As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB
- Best budget: Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB
- Best premium: Apple iPhone 15 128GB
- Best for Touch ID: Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB
- Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB is the stronger compact pick for shoppers who want an OLED screen, Face ID and a dual-camera system.
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB suits shoppers who prefer a Home button, Touch ID and a familiar iPhone design.
- Both compact models use the A15 Bionic chip and support 5G, but the iPhone 13 mini has a larger, higher-resolution display.
- Apple iPhone 13 128GB and Apple iPhone 15 128GB are sensible alternatives for shoppers who want a larger screen.
- Compare storage, condition, seller and return terms before choosing an older iPhone during Black Friday 2026.
The Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) are two compact 5G iPhones with the A15 Bionic chip, but they suit different shoppers. The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch OLED display, Face ID and two rear cameras. The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch LCD display, Touch ID and a physical Home button. For shoppers asking “iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE 3 Black Friday,” the key decision is modern screen and camera features versus the familiar button-led design.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven Apple phone options. The Best bet for most compact-phone shoppers is the Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB; the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB is the Easy recommendation for shoppers who value Touch ID and a smaller upfront storage commitment. We also include larger-screen alternatives, so you can compare your priorities rather than focus on a single model.
How We Picked
- Compared display size and technology, including the OLED panels on the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 12 mini.
- Checked chip, 5G support, camera hardware and distinguishing features such as Face ID, Touch ID and USB-C.
- Considered owner feedback about pocketability, battery endurance, everyday speed and ease of use.
- Included several storage configurations and screen sizes to cover compact-phone shoppers and people open to a larger iPhone.
- Prioritized clear model identification; check the listing’s condition, storage, carrier status and return terms before ordering.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Rear camera system | Chip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB | Compact OLED and dual cameras | 5.4-inch OLED | Dual 12MP | A15 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB | Touch ID and Home button | 4.7-inch LCD | Single 12MP | A15 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB | Touch ID with more storage | 4.7-inch LCD | Single 12MP | A15 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GB | Earlier compact OLED | 5.4-inch OLED | Dual 12MP | A14 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone 13 128GB | Larger screen with A15 | 6.1-inch OLED | Dual 12MP | A15 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone 14 128GB | Standard-size OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | Dual 12MP | A15 Bionic |
| Apple iPhone 15 128GB | Newer design and main camera | 6.1-inch OLED | 48MP main | A16 Bionic |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB
The Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB is the best compact all-rounder for shoppers who want a pocket-size iPhone with modern camera features, including a 5.4-inch OLED display.
Best for: Compact OLED, Face ID and dual cameras
- Display
- 5.4-inch OLED
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- Dual 12MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- Bright OLED display in a compact body
- Wide and ultra-wide rear cameras
- Face ID and 5G support
- Smaller battery than larger iPhone models
- No physical Home button
Is the Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB is worth considering for shoppers who want a small iPhone without giving up an OLED display or dual cameras. The Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB's 5.4-inch screen is noticeably more compact than standard iPhone screens, while the A15 Bionic chip and 5G support keep it capable for everyday tasks.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB is the best button-first iPhone for shoppers who prefer Touch ID, with a 4.7-inch display that keeps the body compact.
Best for: Touch ID and a classic iPhone layout
- Display
- 4.7-inch LCD
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Rear camera
- 12MP
- Storage
- 64GB
- Home button with Touch ID
- A15 Bionic performance and 5G
- Compact, familiar design
- LCD screen has larger bezels
- 64GB storage is restrictive for large libraries
Is the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB is worth considering for shoppers who want a compact iPhone with a Home button and Touch ID. The A15 Bionic chip and 5G support are useful strengths, but shoppers who keep many photos, videos or apps should compare the 128GB version.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB is the best Touch ID option for shoppers who want more room for apps and photos, with 128GB of built-in storage.
Best for: Classic design with more storage
- Display
- 4.7-inch LCD
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Rear camera
- 12MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- Touch ID and Home button
- Twice the storage of the 64GB version
- 5G connectivity
- Single rear camera
- Display is smaller than the iPhone 13 mini panel
Is the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB is worth considering if you want Touch ID and more storage than the 64GB model. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB's 4.7-inch LCD and single 12MP rear camera are simpler than the iPhone 13 mini’s setup, but the familiar Home button remains a clear advantage for some shoppers.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GB
The Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GB is the best alternative for shoppers seeking an older compact OLED iPhone, with a 5.4-inch screen and dual rear cameras.
