iPad mini iPad mini 5 Display Issues

[Coconutcreampie]

I just received my new iPad mini 5 and I have to say I am disappointed with the quality of the display. These are the things I can clearly see, not what I think I can see.

1- A noticeably warm appearance compared to my previous iPads, which were all consistently neutral in color balance. That is with the True Tone off. With True Tone on it looks awfully warm and nowhere near neutral. Truly awful appearance. The best option is to simply turn off True Tone, which is what I had planned to do in the first place. With it off, again, the display is still noticeably warmer than my previous iPads. My mini 4 running right next to it looks neutral in color balance. Whites are white, not warm. The mini 5's display is yellower and greener. With skin tones the added green does away with much of the natural pinks and magentas normally seen in skin, so now skin tones often look lifeless compared to the mini 4. That is compounded by the issue I bring up in #4.

2- Viewing angles are significantly less than the mini 4. For example, I can lay them both flat down on the counter in my kitchen playing the exact same video and I can still get a reasonably viewable picture from the mini 4. Meanwhile the mini 5 gets significantly darker. I would estimate it is approaching half the brightness of the mini 4.

3- Related to number 2 above, the black areas of the display turn reddish at those at greater viewing angles. Meanwhile the 4 pretty much stays black.

4- The white point has been reduced, rendering colors less saturated and image quality noticeably flatter and duller compared to the mini 4. For those that don’t know what the point is, that is simply the point at which whites go pure white.

Even my tech illiterate, phobic and uninterested wife sees those things.

***

In regards to #s 2 and 3, the lesser viewing angle and reddish tint in black areas, those are likely hardware issues inherent to the new display on the new mini 5, assuming only one display supplier is making the displays for Apple, in which case nothing can be done about it, or issues perhaps limited to a particular supplier, assuming there is more than one display supplier.

In regards to #s 1 and 4, those I fear are software choices by Apple, and getting Apple to change their minds on things is almost impossible. This is the same company that recently and stupidly decided to round off the corners of videos when viewing them in picture and picture mode, as if somehow we want to watch our videos like on an old tube TV.

Anyway, that is my disappointing experience with the new mini 5. I'm really bummed because my iPad mini 4 has been my computing workhorse and I almost always have it with me. The performance of the mini 5 is incredible, only let down by the display, that is supposed to be better. Nope, not in the ways I addressed. I fear Apple may now be following the Instagram filter like mentality and veering away from truly accurate colors and contrast, ironically at a time where display tech has become so advanced to allow for even more accurate color. Very disappointing Apple.

I'd appreciate anyone's views and experience on the matter, especially from those who also own/owned the mini 4.

I may end up just keeping the mini 4 and replacing the battery. A real shame because the performance if the mini 5 is such a huge step forward.

 

[haruhiko]

I do notice the narrower viewing angle. In no way it can compare to the iPhone XS. Probably this is the reason they achieved the price point.

 

[Coconutcreampie]

I do notice the narrower viewing angle. In no way it can compare to the iPhone XS. Probably this is the reason they achieved the price point.

Thanks for the reply Haruhiko! I'm thinking the lesser viewing angles may be due to the displays new ability to support the pencil. I believe that requires some kind of additional sensitive film over the display and perhaps that affects the viewing angle.

The deal breaker for me is the inaccurate color. I'm a very experienced photographer and I can easily see when colors are not right, but seeing as my clueless (said affectionately) wife sees what I see makes it that much more unbearable.

I tried my best to see if can get used to it, but unfortunately I can’t. I immediately notice the sickly and unnatural warmth to the display. It is possible that warmth could be affecting my display and that normally they are not all like that. In other words, I simply have a bad display.

What I think I’ll do is compare it to the other mini 5s at my local Apple Store to see if I can notice a difference. I'm not hopeful because my initial search on this site brought up posts of people noticing the iPad Pros also having warmer displays.

If it turns out they are all like my sample then it really makes me wish Apple would have just stayed with the mini 4's display. It was already essentially 100% sRGB and clearly superior in the things I brought up. It would have made the mini 5 cheaper too. Sigh.

I'll keep this thread updated with my results, and I would appreciate any other input, especially from prior mini 4 users. This nonsense could have been avoided if Apple would allow the user to adjust the display color balance.

Thanks again for the reply!

