I'm looking to get a second iPad to compliment my 12.9" iPad Pro. I love my 12.9" pro, but it's a little big to be hauling around or to use in bed to read. I originally had my mind set on picking up a mini 4, but now with the recent release of the new ipad 9.7", that is tempting too. Nothing fancy, just 32gb wifi. No LTE. I think now the mini 4 is actually more expensive than the new 9.7". Any advice or anyone else in the same boat?
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2nd Tablet: iPad Mini 4 or New iPad 9.7"?
- Thread starter SteelBlueTJ
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I would look at it like a size factor. Do you want an iPad that's a 7.9 or a 9.7 inch display? I personally think the new 9.7 inch iPad is a really good price for what you're receiving, and the reviews have been positive so far with the speed and it also has the exact same battery life as the iPad Air 2.
I think you would find out coming from the 12.9 inch iPad to a 7.9 inch iPad, the size difference would be drastically small from what you're used to. A 9.7 inch iPad would probably be more subtle and offer more portability compared to your 12.9 inch iPad Pro.
I'd get the 9.7 as it is small enough to use comfortably in bed without losing the larger more immersive display. The Mini in my opinion is too small especially if your coming from a 12.9 Pro, I'm not sure you would like the Mini 4 tiny screen and its smaller size and weight only really benefit you if your on the go a lot, in a bed the 9.7 would be more ideal in my mind. Plus the 9.7 has a A9 which will be supported longer due to its increased computational power, oh and the 9.7 has amazing battery, people are saying 12 hours of internet browsing and up to 14 hours of watching videos.
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I disagree entirely with it having the same battery life as a Air 2, across the board it shows results that surpass the Air 2 battery by 2-3 hours.
Depends on use. I take my mini 4 LTE with me everywhere. Size is perfect for me being on the road a lot.
I'd get the 9.7 as it is small enough to use comfortably in bed without losing the larger more immersive display. The Mini in my opinion is too small especially if your coming from a 12.9 Pro, I'm not sure you would like the Mini 4 tiny screen and its smaller size and weight only really benefit you if your on the go a lot, in a bed the 9.7 would be more ideal in my mind. Plus the 9.7 has a A9 which will be supported longer due to its increased computational power, oh and the 9.7 has amazing battery, people are saying 12 hours of internet browsing and up to 14 hours of watching videos.
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I disagree entirely with it having the same battery life as a Air 2, across the board it shows results that surpass the Air 2 battery by 2-3 hours.
You can disagree all you want. The technical specifications listed on Apple's website are listed as such, which is exactly what I was referring to, not anecdotal user experiences, which my above post is accurate based on Apple. The New 9.7 iPad does have a larger battery. However, "Across the board" is a sweeping generalization and will vary based on the user and HOW they use their iPad. Otherwise, I could make the same counter argument.
New 9.7 iPad
Wi-Fi model
- Built-in 32.4-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
- Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
Air 2
Wi-Fi model
- Built-in 27.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
- Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
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As someone who was blown away by the Mini 4's display (and still am), if I were in the OP's position I'd consider that. Sure, the Mini has a couple of years on the new 9.7 but I think you'd notice some difference between iPP and the 9.7 display-wise.
That's me.
That's me.
I was going to make this exact point. While a 9.7 display is not huge (especially if you're used to the pro display size) I find the iPad mini to be the perfect size for me.
Bear in mind I use mine (LTE/wifi capable) a lot on the road traveling for work and I also have a car base mount that I can use while driving. Anything bigger than the mini would be overwhelming in a car in my opinion. The screen is big enough to comfortably watch movies/videos at a hotel room or hanging out in public without feeling like I'm watching videos on a phone but not so big to seem cumbersome while on the go. Of course what you're going to be using it for the most would be my deciding factor. For me it's the combo of portability and size. Your mileage may vary on this.
