iPad mini iPad mini 5 vs iPad 8

[ricketysquire]

I just got an iPad mini 5th gen yesterday after trading in a 6th generation IPad. I’m having second thoughts about it and I’m thinking of returning it. I’m trying to use it as a bedtime device and to use for music and other media while working on my desk. I’m trying to use my personal MacBook Pro 15 a little bit less as well for tasks like web browsing, bill paying and media consumption and some light games. Basically I’m going for a light secondary device.

I like the portability of the mini but the screen size is a concern. I liked the 9.7 inch and felt that was a good size but the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy. I’d also have to upgrade to the larger storage model as 32 gb is too low, which adds to the cost of trading in the device.

Any suggestions or thoughts about anyone considering the two?

 

[AutomaticApple]

the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy.

Have you tried it out in person yet?

 

[TurboJobo]

For the iPad mini is the best, typing and browsing videos on facebook is a blast! its to light! I remember having my iPad pro 10.5 and the regular 9.7 i was never confortable typing or also those things with cases get really heavy and uncomfortable. The ipad mini is fast! Screen is also better since it has more pixels per inch

 

[sracer]

I just got an iPad mini 5th gen yesterday after trading in a 6th generation IPad. I’m having second thoughts about it and I’m thinking of returning it. I’m trying to use it as a bedtime device and to use for music and other media while working on my desk. I’m trying to use my personal MacBook Pro 15 a little bit less as well for tasks like web browsing, bill paying and media consumption and some light games. Basically I’m going for a light secondary device.

I like the portability of the mini but the screen size is a concern. I liked the 9.7 inch and felt that was a good size but the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy. I’d also have to upgrade to the larger storage model as 32 gb is too low, which adds to the cost of trading in the device.

Any suggestions or thoughts about anyone considering the two?

About 2 months ago, I traded my 32GB Mini 4 and 128GB iPad 6th gen for a 256GB Mini 5. Every once in a while I feel a little twinge about the smaller size because there is always some situation where I'll think, "I wish I had a larger screen"... mostly during FaceTime calls.

The same thing happened when I downsized from from 12.9 Pro to the 6th Gen iPad. But I knew as time passed, those times would become less frequent... especially in those situations when I've had the smaller form-factor and thought, "I'm glad that I have the smaller one, I wouldn't be able to use the larger one here.".

...and because the Mini 5 uses the same body as the Mini 4, all of the Mini 4 accessories work with the 5. Smartcovers, keyboard cases, etc. all work and they can be had for very little money... new Apple smartcovers for the Mini 4 are $10-15. (I have black, and Product (RED) ). I'm really digging the Zagg keyboard case on those occasions where I simply want a netbook-like experience.

Having said that, if you aren't one to take your iPad out and about or if thin and light aren't a top priority, then I can see why the 8th gen has appeal. If I wanted a larger iPad, I'd get the 8th gen in a heartbeat without regret.

 

[kristalsoldier]

I just got an iPad mini 5th gen yesterday after trading in a 6th generation IPad. I’m having second thoughts about it and I’m thinking of returning it. I’m trying to use it as a bedtime device and to use for music and other media while working on my desk. I’m trying to use my personal MacBook Pro 15 a little bit less as well for tasks like web browsing, bill paying and media consumption and some light games. Basically I’m going for a light secondary device.

I like the portability of the mini but the screen size is a concern. I liked the 9.7 inch and felt that was a good size but the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy. I’d also have to upgrade to the larger storage model as 32 gb is too low, which adds to the cost of trading in the device.

Any suggestions or thoughts about anyone considering the two?

If my use case involved purely using an iPad for watching media, browsing and comms, then I could have entertained the Mini. Indeed, it likely would have been ideal. But as a device which I use to read a lot across at least 4 formats, make extensive annotations, and write a bit (both handwritten notes and typed), the screen size would have felt too cramped. And since I can’t justify 2 iPads, I opted for the larger sceeen size, namely, the 11”.

 

[hotr32]

I’ve gone back and forth between so many iPads, it’s crazy. I have an older 15” MacBook Pro that I barley use anymore. I finally decided on an 11” Pro which has replaced my MacBook Pro, (I can’t remember the last time I’m turned it on) and a Mini 5. They both have uses for me, and I can justify both.
I’m a moderate user, mainly media consumption and online classes.

 

[benji888]

I’ve had several diffent iPads, I currently have the iPad Mini 5 and it is my favorite, I like the combination of portability and the better screen tech over the previous iPad 9.7” (6th Gen), my last iPad. Sometimes I miss the larger screen size, but mostly I appreciate the lightness and portability of the mini...I also love the laminated screen so much I don’t put a screen protector on it, but do use a cover to protect when not using.

one thing to consider about the low-end iPad is that you will have an old-style screen with glass over it instead of the laminated screen you have on the mini 5...you really should go to Best Buy or someplace and pick one up and see if you’ll be ok with the screen, and the weight of it, after using the mini 5 you may be surprised at the weight difference.