 

[ClownMask]

I think the more you inspect with a magnifiying glass the more you will find to nitpick and be disappointed about. I used to do the same. Now I can’t live without True Tone, it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Just try to enjoy the device. They obviously don’t all have the same screens. I own both 2018 pros and even between the 11” and 12.9” inch there is a difference, the 11”’s display is warmer than the 12.9 under the same circumstances. I’ve learned to just enjoy the devices and not spend hours comparing them. Instead I spend hours reading forums about other people’s complaints and more hours watching reviews for devices I already own

PS I also own the mini 5 and I am thoroughly enjoying it but I admit I have not spent any time analyzing the screen and comparing the tones with my other iPads. I just think the display looks colorful and vibrant and I’m very happy with it. Never owned any previous Mini.

 

[lambertjohn]

With the Mini 5 as well as the new MacBook Air, I suspect they've sourced inferior components to keep the price down and their profit margins up. For example, the base MacBook Air starts at $1199 but has been on sale all over the place for hundreds less, most recently at Best Buy for $949. The new iPad Mini is even on sale at Micro Center right now for $30 less than full retail. And it just came out! Point being: Apple has built in a lot of profit on these new products so places like Best Buy and MicroCenter and B&H can put them on sale and still walk away with a ton of money in their pockets. And the only way to do that is with cheaper components. Sadly, the Mini 5 is not the Mini 4...and Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs.

 

[Fenhalls]

I think the more you inspect with a magnifiying glass the more you will find to nitpick and be disappointed about. I used to do the same. Now I can’t live without True Tone, it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Just try to enjoy the device. They obviously don’t all have the same screens. I wan both 2018 pros and even between the 11” and 12.9” inch there is a difference, the 11”’s display is warmer than the 12.9 under the same circumstances. I’ve learned to just enjoy the devices and not spend hours comparing them. Instead I spend hours reading forums about other people’s complaints and more hours watching reviews for devices I already own

PS I also own the mini 5 and I am thoroughly enjoying it but I admit I have not spent any time analyzing the screen and comparing the tones with my other iPads. I just think the display looks colorful and vibrant and I’m very happy with it. Never owned any previous Mini.

I completely respect the original poster's opinion, and he/she may well be right. However, very much like yourself, I don't look at things that closely and tend to be very accepting of differences between devices. Rather than worrying about such matters, I would far rather spend my time reading or listening to something, or simply daydreaming about the date I didn't have the previous evening with this or that supermodel.

 

[Josieb1]

I completely respect the original poster's opinion, and he/she may well be right. However, very much like yourself, I don't look at things that closely and tend to be very accepting of differences between devices. Rather than worrying about such matters, I would far rather spend my time reading or listening to something, or simply daydreaming about the date I didn't have the previous evening with this or that supermodel.

I’m the same, I have both the Mini 4 and the 5. The last thing I do is compare them, which is why they have different wallpapers and home screens. As long as the screen is evenly lit that’s all I worry about. Same with Kindles, I have three, every screen is different.

 

[thadoggfather]

I don’t think it will remedy all your complaints op but have you tried another unit?

Tint color is a characteristic of variation not just panel manufacturer if they use multiple on this generation / this early in its cycle

 

[Fenhalls]

I’m the same, I have both the Mini 4 and the 5. The last thing I do is compare them, which is why they have different wallpapers and home screens. As long as the screen is evenly lit that’s all I worry about. Same with Kindles, I have three, every screen is different.

Do you have the latest Oasis? Thinking about getting one.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I don’t think it will remedy all your complaints op but have you tried another unit?

Tint color is a characteristic of variation not just panel manufacturer if they use multiple on this generation / this early in its cycle

I agree. The OP should try returning the current mini and purchasing a new one. He may end up getting a better looking display for his preferences.

OP, even current iPhones can have variances in screen temperature and color.

 

[Fenhalls]

I don’t think it will remedy all your complaints op but have you tried another unit?

Tint color is a characteristic of variation not just panel manufacturer if they use multiple on this generation / this early in its cycle

Amazon used to make a fairly nice device, the Fire HDX. I once had three of the HDX 7 variant sitting in front of me. All screens were quite different. I had to pick two. I shrugged and picked any two.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Now I can’t live without True Tone, it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Same.

 

[wib]

Amazon used to make a fairly nice device, the Fire HDX. I once had three of the HDX 7 variant sitting in front of me. All screens were quite different. I had to pick two. I shrugged and picked any two.

Oh, I envy you. I would have been there for a long time... not for the screen differences but the pressure of choosing.

 

[scotsmandc]

Turn off True Tone?

