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Short answer: In the United States, the iPhone 17e is the smallest new iPhone you can buy directly from Apple. It starts at $599 with 256GB of storage. However, it is still a conventional 6.1-inch phone. If you want a genuinely small, one-handed iPhone, the iPhone 13 mini is the better practical choice on the used or refurbished market. The iPhone 12 mini is fractionally smaller and lighter, but its age, battery condition, and 64GB base storage make it a weaker recommendation.
This comparison is for Apple’s U.S. lineup as checked on August 10, 2026. The answer changes depending on whether “smallest” means the smallest model sold new, the smallest body, the lightest phone, the smallest display, or the smallest iPhone that supports modern features.
What does “smallest iPhone” mean?
There are several valid answers because screen size and phone size are not the same thing:
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| What you mean by smallest | Best answer |
|---|---|
| Smallest current iPhone sold new by Apple | iPhone 17e |
| Smallest practical modern iPhone body | iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini |
| Shortest and narrowest body | iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, tied at 131.5 × 64.2 mm |
| Lightest practical modern iPhone | iPhone 12 mini, at 135 grams |
| Smallest display | iPhone SE (3rd generation), with a 4.7-inch screen |
| Best one-handed option | iPhone 13 mini, assuming you accept buying used or refurbished |
| Smallest iPhone with Apple Intelligence | iPhone 17e when buying new; a refurbished iPhone 16e has the same body size |
For body measurements below, dimensions are listed as height × width × thickness. The most useful distinction is between the iPhone 17e, which is the smallest current model, and the iPhone 13 mini, which is the smallest iPhone that still feels genuinely compact in 2026.
Smallest new iPhone: iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e is the smallest iPhone currently sold new by Apple in the United States. It measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm—about 5.78 × 2.82 × 0.31 inches—and weighs 169 grams.
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It is smaller by height, width, and weight than the current iPhone 16, which measures 147.6 × 71.6 mm and weighs 170 grams. The iPhone Air is lighter at 165 grams, but its 156.2 × 74.7 mm body is substantially taller and wider. Thinness alone does not make the Air the smallest iPhone.
| Specification | iPhone 17e |
|---|---|
| U.S. price | From $599 |
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB |
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 169 g |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED; 6.06 inches measured as a standard rectangle |
| Chip | A19 |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion camera system |
| Charging and connector | USB-C; MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W |
| Apple-rated video playback | Up to 26 hours |
| Durability | IP68 water and dust resistance |
| U.S. SIM configuration | eSIM only; no physical SIM card slot |
Apple introduced the 17e in 2026, made it available beginning March 11, 2026, and offers it in black, white, and soft pink. See Apple’s launch announcement and technical specifications for the current details.
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Choose the 17e if your priority is a new phone with a warranty rather than the smallest possible body. It gives you:
- A current A19 processor and the longest likely useful life among the compact choices.
- Apple Intelligence support, subject to compatible software, language, and region availability.
- USB-C instead of the Lightning connector used by the mini models and the iPhone SE 3.
- 256GB as the minimum storage capacity.
- Much stronger battery endurance on Apple’s controlled video-playback test than the older mini phones.
- MagSafe charging, IP68 protection, 5G, and current satellite safety features.
- A full Apple warranty when purchased new from Apple.
Apple lists Apple Intelligence compatibility for the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 and later, and iPhone 15 Pro models. That includes the 17e, but actual features can vary by operating-system version, language, and country or region. Check Apple’s Apple Intelligence compatibility page before buying for a particular feature or language.
Why the 17e is not a replacement for the iPhone 13 mini
The 17e is the smallest current iPhone, but it is not a modern version of the mini. Compared with the iPhone 13 mini, it is:
- 15.2 mm taller.
- 7.3 mm wider.
- About 28–29 grams heavier.
- About 24% larger in front-face area, using the published height and width measurements.
That difference is noticeable in a pocket and during one-handed use. The 17e’s 6.1-inch display is much more spacious for typing and reading, but shoppers looking for a genuinely small phone may find it too large despite its position at the bottom of Apple’s current size range.
