# What Is the Smallest iPhone You Can Buy?

**URL:** <https://intoguide.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-iphone-you-can-buy/1265>\
**Category:** iOS\
**Created:** [April 25, 2026, 8:09am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-iphone-you-can-buy/1265 "2026-04-25T08:09:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wasabi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/intoguide.com/wasabi/32/646_2.png) [@wasabi](https://intoguide.com/u/wasabi)\
**Post date:** [April 25, 2026, 8:09am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-iphone-you-can-buy/1265/1 "2026-04-25T08:09:14Z")

</div>

Here’s a **clean, structured comparison table + expanded long description** of the smallest iPhones available (based on your text), including current availability and where each model fits in Apple’s lineup evolution.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/6/68d59620d5855eb08d89dc17c69344bd3644e7bd.jpeg)

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# Smallest iPhones Available (Compact iPhone Guide)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/b/b8df1535722456bf0ae49ffda526b5c9dba2e884.jpeg)

Even as modern smartphones trend larger, Apple still maintains a small-screen entry point through the iPhone SE (3rd generation), along with older discontinued mini models that remain popular in refurbished markets.

These devices are especially appealing to users who prioritize:

- One-handed use

- Lightweight design

- Pocket-friendly size

- Lower cost entry into iOS

* * *

## Compact iPhone Comparison Table

| Model | Release Year | Display Size | Chip | Key Features | Design Style | Status | Typical Price Range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **iPhone SE (3rd gen)** | 2022 | 4.7" | A15 Bionic | Touch ID, 5G, single 12MP camera | iPhone 8-style (home button) | Still sold new | ~$429 |
| **iPhone 12 mini** | 2020 | 5.4" | A14 Bionic | OLED, Face ID, dual camera, 5G | Flat-edge modern design | Discontinued | ~$400–$600 refurbished |
| **iPhone 13 mini** | 2021 | 5.4" | A15 Bionic | Better battery, improved cameras, OLED | Flat-edge modern design | Discontinued | ~$500–$700 refurbished |

* * *

## Individual Breakdown

### iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/b/b8df1535722456bf0ae49ffda526b5c9dba2e884.jpeg)

The current compact iPhone still sold directly by Apple.

**Key traits:**

- Classic Home button with Touch ID

- Smallest display in modern lineup (4.7")

- Lightweight and simple design

- Strong performance thanks to A15 chip

This model is often chosen by users who prefer:

- Physical fingerprint authentication

- Familiar older iPhone design

- Budget-friendly entry point

* * *

### iPhone 12 mini

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/b/bc9f51acc40022a7c41ccea67b827e6fdf5f828d.jpeg)

A fully modern design in a very small body.

**Key traits:**

- 5.4" OLED edge-to-edge display

- Face ID (no Home button)

- Dual-camera system

- First-generation 5G iPhone

Strength:

- Extremely compact while still “modern”  
Weakness:

- Battery life is relatively limited

* * *

### iPhone 13 mini

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/3/3304c3282c43e47e4c0835ec1ca609b2d3947f2f.jpeg)

The most refined compact iPhone Apple ever released.

**Key traits:**

- Same 5.4" OLED size as 12 mini

- Improved battery life

- Better cameras (especially low light)

- A15 Bionic chip

This is widely considered:

- The **best balance of size + performance** in Apple’s mini lineup

* * *

## Why Apple Stopped the “mini” Line

Apple discontinued mini models because:

- Sales were lower than expected

- Users increasingly preferred larger screens

- Larger phones offer:

As a result, Apple shifted focus back toward standard and Plus-sized devices.

* * *

## Future Small iPhone Direction

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/3/30040ba0feab0520239676740e0d84ff14aef8bd.jpeg)

Apple is no longer actively producing mini models, but small-device strategy continues in two ways:

### 1. iPhone SE Evolution

The SE line is expected to evolve toward:

- Full-screen design

- Face ID

- USB-C

- Single rear camera (higher resolution)

- Modern chip upgrades

This would make SE more like a “budget flagship” than a retro device.

* * *

### 2. Ultra-Thin iPhone Concept (Air Model)

Apple is also rumored to be exploring a thinner device often referred to as the:

iPhone 17 Air

Expected characteristics:

- Much thinner body (~5–6 mm range)

- Larger display than mini phones (~6.5–6.6")

- Lightweight design focus

This is **not a mini replacement** , but a different direction: thinness over compactness.

* * *

## Key Takeaway

| If you want… | Best option today |
| --- | --- |
| Smallest possible iPhone | iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
| Small + modern design | iPhone 13 mini (refurbished) |
| Cheapest Apple entry point | iPhone SE |
| Future lightweight design | iPhone 17 Air (rumored) |