iPad mini Absurd 64GB vs 256GB

[tokyodesigner]

This is more an opinion than a question. I think it was a total d!ck move of Apple to even give this as an option. It's 2021, why on earth is any device still sporting an old 64GB HDD? Obviously Apple wants users to buy the more expensive one, it should have been 256GB vs 512GB. I was kind of looking forward to a new iPad Mini, but this just frustrates me with how it's such a blatant money grab.

 

[lukeyyyyy]

Some users will only use iPad for web browsing / streaming. If the base storage was higher so would be the price. Seems unfair paying for something you won’t use

 

[danny842003]

Some users will only use iPad for web browsing / streaming. If the base storage was higher so would be the price. Seems unfair paying for something you won’t use

Yes and no the storage cost to apple will be fairly negligible. there will be an additional cost of course but one that wouldn't have much of an impact on the overall cost of the device. I feel the OPs pain as I've always begrudged paying the extra for iPhones. Thankfully they've increased the base of those to 128 and there's no need for me to buy a higher tier anymore.

 

[IJBrekke]

The true dick move is not offering the Goldilocks 128gb option. THAT makes this a classic Apple cash-grab.

 

[Booji]

On my iPad pro I always go for more storage because I do a lot of content creation. On my phone, I also go for more because I take a lot of pictures and videos.

I have had small tablets including a Mini and an 8" Android. Since I do neither of these activities on a small tablet, I always go for the smallest storage. 64 seems a little small in 2021, but I think it should be fine for mainly games and content consumption.

 

[Booji]

The true dick move is not offering the Goldilocks 128gb option. THAT makes this a classic Apple cash-grab.

Yes it clearly seems to be a market segmentation

 

[contacos]

Tim has always used the storage cap as a upselling method. I am sadly not surprised. I am actually shocked they increased the base storage of the iPhone 13

 

[ian87w]

This is more an opinion than a question. I think it was a total d!ck move of Apple to even give this as an option. It's 2021, why on earth is any device still sporting an old 64GB HDD? Obviously Apple wants users to buy the more expensive one, it should have been 256GB vs 512GB. I was kind of looking forward to a new iPad Mini, but this just frustrates me with how it's such a blatant money grab.

Traditional upselling strategy.
The base model will be barely enough that many people will opt for the more expensive model.

Remember the iPhone 6S, where the base was 16GB, and the next tier was 64GB. Kinda like that. It's the Apple way.

 

[Shanghaichica]

If it’s your main tablet then maybe get 256GB but if it’s just a second tablet 64GB could be enough.

 

[ian87w]

If it’s your main tablet then maybe get 256GB but if it’s just a second tablet 64GB could be enough.

I believe 64GB would be plenty for many, especially those who just stream all their entertainment. However, the annoying part would be for those who need 128GB. 64GB won't be enough, and you'll feel that you are paying more than you need for 256GB.

But it's expected of Apple. I mean perfect example is iCloud, where the tier went from 200GB to 2TB.

 

[Stuart in Oz]

The 64GB is for commercial users. You don't need much storage for use in taking orders at tables, or running a thin client app over cellular data for service engineers in the field, or for truck drivers doing deliveries, etc.. And for businesses ranging from a local restaurant buying a dozen for use by their servers through to a big company several thousand in one hit for an enterprise roll-out, a two hundred buck saving (in A$, whatever in US$) per unit is huge.

 

[SoYoung]

The more absurd thing is the new mini will still have only 3GB of RAM for what I've read. Very ridiculous if you ask me. My 2019 iPad Air have the same amount of ram and its clearly not enough in 2021. Apps reloads almost the minute you switch between one or two apps like the good ol' times.

 

[jdb8167]

a two hundred buck saving (in A$, whatever in US$) per unit is huge.

$150 US

 

[Macalicious2011]

If it’s your main tablet then maybe get 256GB but if it’s just a second tablet 64GB could be enough.

128-256GB would have been extremely beneficial 3-5 years ago. However, nowadays streaming and and wide availability of wifi/hotspotting from your phone, means that you don't have to be an offline content hoarder.

 

[L23]

The more absurd thing is the new mini will still have only 3GB of RAM for what I've read. Very ridiculous if you ask me. My 2019 iPad Air have the same amount of ram and its clearly not enough in 2021. Apps reloads almost the minute you switch between one or two apps like the good ol' times.

I doubt it. The iPhone 12 (mini) with the A14 chip had 4GB of RAM. Same for the iPad Air 2020. This iPad mini has an A15 chip. I expect it will have the same amount of RAM as the iPhone 13 (mini). I am just not sure if the iPhone 13 (mini) has 4 or 6GB of RAM.

