Other For those that have a phone and an iPad- which do you use more?

[Shirasaki]

Thanks for sharing! Since you use the ipad for most things then and it sounds like the phone is there for "phone things" and for other small use cases, do you just go with a basic model phone?

It is disappointing that an iPad pro couldn't fully replace a PC/Mac.... I have a 2017 27" iMac that is great, that screen is beautiful- but it chugs along rather slowly due to the fusion drive, and it's sort of a hassle to have to go and be locked down to that room where the computer is for photo editing (mostly the only thing I use it for these days)- it would be amazing to fully replace it with an iPad Air or iPad Pro.

I need personal hotspot, so basic phone wont work. Also a good camera on phone is a must (iPad camera sucks, and that M2's ProRes is far more gimmicky than Apple would never ever remotely close to admit). This leaves relatively cheap second-hand iPhone and some android phones that I can choose from, but with iOS 16 cutoff, iPhone XS Max and beyond is bare minimum, and android is effectively out of question.

Apple gimped themselves when attempting to bridge the gap between desktop OS and mobile OS by modifying mobile OS to have desktop features. As we can see, it doesn't go very well. And will continue to not go very well unless they completely rewrite iPadOS from the ground up. I can only wish Apple doesn't reduce macOS into a glorified iPadOS (lose access to terminal, Unix environment, filesystem, any other number of power user features you ever stumble yourself into, and amazing multitasking capabilities (compared to iOS. Linux is still better) and so on) as time goes on. But that route seems more prevalent than ever.

 

[ericwn]

I use both devices about 50:50.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

But that leads me to the question- for those of you that have both, do you find you use your phone more often, or your iPad? Do you find the phone is really only used when you are out of the house, and the iPad is what you use whenever you are home?

It’s not a matter of “how much” I use my iPhone, but “how” I use it. My iPad is 95% of my actual use, possibly more. But my iPhone is my camera. Yeah, I don’t take a lot of pictures but when I do, I want them to be high quality. So I have the iPhone 12 Pro, to get the telephoto lens.

 

[The Game 161]

iPhone as it’s with me all the time but I use my iPads everyday

 

[reppans]

I used an iPhone5/iPad2 pair-up over 6year as my mobile/home ‘computer’ set-up, but for the past 3yrs have consolidated onto a XR ‘phablet’ (with BT keyboard) as an only device, and I’m not light user, averaging ~7hrs SOT/day.

I’m mostly text/pic-based so can resize for comfortable viewing, or double tap a zoom window. That requires more scrolling, of course, but the single-handed/lightweight phablet makes it easy, and more comfortable when lounging on a couch or in bed. As an outdoor enthusiast I just like the ultra- portability/simplicity/power-efficiency of the one device and have no intentions of going back.

 

[leifp]

If I could ditch the iPhone I would do so in a second. I’d miss the pretty decent portable camera but I’d probably have a cellular iPad mini, which is portable enough for me that I’d often leave home with it… (if Apple allowed Watch syncing to the iPad I would attempt it)

I’m certain that I’m a rare duck…

 

[Andeddu]

I think it depends on screen size and user preference. I have never had a problem with smaller screens so I tend to just stick to my iPhone over an iPad purely for convenience as I always have it to hand.

Older people may prefer the larger screen though so I understand why they’d choose a tablet over a phone. When I was using my SE1 I was sometimes hitting 8+ hours of SoT which included a lot of media streaming on various platforms along with a lot of web browsing and then a lot of passive use such as listening to music and podcasts. I never use my personal phones for work or productivity so screen size really doesn’t matter to me.

 

[Phazer]

Since your experience with an iPad seems work-related and then super slow performance, it kinda makes sense that you're not drawn to the device. Maybe someday you find an iPad on sale, use it only for fun, and see what you think. Or not. Just saying, work and slow can sour us on tech for sure.

