iPad iPad Recommendation for My Dad

[WNYX]

I know this question gets asked a lot in this thread, but I'm hoping my version is at least unique enough to justify yet another thread creation.
My dad is turning 70 in a few weeks, so I want to get him an iPad. I've read numerous comparison articles, read the many posts on here, and watched several YouTube videos. At first, I wanted to get my dad the best iPad available. However, now I'm wondering if it's better to get him the best iPad for him. So, what started out with me looking at the iPad Air or iPad Pro has now turned into me considering the iPad Mini. My dad is currently using the iPhone XS Max. Besides basic phone functions, my dad uses his phone to read the news, look at animal and nature pictures on Reddit, and stream movies (mostly black and white movies) and music; that's it. Are the bigger iPads "overkill" for his usage since he's not a "power user"? He's certainly not editing movies or working on documents or emailing business clients or taking any Zoom meetings. Also, are the bigger iPads heavy? I'm worried that the iPad Mini might not be much of a different in screen size to his XS Max when reading the news. Am I wasting money by getting him an iPad that he won't use to its fullest potential? I'll be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[max2]

Cheapest new iPad!

iPad 8th generation.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Cheapest new iPad!

iPad 8th generation.

Yes, I would also recommend the 8th generation iPad.

 

[ericwn]

Entry level or iPad Air should be great for this. Don’t forget to get a good case to use as a stand.

 

[firedept]

iPad 8th gen will be all he requires.

 

[tops2]

First recommendation is 8th gen iPad. The mini may be a bit redundant since his phone is large already.

When I had the iPhone 6 Plus, I barely used my iPad mini. Somehow with the XR, I’m starting to use the mini more again. Or probably since COVID and staying at home, I prefer to reach for the mini since its larger and more comfortable to read on than a phone for my preferences. I hardly use my phone since COVID unless I go out (walks, picking up kids, etc..)

Having said that, I love my mini 4 a lot more than my 11” iPad Pro due to size and convenience. It’s just large enough for my preference (a lot of reading tech news feeds and forums and occasional videos). The size and weight of the mini has me reaching for it most of the time. I find using the on screen keyboard much easier for me on the mini. And personally, I don’t notice the lack of ProMotion nor the lack of 4 speakers that much when I switch to my mini.

 

[rui no onna]

Question, how are your dad's fingerprints? I don't know if it's because his fingerprints are worn out or his hands are too dry but TouchID doesn't work for my dad. My aunt has the same problem.

If/when they want to upgrade their iPads, I would wholeheartedly buy/recommend something that has FaceID (I pretty much buy all the tech for my parents).

 

[KittyKatta]

iPad 8th gen. Having both devices use lightning cables to charge will make things easier on him.

 

[WNYX]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. It looks like the unanimous vote is for the base iPad. I hadn't thought of it originally because of its lack of laminated screen. However, it appears that only really affects those that are using the Apple Pencil, which he will not.

@tops2 I threw the iPad Mini into the mix because of that exact reason - size and convenience. I was thinking that the bigger iPads would eventually tire his hands when he's holding it and reading the news, but you're right about the possible redundancy. I am going with the 8th gen iPad so there is enough of a difference in screen size.

@rui no onna I actually used to have Touch ID (and now Face ID) disabled on both of my parents' phones. They're unable to make them work on their phones, too. (My mom uses the XR.) I buy all of the tech for my parents as well.

Thanks again, everyone!