In the reviews I read, the 13 mini was a significant upgrade in battery life, compared with the 12 mini. Since your 12 mini is now old, even a used 13 mini (with good battery health) would probably be a significant upgrade. Apple battery replacements for these are not crazy prices either. A used but pristine 13 mini with battery replaced by Apple would probably be much, much cheaper than a 16e.

If I sound like I'm trying to influence you're decision, my apologies! I really disliked the size of the SE 2022, which I bought to replace the last really good Apple phone (SE 2016), and that was much smaller than the 16e. I should have gone straight to the 13 mini - I was put off by no bezels, Face ID, and I guess like a sucker I wanted to buy another SE because I liked the one I had so much. :)