iPad mini Newbie here. Buy Mini 5 or wait for Mini 6?

[jimmyohio]

Hello. First post. I am 52 years old and not the world’s most technologically savvy person. I currently own an IPad Mini 4. I love it but I made a huge mistake when I bought it. I got the 16 GB version. I have had the device for over 4 years and I am constantly having to remove apps in order to add new ones. I desperately need more memory. I mainly use the device for web browsing, reading and games. I love the form factor of the Mini. I was all set to upgrade to the Mini 5 when I heard rumors of the Mini 6 in March. Should I wait for the 6 or pull the trigger on the 5 now? Aside from a slightly larger screen, smaller bezels and a potentially faster processor what would I be gaining over the 5? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[kodabear]

Keep in mind whatever you do that there is some trade in value to your Mini 4. Smaller bezels would be a plus. A faster processor than the Mini 5 might not be that noticeable. I have the Mini 5 with 64GB and it's plenty of space for what I use it for. The question is how long can you be patient with the Mini 4 and 16 GB waiting for the Mini 6? I think you would be happy with either one, so flip a coin. Tails. buy the Mini 5, Heads, wait for the Mini 6.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hello. First post. I am 52 years old and not the world’s most technologically savvy person. I currently own an IPad Mini 4. I love it but I made a huge mistake when I bought it. I got the 16 GB version. I have had the device for over 4 years and I am constantly having to remove apps in order to add new ones. I desperately need more memory. I mainly use the device for web browsing, reading and games. I love the form factor of the Mini. I was all set to upgrade to the Mini 5 when I heard rumors of the Mini 6 in March. Should I wait for the 6 or pull the trigger on the 5 now? Aside from a slightly larger screen, smaller bezels and a potentially faster processor what would I be gaining over the 5? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Wait for the iPad mini 6 in March. It could have a large number of improvements.

 

[mk313]

I’d say keep an eye out for sales on the Mini 5 & also keep an eye on the rumors sites to see what improvements the 6 is rumored to have.

Personally, I wouldn’t pay full retail for a Mini 5 with a new one allegedly out in 2 months. If you find a good deal on a 5, jump on it. Or if you see that the rumors of features on the 6 are things that look like they’d be of value to you, then hold off.

Of course, if living with the 4 is truly terrible, and you don’t have any way of working around it (removing less used apps for the next 2 months), then feel free to disregard everything I said.

 

[tops2]

I also suggest waiting for Mini 6 rumored in March. If there wasn't the rumor for March release, then its up to you to wait or not. We won't know for sure what the Mini 6 will bring until its really released..and we all have wishes vs what the rumor is.

If you're really impatient though, you can get the Mini 5 and hope you won't regret it if the Mini 6 is released in March. 😜

 

[RoadWarrior56]

I traded in a Mini 4 for a Mini 5 when the newer model was released in March of 2019. I will say that the Mini 5 was and is a huge improvement over the Mini 4, even though they look virtually the same. And after 2 years, the Mini 5 still runs very well, with no lag or slowing evident. That being said, I would still wait for the Mini 6, or at least wait until the latter part of March which would cover the anticipated spring release window. I am guessing that the Mini 6 will have a similar form factor to the Mini 4 and 5, but with a bigger screen, and probably an A14 processor. If the Mini 6 is released but you decide that the Mini 5 will still meet your needs, then you can probably pick up a leftover Mini 5 at a substantial discount. Whichever model you end up buying, I suggest the 256 MG version if your budget allows.

 

[ejin222]

When you ask enthusiasts, they will all say "wait for the Mini 6." Personally, that's what I am doing.

I think the real question is: If Apple DOESN'T release the Mini 6 in March, how long will you wait until you realized that you should've just purchased the Mini 5 and gotten it over with?

