iPad mini New iPad Mini 6 vs. iPad Pro 11" (2018)

[mattdo93]

Hi all,

I recently picked up an Apple refurbished 2018 iPad Pro 11" 64gb for $440 but am wondering if I should trade it in or sell it for the newly released iPad Mini? I would be using this for media consumption, SideCar, and photo editing in Lightroom (maybe an occasional video edit via InShot).

Portability is a big factor for me, and the new A15 looks amazing. But I feel like I would miss the 120Hz refresh rate and larger screen for SideCar. & right now I have a Logitech Keyboard that makes my iPad a convenient portable laptop with stand when I need it. However, I have never held or used an iPad Mini before.

Would love to hear your thoughts?

 

[wilberforce]

I have both an 11” iPad and an iPad mini (older version). Definitely stick with the 11”.
see my thoughts here

iPad Mini 6 64GB or 256GB or iPad Pro 11 128GB

I have both an 11" iPad Pro and an iPad Mini (an older version, obviously, but the size is basically the same). The 11" iPad Pro is far superior to the Mini for almost everything, and is, in my opinion, just as comfortable to use. There are a few things that the Mini is better for: when you...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[ofarlig]

I think the 11” is a weird inbetween, it is too heavy to be truly comfortable to use in one hand for things like reading and not big enough to use properly with a keyboard and such. I enjoyed it when I had it because it does make it possible to use it with the magic keyboard and also in the hands but the problem is that it isn’t really good at either.

I think like this, if you want one unit only (as in not having any laptop or larger iPad) the 11” is the best compromise, it can do everthing. I prefer having a MacBook or 12.9” iPad Pro together with a mini though.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I have both an 11” iPad and an iPad mini (older version). Definitely stick with the 11”.
see my thoughts here

iPad Mini 6 64GB or 256GB or iPad Pro 11 128GB

I have both an 11" iPad Pro and an iPad Mini (an older version, obviously, but the size is basically the same). The 11" iPad Pro is far superior to the Mini for almost everything, and is, in my opinion, just as comfortable to use. There are a few things that the Mini is better for: when you...

forums.macrumors.com

I also have the iPad Pro 11 and the mini 5. I love the mini but if I could only have one I’d stick with my 11 pro.

 

[kristalsoldier]

I also have the iPad Pro 11 and the mini 5. I love the mini but if I could only have one I’d stick with my 11 pro.

While I don’t have the Mini, I have toyed with the idea of getting one. But in the end, I prefer to keep to the 11 Pro. It seems to that the right balance between portability and screen size (for my purposes).

 

[subjonas]

If you want to do all that with one device, then you have to make compromise decisions based on precisely how important each thing is to you, which ultimately no one can know except you. With maybe the exception of sidecar, all iPad sizes can do all those tasks decently, and all iPads are portable.

But to maybe help organize your thoughts—these are basically the factors you need to weigh together:
- Precisely how hardcore you are at each given task (pretty much only you can know this), usually the more hardcore, the bigger screen you should have…
Vs
- Precisely how important the other feature differences like promotion are to you (for sure only you can know this)…
Vs
- Your precise portability needs.
I think portability is one area that is a tiny bit more objective. It’s still very subjective, but people can share specifics on how they ideally want to hold/mount it, carry it around, where they want to take it, etc.—and in some of those situations, there are somewhat objective size limitations. For instance, a pilot may need a particular size tablet in the cockpit. Another example, I always carry my iPad mini around the house like a phone. To me and I think most, that would not be feasible with a larger iPad (even the mini is stretching it for me).

But again, ultimately all these pretty much only you can know, therefore only you can weigh them against each other to make your decision.

Going back to sidecar though, I think sidecar is one exceptional compromise on the mini since Mac applications are definitely not designed for the mini’s screen. The 11” pro is much closer to the smallest Mac screen, so that alone may mean you should go for the 11” pro, again depending on precisely how important sidecar is to you. Or unless you only want to use sidecar for eg. Video, then mini could suffice.