Probably. I’ve often toyed with the idea of buying a new one, and I can see myself using it to take notes or drawing out rough wireframes for my job as a software engineer (I’m currently using pen and paper cause I still find it faster than doing it on my laptop) so maybe when a new iPad Air comes out I’ll consider that.

 

[fanboy-ish]

I have both, iPhone 11 and iPad 9th gen.

I use the phone as a phone, for calls, messaging, it’s handy when I’m just looking up quick things on the internet, or when I’m using apps that are not optimized for the iPad.

The iPad is my content consumption device, when I’m relaxing in bed or on the sofa, I’m watching videos, reading manga, books, Wikipedia or longer articles, I enjoy the bigger screen of the iPad.

I don’t read before sleeping, sometimes I use the iPhone for casual browsing when I’m in bed before sleeping, in that situation the iPad is just too big.

 

[e1me5]

I have both a 13 Pro and a 9th gen iPad, more or less i use them both the same, iPad more when at home or out having coffee, iPhone when I am on the road, the real looser here is my MacBook Pro which I haven't taken home for casual browsing and media consumption since I bought my iPad. 😂

 

[Traverse]

I really use my iPhone in three contexts:

1. When I’m on the go
2. As my iPod for music (home or away)
3. Times when I need a one -handed device because I’m workig

Other than that I always choose the iPad. Even the iPad mini offers a significantly bettered experience even if in paper the screen size is small. I prefer the more robust UI in more applications and more flexibility with split screen and slide over.

 

[arkitect]

For what it's worth, my experience.

I have an iPhone 13 Mini — perfect size as my go-to in the pocket all the time device.

I also own a 12" iPad Pro — I pretty much only use it for editing photos I take with my camera. Plug in the SD card reader and Affinity Photo / Snapseed / Lightroom etc is so much better on a bigger screen.
Not saying I couldn't do any edits on the iPhone, I do, but the iPad's larger screen makes it easier.

I thought I'd get so much more out of the iPad — always in search of that elusive Mac replacement — but with this gimped iPadOS it is definitely not the case.

For other uses, I hate reading on any electronics — I still prefer a book, I never watch any "content" on it as the Mac and TV is far better, no games either.

I'd let go of the iPad in a heartbeat.
My Mini 13 iPhone is my perfect device.

But! 🙂 Get an iPad and test drive it for yourself.

 

[BenGoren]

So, a different perspective from many who have already chimed in.

I use my Apple Watch Ultra for almost all things that most people typically use their cellphones for. My iPhone XS either stays in the backpack or gets left behind most of the time; it mainly comes out when I need a camera or as an ebook reader / Web browser. It’s also my mobile hotspot.

I use my 13” iPad Pro a lot, but mostly for handwritten notes; it’s my version of a clipboard. I’ll also use it for reading PDFs of full-sized books. If I have it in front of me, I’ll use it for email / Web / whatever, of course.

And then, for all computer-type stuff, I use my first-generation M1 MacBook Air.

Especially since I got the Ultra, I’m in no rush to get a new phone. But, when I eventually do, I’ll get the biggest pro model available; the non-pro XS works for reading, but isn’t optimal. And now that I don’t have to carry a phone with me at all times (thanks to the watch), I don’t care if the phone is less-than-ideal to put in a pocket.

I’m also one of those who really would like to see Apple merge the MacBook with the iPad Pro … the two devices are the same physical size with the same internals … is it too much to ask for a single device with a detachable touchable display that can run both environments simultaneously? I mean, clearly it is … but why!?

b&

 

[Fred Zed]

If you haven’t spent time with an iPad, I suggest you do with every intention of possibly returning it within the return window.
I was given an older iPad and I really didn’t like using the thing so I gave it to someone else. Obviously lots of people like them, I’m just not one of them. I’d never buy one.
Maybe I just had a bad experience because the iPad I was using was old.

Same. Tried it three times, iPhone got more usage and covered my needs.
iPhone and MacBook Pro are what hits my sweet spots for needs.