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The iPhone 13 mini is no longer sold new by Apple, but it remains the best balance of compact size, modern features, and usable storage among the mini models. Refurbished and used examples are available through third-party sellers, including refurbished iPhone 13 mini listings at Best Buy. Prices, battery health, and condition vary considerably.
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| Specification | iPhone 13 mini |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.65 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 140–141 g |
| Display | 5.4-inch OLED; 5.42 inches measured as a standard rectangle |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
| Cameras | Dual 12MP rear cameras, including an ultra-wide camera |
| Connectivity | 5G; nano-SIM and eSIM in the U.S. |
| Charging | Lightning; MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W |
| Apple-rated video playback | Up to 17 hours |
| Current software | Compatible with iOS 26 as of the research date |
| Apple Intelligence | Not supported |
Apple’s iPhone 13 mini specifications confirm its dimensions, display, cameras, connectivity, and battery rating. Its 5.4-inch edge-to-edge OLED screen is smaller than the 17e’s while avoiding the large bezels found on the iPhone SE.
Why buy the iPhone 13 mini?
The 13 mini is the best recommendation when physical compactness is the dominant priority. It is narrow enough to be comfortable in many hands, short enough to disappear into smaller pockets, and light enough for extended one-handed use. It also retains features that make it feel like a modern iPhone rather than a budget throwback:
- Face ID and an edge-to-edge OLED display.
- 5G and MagSafe.
- A dual-camera system with an ultra-wide lens.
- 128GB minimum storage, which is much more practical than the 12 mini’s 64GB base model.
- Compatibility with iOS 26.
The main compromise is age. Every iPhone 13 mini available today has been used, refurbished, or held as old inventory for years. Battery wear, previous repairs, water exposure, and the quality of the refurbishing process matter more than the phone’s color or nominal storage capacity.
The 13 mini also does not support Apple Intelligence. It can run the current iOS 26 release, but that confirms only present compatibility; it does not guarantee how many future major iOS versions Apple will support.
Smallest and lightest by raw dimensions: iPhone 12 mini
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini have exactly the same published height and width: 131.5 × 64.2 mm. The 12 mini is slightly thinner and lighter, measuring 7.4 mm thick and weighing 135 grams, compared with 7.65 mm and approximately 140–141 grams for the 13 mini.
| Model | Dimensions | Weight | Display | Apple-rated video playback | Main concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 mini | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 135 g | 5.4-inch OLED | Up to 15 hours | Older battery, A14 chip, and 64GB base storage |
| iPhone 13 mini | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.65 mm | About 140–141 g | 5.4-inch OLED | Up to 17 hours | Used-only market and no Apple Intelligence |
The 12 mini is therefore the answer if you mean the absolute minimum weight and thickness among these practical modern models. It has an A14 Bionic chip, 5G, MagSafe, a 5.4-inch OLED display, and remains compatible with iOS 26. It was available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
For most buyers, however, the 13 mini is worth choosing instead. Its A15 chip is newer, its 128GB base configuration is more usable, and Apple rates it for up to two more hours of video playback. Buy the 12 mini only when it is substantially cheaper than a comparable 13 mini, or when the smallest possible weight matters more than capacity and battery longevity.
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- Unlocked
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to come with a battery that exceeds 80% of original capacity.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm’s length. Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
See Apple’s iPhone 12 mini specifications for the published measurements, storage options, and battery rating. Apple’s test figures are controlled results, not a promise of runtime from a used phone. Actual battery life depends on usage, settings, network conditions, and the battery’s recharge-cycle history.
Is the iPhone SE smaller?