 

[subjonas]

I think the 11” is a weird inbetween, it is too heavy to be truly comfortable to use in one hand for things like reading and not big enough to use properly with a keyboard and such. I enjoyed it when I had it because it does make it possible to use it with the magic keyboard and also in the hands but the problem is that it isn’t really good at either.

I think like this, if you want one unit only (as in not having any laptop or larger iPad) the 11” is the best compromise, it can do everthing. I prefer having a MacBook or 12.9” iPad Pro together with a mini though.

I personally also find the in between size too compromising, so I have a mini and 12.9”. But yes, compromise is what some are looking for in order to have only one device, so that works for them. I guess my compromise is I spent more money and have to maintain two devices. There are always trade offs no matter what. But my choice was by far the least burdensome of all the compromises for me. Everyone different.

I’d add though, since some people have the middle size, and a mini or a 12.9”, or all three, the middle size is not always about having one device. Specific situations or preferences may just call for that particular size. 11” might just be the biggest screen someone feels comfortable carrying to work for example.

 

[rui no onna]

I think portability is one area that is a tiny bit more objective. It’s still very subjective, but people can share specifics on how they ideally want to hold/mount it, carry it around, where they want to take it, etc.—and in some of those situations, there are somewhat objective size limitations. For instance, a pilot may need a particular size tablet in the cockpit. Another example, I always carry my iPad mini around the house like a phone. To me and I think most, that would not be feasible with a larger iPad (even the mini is stretching it for me).

An example of subjectiveness:

We have no issues carrying iPads room to room. The 10-11" models are around the same size as trade paperbacks so it's just like carrying a book.

The iPad mini doesn't fit inside our pockets so at least for us, it's just as inconvenient to carry as the mid-size iPads.

 

[OhTheHugeManatee]

I’m in a similar predicament. I have the 2018 11 pro, 256. However, I was considering trading it in for the mini 256 with cellular.

Pros of the mini
- much more portable, better for trips
- much better form factor for reading books (weight does play into it, especially when reclining or in bed)
- A15 and same ram, and better pixel for inch should run rings around the bigger iPad with less resolution, and while the pro has 100 more nits, 500 in a small screen is more than enough for photos and quick video editing
- more like a notebook (better for me for notes)
- 5G and similar battery life
- ultra wide front camera and same back camera in better camera size

Pros of the 2018 pro
- bigger screen for editing/larger canvas for drawing (don’t do much of this)
- smart connector (nice for magic keyboard, but to be honest I use mine much more as a consumption machine. If I want a keyboard and productivity tool, I would get a mac mini)
- 4 speakers and stereo recording ( I have headphones and a seperate mic, and anyways that’s what my iPhone 12 Pro max is for)

I’m really considering the mini for reading, faster specs, portability and travel.

 

[subjonas]

An example of subjectiveness:

We have no issues carrying iPads room to room. The 10-11" models are around the same size as trade paperbacks so it's just like carrying a book.

The iPad mini doesn't fit inside our pockets so at least for us, it's just as inconvenient to carry as the mid-size iPads.

I mean, I carry it ALL the time—bed, desk, couch, kitchen, bathroom, dining table (not in that order), there is not a moment I don’t have it on me or next to me. You’re right, one can do that with a larger iPad. So I am being bold by suggesting that most would not see that as practical with larger than a mini. I could be wrong. But I actually do occasionally put it in my pocket (sweat pants), so that is one somewhat objective point.

 

[rui no onna]

I mean, I carry it ALL the time—bed, desk, couch, kitchen, bathroom, dining table (not in that order), there is not a moment I don’t have it on me or next to me. You’re right, one can do that with a larger iPad. So I am being bold by suggesting that most would not see that as practical with larger than a mini. I could be wrong. But I actually do occasionally put it in my pocket (sweat pants), so that is one somewhat objective point.

We do the same with our 9.7-10.9" iPads. Heck, I do it with my 12.9". I even use the 6th gen in the bath tub.