It should be noted that the Mini 4 is only more expensive if you're comparing it to the 32GB new iPad. The Mini 4 is the least expensive iPad that offers more than 32GB.
My vote would be on the mini 4. But I think it's a highly personal decision anyway. Having used both the Air and mini 4 for extended periods of time, the mini 4 for very casual use and reading books feels incredible and nearly weightless compared to the Air (and I'm assuming the 9.7").
Using a 9.7" Pro myself for the past year, I keep finding that I wish I had a smaller iPad as well for casual browsing and especially for reading books. I think it would compliment the 12.9" quite nicely.
However, after using the 12.9" for an extended period of time, both the 9.7" and 7.9" form factors feel small in comparison (they definitely feel close in size to each other than the 9.7" and 12.9" Pros do). And if there's nothing very specific you'd want it for other than portability and general iPad use, then the 9.7" is an excellent option. In a way, whenever I pick up that size iPad it always feels fantastic. Perfect balance and portability. I'm sure it's no coincidence that it's the size they originally chose for the iPad.
Also, I'm sure you can find some good deals on refurb mini 4 with the lower storage to save a few $.
Yah it varies, obviously you can drain it probably in 3 hours at max brightness playing a game but most average users don't do that. In every review I've read on the new iPad they've shown a increase in battery life from the Air 2 though, so I went off what a person in the real world was getting instead of Apples standard, scientific test/10 hours number as even that figure is entirely circumstantial based off usage like you said.
Thanks for proving my point
No two users will have the same experience, based on what they use their iPad for. Either way, technical specifications is exactly that. There are to many variations based on a users settings and preferences on how they choose to use it. Either way, both iPads are rated accordingly.
If you can handle size then go for the newer model. IMO the A9 chip is considerably better performance than the mini4 which I have found to be not as responsive as I would like. However, maybe it is too heavy, try it in a shop and see How it compares.
Nobody can decide this for you, but I can give my own experience with iPads. I never had the 12.9" iPad, so I'm not sure which other iPad would work better with it, but my iPad Air 2 stays home and I take my iPad mini 4 around with me a lot of times.
So basically if I was you, I'd get a 9.7" iPad if I was mainly going to use it at home, but I'd get the iPad mini 4 if I was going to take it out of the house a lot.
So basically if I was you, I'd get a 9.7" iPad if I was mainly going to use it at home, but I'd get the iPad mini 4 if I was going to take it out of the house a lot.
If you have a 12.9", then it'll be worth going for the mini as a second tablet due to the extreme difference in size and weight - especially good for bed use.
Different suggestions here - but I do agree with both; excellent thoughts in my opinion.
Your not helping make his desicion any easier
LOL. I mean, I guess getting both and having all 3 sizes available is an option?
i was in the same boat and i bought a 32GB mini 4. i've had 9.7 ipads since day 1 and for my uses it wouldn't offer enough of a difference from my 12.9 for mobility. The mini 4 may be a few years old but it has great battery life and performance is top notch.
As someone who has the 12.9 as well as the Mini 4 lte, I think they are a fantastic combination.
The Pro is a beast (both in weight and functionality) and the mini 4 is great for travel, or in the gym on the elliptical watching Netflix.
The Pro is a beast (both in weight and functionality) and the mini 4 is great for travel, or in the gym on the elliptical watching Netflix.
I had my mind set on hr iPad mini 4 last week due to the price drop. Went to Best Buy to check it out, and I felt that it was a bit too small. The new iPad was on display right next to it, and it felt perfect. The Pro was there too, but I felt like the size was too big.
So... new iPad it is! And I'm very impressed with it so far. Love the look and feel of it. And I feel like the screen complaints are incredibly nitpicky. It looks great. I only noticed the color difference when comparing theme side by side. And the laminating thing... I had no idea until after reading about it. It's not noticeable to me in any way, especially any way that would affect my usage.
If you like the price, the new iPad is amazing. I highly recommend going to a store to look at them in person to decide which one you prefer most.