iPad mini Is the iPad mini 5 the missing piece?

[Telesmurfen]

Hi!
I have read just about every thread about the iPad mini, and I know it’s up to me to decide in the end, but I’m still asking for some advice (preferably based on experience).
On my wrist, I wear the Apple Watch, which is great for checking notifications, calendar appointments, activity, etc, without having to pick up my phone.
My phone is an iPhone XS Max, which offers me everything I need from a phone. Love the size, the functions, and have nothing to complain about. It fills most of my needs on-the-go.
For a bigger iOS-screen, I use an iPad Pro (2018) 12.9. It’s a great device for Netflix, YouTube, browsing, photo editing, text editing, and so on.
My iPad is great for everything, except portability and easy one-handed use.
I like to read e-books and do some occasional gaming.
And this is where I feel there’s a gap in my “device collection”..
My phone sometimes feels to small for e-books and magazines, while my iPad 12.9 feels too big (I have to lay it down on a surface to use it comfortably, being a sofa, the bed or a table).
Will the iPad mini 5 be a good attribution to my set-up? The only thing holding be back is its old design, with thick bezels, Touch ID, and the feeling that it just looks outdated. It’s also using the first generation Apple Pencil. As I’m used to the new iPad, which has thin bezels, Face ID, four speakers, etc, is it likely that I’ll be satisfied with what the mini has to offer (for the uses mentioned earlier), or do you think I’ll be better off with something like the iPad Pro 11, which on paper seems much better, but might still be a bit on the large size, too expensive and too heavy (and maybe overkill) for using comfortably as an e-book/gaming device?

 

[LibbyLA]

I look at the screen of my Mini 5. Couldn’t care less about the bezels or whether it looks “outdated.” It works.

I think you are overthinking, but only you can decide whether it works for you.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, you may be right.. I may be overthinking this. So, are you happy with your iPad mini? And, if I may ask, what do you use it for?

 

[ejin222]

I used to have the Mini 2 and 2017 12.9 Pro together. That was my most ideal combination for every need. You will not regret having both the Mini and the Pro.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I look at the screen of my Mini 5. Couldn’t care less about the bezels or whether it looks “outdated.” It works.

I think you are overthinking, but only you can decide whether it works for you.

It doesn’t even look that outdated.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Thanks to you who keep adding your opinions to my thread, it’s much appreciated.
Yes, in my head, the iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad mini seems to be a good combination. With both having their own strengths and weaknesses. But, it’s always nice to hear from somebody who has actually tried it out in real life. I’ve seen positive reviews of the mini on YouTube, but sometimes using a thing on a daily basis gives you a better idea of what it’s like. So please keep posting your opinions on the mini.

 

[RickTaylor]

Of course everyone's different, and I can't tell if you'll be satisfied by the iPad mini 5. But I have one along with a 12.9 inch iPad and I really like the combination. Yes the 10 or 11 inch ipads are also portable, but I really do like the form factor of the mini; I find it perfect for carrying around, and it's still big enough to read books, view web-sites, take notes, and such. I don't use the pencil with the mini; if I want to take hand written notes, I'll use the larger iPad.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Thank you for the reply. And for pointing out that you think it’s big enough for reading books, as that is one of the reasons I’m thinking of buying one.

 

[sracer]

Thanks to you who keep adding your opinions to my thread, it’s much appreciated.
Yes, in my head, the iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad mini seems to be a good combination. With both having their own strengths and weaknesses. But, it’s always nice to hear from somebody who has actually tried it out in real life. I’ve seen positive reviews of the mini on YouTube, but sometimes using a thing on a daily basis gives you a better idea of what it’s like. So please keep posting your opinions on the mini.

I used both a 12.9 Pro and Mini 4 together for over a year and a half. I had the 12.9 Pro first and only. But after the first flight I took with it convinced me that I needed something else. The 12.9 Pro is completely unusable for me (emphasis on "me") on a plane. The tray tables are small and rows so close together than when the person in front of me fully reclines (seems like they always do) there is insufficient space to use it.

I bought the Mini 4 to complement my 12.9 Pro use. That worked great for quite a while. But when the 2018 iPad was released, I ended up replacing both for the 2018 iPad. My wife has the 12.9 Pro, I still use the Mini 4 (primarily as an ereader).

Because of the limitations of iOS, everything I did with the 12.9 Pro (and I do a lot of advanced tasks on it) I am able to do on the 9.7 iPad (including multitasking).

Now with the announcement of iPad OS, I'm going to take another look at what additional capabilities can benefit from the larger form-factor.

 

[RickTaylor]

Thank you for the reply. And for pointing out that you think it’s big enough for reading books, as that is one of the reasons I’m thinking of buying one.

One thing I should add is that I've always had good close-up vision. If I didn't, I might not appreciate the mini as much.

 

[Khedron]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, you may be right.. I may be overthinking this. So, are you happy with your iPad mini? And, if I may ask, what do you use it for?

