iPhone 12 mini + iOS 26 Review: Still Worth It?

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Is the smallest iPhone from 2020 still a smart choice in late 2025? Five years after its release, I’ve installed the new iOS 26 on my blue iPhone 12 mini to give you the ultimate long-term review. Whether you’re thinking of buying one, still using one, or considering an upgrade, this video covers everything you need to know.

We’ll dive deep into my honest, real-world experience. This review also applies to the regular iPhone 12 model—just expect a bigger screen and slightly better battery life!

In this video, we cover:
– What made the iPhone 12 mini so special back in 2020.
– How the design and Super Retina XDR display hold up.
– Real-world performance with the A14 Bionic chip (and that 4GB of RAM).
– My honest battery life experience with 86% battery health.
– Camera quality in 2025: Is it still good enough for social media?
– My deep-dive into iOS 26: the new look, performance, and heat management.
– Does it support Apple Intelligence? And does it even matter?
– The major downsides you MUST consider before buying.
– Final Verdict: Who is this phone for in late 2025?

Thanks for watching! Let me know in the comments if you’re still using an iPhone 12 mini.

#iPhone12mini #iOS26

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31 Comments

  1. I still have my iPhone 12 mini that I bought when it came out. I have 72% battery health and I’m going to change the battery. I’m not going to upgrade unless they make a new mini iPhone😍

  2. Still using mine for work, travel (both business and pleasure), and normal day-to-day. Still works great for my needs. The size was the main driver when I picked it up in 2020. Yeah, the battery is getting tired. Might get it replaced soon. Alternatively, looking to change phone provider, so we’ll see if I’ll be able to keep it or be compelled to upgrade.

  3. I have 2 12 minis. One with 128 gb the other one with 64. i feel there is a difference in performance favoring the 128 in general, in spite of the fact that is has been used for 5 years and the other one only for a few months. Are they made differently? Aren't they supposed to be the same?

  4. Miss my blue 12 mini. Upgraded to the 16 pro from it last year. Honestly, I could do without the latest and greatest, I would have loved to keep using the 12 mini to this day.

  5. I need to get my battery replaced because is struggling but apart from that I don’t need to upgrade. I considered upgrading to an iPhone 12 mini with the biggest storage capacity and in another colour.

  6. just changed my 12 mini to 13 mini. I dont play or watch videos with it so battery is not a problem and dont need an AI. There just is not any alternative at the market right now.

  7. I still love my iPhone 12 mini because I’m a very tiny woman and this phone is the only one that doesn’t feel like I’m holding a big brick or a big postcard. It’s perfect for the size of my hands. I wish that they would stop making phones that are built for Arnold Schwarzenegger hands.