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) has the smallest screen in this comparison, but it does not have the smallest body. Its 4.7-inch LCD display sits inside a body measuring 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm, and it weighs 144 grams. That makes it taller and wider than both mini models.
| Specification | iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD |
| Dimensions | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 144 g |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Biometrics | Touch ID and physical Home button |
| Connectivity | 5G; nano-SIM and eSIM |
| Charging | Lightning |
| Apple-rated video playback | Up to 15 hours |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
| Current software | Compatible with iOS 26 as of the research date |
| Apple Intelligence | Not supported |
Its bezels reduce the diagonal screen measurement without making the phone smaller overall. The SE 3 is worth considering if you specifically want Touch ID, a Home button, or a lower used price. It is not the right answer if your goal is the smallest body or the most immersive display. Apple’s detailed specifications are available on its iPhone SE (3rd generation) support page.
What about a refurbished iPhone 16e?
Apple’s Certified Refurbished store has listed refurbished iPhone 16e models, including 128GB and 256GB configurations. At the time of research, examples were listed at $419 for 128GB and $509 for 256GB, but refurbished inventory and prices change frequently.
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The 16e has essentially the same body dimensions as the 17e: 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm. It has a 6.1-inch OLED display, weighs 167 grams, uses an A18 chip, and supports Apple Intelligence. It is therefore a potentially good discounted alternative to the 17e, but it is not physically smaller than the 17e and is not the current new model.
Apple says its Certified Refurbished products receive full functional testing and include a one-year warranty. If an iPhone 16e is available at a meaningful discount, it can be the best value for someone who wants Apple Intelligence in the smallest current-size body. Check Apple’s Certified Refurbished policy and current refurbished inventory before treating any quoted price as current.
Which small iPhone should you buy?
| Your priority | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New phone purchased from Apple | iPhone 17e | Smallest current model, current warranty, USB-C, 256GB minimum, long battery rating, and Apple Intelligence. |
| Smallest practical phone | iPhone 13 mini | Much shorter and narrower than the 17e while retaining OLED, Face ID, 5G, MagSafe, and an ultra-wide camera. |
| Absolute minimum size and weight | iPhone 12 mini | Same height and width as the 13 mini, but 0.25 mm thinner and about 5 grams lighter. |
| Smallest display or Touch ID | iPhone SE 3 | Its 4.7-inch screen and Home button appeal to some users, although the body is larger than a mini. |
| Apple Intelligence at a refurbished discount | Certified-refurbished iPhone 16e | Same physical footprint as the 17e and potentially cheaper when Apple has stock. |
Choose the iPhone 17e if…
- You insist on buying new.
- You want Apple’s warranty and the lowest risk of hidden hardware damage.
- You need Apple Intelligence.
- You want USB-C and at least 256GB of storage.
- You prefer stronger battery endurance over the smallest possible body.
- You are comfortable with the U.S. model’s eSIM-only design.
Choose the iPhone 13 mini if…
- You care more about pocketability and one-handed use than buying new.
- You want a small OLED phone with Face ID, MagSafe, 5G, and an ultra-wide camera.
- You can check battery health, parts history, and Activation Lock status.
- You are prepared to use a returnable seller or pay for a battery replacement if necessary.
- You do not need Apple Intelligence.
Choose the iPhone 12 mini only if…
- The smallest possible weight is important.
- It costs substantially less than an equivalent 13 mini.
- You can live with a 64GB base configuration and an older battery.
- The seller offers a strong return policy.
Used and refurbished iPhone mini buying checklist
A cheap mini can become expensive if it has a worn battery, a non-genuine replacement screen, or a defective Face ID system. Before buying, use this checklist.
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- Confirm the exact model and region. Make sure the listing is actually an iPhone 12 mini or 13 mini, not a larger iPhone 12 or 13. If you depend on a physical SIM, confirm the regional model; U.S. iPhone 13 mini models support a physical nano-SIM and eSIM.
- Check carrier status. For a U.S. phone, open Settings → General → About and look for Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM restrictions. Also confirm compatibility with your carrier before the return period expires.
- Make sure Activation Lock is removed. The seller must sign out of their Apple Account and erase the phone. At setup, the device should reach the Hello screen without requesting the previous owner’s Apple Account. Do not buy a phone that remains linked to someone else’s account.
- Inspect battery health. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. A high maximum-capacity percentage is preferable, but the percentage alone is not a guarantee of good runtime. A mini with an aged battery may need service soon.