I thought Apple would've released the 6th gen by now since the Minis and Airs relate closely to each other. Perhaps it's just strategical to stagger the release dates, who knows? But if Apple doesn't release the Mini 5 in March, then who knows if they will take years to release the 6? If so, I have the 5 and love it. Because of that, I am waiting to see what they do for the 6 but in your case, the 5 (especially if you can find it heavily discounted) will be a great purchase. If you don't mind non-laminated screen, even the iPad 8 is a good purchase since they have the same chips~

 

[Tikatika]

Wow! I came to ask this very question and here was your post at the top of the list! You all confirmed my feelings I should wait until March! Thanks 😃

 

[sracer]

Hello. First post. I am 52 years old and not the world’s most technologically savvy person. I currently own an IPad Mini 4. I love it but I made a huge mistake when I bought it. I got the 16 GB version. I have had the device for over 4 years and I am constantly having to remove apps in order to add new ones. I desperately need more memory. I mainly use the device for web browsing, reading and games. I love the form factor of the Mini. I was all set to upgrade to the Mini 5 when I heard rumors of the Mini 6 in March. Should I wait for the 6 or pull the trigger on the 5 now? Aside from a slightly larger screen, smaller bezels and a potentially faster processor what would I be gaining over the 5? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

If you plan on buying accessories like the Apple Pencil and cases/covers, then I recommend getting the 5.

I too had a 16GB Mini 4. I didn't realize how more useful the form-factor was going to be over the larger iPads I owned. I recently traded in my Mini 4 and iPad 6 in for a 256GB Mini 5. Absolutely love it.

The smartcover for the Mini 4 works with the 5. If the Mini 6 follows the iPad Pro and Air design language, there will be no option for a smartcover. That's not a problem for most people, but I really enjoy having a smartcover rather than a case or folio. The 5 supports the 1st gen Pencil, the 6 may end up supporting only the 2nd gen Pencil.

The Zagg Keyboard case for the Mini 4 will work with the Mini 5 (though there is a slight mismatch in the placement of the microphone cutout-easy to fix). Occasionally I like to use the Mini as a little "netbook".

New Apple smartcovers and keyboard cases for the Mini 4 can get bought at great discounts. (under $10 for the smartcover, $20 for the Zagg).

 

[ElectronGuru]

It’s the pain of running the 4 longer vs the pain of watching the 5 drop in value when the 6 lands. I would wait, you’ll get better hardware or lower price. But you can also get a used 5 now, as if you’d bought one a year ago.

 

[terryw1]

I agree with most that said wait for the 6. I went ahead and picked up a refurb iPad (9.7)from overstock outlet on eBay with 125 mem for less than 200 to hold me over. Got all my games. Books and music that I had on my mini(mirrored it) and that way if I get free games(I will) or new books I put them on the iPad and don’t worry that they are not on my mini cause when the mini 6 comes out, I’ll mirror to my iPad. I also found some other uses for the iPad that weren’t real workable for me on my mini or 12.9 pro.
long and short, if you must have NOW get a 5 used/cheap on eBay. Do what I did, you may be surprised. Wait until the 6 comes out and buy the 6, if you find when the 6 comes out that it’s either too expensive with 256 or features don’t excite you then you can get the mini 5 at a much cheaper price.

 

[MisterMillz]

Wait til March. That’s the alleged month for iPad refreshes. If it doesn’t happen, then buy the Mini 5.

 

[JonMPLS]

I'm in the same boat, but my mini is even older. It's so slow I can't take it anymore. I will wait until March for a mini 6, but if there is no update I will be ordering a 5. But really hoping for an update!

 

[BigMcGuire]

I got rid of my iPad Pro 11 and got a Mini 5. The form factor is perfect. Then again, 99% of what I do on an iPad is read. I know full well a 6 may come out next month. That's why I got an on sale 64GB mini 5 for under $400. If not, I'm good till the 6 comes out, if the 6 comes out, someone inherits a mini 5, or I can trade it in.

The mini 5, at least from what I remember in the past, always has a habit of not coming out when people expect it. Despite all the rumors, I think I'd be surprised if the 6 comes out next month, but ... I enjoy being surprised.

 

[Digitalguy]

I have the mini 4 and mini 5. Mini 5 is a huge improvement (A12 vs A8), feels just as fast as the ipad pro 11. Mini 6 should have same speed as the iPad air 4, so an improvement, but definitely not a huge one.
If you can wait 2 months, wait, otherwise the mini 5 is amazing and if you have accessories they will work.
Personally I won't upgrade my mini 5 for many, many years...

