iPad mini In no rush to buy a mini 5

[kierennyc]

But will bite eventually.

Im actually very content with my mini 4 as it works just fine on iOS 12 and doesn’t feel ‘slow’ for the majority of my use cases (web, YouTube, Netflix, email, etc).

I have to admit I was slightly bummed with the announcement, as I would have loved to have run out and bought one today (maybe a redesign would have lured me in). It just feels like a very half assed upgrade.

Anyway I guess I’ll just sit back and wait for a Black Friday deal.

 

[joeblow7777]

But will bite eventually.

Im actually very content with my mini 4 as it works just fine on iOS 12 and doesn’t feel ‘slow’ for the majority of my use cases (web, YouTube, Netflix, email, etc).

I have to admit I was slightly bummed with the announcement, as I would have loved to have run out and bought one today (maybe a redesign would have lured me in). It just feels like a very half assed upgrade.

Anyway I guess I’ll just sit back and wait for a Black Friday deal.

A half-assed upgrade? A 4 generation leap in processor, Pencil support, and (reportedly) a bump in RAM to 3GB.
I don't think it was reasonable to expect more than that.

I think that some people are underwhelmed just because it didn't get a flashy new form factor.

 

[dk808]

A half-assed upgrade? A 4 generation leap in processor, Pencil support, and (reportedly) a bump in RAM to 3GB.
I don't think it was reasonable to expect more than that.

I think that some people are underwhelmed just because it didn't get a flashy new form factor.

Exactly. Most of us were possibly expecting an A10 and worse display from the rumors going around

 

[joeblow7777]

Exactly. Most of us were possibly expecting an A10 and worse display from the rumors going around

Yeah, I was expecting the same specs as the current "budget" ipad or maybe an A11 at best.
The internals of this Mini are really the best that anyone could have reasonably hoped for. Now people are just complaining because it doesn't look like a Pro.

 

[Crow_Servo]

I wouldn’t be in a rush for a new iPad either if it weren’t for me playing games on my Mini 4. It gets the job done well enough, but I’d like a faster processor and the P3 color with True Tone is a major bonus. I’m only on the fence between the new Mini and new Air. I think the deciding factor will be whichever one has more RAM. If they’re equal, I could see myself going with the new Mini. I couldn’t ask for much more than what they announced. I’m very pleased overall.

 

[ACG12]

Thank you Apple for not ruining the display!

 

[sallenthornton]

I like it. I’ve been using a first gen 12.9’pro and really wanted something smaller. This will work nicely.

 

[rui no onna]

Thank you Apple for not ruining the display!

Yes, this!!! I was dreading seeing a heavier mini with non-laminated display. I'm quite happy with the upgrades considering they kept pricing at $399 (granted, half the storage).

 

[ACG12]

Yes, this!!! I was dreading seeing a heavier mini with non-laminated display. I'm quite happy with the upgrades considering they kept pricing at $399 (granted, half the storage).

Half the storage is well worth the sacrifice and the “low” $399 price tag when you consider that it has the monster A12 chip. I am SHOCKED the mini got this as I was expecting the A10 and 2gb of RAM for that price.

 

[RevTEG]

I’m in no rush to carry around 2 Apple Pencils, 2 different charging cables nor have a home button. Unfortunately the iPad mini 5 isnt for me. I was hoping to buy the new mini to supplement my 2018 12.9 pro. I sold my original Apple Pencil when I sold my first gen pro. I’d have to buy an over 3 year old gen one Apple Pencil for the new mini. Makes no sense. I’m not saying the new mini is bad, it’s not. However, if you’ve bought into the pro line then the new mini seems to be a step backwards.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I’m in no rush to carry around 2 Apple Pencils, 2 different charging cables nor have a home button. Unfortunately the iPad mini 5 isnt for me. I was hoping to buy the new mini to supplement my 2018 12.9 pro. I sold my original Apple Pencil when I sold my first gen pro. I’d have to buy an over 3 year old gen one Apple Pencil for the new mini. Makes no sense. I’m not saying the new mini is bad, it’s not. However, if you’ve bought into the pro line then the new mini seems to be a step backwards.

Pretty much my thoughts. I love my 11” ipad pro & apple pencil 2. I do also do own a 5 yr old ipad mini 2 however. Big fan of the form factor, and it compliments my ipad pro nicely. I take it out when i wanna go fast & light. But it’s really showing it’s age. Was hoping the mini would get the pro redesign & apple pencil 2 support, but honestly thought what most people did...that it would get a downgraded unlaminated screen, a slight chip upgrade to a 10 and no pencil support at all.

Surprisingly Apple did something in the middle of that. Better screen, MUCH faster processor in the 12 & pencil support in the same form factor. If it wasn’t for the lack of apple pencil 2 support, i wouldnt hesitate.

But I am kinda in a quandry. Do i stick it out with my mini 2 which has a cracked screen & broken home button and hope it lasts until Apple does redesign the mini? Or do I just buy the mini 5 now? There really is no gaurantee that Apple will ever update the mini again. It could be another 3 years or never. Who knows?

I would love to be able to use the apple pencil 2 with the new mini since i already own one. Would be so convenient. But thats not gonna happen at all if ever. If Apple does plan to redesign the mini, i don’t think they’ll do it until the pros get an OLED screen. Probably in another 2 years?

Anyway...it is what it is. Gonna wait a bit longer, but will probably cave and buy it since my mini 2 is about to croak.