...and, if you give it some time, you might appreciate the mini 5 more as you get used to the smaller screen size.

 

[ejin222]

I just got an iPad mini 5th gen yesterday after trading in a 6th generation IPad. I’m having second thoughts about it and I’m thinking of returning it. I’m trying to use it as a bedtime device and to use for music and other media while working on my desk. I’m trying to use my personal MacBook Pro 15 a little bit less as well for tasks like web browsing, bill paying and media consumption and some light games. Basically I’m going for a light secondary device.

I like the portability of the mini but the screen size is a concern. I liked the 9.7 inch and felt that was a good size but the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy. I’d also have to upgrade to the larger storage model as 32 gb is too low, which adds to the cost of trading in the device.

Any suggestions or thoughts about anyone considering the two?

You do know that the 9.7 and 10.2 are roughly the same dimensions, right?

Having both the 10.2 and Mini 5, I love the Mini 5 but would not purchase it after the 10.2 came out. The value proposition is not there anymore... Had Apple knocked out $50-100 off the price, then sure, purchase it without a doubt. But now that the 10.2 and Mini 5 have the same guts, I'm not sure having a laminated screen justifies its $70 greater price. Also, the 10.2 gives you the Smart Connector which the Mini 5 doesn't have, so the 10.2 has a wider range of accessories to use.

Mini's don't discount well, but the 10.2 may drop to $250 if we base this on past history of previous iPad sales prices. Had the Mini 5 updated to Air 4 specs, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mini to you. As of right now, it's like recommending an Intel based Mac over an M1 Mac. It just doesn't make sense.

 

[benji888]

... As of right now, it's like recommending an Intel based Mac over an M1 Mac. It just doesn't make sense.

???? no, it’s not anything like that.

actually the iPad 10.2 has the EXACT same processor as the Mini 5

A12

so no, you have no basis for this claim. ...don’t believe me? Go to Apple.com and see for yourself.

 

[rui no onna]

You do know that the 9.7 and 10.2 are roughly the same dimensions, right?

Having both the 10.2 and Mini 5, I love the Mini 5 but would not purchase it after the 10.2 came out. The value proposition is not there anymore... Had Apple knocked out $50-100 off the price, then sure, purchase it without a doubt. But now that the 10.2 and Mini 5 have the same guts, I'm not sure having a laminated screen justifies its $70 greater price. Also, the 10.2 gives you the Smart Connector which the Mini 5 doesn't have, so the 10.2 has a wider range of accessories to use.

Mini's don't discount well, but the 10.2 may drop to $250 if we base this on past history of previous iPad sales prices. Had the Mini 5 updated to Air 4 specs, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mini to you. As of right now, it's like recommending an Intel based Mac over an M1 Mac. It just doesn't make sense.

I remember looking at screen replacements for iPad Air and Air 2 and the laminated displays cost double the non-laminated ones.

At least the mini 5 has the same fast guts as the iPad 8th gen (so really more like 16" MacBook being cheaper than 13").

When Apple released the iPad mini 4, it was actually the same price as the more powerful iPad Air 2 ($399). I also remember Apple selling the A8/2GB iPad mini 4 for $399 even after the $329 A9/2GB 5th and A10/2GB 6th gen were released. Granted 128GB vs 32GB but I think at that point, the cost difference for the NAND flash would've been all of $5.

In general, the base iPad has always been the best value ever since 2017. The iPad mini is for those willing to pay a premium for the small size.

 

[ejin222]

???? no, it’s not anything like that.

actually the iPad 10.2 has the EXACT same processor as the Mini 5

A12

so no, you have no basis for this claim. ...don’t believe me? Go to Apple.com and see for yourself.

Yeah, I didn't mean it in the sense of a chipset. I mentioned that they have the same guts, so if you read my comment, you would know that's not what I meant.

The basis of my claim is that the value is not there, especially the Mini not being updated to the latest Air 4 specs as it usually is done.

 

[ejin222]

In general, the base iPad has always been the best value ever since 2017. The iPad mini is for those willing to pay a premium for the small size.

The Mini has always been based on the Air, so what you're getting is a smaller Air and not a more expensive base iPad. Just wanted to clarify that for others~

 

[rui no onna]

The Mini has always been based on the Air, so what you're getting is a smaller Air and not a more expensive base iPad. Just wanted to clarify that for others~

Not always. The 1st gen mini with A5/512MB was the original budget iPad at $329 while the iPad 4th gen with A6X/1GB was $499. I expect a lot of people bought the iPad mini back then mainly due to price and not size.

