All iPads iPad Mini or 11 Pro when Cost is SAME

[Htsi]

I have wanting to add the mini for quite a while since I use my 12.9 always with the magic keyboard.
The mini 6 256+LTE costs the same as an 11 Pro 128+LTE. Cost: $1088 (Sad, yes)
I am confused with what to buy, and there’s no return policy so I can’t try and decide.

My reservations with the mini stem with the lack of faceid and promotion, and especially when the pro doesn’t cost more.
I don’t want to end with another tablet which can’t be used in hand, the 12.9 is a pain to use undocked. For people that have both a mini and 11 pro, what do you like better. I do not plan to dispose the 12,9.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

The Mini seems like it would be a better complement to your 12.9. Will you be using the Mini/11 Pro at home or out?

 

[Htsi]

The Mini seems like it would be a better complement to your 12.9. Will you be using the Mini/11 Pro at home or out?

Everywhere, mostly in the car or just in bed. The 12.9 can do so only with the MK attached.

 

[Digitalguy]

I only have the mini 5, nobody has the 6 yet, plus the 12.9 and 11 pro (both 2018, both with magic keyboard). The 11 gets much more use than the mini.
Main reason is keyboard, better for reading and annotating while still being light enough. Also video watching.
The pro has the best speakers.
The mini wins in bed, no other tablet is good for be, not even close, unless you are sitting (I am talking flat position)
While I like both, the 11 pro is definitely more important than the mini

 

[ericwn]

The mini form factor seems like a good sidekick to a big iPad.

 

[sracer]

I have wanting to add the mini for quite a while since I use my 12.9 always with the magic keyboard.
The mini 6 256+LTE costs the same as an 11 Pro 128+LTE. Cost: $1088 (Sad, yes)
I am confused with what to buy, and there’s no return policy so I can’t try and decide.

My reservations with the mini stem with the lack of faceid and promotion, and especially when the pro doesn’t cost more.
I don’t want to end with another tablet which can’t be used in hand, the 12.9 is a pain to use undocked. For people that have both a mini and 11 pro, what do you like better. I do not plan to dispose the 12,9.

Since you specifically mention FaceID and ProMotion, I'd say that the Mini is not for you. People who find these features important generally are dissatisfied with iPads that don't have them.

 

[Shirasaki]

Do you consider yourself using and somewhat relying on using a phone? If so, iPad mini might not be your choice, especially if you think Face ID is a big deal. However, if you enjoy using iPad more and want to still be able to multitask somewhat and appreciate bigger fonts, buttons etc on an iPad (tho arguably not so much on mini) then you can consider picking up a mini.
Me is carrying iPad Pro 11" everywhere, grocery shopping, single point shopping, short trip, on the bed, cooking, doing cleaning etc, and generally enjoy big screen with big buttons (especially in games). I am reaching a point that I don't even need iPhone anymore except for pairing with Apple Watch, making a phone call, sending text message and doing a handful of tasks that iPad cannot do.

 

[Htsi]

Thanks for the response guys, I appreciate it.

I only have the mini 5, nobody has the 6 yet, plus the 12.9 and 11 pro (both 2018, both with magic keyboard). The 11 gets much more use than the mini.
Main reason is keyboard, better for reading and annotating while still being light enough. Also video watching.
The pro has the best speakers.
The mini wins in bed, no other tablet is good for be, not even close, unless you are sitting (I am talking flat position)
While I like both, the 11 pro is definitely more important than the mini

You are in the best situation to answer my queries. Like you, I also have the 2018 12.9 with magic keyboard. What would you pick the M1 11 or the Mini 6. I want to know about the size and weight differences (The mini 5 &6 are same) between the two, and what works better as tablet (Ie bigger iPhone) for you. YouTube/Safari/maybe Netflix or just games. The 11 truly pulls the mind with its much higher capability vs the mini, at the same price! Bit I don’t know if i will lose the allure of a tiny ipad, if there is any you are the one to tell about it.

The mini form factor seems like a good sidekick to a big iPad.

I agree, the cost/benefit is what’s causing this conundrum. Why do mini and pro cost same lol.

Since you specifically mention FaceID and ProMotion, I'd say that the Mini is not for you. People who find these features important generally are dissatisfied with iPads that don't have them.

