If you want the smallest iPhone you can buy new in 2026, the answer is the iPhone 13 mini. It measures 131.5 mm tall and 64.2 mm wide, with a 5.4-inch display. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is slightly taller and wider, though it has a smaller 4.7-inch screen because of its chunky bezels. If you are willing to buy used, the original iPhone SE (2016) is even smaller, but it is no longer supported with software updates. This guide explains what "smallest" really means for an iPhone, how the dimensions compare across generations, and the trade-offs you make when you pick a compact phone over a larger one.
What "Smallest" Means for an iPhone
When people ask for the smallest iPhone, they usually mean the one with the smallest overall footprint: the height, width, and thickness that determine how it feels in a pocket or hand. Screen size is a separate but related metric. A phone with a larger screen can still be small if the bezels are thin, as Apple proved with the iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini. Those models have a 5.4-inch display but a body barely larger than the 4.7-inch iPhone 6/7/8/SE.
The iPhone 13 mini is essentially the same external dimensions as the iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm. The 13 mini is 4 grams heavier (141 g vs 137 g) but identical in footprint. Both are the smallest iPhones with a modern design and Face ID.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) uses the body of the iPhone 8, which measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 144 g. It is taller, wider, and heavier than the mini models, despite having a smaller screen. That is because the Touch ID button and thick top and bottom bezels take up space.
The absolute smallest iPhone ever made is the original iPhone SE (2016), which used the iPhone 5s body: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, 113 g. It has a 4-inch screen. That model is now obsolete for practical use because it cannot run current iOS versions and lacks modern features like LTE bands, waterproofing, and a decent camera. But if you are nostalgic for the Steve Jobs era size, that is the smallest.
How to Check Which iPhone You Have or Want
If you are shopping for a used or refurbished mini, the easiest way to confirm the size is by model number. The iPhone 13 mini has model numbers: A2628, A2629, A2630, A2631, A2632 (depending on region). The iPhone 12 mini is A2176, A2398, A2399, A2400, A2401. Both are physically identical in dimensions.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) shares the same body as the iPhone 8, so if you see a phone that looks like an iPhone 8 but runs iOS 15 or later, that is the SE. Its model numbers are A2783, A2784, A2785, A2595, A2782.
Apple has not released a mini model since the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 14 and 15 series skipped the mini format entirely. So if you want a truly compact current iPhone, the 13 mini is your only new option. If you want the smallest possible screen, the SE's 4.7-inch display is smaller than the mini's 5.4-inch, but the phone itself is bigger. Most people care about the pocket size, not the screen diagonal.
Why the iPhone 13 mini Is the Best Small iPhone Today
The iPhone 13 mini is the smallest iPhone that still supports the latest iOS (iOS 19 as of 2026) and will receive updates for several more years. It has the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, a capable dual-camera system, and MagSafe. Its battery life is shorter than the regular iPhone 13 (about 2 hours less), but it is still a full-day phone for moderate use. The 12 mini has poorer battery life and the same size, so the 13 mini is the better buy.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) costs less and has a smaller screen, but its body is bigger. It also has a single camera, no Night mode, and a much older design with thick bezels and a Home button. For many people, the SE is a compromise that does not actually save pocket space.
If you want to understand the full range of iPhones Apple currently sells and how they compare, deciding which iPhone is the best for your needs is a good starting point. That guide covers the 13 mini, the SE, and the larger models.
The Trade-offs of Going Small
Every compact phone involves compromises. The iPhone 13 mini gives up battery life, screen size for media, and the telephoto lens found on Pro models. It also has a smaller keyboard that can feel cramped for people with larger fingers. The physical size is great for one-handed use and tight pockets, but those same features are drawbacks for anyone who watches a lot of video, plays games, or types long emails on the phone.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) offers a smaller screen but a larger body, plus a familiar Home button and Touch ID. It also lacks a wide-angle camera and has a lower resolution display. For many people, the SE feels like a phone from 2017 with a 2022 chip inside.
If you are considering an older model like the iPhone 12 mini, be aware that its battery life is noticeably worse than the 13 mini. The 12 mini is often found cheaper on the used market, but finding out whether older iPhone SE models still work is a good idea before buying a phone that may lose software support soon.
What About the iPhone 12 Mini?
The iPhone 12 mini was the first mini model, introduced in 2020. It is the same physical size as the 13 mini. Its drawbacks are a slightly weaker chip (A14 vs A15), a shorter battery life (about 2 hours less than the 13 mini), and a camera that lacks sensor-shift stabilization. It is still a capable phone, but it is no longer sold new by Apple. If you find a good deal on a used 12 mini, it is a decent choice if you are okay with charging it midday. However, the 13 mini is a more future-proof purchase.
How to Decide Between the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone SE
This is the most common decision for someone who wants a small iPhone. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Choose the iPhone 13 mini if you want the smallest possible phone body, you want a modern full-screen design with Face ID, and you are willing to pay more for better battery life and a better camera.
- Choose the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you prefer Touch ID, you want a smaller screen (4.7 inches), you want the lowest price, and you do not mind a phone that is physically larger than the mini.
The SE is about 7 mm taller and 3 mm wider, which makes a noticeable difference in a tight pocket. But the SE's screen is 0.7 inches smaller diagonally, which can be a dealbreaker for media consumption.
For a broader look at all the iPhones you can buy today and which one is right for you, the guide on which iPhone to buy walks through the full lineup.
The Future of Small iPhones
As of 2026, Apple has not released a new mini model since the 13 mini. The iPhone 14 and 15 families replaced the mini with the Plus, a larger version. The iPhone 16 and 17 (if the naming pattern continues) are expected to remain at 6.1 inches and larger. That means the iPhone 13 mini may be the last truly compact iPhone from Apple. The SE line continues with the same 4.7-inch body, but that body is actually larger than the mini. So the window for buying a new small iPhone is closing.
If you want a small phone, your best bet is to buy the 13 mini while it is still available from retailers or Apple's refurbished store. Once it is gone, the only option for a new iPhone with a small footprint will be the SE, which is not as small in the hand.
FAQ
Is the iPhone 13 mini smaller than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Yes. The 13 mini is 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 141 g. The SE is 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 144 g. The 13 mini is noticeably smaller in every dimension.
What is the smallest iPhone ever made?
The original iPhone SE (2016) is the smallest by volume: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, 113 g. It is obsolete and not recommended for daily use.
Does the iPhone 13 mini have a headphone jack?
No. No iPhone since the iPhone 6s has a headphone jack. You need a Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter or Bluetooth headphones.
Can I use the iPhone 13 mini with one hand?
Yes, easily. It is the most one-hand-friendly iPhone Apple has sold since the iPhone 5. Most people can reach the entire screen with their thumb.
How long will the iPhone 13 mini get software updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5 to 6 years after launch. The 13 mini was released in 2021, so it should receive iOS updates until at least 2026 or 2027. As of 2026, it runs iOS 19 and is still fully supported.