Just ordered a mini to replace my 10.5 inch pro. Good decision?
Yes, it is a solid device with a great screen that only lacks Pro-Motion as compared to the Pro you have.
It depends on your priorities, if you are ok with (or even prefer) a smaller size and with losing promotion and quad speakers, you are gaining virtually everywhere else (USB C, pencil, CPU/GPU), with RAM staying the same...
I haven’t tested in any tangible way, however the speakers on my new Mini do sound better than the quads on my 10.5. Clearly the 11” model does sound significantly better, but the Mini isn’t too shabby.
So true and so frustrating..
The screen is arguably the most important component of any iPad, but particularly a small iPad.
I disagree with your and
@calstanford with regards to the screen being “crap” on these new minis. Let’s not forget this isn’t considered a Pro model, more of a mini iPad Air.
As compared to the OG 11” I currently own, the screen quality (minus pro motion) is nearly on par with that generation iPad Pro. Sure the 11” is better in a few key areas, however if you don’t need 120Hz, or more nits (don’t use it in direct sun as much) it is still a great device. Screen tearing has not been witnessed on mine during standard browsing, video editing nor gaming. I use the device for detailed photo edits, and it compares well to the 11” and I’d dare say better than the much older 10.5 iPad I still have around with it’s
blotchy display that isn’t aging well. Kinda sad considering the original price I paid for it
.
Clearly the pros are better equipped, however the new Mini isn’t exactly trash bin worthy with it’s decent display given the price delta.
iPad spec | 10.5 Pro | 11” Pro (1st Gen) | iPad Mini 6th Gen |
Screen Resolution | 2224 x 1668 | 2388 x 1688 | 2666 x 1488 |
Screen PPI | 264 | 264 | 326 |
nits (Brightness) | 600 (Macworld) | 600 | 500 |
Reflectivity | 1.8% | 1.8% | 1.8% |
True Tone | yes | yes | yes |
Display P3 | yes | yes | yes |
Contrast ratio | 1626:1 (Notebookcheck) | 1772:1 (anandtech) | 1200:1 (macworld) |
Hz | 120 | 120 | 60 |
I would love for them to upgrade the display tech to match the Pro ipads, hell even make a Mini LED, or AMOLED version, but, we don’t have it, and I personally don’t have an issue with the current screen. After detail editing (not batch) over 300 RAW photos on mine, I find the display quite good, especially cosidering the price delta between the new Pro and the latest Mini, and the fact that the Pro can’t fit in most pockets or sling bags as easily.