I expect Apple sales and marketing eventually figured what most people actually want is a "normal-size" iPad at more affordable pricing levels hence the eventual introduction of the $329 iPad 5th gen and subsequent updates.

 

[rui no onna]

The basis of my claim is that the value is not there, especially the Mini not being updated to the latest Air 4 specs as it usually is done.

If by usually, you meant 40% of the time or less, then sure.

More often than not, the iPad mini lags the mid-range iPad. Heck, the mini 4 even lagged the base iPad for a pretty long time tech-wise.

iPad mini A5/512MB $329 : iPad 4th gen A6X/1GB $499 -> lag

iPad mini 2 A7/1GB $399 : iPad Air A7/1GB $499

iPad mini 3 A7/1GB $399 : iPad Air 2 A8X/2GB $499 -> lag

iPad mini 4 A8/2GB $399 : iPad Air 2 A8X/2GB $399 : iPad Pro A9X/2-4GB $599-799 -> lag and was not updated in forever

iPad mini 5 A12/3GB $399 : iPad Air 3 A12/3GB $499

 

[ricketysquire]

Thanks for your replies. I purchased it from Best Buy as an open box for 351.99 and I noticed another store in my area has open box iPad Air 3s for 399. I know the Air is slightly larger than the iPad 8, but I'd get a better quality screen. Im wondering now if it's worth the 40-50 dollars to exchange it for the Air 3.

 

[rui no onna]

Thanks for your replies. I purchased it from Best Buy as an open box for 351.99 and I noticed another store in my area has open box iPad Air 3s for 399. I know the Air is slightly larger than the iPad 8, but I'd get a better quality screen. Im wondering now if it's worth the 40-50 dollars to exchange it for the Air 3.

Note, the display is bigger but otherwise, same dimensions. Air 3 is even a bit thinner and lighter than iPad 7/8. The only question is the white spot issue. I've got both Air 3 and Pro 10.5 and neither have the white spot issue. *knock on wood*

 

[KittyKatta]

I just upgraded my kid from Mini4 to Mini5 and I think we may return it.

While the Mini has always felt like the perfect kid/travel size, it feels like they may have outgrown it. I‘m letting my kid use my old Pro9.7 with Smart Keyboard and this really seems to be the right fit. The bigger screen and Smart Keyboard has elevated this beyond being a “toy” to them and now they use it for school, typing stories, drawing and light video editing.

I still have the Mini here and am debating keeping it for myself (its such a fun pursable size), but in the end it just feels outdated and severely overpriced. So it will probably go back and I’m going to put the money towards getting them an Air (whenever it goes on sale). I know the iPad8 is still an amazing device but I really want to move past Pencil-kabob charging and lightning ports.

 

[*~Kim~*]

I bought the Mini 5 just after launch and love the size for everything bar watching videos unless travel is involved. It was better value at the time (A10 6th Gen £329 (I think) vs £399 for the A12 Mini), than it is now. £70 less now gets the same processor and a smart connector. The non-laminated screen would be a benefit to some in terms of the lower out of warranty fee. I ended up taking a look at the costs on laminated screen devices and buying the AC+.

£70 premium for the smaller screen seems too steep to me, so I’d recommend the 8th Gen at this point.

 

[Homme]

I remember looking at screen replacements for iPad Air and Air 2 and the laminated displays cost double the non-laminated ones.

At least the mini 5 has the same fast guts as the iPad 8th gen (so really more like 16" MacBook being cheaper than 13").

When Apple released the iPad mini 4, it was actually the same price as the more powerful iPad Air 2 ($399). I also remember Apple selling the A8/2GB iPad mini 4 for $399 even after the $329 A9/2GB 5th and A10/2GB 6th gen were released. Granted 128GB vs 32GB but I think at that point, the cost difference for the NAND flash would've been all of $5.

In general, the base iPad has always been the best value ever since 2017. The iPad mini is for those willing to pay a premium for the small size.

in regards to the Mini 4 pricing at the time when 5th/6th Gen iPad came out.. it wasn’t just 128GB (since Apple discontinued other capacities it had in favor later on) but the cost of a fully laminated screen and anti reflective coating combined made the Mini 4 more expensive than those budget iPads which had better SoC’s but didn’t have those fancier screens

with the Mini series nowadays it’s a premium partily based on what I put above, it’s screens, P3 color, True Tone and cameras

The Mini has always been based on the Air, so what you're getting is a smaller Air and not a more expensive base iPad. Just wanted to clarify that for others~

wrong. first gen iPad Mini was based on the iPad 2, more like a shrunken version

and first gen Mini was released a year before the first gen iPad Air as well

 

[ricketysquire]

So Best Buy had the 128 GB iPad 8 on sale today for 359.99, so I exchanged my Mini 5 for it. I decided to go for it for the larger size (hard to type and multi-task on such a small screen) and increased storage space.

