Why is the Apple iPhone 12 mini still a bestseller in 2026?

Over the past few weeks, the iPhone 12 mini has been selling more than we expected, which made us stop and ask what’s driving it. So… why is the Apple iPhone 12 mini still bestselling this year?

For one, the iPhone 12 mini fits in your pocket. You can literally reach the whole screen without shuffling your grip. For a lot of buyers, that is the entire selling point. And we could end just there, but it doesn’t really explain why it’s this particular model that sells so well. After all, Apple killed the mini line only in 2021, with the 13 series (and we’ve got it in stock!).

Scrolling and switching between apps is smooth, and in 2026, Apple’s A14 chip is still plenty, because most users aren’t gaming at 120fps, rather messaging, browsing and paying for things. People also assume the screen is basic. But you get an OLED display with proper contrast and sharpness, so text, photos and videos look crisp. It’s all just… more contained.

With this model, you’re getting: Face ID, 5G, a strong main camera, solid build quality and ongoing software support. Nobody buys this phone expecting two-day battery life, either. Those who choose it know that a smaller size means smaller battery capacity.

The iPhone 12 mini comes just second from the end of the road for compact iPhones. People who owned one before want another. People who skipped it the first time, now realise there’s nothing else like it, at least this affordable.

So why does it keep selling? Because it’s small but still fast and solid enough to feel much more than ‘this will do’. It’s affordable without feeling cheap. And it’s one of the last of a size people liked. That combination is rare.