Best for: Compact OLED on an earlier generation
- Display
- 5.4-inch OLED
- Chip
- A14 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- Dual 12MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- Compact OLED display
- Wide and ultra-wide cameras
- Face ID and 5G
- Earlier A14 Bionic chip
- Battery endurance is a key trade-off
Is the Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GB is worth considering for shoppers who want a 5.4-inch OLED iPhone and Face ID in a small body. The A14 Bionic chip is an older generation than the iPhone 13 mini’s A15, so compare condition and battery health carefully when reviewing a listing.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Apple iPhone 13 128GB
The Apple iPhone 13 128GB is the best larger-screen alternative for shoppers who like the iPhone 13 mini’s generation but want a 6.1-inch OLED display.
Best for: A bigger screen with the A15 chip
- Display
- 6.1-inch OLED
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- Dual 12MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- Larger OLED screen
- A15 Bionic and 5G
- Dual rear camera system
- Less pocketable than the mini
- Not as compact as the iPhone SE
Is the Apple iPhone 13 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 13 128GB is worth considering if you want the A15 Bionic chip and dual 12MP cameras in a larger format. The Apple iPhone 13 128GB's 6.1-inch OLED display gives videos, reading and everyday browsing more room than either compact phone in the iPhone 13 mini versus iPhone SE comparison.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Apple iPhone 14 128GB
The Apple iPhone 14 128GB is the best pick for shoppers who want a 6.1-inch OLED screen and familiar Lightning charging, with dual 12MP rear cameras.
Best for: A standard-size iPhone with dual cameras
- Display
- 6.1-inch OLED
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- Dual 12MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large OLED display
- Dual rear cameras
- Familiar Lightning connector
- Larger body than the compact choices
- A15 chip is shared with older models
Is the Apple iPhone 14 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 14 128GB is worth considering for shoppers who prefer a standard-size iPhone with an OLED display and dual cameras. The 6.1-inch screen is easier for extended viewing than the compact models, while its A15 Bionic chip keeps the core experience familiar to iPhone 13 shoppers.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Apple iPhone 15 128GB
The Apple iPhone 15 128GB is the best premium alternative here for shoppers who want a newer design, with a 48MP main camera and USB-C connector.
Best for: A newer design and upgraded main camera
- Display
- 6.1-inch OLED
- Chip
- A16 Bionic
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Storage
- 128GB
- 48MP main camera
- USB-C connector
- Dynamic Island display feature
- Larger than the compact iPhone options
- May be more phone than a basic-use shopper needs
Is the Apple iPhone 15 128GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 15 128GB is worth considering if you want a newer iPhone design, a 48MP main camera and USB-C. The Apple iPhone 15 128GB's 6.1-inch OLED screen is not as pocketable as the iPhone 13 mini, but its camera and connector make it a strong step-up option.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, iPhone 13 mini or iPhone SE 3?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) both use the A15 Bionic chip and support 5G, but the iPhone 13 mini is the more feature-rich compact choice. Its 5.4-inch OLED screen fills more of the front with display, and its rear camera system adds an ultra-wide camera alongside the main camera.
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) makes sense for shoppers who specifically want Touch ID, the Home button and a 4.7-inch screen. The design is familiar and straightforward, but the LCD panel and single rear camera are simpler. Choose the iPhone 13 mini for screen quality and photography flexibility; choose the SE 3 for button-led navigation and a classic iPhone feel.
Which compact iPhone has the better screen and design?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch OLED display, while the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) has a 4.7-inch LCD display. The iPhone 13 mini offers richer contrast and a more modern full-screen front, making it the stronger choice for video, photos and reading in a small phone.
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) keeps the Home button and Touch ID, which some shoppers find more intuitive than Face ID. Both models are compact, but their shapes feel different in use: the iPhone 13 mini puts more of its face toward the screen, and the SE preserves a recognizable button-based layout.
