If there’s one smartphone trend that really stood out for me in 2025, it’s the return of petite smartphones. Now, before you think I’m talking about genuinely small phones like the original iPhone SE, no. Case in point: the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini (which could’ve definitely used a shorter name). It is Oppo’s latest entrant in the Reno series, and while it hasn’t been very long since the Reno 14 lineup arrived, a debate for another time, the new Reno 15 Pro Mini might just be the most exciting of the bunch.
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Coming back to the size, many would argue that a 6.32-inch display isn’t exactly small or petite. And if you had said that five years ago, I would’ve agreed. But with phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra now inching closer to the 7-inch mark, a device with a 6.3-inch display hits differently, and in a good way.
Unlike previous years, Oppo is, for the first time, releasing a ‘mini’ phone in its lineup. The Reno 15 series includes three models: the Reno 15, Reno 15 Pro, and the Reno 15 Pro Mini, the star of this article. I remember getting an early sneak peek at the Reno 15 phones, and while all three devices are solid, the Pro Mini immediately stood out to me.
The colour I’ve received for testing is Glacier White. The Reno 15 Pro Mini also comes in a Cocoa Brown option, featuring a soft matte finish. Circling back to the white variant, the rear combines a glossy white surface with a 3D ribbon element. Personally, I don’t mind it, though I’m not entirely sure if everyone will warm up to it instantly. That said, this is Oppo we’re talking about, one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers in the world, so it’s safe to assume the design decisions weren’t made lightly.
That aside, the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini is easily one of the finest compact phones I’ve seen in recent times. While I do have several thoughts about its performance, I’m not allowed to talk about that just yet. What I can say is that we’ve already started putting the latest Reno phones through their paces, so stay tuned for the full review dropping soon on Digit.
What stands out immediately is how good the Reno 15 Pro Mini feels in the hand. It weighs just 187 grams and is only 7.99mm thick. In daily use, it feels perfectly ergonomic. The weight distribution is spot on, making the phone feel dense and premium without ever becoming uncomfortable. Despite the glossy back, the white finish does a surprisingly good job of hiding fingerprints. On the flip side, a matte black option would’ve absolutely nailed it, maybe next time.
Design-wise, the Reno 15 Pro Mini doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking. Coming from the Reno 14 series, the design language feels familiar, and Oppo has clearly played it safe. There’s nothing wrong with that approach. In fact, I genuinely believe the Reno 15 Pro Mini has all the ingredients to be the showstopper of the Reno 15 lineup. For the first time, buyers have a real choice, and if you want ‘Pro’ power without the usual ‘Pro’ size, the Pro Mini finally gives you that option.
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