Click here to join — a portion of your membership will help support my efforts!

In this video, we compare the Pixel 4a and the iPhone SE 2 (2020) to see which budget phone reigns supreme!

Watch as we conduct a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a in this budget battle shootout!