I agree, it is just the want of a tiny device that has put the mini in the picture. I did not buy the mini5 on sale just for the 6’s wait. However, I do not notice the lack of promotion on my iPhone, i suppose that’ll change if i get an iPhone with promotion. Lack of promotion was quite noticeable on my cousins iPad 5. TouchID on the power button vs seamless faceID will be noticed daily.

 

[Htsi]

Do you consider yourself using and somewhat relying on using a phone? If so, iPad mini might not be your choice, especially if you think Face ID is a big deal. However, if you enjoy using iPad more and want to still be able to multitask somewhat and appreciate bigger fonts, buttons etc on an iPad (tho arguably not so much on mini) then you can consider picking up a mini.
Me is carrying iPad Pro 11" everywhere, grocery shopping, single point shopping, short trip, on the bed, cooking, doing cleaning etc, and generally enjoy big screen with big buttons (especially in games). I am reaching a point that I don't even need iPhone anymore except for pairing with Apple Watch, making a phone call, sending text message and doing a handful of tasks that iPad cannot do.

It has been 2 months since I gave away my 12Pro to Dad and am using his iPhone8. Phone really just gets used for the watch, and music/maps in car. Nothing too critical. I may switch back the phones.
I would rather do other stuff on the iPad. How do you find using the 11‘ in hand. The weight and portability, if you’ve ever tried comparing it to the mini. To switch to a more-iPad usage route I had decided to add in the mini 6, and now the pro 11 is also in contention

 

[Digitalguy]

Thanks for the response guys, I appreciate it.


You are in the best situation to answer my queries. Like you, I also have the 2018 12.9 with magic keyboard. What would you pick the M1 11 or the Mini 6. I want to know about the size and weight differences (The mini 5 &6 are same) between the two, and what works better as tablet (Ie bigger iPhone) for you. YouTube/Safari/maybe Netflix or just games. The 11 truly pulls the mind with its much higher capability vs the mini, at the same price! Bit I don’t know if i will lose the allure of a tiny ipad, if there is any you are the one to tell about it.

I agree, the cost/benefit is what’s causing this conundrum. Why do mini and pro cost same lol.

I agree, it is just the want of a tiny device that has put the mini in the picture. I did not buy the mini5 on sale just for the 6’s wait. However, I do not notice the lack of promotion on my iPhone, i suppose that’ll change if i get an iPhone with promotion. Lack of promotion was quite noticeable on my cousins iPad 5. TouchID on the power button vs seamless faceID will be noticed daily.

Honestly the M1 would win for me, with double the RAM it has much less reloads than the mini 6 and with double the cores (and again RAM) it will age much better.
Again for use standing the 11 is light enough to hold with one hand for a decent amount of time (much more than the 12.9). Sure the mini is lighter, but the screen is very small for many things. Again in bed you can rule out the 11 if you lay flat... but in that position a phone can also be alternative (more comfortable than the mini, but more cramped...)
Youtube/Safari/Netflix are all much better on the 11 pro. Games it depends. For some racing games where you hold the device as a steering wheel the mini is nicer for instance.
So it depends on your priorities.
Personally I would get the M1 11 at the same price, and maybe in the future try to get an entry level mini 6 on sale for those specific situations where the mini wins (bed, some games, for instance)

 

[Shirasaki]

It has been 2 months since I gave away my 12Pro to Dad and am using his iPhone8. Phone really just gets used for the watch, and music/maps in car. Nothing too critical. I may switch back the phones.
I would rather do other stuff on the iPad. How do you find using the 11‘ in hand. The weight and portability, if you’ve ever tried comparing it to the mini. To switch to a more-iPad usage route I had decided to add in the mini 6, and now the pro 11 is also in contention

I only used iPad mini 1 before and the size was big but not quite big enough to allow doing more things imo. However, in iOS 9, nothing matters lol. As for using 11” in hand, my hand is just big enough so I could type using both thumbs and maintain a tolerable typing speed but with some repeatable typos (m instead of k, I instead of o and so on). The weight is a bit much if I use it while holding iPad in the air while on the bed, but portability is great. I think 11” strikes the perfect balance between size, weight and portability.

