How to transfer data from old to new iPhone partially?

Hi,

I recently got a new iPhone 12 and want to transfer data from my old iPhone. The problem is, storage was an issue on my old phone, and I don't want to immediately fill up the new one, so I'd like to transfer only basic information like contacts, messages, and settings, and leave out the apps and photos. However, I was not given any options about what to transfer when I tried transferring things directly, and I don't have anywhere with enough storage to back up a 128gb iPhone to, so direct transfer is my only possibility. Is there any way I can transfer just the contacts, messages, and settings? Perhaps an alternate option I missed?