The SE 2 launched in April 2020 at US$399, six months before the 12 mini. Anyone who mainly wanted a small iPhone had already bought one, so the mini’s natural audience was split before it launched.
For most of the world, the phone is the only screen they have, so of course they want a big one. People who carry a laptop and want a light portable phone for messages, maps and payments are a minority, and a fairly wealthy one.
The Mini also outperformed in Japan, which sales are now declining in.
Unwieldy overpriced bricks being forced on everyone doesn't seem like a good long term strategy.
For most of the world, the phone is the only screen they have, so of course they want a big one. People who carry a laptop and want a light portable phone for messages, maps and payments are a minority, and a fairly wealthy one.
The Mini also outperformed in Japan, which sales are now declining in.
Unwieldy overpriced bricks being forced on everyone doesn't seem like a good long term strategy.