 

[rui no onna]

in regards to the Mini 4 pricing at the time when 5th/6th Gen iPad came out.. it wasn’t just 128GB (since Apple discontinued other capacities it had in favor later on) but the cost of a fully laminated screen and anti reflective coating combined made the Mini 4 more expensive than those budget iPads which had better SoC’s but didn’t have those fancier screens

Yeah, I know. I've mentioned the laminated display costs significantly more than non-laminated. Of course, there are a lot of people who don't think that's worth the premium.

 

[benji888]

The non laminated screen being an easier/cheaper repair... I’ve had several iPads, still have my iPad Mini 1st Gen that I got for the size not just the price, and it had the new air form factor even though the air came later, it was the lightest, thinnest iPad, with BT 4 could do handoff/continuity, even tho it wasn’t retina, the pixel density was higher since it has the same pixel count as the larger non retina iPads, an upgrade from the original iPad for me, those are reasons I got it, not just price like some people think...some of us like the smaller size.


anyway, back to my main point, I’ve not had screen crack or breakage even since my first iPad 2011, so, that point is moot for me, ...but, no kids here.

 

[K1221n]

Yeah, I didn't mean it in the sense of a chipset. I mentioned that they have the same guts, so if you read my comment, you would know that's not what I meant.

The basis of my claim is that the value is not there, especially the Mini not being updated to the latest Air 4 specs as it usually is done.

Mini 5 has Bluetooth 5.

 

[Zephar77]

displays.

	iPad (2020)	iPad mini 5
Cost	From $329 and up	From $399 and up
Wi-Fi only	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi + Cellular	Yes	Yes
Screen size	10.2-inch	7.9-inch
Dimensions	9.8-by-6.8-by-0.29 inches	8.0-by-5.3-by-0.24 inches
Weight	1.08 pounds	0.66 pounds
Storage	32GB or 128GB	64GB or 256GB
Display	Retina	Retina
Resolution	2160-by-1620 at 264 ppi	2048‑by‑1536 resolution at 326 ppi
Laminated display	No	Yes
P3 Color	No	Yes
Brightness	500 nits typical	500 nits typical
Antireflective coating	No	Yes
True Tone	No	Yes
Chip	A12 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Apple Pencil	First-generation only	First-generation only
Smart Connector	Yes	No
Back camera	8MP	8MP
Front camera	1.2MP	7MP
Video recording	1080P	1080P
Audio	Two speakers	Two speakers
Touch ID	Yes	Yes
Battery	10 hours Wi-Fi, 9 hours cellular	10 hours Wi-Fi, 9 hours cellular
Charging	Lightning	Lightning

As you can see, the older iPad mini 5 sports a higher-quality display than the base iPad (2020). The iPad mini 5's display is laminated, putting content closer to the glass and removing the noticeable air-gap as seen on the iPad (2020).

 

[Zephar77]

I just got an iPad mini 5th gen yesterday after trading in a 6th generation IPad. I’m having second thoughts about it and I’m thinking of returning it. I’m trying to use it as a bedtime device and to use for music and other media while working on my desk. I’m trying to use my personal MacBook Pro 15 a little bit less as well for tasks like web browsing, bill paying and media consumption and some light games. Basically I’m going for a light secondary device.

I like the portability of the mini but the screen size is a concern. I liked the 9.7 inch and felt that was a good size but the iPad 8’s 10.2 screen seemed a bit unwieldy. I’d also have to upgrade to the larger storage model as 32 gb is too low, which adds to the cost of trading in the device.

Any suggestions or thoughts about anyone considering the two?

I had the iPad mini five and traded in for an iPad eight. I am now returning the iPad eight and buying another iPad mini five, as it looks much better with the elimination of the airgap and it’s almost half the weight. The iPad 8 really bothered my hand and wrist making it ache after a while. And the screen resolution is significantly inferior between the resolution and the matte finish and coating. It may be that airgap in the iPad eight that makes it look funny and cheap looking. But using the very old 1.2 MP front camera and the 32 GB is beyond me why they did that. The iPad mini five has a 7 MP front camera and standard 64 GB which I could not fit when transferring the data and had to eliminate so many apps and data to make a transfer, left me a bit upset I didn’t get 128 GB, which I would not recommend considering the inferior specs of the iPad eight. I recommend the iPad eight if you’re going to use it a lot for watching movies for some reason, which is not what I do. I do every day stuff, but I watch movies on my TV. I’d recommend hanging onto iPad mini and think you would be disappointed with the iPad eight. My two cents, Zephar