 

[Ladybug]

I'd suggest you try an exchange. My Mini 5 isn’t yellow looking unless I turn True Tone on. I've compared it to my 10.5 Pro and while the Mini is only slightly warmer than the its larger sibling, it’s no where near yellow.

It seems like every time a new iPad is released there are some displays that are more yellow. It’s worth exchanging it if you aren’t happy with it.

 

[Josieb1]

Do you have the latest Oasis? Thinking about getting one.

Yes. I have the Voyage, the Oasis 2 and the new Paperwhite. I love them all equally, but they are all different.
[doublepost=1554558232][/doublepost]

I'd suggest you try an exchange. My Mini 5 isn’t yellow looking unless I turn True Tone on. I've compared it to my 10.5 Pro and while the Mini is only slightly warmer than the its larger sibling, it’s no where near yellow.

It seems like every time a new iPad is released there are some displays that are more yellow. It’s worth exchanging it if you aren’t happy with it.

My Mini 5 is very blue without True Tone, yellow with. My Mini 4 is actually a yellow based screen. I never noticed it until I put it next to my 5 without True Tone.

 

[Fenhalls]

Oh, I envy you. I would have been there for a long time... not for the screen differences but the pressure of choosing.

Nah, I'm a perfectionist. I really empathise with Sheldon on BBT. But it's because I'm like that that I make a conscious effort to throw caution to the wind and not overthink decisions.

 

[wib]

Nah, I'm a perfectionist. I really empathise with Sheldon on BBT. But it's because I'm like that that I make a conscious effort to throw caution to the wind and not overthink decisions.

I was amazed you could do that, so thank you for the explanation.


I'm a bit of a perfectionist too, but have been trying to 'pick my battles' in recent years and try to let some things go. I have to confess to never having seen BBT but can very strongly relate to Monk (apart from the genius bit).

Back on topic - I wish I had a Mini 5! Just because...

 

[Shark5150]

I'm happy with my mini 5 screen. Really it's on par with my 11" Pro screen, sans ProMotion, of course. I don't like or use true tone on any device. Just my preference.

 

[Fenhalls]

I was amazed you could do that, so thank you for the explanation.


I'm a bit of a perfectionist too, but have been trying to 'pick my battles' in recent years and try to let some things go. I have to confess to never having seen BBT but can very strongly relate to Monk (apart from the genius bit).

Back on topic - I wish I had a Mini 5! Just because...

I love Monk. Currently, BBT can be viewed on Netflix. I'm a huge fan of the first four series. Not so much the rest.

Chiefly because of its size and aspect ratio, I find the mini is really nice for reading ebooks and playing locally-stored music and audiobooks. As I've said elsewhere I wouldn't dream of using it as my primary tablet.

 

[*~Kim~*]

My Mini 5 screen is kind of blue without True Tone, unless I put the brightness up quite high. With it, it just seems normal.

I guess few screens are exactly the same and it’s a question of whether you want to return or exchange. Of course, with an exchange, you may end up getting a unit with something else that bothers you.

 

[Coconutcreampie]

I think the more you inspect with a magnifiying glass the more you will find to nitpick and be disappointed about. I used to do the same. Now I can’t live without True Tone, it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Just try to enjoy the device. They obviously don’t all have the same screens. I own both 2018 pros and even between the 11” and 12.9” inch there is a difference, the 11”’s display is warmer than the 12.9 under the same circumstances. I’ve learned to just enjoy the devices and not spend hours comparing them. Instead I spend hours reading forums about other people’s complaints and more hours watching reviews for devices I already own

PS I also own the mini 5 and I am thoroughly enjoying it but I admit I have not spent any time analyzing the screen and comparing the tones with my other iPads. I just think the display looks colorful and vibrant and I’m very happy with it. Never owned any previous Mini.

Apparently you didn’t read my post very carefully. No nitpicking was involved, and no I have no interest in trying to "enjoy" something obviously inferior and incorrectly balanced. The difference is obvious, as I stated. Please read people's posts more carefully next time before responding.

If your True Tone works the same as on my mini 5, then you have zero discernment and appreciation for a neutral color balance. Don’t mean that in a negative way but you shouldn’t assume because you like something no matter what that other people should too.
[doublepost=1554579339][/doublepost]

With the Mini 5 as well as the new MacBook Air, I suspect they've sourced inferior components to keep the price down and their profit margins up. For example, the base MacBook Air starts at $1199 but has been on sale all over the place for hundreds less, most recently at Best Buy for $949. The new iPad Mini is even on sale at Micro Center right now for $30 less than full retail. And it just came out! Point being: Apple has built in a lot of profit on these new products so places like Best Buy and MicroCenter and B&H can put them on sale and still walk away with a ton of money in their pockets. And the only way to do that is with cheaper components. Sadly, the Mini 5 is not the Mini 4...and Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs.