 

[nburwell]

I use my iPhone slightly more as I bring it everywhere with me. However, when I'm usually at home and I'm on the couch, I'll grab my iPad, especially if I'm streaming or reading.

 

[one more]

I have iPhone 12 mini, iPad Air 4 and MacBook Pro 2015. iPhone is always with me and is probably used 55% of the time, followed by iPad at about 40% and then MacBook for the remaining 5%. As you mention, iPad is way more convenient to use for just about anything (split screen is great for boosted convenience). I use MacBook mostly to occasionally tweak my WordPress sites, download and convert stuff to later put it on other devices or plug it into the TV to watch something on a big screen.

To sum it up, if my budget was the determining factor, I would use it like so:

1) If I could get only 1 Apple device - iPhone (with the biggest screen I could afford);
2) If I could get 2 Apple devices - iPhone & MacBook Air (a good combo of both iOS and macOS worlds).

IMO, iPhone & iPad combo could work well for some people, yet at times I still come across needing to do some stuff for which macOS is better or just more convenient.

 

[Miha_v]

I have started to debate whether it might be smartest for me to go back to an iPhone SE for the small size and low price, and get an iPad (perhaps the Air 5th generation). The thought being that I have a more basic phone that works for what it's intended for light use, but instead of straining my eyes on longer browsing sessions, I use an iPad instead of the phone. Something like the iPad Air 5th gen would work perfectly as an affordable (down to $550 right now at some retailers) tool for regular browsing of news, online banking, and social media while also working as somewhat of a replacement for my Mac, where I could do photo editing on it.

But that leads me to the question- for those of you that have both, do you find you use your phone more often, or your iPad? Do you find the phone is really only used when you are out of the house, and the iPad is what you use whenever you are home?

I actually thought of choosing a similar setup, cause it has a good logic (small portable phone + large screen when you need it). I guess the question you should be asking yourself is: do you consume media outside your home a lot? If you consume media mostly at home, it makes lots of sense.

Have had iPhone for a long time, but recently bought an iPad pro specifically for creativity apps & reading, ocasional media consumption. I love it, big screen on the couch is the maximum comfort. I still use phone a lot, though. Simply, because it's the nearest device most of the time. But if I had a smaller phone, i would probably adjust and use iPad more often when I'm at home.

 

[schneeland]

Well, I have one iPhone*, but three iPads, so I guess I'm a bit biased

That being said: outside my house, the iPhone clearly wins in terms of usage, but I do sometimes take the iPad Mini with me for reading; inside the house, usage is probably split 50:50 between phone and iPads, and for web surfing, music and reading iPad clearly wins. So I think you plan makes sense (and if you want just a single iPad, iPad Air is definitely a solid choice).

*technically two, but lets ignore the company phone here

 

[clueless88]

Originally started with an iPhone 4S then added an iPad 2 (this was released in 2013).

@now i see it --the iPad 2 was nice in its day but it won't run many of the current apps that we use now.

We now have iPad 5 (2017) and 6 (2018) (just wifi) along with iPhone 13s (one mini). The phones have a much sharper image and are faster, but the older iPad screens are fine--for perspective I really can't appreciate the difference between blu-ray and regular dvd images from the same movie on a 4K TV.

The iPads are great to do web surfing, streaming, and comes in very handy reading ebooks checked out of libraries (it's a pain to read books on the iPhone mini. Can also text, facetime, do zoom meetings (and see the entire group). The iPads may be a tad slower than the iPhone 13s and definitely do not render white backgrounds as nicely, but they work fine for us. When at home the iPads are used 80-90% of the time. Ours do not have cellular capability, so the iPads can be used as ereaders or watch downloaded movies when we are away from wifi.

Have not looked into the higher priced higher tiered iPads like the iPad Pro or iPad Pro Air because I don't think the increased prices will yield added value for us.