In practical use the bezels are a convenience to hold it without covering the screen. I recommend white bezels which then just feel like the top and bottom borders of a piece of paper.

IMO since you have a 12.9 you'll appreciate a mini a lot more than an 11 Pro because the mini is a far greater portability upgrade.

If price is a factor, then a 256GB LTE mini with pencil can be a more functional travel companion than a 64GB wifi 11 Pro and still come out cheaper, lighter, and more durable.

 

[jterp7]

i have an XS max and loved my mini4 for many years but its just a bit too slow and dated. The ipad pro 11 is my stop gap until either oled pro is released and better yet say an 8.5" oled mini pro. The 11" is noticeably harder for me to type on than a mini and the 12.9 imo is either purely for media laid down on a table or for work using the pencil/keyboard (also while on a table/desk)

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

I'm mainly a writer/reader I have the mini 5 and when I bought it I didn't think I would have any use for it other than to load scripts on. I used to have the mini 2 and a small iphone. then I went to the big iPhone and had no use for the mini. Then I realized phones are a distraction and bought the little iPhone SE and a top end kindle reader since the bog phone was just a brick in my pocket and I didn't use nay of my writing apps on it anyways. Now with the mini 5 and the iPhone SE I dont use the phone much at all other than running with it to switch songs on the go.

Before I bought the mini, I played around with the new iPad Pros since that's what my siblings use. I felt it would be an odd thing to lug around and I just didn't see it. When I bought the mini 5 I realized pencil writing on it was useful and typing on it was more convenient with thumbs holding it vertical. its also super light. I also have the 12 inch MacBook so I use that if I want to really write on the go.

The bazels dont bother me and it just makes it easier to hold it. its very light and you can hold it with one hand if you just use apples magic cover. other covers are more secure all around but heavier. I bought a good one and then got apple one due to the quick snap on.

I would say if you write a lot of notes all over the page and want to see a wider view of what you write with the pencil, get the PRO. Also get the pro if you draw. Other than that, the mini sort of wins as more practical productive tool. The mini also has more pixels per inch than the pro iPads so the screen looks really good. better than my true 4k Mac screen. its a smaller screen but the little letters are sharp. I'm a fan of the mini 5. I dont take photos or video with it. I own pro cameras and lenses and I use that over the new iPhones anyways. You can even squeeze the mini in your pocket but it will be tight. So if you want super portable computer, get the mini 5. Yep I'm a fan and as I was buying it, I thought I wouldn't use it at all.

 

[Khedron]

I'm a fan of the mini 5. I dont take photos or video with it. I own pro cameras and lenses and I use that over the new iPhones anyways.

Basically the front camera is just there for video calls and the back camera is just there for scanning documents, and that's fine.

 

[bevsb2]

I have the iPad Pro 3rd generation and the Mini 5. I love the Mini 5 for its portability. It's much easier to use on the couch or with travel and is the perfect size for reading. It's super fast and I am another one with no issue with the bezels or Touch ID. I have the Space Gray and don't find the bezels distracting at all when reading. My only problem with the Mini 5 is that the print size is a little small on some websites for older eyes.

 

[emembee]

In practical use the bezels are a convenience to hold it without covering the screen. I recommend white bezels which then just feel like the top and bottom borders of a piece of paper.

IMO since you have a 12.9 you'll appreciate a mini a lot more than an 11 Pro because the mini is a far greater portability upgrade.

If price is a factor, then a 256GB LTE mini with pencil can be a more functional travel companion than a 64GB wifi 11 Pro and still come out cheaper, lighter, and more durable.

Agree with this. Only query from OP is about gaming, not sure what mini is like for that. Fantastic for reading as so light and if you get LTE then great portability with connectivity with all the Cloud stuff.

 

[Kostas3000]

Hi!
I have read just about every thread about the iPad mini, and I know it’s up to me to decide in the end, but I’m still asking for some advice (preferably based on experience).
On my wrist, I wear the Apple Watch, which is great for checking notifications, calendar appointments, activity, etc, without having to pick up my phone.
My phone is an iPhone XS Max, which offers me everything I need from a phone. Love the size, the functions, and have nothing to complain about. It fills most of my needs on-the-go.
For a bigger iOS-screen, I use an iPad Pro (2018) 12.9. It’s a great device for Netflix, YouTube, browsing, photo editing, text editing, and so on.
My iPad is great for everything, except portability and easy one-handed use.
I like to read e-books and do some occasional gaming.
And this is where I feel there’s a gap in my “device collection”..
My phone sometimes feels to small for e-books and magazines, while my iPad 12.9 feels too big (I have to lay it down on a surface to use it comfortably, being a sofa, the bed or a table).
Will the iPad mini 5 be a good attribution to my set-up? The only thing holding be back is its old design, with thick bezels, Touch ID, and the feeling that it just looks outdated. It’s also using the first generation Apple Pencil. As I’m used to the new iPad, which has thin bezels, Face ID, four speakers, etc, is it likely that I’ll be satisfied with what the mini has to offer (for the uses mentioned earlier), or do you think I’ll be better off with something like the iPad Pro 11, which on paper seems much better, but might still be a bit on the large size, too expensive and too heavy (and maybe overkill) for using comfortably as an e-book/gaming device?