"and Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs."

Unfortunately nowhere to being close. I think he is actually ruining the company. Thanks for the reply. I wish they would have simply kept the display from the mini 4.
[doublepost=1554579587][/doublepost]

I’m the same, I have both the Mini 4 and the 5. The last thing I do is compare them, which is why they have different wallpapers and home screens. As long as the screen is evenly lit that’s all I worry about. Same with Kindles, I have three, every screen is different.

No offense intended but it makes no sense to compare one display criteria and avoid the others while hoping you don’t notice anything.
[doublepost=1554579828][/doublepost]

I don’t think it will remedy all your complaints op but have you tried another unit?

Tint color is a characteristic of variation not just panel manufacturer if they use multiple on this generation / this early in its cycle

Not yet. I'm not as mobile as I normally am, due to a double foot injury, but I plan on comparing mine to the mini 5s in the local Apple store. Not sure but I think I stated that in my original post.

I can accept the worse viewing angles and perhaps the lower white point, but not the color balance issue. I notice it in every photo and video, even if I ignore it when web browsing. Hopefully it’s not an issue with all the displays. Thanks for the response.
[doublepost=1554579906][/doublepost]

Turn off True Tone?

Yes, as stated in my original post.
[doublepost=1554580053][/doublepost]

I'm happy with my mini 5 screen. Really it's on par with my 11" Pro screen, sans ProMotion, of course. I don't like or use true tone on any device. Just my preference.

The True Tone idea is great in practice, but a joke in actual performance, as mine isn’t the only display I've seen go obviously yellow with it. The point is to maintain a neutral color balance, but I have yet to see that in practice. No offense to those who like it.
[doublepost=1554580231][/doublepost]

My Mini 5 screen is kind of blue without True Tone, unless I put the brightness up quite high. With it, it just seems normal.

I guess few screens are exactly the same and it’s a question of whether you want to return or exchange. Of course, with an exchange, you may end up getting a unit with something else that bothers you.

Hmm, interesting. That gives me hope. Thanks for the reply. In fact, thanks everyone. Really tired from lack of sleep due to feet injury so I'm sure I'm forgetting to thank everyone for their replies. All replies are really appreciated, even the ones I did not find helpful.
[doublepost=1554580478][/doublepost]

I think the more you inspect with a magnifiying glass the more you will find to nitpick and be disappointed about. I used to do the same. Now I can’t live without True Tone, it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Just try to enjoy the device. They obviously don’t all have the same screens. I own both 2018 pros and even between the 11” and 12.9” inch there is a difference, the 11”’s display is warmer than the 12.9 under the same circumstances. I’ve learned to just enjoy the devices and not spend hours comparing them. Instead I spend hours reading forums about other people’s complaints and more hours watching reviews for devices I already own

PS I also own the mini 5 and I am thoroughly enjoying it but I admit I have not spent any time analyzing the screen and comparing the tones with my other iPads. I just think the display looks colorful and vibrant and I’m very happy with it. Never owned any previous Mini.

Clownmask I know you were trying to be helpful. I hope you don’t take my original reply personally. Unfortunately I haven’t been feeling well, with a corresponding lack of sleep. The response was still appreciated. Thanks.
[doublepost=1554582346][/doublepost]View attachment 830645

 

[LostAggie]

Apparently you didn’t read my post very carefully. No nitpicking was involved, and no I have no interest in trying to "enjoy" something obviously inferior and incorrectly balanced. The difference is obvious, as I stated. Please read people's posts more carefully next time before responding.

If your True Tone works the same as on my mini 5, then you have zero discernment and appreciation for a neutral color balance. Don’t mean that in a negative way but you shouldn’t assume because you like something no matter what that other people should too.
[doublepost=1554579339][/doublepost]

"and Tim Cook is not Steve Jobs."

Unfortunately nowhere to being close. I think he is actually ruining the company. Thanks for the reply. I wish they would have simply kept the display from the mini 4.
[doublepost=1554579587][/doublepost]

No offense intended but it makes no sense to compare one display criteria and avoid the others while hoping you don’t notice anything.
[doublepost=1554579828][/doublepost]

Not yet. I'm not as mobile as I normally am, due to a double foot injury, but I plan on comparing mine to the mini 5s in the local Apple store. Not sure but I think I stated that in my original post.

