I too have been longing for a smaller phone ever since I got a 7 four years ago and this 12 mini looks like just what I've been waiting for. It would be nice if it had the telephoto lens as well but I'm sure the camera is still a big step up for us that are still using older phones. I thought this might be the time to go max since I'm not commuting anywhere anytime soon but since this will hopefully be my phone for the next 3 years I think I'll be happy with the mini. I'm also glad they brought back the flat sides. The rounded design introduced with the 6 is too slippery. I never needed a case before I got the 7 and dropped it 4 times in the first week.