 

[Freakonomics101]

Just like what @joeblow7777 said, adding Apple Pencil support, a laminated display and the A12 chip is a pretty nice upgrade. First gen Touch ID is to be expected but for the price it’s at, still a great deal. I prefer that over the new iPad Air.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I think that some people are underwhelmed just because it didn't get a flashy new form factor.

Ugh, exactly! It isn’t the end of the world.
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I think the deciding factor will be whichever one has more RAM.

Back in 2014, the iPad Mini 3 got 1GB of RAM while the iPad Air 2 got 2GB of RAM.

 

[kierennyc]

Yes many of you are correct, it Is indeed a huge leap in processor speed and it’s also fantastic that they kept the laminated screen and improved it.

I guess the point I was trying to make is that it feels ‘half assed’ in the sense that they didn’t innovate on a 5+ year old design. Do we really need bezels that large in 2019? Could they have squeezed another inch of screen in the same body? Is this really peak design for an iPad mini? Would Samsung or any other competitor have dared to use such an old body on a new product? It just feels lazy. I mean they’ve had years to work on this - why not blow us away with a redesign?

Like I said, my mini 4 doesn’t feel that slow, so I’m not compelled to rush out and buy the 5 (for the processor upgrade). Perhaps this will change with iOS 13.

 

[rui no onna]

Back in 2014, the iPad Mini 3 got 1GB of RAM while the iPad Air 2 got 2GB of RAM.

The iPad mini 3 was practically a non-update. Same A7/1GB as the iPad mini 2/Air released in 2013 just with Touch ID and I think updated display.

Given both new iPads are getting A12 and the Xr has A12/3GB, I expect it's simpler to just use A12/3GB on all of them and get a bulk discount.

 

[Crow_Servo]

Ugh, exactly! It isn’t the end of the world.
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Back in 2014, the iPad Mini 3 got 1GB of RAM while the iPad Air 2 got 2GB of RAM.

Yes, but the 2014 Mini also recycled the 2013 A7 chip, so it really wasn’t equivalent to the Air 2 at all. This year, on paper, the Air and Mini are equal (aside from the Smart Keyboard support on the Air). Hopefully their RAM is also equal (like they were in 2013).

 

[Macalway]

I'm starting to think an iPad Mini Pro would be a very cool thing. Keep the same screen size and shrink it, or expand the screen?

I'm thinking shrink it. I'd buy it.

What they offer now? Meh. Ok, but meh. Then again, people may love it. There was love there for the old style.

 

[IJBrekke]

I guess the point I was trying to make is that it feels ‘half assed’ in the sense that they didn’t innovate on a 5+ year old design. Do we really need bezels that large in 2019? Could they have squeezed another inch of screen in the same body? Is this really peak design for an iPad mini

Your point on Apple’s complacency rings of truth, especially with the lack of competition against the Mini to drive innovation. To play devil’s advocate, however: When you use your current Mini, do the bezels bother you? The size or weight? The screen brightness?Personally I don’t even notice those things, and actually like the bezels for holding at certain angles.

The Mini design has always seemed just “right” proportionally, and part of me is glad that they didn’t mess with it. It is also a little bit lazy. In this case I think it can be both things at once.

 

[EssModelsRule]

A half-assed upgrade? A 4 generation leap in processor, Pencil support, and (reportedly) a bump in RAM to 3GB.
I don't think it was reasonable to expect more than that.

I think that some people are underwhelmed just because it didn't get a flashy new form factor.

A four generation leap in processor is merely playing catch-up when the device in question is almost four years old. Pencil support has been in iPads for three years. Half-assed is totally fair to describe this update. A12 and 3GB lets them ignore this new Mini for another 3+ years. All that said, it’s still a good iPad and I’ll probably get one because they finally freaking updated the Mini!!

 

[joeblow7777]

A four generation leap in processor is merely playing catch-up when the device in question is almost four years old. Pencil support has been in iPads for three years. Half-assed is totally fair to describe this update. A12 and 3GB lets them ignore this new Mini for another 3+ years. All that said, it’s still a good iPad and I’ll probably get one because they finally freaking updated the Mini!!

Well yes, the 4 generation leap brings it up to date. Was anyone expecting it to debut the A13?

 

[sracer]

Well yes, the 4 generation leap brings it up to date. Was anyone expecting it to debut the A13?

Not to mention that most thought that the rumors of "low-cost display" was a euphemism for "non-laminated display". Two weeks ago I suggested that "low-cost display" could simply mean "no ProMotion".

I'm sorry for those who expected a shrunken down 2018 iPad Pro in mini form-factor. But for those of us who simply wanted updated internals and Pencil support, Apple (surprisingly) came through.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Well yes, the 4 generation leap brings it up to date. Was anyone expecting it to debut the A13?

Yes, everyone expected a processor that won’t be available until this fall.

In all seriousness, I set my own expectations low at A10/2GB/Unlaminated Screen/Pencil 1, so what we got is a solid update and no doubt the best business choice for Apple. It’s the best mix of features and price for the majority of Mini buyers. Still an internal spec bump on a 2015 device though, so forgive me for not being wowed.
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Not to mention that most thought that the rumors of "low-cost display" was a euphemism for "non-laminated display". Two weeks ago I suggested that "low-cost display" could simply mean "no ProMotion".

Move over Kuo, sracer has arrived.

 

[gadlaw]

Well cool. An update comes out finally which I will buy. Took long enough and I stopped waiting for it so however long it took it doesn't matter. It's here now.