Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Mini 5 and iPad Air 3 Reviews
- Thread starter AJB1971
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Why? I thought it would be well received, esp. since it comes with 64 GB and hits that sub-US$500 price point. I still think the 10.5” Pro is a better deal though.
In a few months I foresee the Air selling on sale at $449 too, making it an even better value.
Too bad they didn’t go the XR route and offer a 128 GB model though. At around $579, that would sell really well. Unfortunately, that would probably cut into their revenue too much.
Last edited:
A positive review of the Mini, although his comments about the battery are just straight up nonsensical. If I leave my iPad in standby/sleep, it'll last for weeks.
I bought a silicone iPad mini 4 rear cover on clearance at Staples for really cheap for my mini 4 recently so would like to re-use it if I ever bought the mini 5.
@BasicGreatGuy has put a Mini 4 silicone cover on his Mini 5 and says is works fine. The camera opening doesn’t align with the camera, but he posted a picture taken with the Mini 5 in the case and the picture is fine. The misaligned camera opening won’t suit those who have to have everything perfect but it seems like the Mini 4 silicone back cover is an option for the Mini 5. I ordered one in my preferred color from eBay.
Thanks for the info LibbyLA
Took me a bit but I found the photo from BasicGreatGuy. Weird that the camera doesn't align. No big deal though. Please post here when you get yours as well.Thanks for the info LibbyLA
I will, but there are no SG 64G cellular anywhere within several hundred miles of me right now. I keep checking istocknow. Not sure when the lilac silicone back cover and charcoal gray Smart Cover will be arriving but should be soon. I may end up keeping the dark blue SC that is on my Mini 4, but the lavender back cover is going with it when I sell it.
Touched lucky, my cousin is in the US and managed to grab me a 64gb air 3 for £390, as opposed to £480 here, will use the spare to get apple care.
Well decided to hop aboard this Apple train once again...sold my 4th gen. 128GB iPad mini this morning and picked up the 64GB mini 5. Nice upgrade with pencil support, grey smart cover and grey silcone case from mini 4 fits perfectly! Camera cut out doesn't align with camera, but suprisingly it takes photos ok (see photo taken with silcone case on) little bummed about storage but I'll manage. Thanks to LibbyLA, BasicGreatGuy for info and pics of the silicone case!
Attachments
I think your logic is flawed by comparing the Air 3 to the old Pro. They are both 10.5 inch, but one is budget and one is Pro. I also see many reviewers falling into the same line of thinking.
It's more fair to compare the Air 3 to the iPad 2018 from last year.
As of today, you can get the Pro 10.5” for cheaper than the Air 10.5”.
They also have the same form factor and even use the same accessories.
Meanwhile, the 2018 iPad is a completely different beast.
Do have to agree with one point of the review, and that is with the aesthetics (and function) of the new mini. I would have loved it even more with a bit more screen size. And the speakers from the iPad Pro. Though in the end I will get one and hope for an iPad Mini Pro down the road....
Apple would probably use that as an excuse to make the starting price $600 - I think more people would be against that (I wouldn't mind though).
I am very pleased with the new mini. I do wish Apple had put one of the speakers on top, instead of both on the bottom.