iPad mini Advice - iPad mini 6, 7, or wait for 8

[FiremanMike]

Seeking advice. I currently have an ipad mini 5 and I enjoy the form factor. Looking for an upgrade so I can use the apple pencil I have for my iPad pro.

Uses - using uptodate on rotations, general web browsing/reddit, journaling, and reading.. I'll be keeping my iPad pro for when I want to watch youtube/streaming. I'm planning on getting the wifi + cellular..

Used 6's are pretty cheap right now and are the lightest of hte bunch, the 7 comes with more storage at baseline but double the price, and the 8 is rumored to have oled (also double the used 6s, maybe more?).

I'm all ears...

 

[It’s always something]

At this point the 7 is nearly two years old. A new one is surely in the works. I would say wait for the 8.

This should not be construed as any sort of dislike for the 7: I have one and like it a lot, but it wound up being a better iPad for my wife than for me because of her smaller hands.

 

[BeerDrinkerDan]

I guess: do you *need* to update now, is the 5 failing? Or do you *want* to update now? If the former, then the 7. If the latter, then the 8.

I love my 7 and it's totally fine in terms of battery/wear and tear/etc, but I might get an 8 just to have the next thing (not release date, but early next year).

-bdd

 

[Andy_2341]

I have the mini 6 currently and did briefly own a mini 7 during my time away from my mini 6. Both are fantastic devices, but the mini 6 is beginning to show its age. Unless you need pencil 2 support, I would wait for the 8. I will likely replace my 6 with the 8. The 7 is a good pick if you have the pencil pro and need a new iPad now, but for probably about the same price you’ll be able to get an 8 on discount at Amazon a few months after it’s release. However, if money is an issue the 6 will still do just fine for you since you’re still running a 5. Just make sure it supports your pencil model and do not get the 64gb model. It’s not enough these days for a “it just works” experience.

 

[dmr727]

I'd definitely wait for the 8. It's supposedly just a couple of months away and the rumored
OLED should be a solid upgrade over the mediocre display the minis currently have.

 

[rui no onna]

I can't go OLED so I'm sticking to the mini 7. I think I might pick up a spare if I find a good clearance sale.

If you're happy with OLED, wait for the mini 8.

I wouldn't bother with the mini 6 especially if you're looking at the 64GB storage model. iPadOS has gotten bloated and 64GB feel pretty tight. Also, 4GB RAM is tough nowadays.

 

[GMShadow]

Agreed on 4GB being a bit tight - my Mini 6 was reloading a fair amount even under iPadOS 18. In contrast, my 7 under even the 27 beta behaves so much better.

OP, I would expect lots of 7's to start hitting the used market once the 8 drops - plus Apple should have refurbs if that's a route you want to go.

 

[Teelyttle]

At this point… I would just wait, either the new mini 8 is released and it’s great and you get that, or it’s overkill for your needs and the mini 7 is heavily discounted… win /win on waiting.

 

[FiremanMike]

Thanks all!

 

[rehkram]

At this point… I would just wait, either the new mini 8 is released and it’s great and you get that, or it’s overkill for your needs and the mini 7 is heavily discounted… win /win on waiting.

Exactly my thoughts.