I can accept the worse viewing angles and perhaps the lower white point, but not the color balance issue. I notice it in every photo and video, even if I ignore it when web browsing. Hopefully it’s not an issue with all the displays. Thanks for the response.
[doublepost=1554579906][/doublepost]

Yes, as stated in my original post.
[doublepost=1554580053][/doublepost]

The True Tone idea is great in practice, but a joke in actual performance, as mine isn’t the only display I've seen go obviously yellow with it. The point is to maintain a neutral color balance, but I have yet to see that in practice. No offense to those who like it.
[doublepost=1554580231][/doublepost]

Hmm, interesting. That gives me hope. Thanks for the reply. In fact, thanks everyone. Really tired from lack of sleep due to feet injury so I'm sure I'm forgetting to thank everyone for their replies. All replies are really appreciated, even the ones I did not find helpful.
[doublepost=1554580478][/doublepost]


Clownmask I know you were trying to be helpful. I hope you don’t take my original reply personally. Unfortunately I haven’t been feeling well, with a corresponding lack of sleep. The response was still appreciated. Thanks.
[doublepost=1554582346][/doublepost]View attachment 830645 View attachment 830646 Here are two photos comparing my mini 4 and 5 and my iPhone 5s to the mini 5.

I tried two minis and they were the same as above. Both were space grey 256 cellular models. What is this one?

 

[Wachpy]

I have both my mini 4 and mini 5 sitting here in front of me and I can’t say I’m seeing any of these problems. I’m also a photographer, graphic designer and videophile.

Off-axis brightness and contrast drops off about the same on both of my minis. Do they have exactly the same color balance? No, not exactly the same. But the mini 5 is a P3 display with better contrast and higher maximum brightness. If anything, my mini 4 has too much of a pink tint in comparison to the mini 5.

In comparing these two devices in front of me, I don’t believe they’ve cut any corners on the display for the mini 5.

At the end of the day iPads are consumer electronics. You don’t get the level of control or ultra-tight adherence to standards that you’re going to get out of a professional display that costs thousands of dollars. That’s not to say that iPad displays are bad—I think they’re incredible, and they compare favorably to other high-end consumer-level tablets. But there will always be visible variances between different units and different generations of devices.

 

[Coconutcreampie]

I tried two minis and they were the same as above. Both were space grey 256 cellular models. What is this one?

64GB Space Gray Cellular.

Edit: are you saying they had the same issues I described with my mini 5. Not a good sign if that's the case.
[doublepost=1554584982][/doublepost]

Sorry, I had to delete and repost the original photos as they were too big and flowed off the screen and screwed up the formatting of the page. So here are two cropped versions of the sample photos showing the magenta red tint on the mini 5 compared to my mini 4 and iPhone 5s, both of which are neutral black, especially in person minus the color noise you get from low light small sensor photos.

Thanks again to everyone contributing.
[doublepost=1554585374][/doublepost]

I have both my mini 4 and mini 5 sitting here in front of me and I can’t say I’m seeing any of these problems. I’m also a photographer, graphic designer and videophile.

Off-axis brightness and contrast drops off about the same on both of my minis. Do they have exactly the same color balance? No, not exactly the same. But the mini 5 is a P3 display with better contrast and higher maximum brightness. If anything, my mini 4 has too much of a pink tint in comparison to the mini 5.

In comparing these two devices in front of me, I don’t believe they’ve cut any corners on the display for the mini 5.

At the end of the day iPads are consumer electronics. You don’t get the level of control or ultra-tight adherence to standards that you’re going to get out of a professional display that costs thousands of dollars. That’s not to say that iPad displays are bad—I think they’re incredible, and they compare favorably to other high-end consumer-level tablets. But there will always be visible variances between different units and different generations of devices.

I'm actually getting lower contrast with my mini 5 compared to the mini 4, and that could be due to Apple setting a lower white point, as I stated in my original post. Subsequently images have less contrast and colors are less saturated, as expected with a lower white point. Black levels appear the same. So yeah, noticeably less pop to the images.

Look at the sample photos I posted and you can also see the magenta red tint seen in the mini 5 but not on my mini 4 nor my iPhones 5s.

All my previous iPads had consistently neutral color balance, as seen in my mini 4 and iPhone 5s comparison photos to the mini 5.

Thanks for the reply. There may be hope yet that a replacement will address my color balance issues.