- Review parts and service history. On supported iOS versions, open Settings → General → About and look for Parts and Service History. Warnings about an unknown or nongenuine display, battery, camera, or other component should affect the price and your willingness to buy.
- Test Face ID. Set it up and unlock the phone several times. Face ID failure can be an expensive repair and is not a minor cosmetic defect.
- Test every camera. Check the main and ultra-wide lenses, autofocus, flash, portrait mode, video recording, microphone, and camera switching. Look for focus failures, spots, flicker, or a camera that fails to open.
- Inspect the display and touch layer. Look for dead pixels, burn-in or discoloration, green tint, excessive scratches, uneven brightness, and areas that do not respond to touch. True Tone should also be present and working; its absence can be a warning sign of a replaced display, although it is not conclusive by itself.
- Test charging and accessories. Connect a Lightning cable, test wireless charging, and check MagSafe alignment. A loose port, intermittent charging, or damaged back glass is a reason to return the phone.
- Do not rely on the original water-resistance rating. Apple rated these phones for water resistance when new, but seals can weaken after years, drops, or repairs. Treat an older used phone as having no dependable water protection.
- Prioritize the return policy. A short or nonexistent return window is a major risk. Test the phone immediately rather than waiting until the seller’s deadline is nearly over.
Apple’s battery figures are controlled tests, and a used iPhone will not necessarily approach the original rating. Battery life varies with use, settings, network configuration, and recharge-cycle history. If the phone is otherwise in good condition, compare the cost of an Apple battery replacement with the price difference between that device and a newer model.
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iOS 26 support
Apple lists both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini as compatible with iOS 26 as of the research date. That makes either phone viable for current basic iOS features, but compatibility today is not a promise of future major iOS releases. Older phones also tend to have shorter remaining battery life and less repair value even when their software still works.
Apple Intelligence support
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13 mini, and iPhone SE 3 do not support Apple Intelligence. The smallest current-size options that do are the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e, along with supported iPhone 16 and newer models and the iPhone 15 Pro generation. Feature availability still depends on software version, language, and region.
Repair availability
Apple says iPhone owners can generally obtain service and parts for at least five years after Apple last distributed a product for sale, with longer availability possible depending on parts, local requirements, and Apple’s policies. This is a general policy, not a guarantee that every part or repair option will remain available for every mini model. See Apple’s service and parts availability policy for the qualification.
Bottom line
Buy the iPhone 17e if you want the smallest current iPhone new from Apple. Buy a carefully inspected iPhone 13 mini if you mean genuinely small and comfortable to use one-handed. The iPhone 12 mini wins the raw size and weight comparison by a narrow margin, but the 13 mini is usually the more sensible used purchase. The SE 3 has the smallest screen, not the smallest body, while a refurbished 16e is the compact-size option to consider if Apple Intelligence matters and Apple’s refurbished price is attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy an iPhone 13 mini new from Apple?
No. Apple’s current U.S. new-iPhone lineup no longer includes a mini model. iPhone 13 mini units may still be available from third-party used or refurbished sellers, but condition, battery health, warranty, and return policies vary.
Is the iPhone 12 mini smaller than the iPhone 13 mini?
Only slightly. Both measure 131.5 × 64.2 mm in height and width. The iPhone 12 mini is 0.25 mm thinner and about 5 grams lighter, while the iPhone 13 mini has a newer chip, better Apple-rated battery life, and 128GB minimum storage instead of 64GB.
Which is the smallest iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence?
The iPhone 17e is the smallest current iPhone sold new by Apple with Apple Intelligence support. A refurbished iPhone 16e has essentially the same 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm body and may cost less when Apple has stock. Apple Intelligence is not supported on the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13 mini, or iPhone SE 3.
The Bottom Line
Best new choice: iPhone 17e. Best genuinely small choice: iPhone 13 mini. Smallest and lightest: iPhone 12 mini, but only if its lower price and older hardware justify the trade-offs.
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