 

[Htsi]

Honestly the M1 would win for me, with double the RAM it has much less reloads than the mini 6 and with double the cores (and again RAM) it will age much better.
Again for use standing the 11 is light enough to hold with one hand for a decent amount of time (much more than the 12.9). Sure the mini is lighter, but the screen is very small for many things. Again in bed you can rule out the 11 if you lay flat... but in that position a phone can also be alternative (more comfortable than the mini, but more cramped...)
Youtube/Safari/Netflix are all much better on the 11 pro. Games it depends. For some racing games where you hold the device as a steering wheel the mini is nicer for instance.
So it depends on your priorities.
Personally I would get the M1 11 at the same price, and maybe in the future try to get an entry level mini 6 on sale for those specific situations where the mini wins (bed, some games, for instance)

I have been leaning towards the 11. My 2018 has 4GB of ram and that is the only sore point in an otherwise lovely device. I noticed the jump to 6GB with the 12Pro and it was a massive quality of life improvement vs my 11Pro.
Onto the prices:
iPad Pro with AC+ : $1356
IPad Mini with AC+ : $1110
Refurb 2nd gen iPadPro 11 With AC+ : $869

The refurb option however requires me to order from the states, also the iPad Pro includes the free AirPods and should be $70-ish cheaper due to edu pricing.
If we speak long term, I think that tag will belong to a new iPad Pro 11 with a mini-led or oled display.

I only used iPad mini 1 before and the size was big but not quite big enough to allow doing more things imo. However, in iOS 9, nothing matters lol. As for using 11” in hand, my hand is just big enough so I could type using both thumbs and maintain a tolerable typing speed but with some repeatable typos (m instead of k, I instead of o and so on). The weight is a bit much if I use it while holding iPad in the air while on the bed, but portability is great. I think 11” strikes the perfect balance between size, weight and portability.

I have until September 27 to decide, but I am now leaning towards the 11

 

[Cosmo M3]

I've had the 11" Pro (2020) that I had recently sold to complement my 12.9" Pro + LTE. The Mini 6 is worth it over the 11" Pro for me.

 

[Htsi]

I've had the 11" Pro (2020) that I had recently sold to complement my 12.9" Pro + LTE. The Mini 6 is worth it over the 11" Pro for me.

Haha looking forward to your experience if i end up overshooting sep 27

 

[wilberforce]

I prefer the 11" at home, and the Mini when out.

 

[Tsepz]

I have wanting to add the mini for quite a while since I use my 12.9 always with the magic keyboard.
The mini 6 256+LTE costs the same as an 11 Pro 128+LTE. Cost: $1088 (Sad, yes)
I am confused with what to buy, and there’s no return policy so I can’t try and decide.

My reservations with the mini stem with the lack of faceid and promotion, and especially when the pro doesn’t cost more.
I don’t want to end with another tablet which can’t be used in hand, the 12.9 is a pain to use undocked. For people that have both a mini and 11 pro, what do you like better. I do not plan to dispose the 12,9.

Would have been nice to have ProMotion and FaceID in a “Mini Pro” of sorts.

If the setup works for you then I would say go for it.

 

[emembee]

These are all personal opinions, the only way you know is to try it. I have 10.5 and am trying to decide if I want the 11 inch which is v similar to 10,5 or to have a go with the mini. I used to have a mini 4 and I really liked it but screen size is an issue for things like remote into a Mac or pc. Unparalleled for taking out though. Hard decision times coming ….

 

[taneff]

If I am torn between two devices I always do the following. Price aside, not considering it. Which device is more useful for me. Which device will I use more, fits my needs more. That is the device I buy. Including hardware options. Just because 256GB is 150$ more I won't save on storage because the upgraded price is not justified. Same goes for design etc. It must fit my needs.

So just think about which device you will use MORE and with more JOY. It doesn't make sense to buy a better device because of money if you will use it less then the maybe a bit overpriced device which fits your needs more.

Design perspective: I bought an iPad Pro 11 once for a Mini replacement. And barely used it as I have a 12inch Macbook at home. Even on the go I used it much less than my Mini. It was so easy to just put the Mini out of the bag and use it on the go. So while I was tempted to keep the Pro 11 I sold it and bought an iPad mini again. And used it much more than Pro. The iPad 11 Pro was superior in every way and had an amazing modern design compared to the iPad mini 5. But that doesn't serve me well if I barely use it.

 

[Htsi]

I prefer the 11" at home, and the Mini when out.

Gotta buy all 3 from the looks of it lol

Would have been nice to have ProMotion and FaceID in a “Mini Pro” of sorts.

If the setup works for you then I would say go for it.

Oh for sure, would be perfect. Since this doesn’t happen to the iPhone Mini, I don’t think it;ll happen to iPad Mini either.

