I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini To See If It's a Better Buy Than a New iPhone Air
I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini To See If It’s a Better Buy Than a New iPhone Air
In my latest video, I explore the feasibility of purchasing a used iPhone 13 Mini as a budget-friendly alternative to a new iPhone Air. After 4.5 years with my iPhone 12 Pro Max, I sought a more compact solution without spending $1,000. By acquiring the iPhone 13 Mini for just $324 on Amazon, I aimed to evaluate its performance and practicality in 2025.
Join me as I conduct three essential tests to assess the used phone experience. I’ll discuss the challenges of purchasing an older model, the transition to its smaller dimensions, and the performance of iOS 26. While I found the camera impressive and surprisingly adapted to the compact size, the battery life proved problematic, ultimately diminishing my overall satisfaction.
Throughout my journey, I share tips on what to consider when buying used, including battery health and alternative models. Spoiler alert: the iPhone 13 Mini has its strengths, but my experience revealed areas for improvement.
Watch my full testing process to find out if this smaller, more affordable phone earns a spot in your pocket—or if you should consider other options instead!
Watch the video by CNET
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Video “I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini To See If It's a Better Buy Than a New iPhone Air” was uploaded on 12/20/2025 to Youtube Channel CNET



































This phone was great during the pandemic for me. For the year I had it I was basically at home for college and it always said on its charger pretty much all day anyway. But yeah once I started going back in person to classes the battery didn't hold up as well. Yes, I could have carried a charger but I ended up upgrading to the 14 pro Max. Now I have the 17 and I think it's the way to go. Smaller than the promax but bigger than the mini.
I just did the opposite and boy do I not miss the mini’s horrendous battery life
In terms of the actual battery you should go for the 13 Mini but it is a little outdated in some features you would want to use
boomer mentality
Should have kept iOS 18 on it
13 Mini user here, needing either a battery update or going in for an upgrade to a 17 base model. Love the mini’s small size. But, as a photo enthusiast, am intrigued by new model’s photo qualities.
I bought an iPhone 12 Mini when it was released in 2020 and used it for three years before giving it to my father. I regretted parting with it and then used the iPhone 15 Plus, 16, and 17, but I wasn't happy with them. I searched in stores and found a used one on AliExpress with 64GB of storage and 94% battery health. I was so happy when I got it back.
Got my lovely Product Red 13 Mini just under 2 years ago, mint condition, with a 100% battery. I was considering getting something newer, but the 16e and Air were both underwhelming. I refuse to get a newer phone with less features.
Thanks for the content.
I’m still rocking the iPhone 13 mini😃
Y'all been noticing a trend lately? CNET never responds or interacts with anyone in the comments anymore.
mini is the best
Great video! About nine months ago, I downsized from a 13 Pro to the 13 Mini too and life has been so great. The phone does not weigh you down and it’s easy to type one handed. Battery is a thing, sure, but the whole point of the Mini is to be less distracting. I feel more productive with the Mini 😊
The iPhone Mini needs to return ❤
Dang that’s a lot, would’ve guessed like $120
I wish they make a new Mini, I would buy it immediately, but I understand that I'm in the minority.
Also having a physical SIM card slot comes in handy sometimes especially when traveling abroad
is it just me or this phone is getting popular again. i heard in Japan it is popular
This is a telltale sign that an iPhone has been refurbished with non-genuine Apple parts. It’s not just Apple. most brands go through similar refurbishing processes. Be cautious when buying from sources like BackMarket. The phones have always already been set up and come with cheap charging cables…..
There’s a good video on YouTube if you search around, where someone opens up several phones to check how they’ve been refurbished. Most of the time, the phones are poorly refurbished using non-genuine parts.
You would think Apple would take notice of the cult following this phone has and update it, even just the battery. I make lemonade out of the shorter battery life by forcing myself to only use my phone purposefully and lower my screentime.
I held onto my mini for as long as I could. After a few software upgrades and and even with a battery health of 94% in 2025, it just didn't hold up anymore. Battery want holding up for my use. I loved my mini…
TLDR: The phone was fine in every regard except the battery life. You’re welcome.
Lessons learned. Not for me. I'm more of a Pro Max kind of person. AKA: The brick…
stop trying to make the mini happen.
You can still get the iPhone 13 mini new (Old stock) from walmart btw
I would like to see a slim iphone mini for $500
Like the topic, but sorry you take to long to highlight the important…
Great job Mike, solid test! That final phone flip into the pocket was the cherry on top, pure class. It's crazy how many people miss the Mini form factor, myself included; switching from a Pro Max to this is a quantum leap for the pockets (literally and figuratively). Too bad about the 83% battery, that's the real Achilles' heel of used gear… do you think if Apple made a "Mini Pro" with a decent battery and USB-C today, it would sell as well as the big slabs or would it remain a niche for nostalgic folks like us?
I got a new 12 mini and then 13 mini. The battery life was terrible on both. Air gets me through all day.
I want both! I have the Air thinking of the second mini phone for photos and an webcam
Watching this on a 13 Mini 🍿
still use my 12 pro max.
tried a 17pm, can’t see why to buy it.
Not bad. If it had TouchID I’d buy one.