As we approach the end of 2024, the iPhone 13 Mini, released in September 2021, remains a highly attractive option for those who prefer a compact yet powerful smartphone. According to our UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Refurbished iPhone 13 Mini models are currently priced around $300. Occasionally, you may even find deals below $300, which is a great bargain considering its original release price of $699. With support for the latest iOS 18, the iPhone 13 Mini is still an excellent buy in 2024, offering flagship performance in a smaller form factor.
Full Specs of the iPhone 13 Mini
| Specification |
iPhone 13 Mini |
| Release Date |
September 2021 |
| Display |
5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor |
A15 Bionic chip |
| Operating System |
iOS 18 |
| Storage Options |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Cameras |
12MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera |
12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Weight |
140 grams |
| Build |
Ceramic Shield front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Face ID |
Yes |
Display
The 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 13 Mini is vibrant and sharp, delivering excellent contrast and deep blacks. Despite its compact size, the screen quality is on par with larger models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. The smaller size makes it perfect for users who prefer a more pocketable device without sacrificing display quality. Whether you’re watching videos or browsing social media, the display on the iPhone 13 Mini won’t disappoint.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 Mini is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which remains one of the most powerful processors in 2024. It handles multitasking, mobile gaming, and resource-heavy apps with ease. The A15 also supports advanced machine learning tasks, making features like Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 4, and Cinematic Mode possible. In 2024, the A15 chip is still competitive, ensuring the iPhone 13 Mini offers top-tier performance for years to come.
Camera
The iPhone 13 Mini comes with a dual-camera system, featuring a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Despite its smaller size, the iPhone 13 Mini’s camera delivers excellent photo and video quality. It supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4, ensuring great low-light performance and detailed images. Additionally, the front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera is perfect for selfies and FaceTime calls, supporting Cinematic Mode and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording.
Battery
The iPhone 13 Mini is equipped with a battery that supports up to 17 hours of video playback, which is impressive for such a compact phone. It supports MagSafe wireless charging and 20W fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up the device. Although the battery life is shorter compared to larger models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it is still reliable for everyday use and provides a full day’s worth of charge for most users.
Design and Build
The iPhone 13 Mini has a premium build with a Ceramic Shield front, glass back, and aluminum frame. At just 140 grams, it’s one of the lightest iPhones on the market, making it incredibly easy to carry around. The design is sleek, modern, and durable, with an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Its smaller size is perfect for those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone without compromising on performance.
Water Resistance
The iPhone 13 Mini is IP68 water and dust resistant, which means it’s designed to survive submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for users who may accidentally drop their phone in water or use it in challenging environments. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or caught in the rain, the iPhone 13 Mini can handle it all with ease.
Support for the Latest iOS Version (iOS 18)
A significant advantage of the iPhone 13 Mini is its support for the latest iOS 18. This means that in 2024, you’ll benefit from the newest features, security updates, and performance enhancements that Apple continues to roll out. iOS 18 brings improvements in user experience, privacy, and app functionality, ensuring that the iPhone 13 Mini remains relevant and fully functional for years to come.
iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini?
If you’re considering the iPhone 13 Mini, it’s worth comparing it to the iPhone 13. A Certified Refurbished iPhone 13 is typically priced about $50 more than the iPhone 13 Mini. While the iPhone 13 Mini offers the same powerful A15 Bionic chip and camera system, the iPhone 13 provides a larger 6.1-inch display and slightly better battery life. If you’re willing to spend a little more for a bigger screen and improved battery life, we suggest opting for the iPhone 13. However, if portability and price are your priorities, the iPhone 13 Mini remains an excellent choice.
Conclusion
In 2024, the Certified Refurbished iPhone 13 Mini, available for $300 or sometimes even less, is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, high-performance smartphone. With its powerful A15 Bionic chip, impressive dual-camera system, support for iOS 18, and lightweight design, the iPhone 13 Mini offers incredible value. However, if you’re willing to pay about $50 more, we suggest considering the iPhone 13 for its larger display and better battery life. Both models offer fantastic value, but your choice will depend on your preferences for size and budget.
Used vs. Certified Used / Refurbished
When considering buying an iPhone 13 Mini in 2024, it’s important to understand the difference between Used and Certified Used/Refurbished devices.
- Used Devices: These are typically sold by individuals on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. While these may come at a lower price, they carry risks like hidden damage, shorter battery life, and no warranty.
- Certified Used/Refurbished Devices: These are professionally inspected, tested, and restored to full functionality by reputable sellers like Amazon Renewed, Apple, or Best Buy. Certified devices typically come with warranties, ensuring that you’re getting a reliable product with fewer risks.
How UpTrade Can Help
At UpTrade, we help you find the best deals on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhone 13 Mini models. Our UpTrade Price Tracker monitors prices across trusted sellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple to ensure you get the best price for a high-quality device.
All Certified Refurbished iPhone 13 Mini devices listed on UpTrade come with warranties, giving you confidence that your phone has been thoroughly inspected and tested for performance.