Which phone takes better photos?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has two 12MP rear cameras, while the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) has one 12MP rear camera. The mini’s wide and ultra-wide lenses give shoppers more framing options, from everyday snapshots to broader landscapes and group photos.
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) remains a capable choice for straightforward everyday photos, but it lacks the dedicated ultra-wide camera. Shoppers who take frequent trips, family pictures or scenic shots should put the iPhone 13 mini higher on the list. For newer camera hardware, the Apple iPhone 15 128GB adds a 48MP main camera and a larger body.
How do battery life and charging compare?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) are both small phones, so shoppers who prioritize long battery endurance should compare them with 6.1-inch models such as the Apple iPhone 13 128GB. Battery performance depends on battery health, settings, signal strength and the way each person uses a phone.
The Apple iPhone 13 mini supports MagSafe accessories, while the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) supports Qi wireless charging and uses Lightning. For an older or refurbished phone, ask about battery health and return coverage before purchase. A compact body is convenient to carry, but shoppers who stream, navigate or photograph throughout the day should consider a larger iPhone.
Which iPhone should you choose for Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB is the strongest match for shoppers seeking a compact screen, OLED display and dual cameras in one phone. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 128GB is a better fit when Touch ID, a Home button and extra storage matter more than a modern screen design.
Shoppers who do not need a compact body should compare the Apple iPhone 13 128GB and Apple iPhone 14 128GB for 6.1-inch OLED displays. Choose the Apple iPhone 15 128GB for USB-C and its 48MP main camera. For every listing, confirm the exact storage, unlocked status, condition and seller return policy before checkout.
Buying Guide
Choose the screen and unlock method first
The Apple iPhone 13 mini offers a 5.4-inch OLED screen and Face ID, while the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers a 4.7-inch LCD screen and Touch ID. Pick the mini for a more immersive compact display; pick the SE if the Home button is essential.
Match storage to your everyday use
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation), 64GB suits lighter app and photo use, while its 128GB version leaves more room for files. The Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB provides the same storage amount. Shoppers who save many videos should look for a higher-capacity configuration.
Check the listing before buying
The Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) are older model families, so inspect each listing’s exact condition, carrier status and included accessories. Confirm that the return window and seller details fit your needs, especially for refurbished or renewed devices.
Decide whether you really need a compact phone
The Apple iPhone 13 128GB and Apple iPhone 14 128GB both have 6.1-inch OLED displays, compared with the iPhone 13 mini’s 5.4-inch screen. A larger iPhone gives videos and reading more space, while the mini is easier to carry in small pockets.
Consider connector and camera preferences
The Apple iPhone 15 128GB pairs a 48MP main camera with USB-C, while the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE 3 use Lightning. Compare your existing cables and photo habits before choosing; a newer connector or extra camera capability is useful only when it matches your routine.
FAQ
Is the iPhone 13 mini better than the iPhone SE 3?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini is the better choice for shoppers who want a 5.4-inch OLED display, Face ID and two rear cameras. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the better fit for shoppers who prefer its 4.7-inch LCD screen, Touch ID and Home button.
Does the iPhone 13 mini have a better camera than the iPhone SE 3?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has a more versatile rear camera system, with two 12MP cameras that include wide and ultra-wide views. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) has one 12MP rear camera, making it a simpler option for basic everyday photography.
Which iPhone is smaller, iPhone 13 mini or iPhone SE 3?
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) has the smaller 4.7-inch display, compared with the Apple iPhone 13 mini’s 5.4-inch display. Both are compact choices, but screen size alone does not describe the full-body dimensions or the different front designs.
Does the iPhone SE 3 support 5G?
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) supports 5G and uses the A15 Bionic chip. The Apple iPhone 13 mini also supports 5G and shares that chip generation, so the main differences between these compact models are the screen, cameras and unlock method.
Should I buy an iPhone 13 mini or an iPhone 15?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini suits shoppers who value a compact 5.4-inch phone, while the Apple iPhone 15 128GB offers a 6.1-inch screen, USB-C and a 48MP main camera. Choose based on pocketability, camera priorities and the connector you prefer.
What should I check when buying an older iPhone on Black Friday 2026?
The Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) listings should clearly state storage, device condition, carrier status and return terms. For used or refurbished phones, also check battery health, included accessories and whether the seller provides a warranty.