Not sure how tall you are but I'm 5'2" and there's no way the iPad mini is fitting inside my sweat pant pockets. See, subjective again.

 

[subjonas]

We do the same with our 9.7-10.9" iPads. Heck, I do it with my 12.9". I even use the 6th gen in the bath tub.

Not sure how tall you are but I'm 5'2" and there's no way the iPad mini is fitting inside my sweat pant pockets. See, subjective again.

Haha yes, I don’t think we really disagree, it is ultimately subjective in general. But assuming OP (since we are talking about OP specifically) is a certain size, which we’d have to confirm, then the pocket thing would be an objective point. OP could theoretically also change their clothing size just to fit the iPad mini, but that would also be an objective point because it would require unique extra action. What would be subjective is whether or not OP believes that measure is worth it, or whether it’s even worth cramming an ipad into a pocket at all.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I personally also find the in between size too compromising, so I have a mini and 12.9”. But yes, compromise is what some are looking for in order to have only one device, so that works for them. I guess my compromise is I spent more money and have to maintain two devices. There are always trade offs no matter what. But my choice was by far the least burdensome of all the compromises for me. Everyone different.

I’d add though, since some people have the middle size, and a mini or a 12.9”, or all three, the middle size is not always about having one device. Specific situations or preferences may just call for that particular size. 11” might just be the biggest screen someone feels comfortable carrying to work for example.

11 inches is my sweet spot. I have a 13 inch MacBook Air and an older 11 inch MacBook Air. I prefer the form factor of 11 inch air. If Apple were still making the 12 inch MacBook I would have gotten that instead of my MacBook Air.

 

[sonstar]

Would be a downgrade imo.

 

[futurist101]

It's interesting how Apple prices their products almost perfectly to make the decision between different models very difficult. I was all set on getting the iPad Mini 6 until they raised the price for the lowest model from $399 to $499. I was then tempted to just get a 64gb iPad Pro 11 (2018) from their refurbished store for about the same price (now out of stock). Now Walmart is selling the new Mini at a $50 discount..lmao.

Please cue song: Dead Or Alive - You Spin Me Round

 

[subjonas]

It's interesting how Apple prices their products almost perfectly to make the decision between different models very difficult. I was all set on getting the iPad Mini 6 until they raised the price for the lowest model from $399 to $499. I was then tempted to just get a 64gb iPad Pro 11 (2018) from their refurbished store for about the same price (now out of stock). Now Walmart is selling the new Mini at a $50 discount..lmao.

Please cue song: Dead Or Alive - You Spin Me Round

So the small size of the mini isn’t a major selling point for you? For me, size is my first consideration when deciding which portable device to buy. Interesting how people are different ?.

 

[Justin51]

I think the 11” is a weird inbetween, it is too heavy to be truly comfortable to use in one hand for things like reading and not big enough to use properly with a keyboard and such. I enjoyed it when I had it because it does make it possible to use it with the magic keyboard and also in the hands but the problem is that it isn’t really good at either.

I think like this, if you want one unit only (as in not having any laptop or larger iPad) the 11” is the best compromise, it can do everthing. I prefer having a MacBook or 12.9” iPad Pro together with a mini though.

I'd like elaborate on this a little more..... I agree with what @ofarlig said. I 100% agree on the 11" iPad Pro being a bit heavy and kind a tad small for being a main device. Again just my opinion and I'm sure there's people that will disagree on this. I have a M1 MacBook Pro and have been wanting a smaller companion for two scenarios 1) being to use in sidecar and 2) something very portable so when I am out and about for work meetings and site surveys I have something to take notes on, pictures and other various tasks. The new iPad mini fits this bill perfectly now that the cameras are up to par and it's compatible with the Apple Pencil 2.

I haven't pre-ordered one yet as I am in no rush but the more I think about the positive use cases for me daily life the more I want it.