These are all personal opinions, the only way you know is to try it. I have 10.5 and am trying to decide if I want the 11 inch which is v similar to 10,5 or to have a go with the mini. I used to have a mini 4 and I really liked it but screen size is an issue for things like remote into a Mac or pc. Unparalleled for taking out though. Hard decision times coming ….

That’s the thing, no return policy so I can’t try and buy. Miss the states easy peasy buy and try convenience.

If I am torn between two devices I always do the following. Price aside, not considering it. Which device is more useful for me. Which device will I use more, fits my needs more. That is the device I buy. Including hardware options. Just because 256GB is 150$ more I won't save on storage because the upgraded price is not justified. Same goes for design etc. It must fit my needs.

So just think about which device you will use MORE and with more JOY. It doesn't make sense to buy a better device because of money if you will use it less then the maybe a bit overpriced device which fits your needs more.

Design perspective: I bought an iPad Pro 11 once for a Mini replacement. And barely used it as I have a 12inch Macbook at home. Even on the go I used it much less than my Mini. It was so easy to just put the Mini out of the bag and use it on the go. So while I was tempted to keep the Pro 11 I sold it and bought an iPad mini again. And used it much more than Pro. The iPad 11 Pro was superior in every way and had an amazing modern design compared to the iPad mini 5. But that doesn't serve me well if I barely use it.

I am all the way in agreement with you on this. I did not look at the starting price of the mini, I wanted 256+LTE and that is the benchmark. Compromising on these tiny materialistic objects is not wise. I agree I would love to try both out for myself, but can’t here. Since I don’t know what‘ll give me more joy a friendy size or all the jazz and more I’m used to on my 12.9 in an 11.

I’ll see if any stores have it on display, the old mini5 and 11 side by side.

 

[sockdoggy]

I’m waiting for next rev of mini - I can see Face ID and display upgrade given the now Pro form factor.

 

[IJBrekke]

I’m waiting for next rev of mini - I can see Face ID and display upgrade given the now Pro form factor.

This is the thing with the Mini though - the entire history of the line has been in direct correlation to the Air. Whatever is going on with the Air, that’s what we get a smaller version of. Apple has let the Mini fall by the wayside without updates, but they have never made a move to push it upmarket with any Pro features.

That said, ProMotion is likely an inevitability for both the Air and Mini at some point, it may just be another 1-3 years. Are you willing to go without the experience of using one for that long?

 

[Htsi]

This is the thing with the Mini though - the entire history of the line has been in direct correlation to the Air. Whatever is going on with the Air, that’s what we get a smaller version of. Apple has let the Mini fall by the wayside without updates, but they have never made a move to push it upmarket with any Pro features.

That said, ProMotion is likely an inevitability for both the Air and Mini at some point, it may just be another 1-3 years. Are you willing to go without the experience of using one for that long?

I doubt we will be seeing a new mini before 2 years.

 

[sockdoggy]

This is the thing with the Mini though - the entire history of the line has been in direct correlation to the Air. Whatever is going on with the Air, that’s what we get a smaller version of. Apple has let the Mini fall by the wayside without updates, but they have never made a move to push it upmarket with any Pro features.

That said, ProMotion is likely an inevitability for both the Air and Mini at some point, it may just be another 1-3 years. Are you willing to go without the experience of using one for that long?

Yes definitely good points. Excited for the next few years of Airs and Minis. My iPad mini 4 is still pretty solid - really just trying to convince myself to save $ and not upgrade

Would also love to see a Smart Keyboard on the Mini!

 

[profets]

I'm a heavy user of the 12.9 Pro, and have a mini coming tomorrow. Always been a big fan of the mini. I've wanted to complement the 12.9 for a while, and a few times I tried out the 11 which was an amazing device but felt a bit much having 2 iPads that are somewhat similar.

I did try the Air last year (purchased for my wife, but gave it a try for a few days), and I do have to say the lack of Face ID and promotion was very noticeable. I'm hoping it doesn't bother me much on the mini, but we'll see.

And yeah, both are at similar price points for me as well (between currency exchange and refurb options..)

 

[ElectronGuru]

Would also love to see a Smart Keyboard on the Mini!

Apples decision not to support mini keyboard options seems less to do with technology/marketing and more to do with size. Perhaps not doing it well, they don’t want to do it at all. In which case, no minis will receive direct keyboard support until the long dimension on mini grows to whatever apple thinks is the minimum size to support home-row keys. Which may be never.