I definitely recommend looking into iPad ownership--it looks like the new iPads and iPad airs have USBC connectors. The iPad 9 which is still sold alongside the 10 has lightning connector. Since the OP mentioned that he was considering the SE for the smaller size and lower price, it may behoove him to look at the regular iPads since they are $100-$150 less than their Air counterparts.

 

[compwiz1202]

If you haven’t spent time with an iPad, I suggest you do with every intention of possibly returning it within the return window.
I was given an older iPad and I really didn’t like using the thing so I gave it to someone else. Obviously lots of people like them, I’m just not one of them. I’d never buy one.
Maybe I just had a bad experience because the iPad I was using was old.

I don't like tablets either. I use phone out and laptop in.

 

[eyoungren]

I have started to debate whether it might be smartest for me to go back to an iPhone SE for the small size and low price, and get an iPad (perhaps the Air 5th generation). The thought being that I have a more basic phone that works for what it's intended for light use, but instead of straining my eyes on longer browsing sessions, I use an iPad instead of the phone. Something like the iPad Air 5th gen would work perfectly as an affordable (down to $550 right now at some retailers) tool for regular browsing of news, online banking, and social media while also working as somewhat of a replacement for my Mac, where I could do photo editing on it.

But that leads me to the question- for those of you that have both, do you find you use your phone more often, or your iPad? Do you find the phone is really only used when you are out of the house, and the iPad is what you use whenever you are home?

I own multiple iPhones, but only one iPad. Use is split fairly evenly between my primary iPhone and my iPad. The iPhone is used sporadically during the day, while the iPad is used for an hour or more at a time during the evening. Periodically, my secondary iPhone gets some use (when I don't want to expose my primary iPhone to any potential damage).

iPhone(s) are used for calls, texts and light email. iPad is used for news consumption.

Neither iPhone or iPad see any serious use. For that, it's the various computers that I spend over 16 hours a day using. I've got two 30" Cinema Displays and a 55" HDTV in front of me all day. I'm not using the dinky screens on the iPhone and the iPad to consume media or do things that are much more appropriate to computers and big displays. If I'm out, that's different, but I work from home so that's not very much.

Some day one of these devices might replace a computer of mine, but they're going to need to handle being hooked up to more than one large display at a time. Right now, that's not common.

EDIT: My wife long ago banned laptops in the bedroom (except for her it seems ), so having an iPad allows me to do what I'd be doing with a laptop (reading news) when retiring for the evening. But otherwise, I consume my news via computer web browser.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

in my case with a 12.9 ipad and a 11pm , i pick the iphone almost anytime, unless i want to draw, or read comics .

a phone is a thousand times more comfortable and easier to hold and handle, at leat in bed . yes, i lay in bed to read, yes ,im lazy . i know.

 

[usmaak]

I am always on my iPad. My phone generally only gets used when I am away from the house. iPad is perfect for what I do at home. I also have a MacBook that sits a lot, unless I am doing something specific that needs it.

The best thing about Apple is that these devices all work together.

 

[jm31828]

Yep. Facing all the same dilemmas. Think I'm leading towards the Pro. Reeeeally prefer FaceID. Promotion is good for drawing. And 64 is just a little tight, 128 is nice, 256 is a lot of space to breathe (all just in my world.)

Keep us posted on how the browsing goes and what you decide.

I will do that!

 

[jm31828]

Different devices.

I read web to get something analyzed on iPad as it can drop screen frequency to 24 (iPad Pro 2018), communications are done mostly on iPhone.

YouTube if I am not in travel I watch on iPad or on TV (YT Premium), movies also I prefer on TV.

But stuff which requires lots of scrolling, zooming - it’s better on iPad

If I had money I would sell iPad and go for MacBook M1 Pro with all ports as after I stopped video and audio editing due to health problems I don’t find good usage to only iPad.

Mac gives opportunities to train and learn more things in IT

Good point on the MacBook! I’m looking as well at the MacBook Air m1 that is $200 off right now… not as convenient as an iPad, but may check more use-case boxes.