 

[futurist101]

So the small size of the mini isn’t a major selling point for you? For me, size is my first consideration when deciding which portable device to buy. Interesting how people are different ?.

It definitely is a factor. The extra portability is not enough to make it a better buy for me if I can get the 2018 iPad Pro 11 at nearly the same price. But knock off $50 with the fact that I'm getting Center Stage and a better processor and now I am uncertain again...haha.

 

[defferoo]

my plan is to sell my 11" iPad Pro 2021 to pick up the iPad mini. I find that the Pro is too big for my primary consumption/browsing use-case but also iPadOS is very lacking for productivity. I'd rather have a MacBook for that purpose. I tried out the Pro with a magic keyboard and while it works, a Mac is just so much more flexible and functional.

 

[bluespark]

Discussions like this are challenging, because all three sizes are really good, each is better than the others for certain purposes, and we all have individual needs and preferences. If I'm reading a book or taking quick notes, I want the Mini. If I'm watching a video in bed or on an airline tray table, I want the 11". And if I'm using it as a laptop or at a desk, I want the 12.9". Also, the Mini is not at all pocketable if you're thinking about pants pockets, but might be easily pocketable if you're thinking about a coat pocket. Your hands might be big enough to hold it comfortably in one hand, or they may not.

I will say that I've always especially liked the Mini.

 

[3Rock]

I'd like elaborate on this a little more..... I agree with what @ofarlig said. I 100% agree on the 11" iPad Pro being a bit heavy and kind a tad small for being a main device. Again just my opinion and I'm sure there's people that will disagree on this. I have a M1 MacBook Pro and have been wanting a smaller companion for two scenarios 1) being to use in sidecar and 2) something very portable so when I am out and about for work meetings and site surveys I have something to take notes on, pictures and other various tasks. The new iPad mini fits this bill perfectly now that the cameras are up to par and it's compatible with the Apple Pencil 2.

I haven't pre-ordered one yet as I am in no rush but the more I think about the positive use cases for me daily life the more I want it.

Agree with you 100%.

Getting the 14 inch MacBook Pro with a iPad mini 6, and iPhone 13 Pro is a perfect fit for me. Portability with the iPad mini six it’s just perfect sense to me. But we all think different in what our needs are

 

[subjonas]

11 inches is my sweet spot. I have a 13 inch MacBook Air and an older 11 inch MacBook Air. I prefer the form factor of 11 inch air. If Apple were still making the 12 inch MacBook I would have gotten that instead of my MacBook Air.

But for Macbooks, 11” is the “small” rather than the “middle”. Or it used to be. Now that 11” and 12” are gone, there is only medium (13”) and large (16”). I guess medium is now small.
I never got a chance to use an 11” MBA, but I loved the 12” MacBook. If it was still being sold, and if I didn’t need pencil support, then I would have gotten that as well, rather than my 12.9” iPP.

 

[subjonas]

It definitely is a factor. The extra portability is not enough to make it a better buy for me if I can get the 2018 iPad Pro 11 at nearly the same price. But knock off $50 with the fact that I'm getting Center Stage and a better processor and now I am uncertain again...haha.

I guess for me, especially with portable devices, size plays a much more major role in how usable a device is for given tasks, than the extra niceties that, for example, the Pro line offers. So even if the mini was more expensive than the 11” Pro, I would still get the mini ?. But that’s me.

 

[mattdo93]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I've decided to hold onto the iPad Pro, since the larger screen for SideCar and light editing/media consumption are what I use this device for the most.

 

[bluespark]

Agree with you 100%.

Getting the 14 inch MacBook Pro with a iPad mini 6, and iPhone 13 Pro is a perfect fit for me. Portability with the iPad mini six it’s just perfect sense to me. But we all think different in what our needs are

That's a good combo. Last year, I got the MBP 13" and the iPad Pro 11". For my needs, I now realize that I would have done better to get the bigger MBP, and that I could fill my iPad needs with the Mini. If you're lucky enough to have multiple devices, it helps to have some space in between their sizes.