 

[gsmornot]

I had the larger size cellular model in my cart but the price in the end caused me to look at my current mini to see how much free space I have. Looking I have 42GB on my 64GB mini because its use is different than my iPad Pro that I use for video editing. I do wish 128GB was the base because it seems at this point it would be but reality for me is 64GB is enough. I hear ya though.

 

[jagolden]

I use my iPad Mini, 64gig for everything. From web browsing to journaling, reading, have a handful of downloaded movies and music, also Affinity Photo and Affinity designer.
Pretty much all the same as my 12.9 512gig.
Your statement is shortsighted and uninformed.

 

[SoYoung]

Source? I doubt it. The iPhone 12 (mini) with the A14 chip had 4GB of RAM. This iPad mini has an A15 chip. I expect it will have the same amount of RAM as the iPhone 13 (mini). I am just not sure if the iPhone 13 (mini) has 4 or 6GB of RAM.

Its not a reliable source, but the information seems accurate considering the 2020 Air have also 3GB of RAM.

Apple iPad mini (2021) - Full Specifications, Price, Features - phonedady.com

Apple iPad mini (2021) mobile phone Full Specifications, Price and User reviews and opinions.

phonedady.com

 

[L23]

Its not a reliable source, but the information seems accurate considering the 2020 Air have also 3GB of RAM.

Apple iPad mini (2021) - Full Specifications, Price, Features - phonedady.com

Apple iPad mini (2021) mobile phone Full Specifications, Price and User reviews and opinions.

phonedady.com

iPad Air 2020 has 4GB RAM. The older Air model had 3GB. All A14 chips have at least 4GB RAM. And there is no reason why the A15 should have the same amount, it could be the same but can also be more.

 

[lukeyyyyy]

Yes and no the storage cost to apple will be fairly negligible. there will be an additional cost of course but one that wouldn't have much of an impact on the overall cost of the device. I feel the OPs pain as I've always begrudged paying the extra for iPhones. Thankfully they've increased the base of those to 128 and there's no need for me to buy a higher tier anymore.

Agreed cost would be minimal on a per device basis but at scale would be significant. I’m sure with how profitable apple is they could absorb! But it is a business after all. Every cent counts to keep shareholders happy!

 

[danny842003]

Agreed cost would be minimal on a per device basis but at scale would be significant. I’m sure with how profitable apple is they could absorb! But it is a business after all. Every cent counts to keep shareholders happy!

that doesn’t mean we can’t complain as consumers. I think the upgrade in Aus was over $200.
for something that probably doesn’t cost Apple $5.

 

[sracer]

As the swallows returning to Capistrano, so too the cries about base storage in iPads with every new iPad release.

The reason why Apple does this is because... it works. FOMO is a strong motivator to get people to bump up to the higher storage capacity. Even the mythical "future-proofing" causes people to part with more of their money.

Complaining will not get Apple to change. It's perfectly fine to vent, but the only thing Apple will respond to is... money.

For a long time people wanted a mini iPad. Steve Jobs said that it wasn't a good size. What caused him/Apple to change their minds? The alarming early growth of 7"-8" Android tablets. Apple didn't respond to customers pleas, but they DID respond to sales to competitors.

A phone or tablet would have to be amazing for me to buy one that doesn't have support for removable media. My current smartphone and full-size tablet both offer that support. It's terrific to have that.

My tablet has 6GB RAM, quad speakers, 128GB built-in storage and support for 1TB microSD cards. I bought a 256GB high speed microSD card for $25. Although future-proofing is a myth, should I run out of space with 256GB, I can spend another $50 for a 512GB card.

 

[rukind2]

If it’s your main tablet then maybe get 256GB but if it’s just a second tablet 64GB could be enough.

Exactly. I ordered the new mini owing to its improvements from the last generation and it will function primarily as an e-reader and for streaming.

 

[johannnn]

Most users stream video (Youtube, Netflix, etc)
Most users stream music (Youtube Music, Spotify, Apple Music)
iCloud Photo is enabled by default on new Apple devices

So what exactly should most people do with 256GB?
Why not make the base model cheaper which will satisfy most users?
My wife is a normal "casual user" and she has 35GB free on her 64GB iPhone 11.
This is iPad Mini not iPad Pro, I don't expect most buyers will be power users.

 

[rui no onna]

The true dick move is not offering the Goldilocks 128gb option. THAT makes this a classic Apple cash-grab.

Yep. On the mini, a 128GB option for $549 WiFi/$699 5G would've been perfect for me.