I own all sizes of iPads. The ipad mini 5 is the one I most frequently use. That says it all

 

[Apple_Robert]

I really like my mini 5. I use it all the time, more so than my XS Max. For all intent and purposes. It has all but replaced my phone.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Wow, thanks again for all the input. After all the positive feedback, I think I will give it a go, and test it for myself.
Now, I would think that buying the LTE-version is recommended for such a portable tablet? I mean, I could share wi-fi from my iPhone, as my data plan is large enough, but wouldn´t that cause some heavy battery drain on my phone? Or doesn´t wi-fi sharing affect the battery life as much as I think it would? As for the storage size, I think I could get by with 64 GB, as most of my work is in the cloud, and I will stream all the music/video. At the same time, 64 GB sounds very little...

 

[Apple_Robert]

Wow, thanks again for all the input. After all the positive feedback, I think I will give it a go, and test it for myself.
Now, I would think that buying the LTE-version is recommended for such a portable tablet? I mean, I could share wi-fi from my iPhone, as my data plan is large enough, but wouldn´t that cause some heavy battery drain on my phone? Or doesn´t wi-fi sharing affect the battery life as much as I think it would? As for the storage size, I think I could get by with 64 GB, as most of my work is in the cloud, and I will stream all the music/video. At the same time, 64 GB sounds very little...

Get cellular if you plan to use the iPad outside the house. Much easier. And tethering does take a toll on the phone battery.

 

[RickTaylor]

Wow, thanks again for all the input. After all the positive feedback, I think I will give it a go, and test it for myself.
Now, I would think that buying the LTE-version is recommended for such a portable tablet? I mean, I could share wi-fi from my iPhone, as my data plan is large enough, but wouldn´t that cause some heavy battery drain on my phone? Or doesn´t wi-fi sharing affect the battery life as much as I think it would? As for the storage size, I think I could get by with 64 GB, as most of my work is in the cloud, and I will stream all the music/video. At the same time, 64 GB sounds very little...

I bought a mini with LTE because I have an awful sense of direction, and I use it as a GPS. I could use my phone for GPS of course, but the mini has a larger screen while still being compact. It's convenient occassionally to have the LTE for connectivity away from Wi-fi of course, but I don't think I would have bought it with LTE were it not for the GPS.

I could get by with a 32 GB unit; 64 GB is plenty for me. But then I don't store much on the mini except for books, and books don't take up that much space. If you use it for photos or video, perhaps you'd want more.

 

[*~Kim~*]

Wow, thanks again for all the input. After all the positive feedback, I think I will give it a go, and test it for myself.
Now, I would think that buying the LTE-version is recommended for such a portable tablet? I mean, I could share wi-fi from my iPhone, as my data plan is large enough, but wouldn´t that cause some heavy battery drain on my phone? Or doesn´t wi-fi sharing affect the battery life as much as I think it would? As for the storage size, I think I could get by with 64 GB, as most of my work is in the cloud, and I will stream all the music/video. At the same time, 64 GB sounds very little...

Storage wise, how much do you have used on your 12.9”? Do you plan to keep all of the same things on it or do you think you might put say photos and videos on the 12.9” and say music and books on the Mini?

I only have the Mini (it replaced a 9.7”) and don’t think I could justify owning two. 12.9” is too big for me but having one iPad at each end of the spectrum is something there would be more of a case for in my opinion.

My Mini is 64GB but then I mainly use it for browsing and streaming. I have some photos/music/video on it but only really my favourites, not my whole collection.

 

[jterp7]

My 11 pro which basically is my laptop in bed is 64gb. If it had LTE and goes out with me id do minimum 256gb, especially if i did work on it

 

[Telesmurfen]

Another big thank you to all who has contributed to this thread so far. I just checked my iPad 12.9 and I have used 52GB of 256, so I reckon maybe 64GB will be enough for my use. As for bezels, I’ve always opted for black, as I think that’s better for images and videos. And with the new dark mode coming in PadOS, I might go with black again. So, it looks like I’m not the only one thinking that an iPad in each end of the spectrum is a good option. Glad to see that I’m not crazy.. I might end up with an iPad mini as a summer gift to myself soon.

 

[jterp7]

a 12.9 for better or worse is huge, which is important for illustrators and anyone using the pencil. And when iPadOS comes out and its used as a semi laptop i think the screen size will also make a huge difference. My hands aren't the biggest (can only one hand a mini) and hope that at some point a mini pro is released with the processor and 120hz as a minimum (please oled).