 

[MisterMillz]

I got rid of my iPad Pro 11 and got a Mini 5. The form factor is perfect. Then again, 99% of what I do on an iPad is read. I know full well a 6 may come out next month. That's why I got an on sale 64GB mini 5 for under $400. If not, I'm good till the 6 comes out, if the 6 comes out, someone inherits a mini 5, or I can trade it in.

The mini 5, at least from what I remember in the past, always has a habit of not coming out when people expect it. Despite all the rumors, I think I'd be surprised if the 6 comes out next month, but ... I enjoy being surprised.

I have the mini 4 and mini 5. Mini 5 is a huge improvement (A12 vs A8), feels just as fast as the ipad pro 11. Mini 6 should have same speed as the iPad air 4, so an improvement, but definitely not a huge one.
If you can wait 2 months, wait, otherwise the mini 5 is amazing and if you have accessories they will work.
Personally I won't upgrade my mini 5 for many, many years...

Just out of curiosity, do you both use smaller phones? I had the Mini 5 for a time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking I don't need a phone with a bigger screen anymore if I buy the Mini again since it is comfortable enough to do all-things consumption--texting, emailing, watching videos, YouTubing, and the occasional gaming. Only thing I'd really need the phone for is for calls, texting and quick searches.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Just out of curiosity, do you both use smaller phones? I had the Mini 5 for a time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking I don't need a phone with a bigger screen anymore if I buy the Mini again since it is comfortable enough to do all-things consumption--texting, emailing, watching videos, YouTubing, and the occasional gaming. Only thing I'd really need the phone for is for calls, texting and quick searches.

I've used the biggest phone since the 6+. I currently own a 12 Pro Max.

I really wished I had gotten the 12 mini.

You're absolutely right. With an iPad mini - I don't use the phone as a consumption device unless I'm away from home (away from my mini) - and that's ... really rare these days.

I tried using my 12 Pro Max as a primary device but reading isn't as comfortable as it is on the mini - but if I had to do it, I could.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have the mini 4 and mini 5. Mini 5 is a huge improvement (A12 vs A8), feels just as fast as the ipad pro 11. Mini 6 should have same speed as the iPad air 4, so an improvement, but definitely not a huge one.
If you can wait 2 months, wait, otherwise the mini 5 is amazing and if you have accessories they will work.
Personally I won't upgrade my mini 5 for many, many years...

As someone who sold his 2018 iPad Pro 11 to family and got the iPad mini 5 - I can confirm that this is a true statement.

I also plan on (if I can) keeping my mini 5 for many many years especially if there is no mini 6 next month. The fact that I just use it for reading and light browsing - I really have no excuse.

 

[Digitalguy]

Just out of curiosity, do you both use smaller phones? I had the Mini 5 for a time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thinking I don't need a phone with a bigger screen anymore if I buy the Mini again since it is comfortable enough to do all-things consumption--texting, emailing, watching videos, YouTubing, and the occasional gaming. Only thing I'd really need the phone for is for calls, texting and quick searches.

Yes, sir. Small phone squad here.
The maximum I can tolerate is the size of the iPhone 11 pro, but I have always been on Samsung, so I have a S10e (which is exactly that size). If I moved to iPhone it would be iPhone mini without hesitation. I use my phone for calls, photos/videos and notifications, I write messages mainly from my computer (whatsapp web, in Europe everyone uses whatsapp for messaging...). I only do other things on my phone when I am queuing or waiting somewhere... And in bed too. But my mini 4 has always been my bed device too, although now it's being replaced by the mini 5 even for that...
The advantage for me is that my phone is very compact and light (the 11 pro is compact but not light...) so very comfortable... And battery life is not an issue.... And honestly I can keep it for years....
But I really do a lot with iPads so I also have the a few iPad pro.

 

[Digitalguy]

As someone who sold his 2018 iPad Pro 11 to family and got the iPad mini 5 - I can confirm that this is a true statement.

I also plan on (if I can) keeping my mini 5 for many many years especially if there is no mini 6 next month. The fact that I just use it for reading and light browsing - I really have no excuse.

The only thing that could tempt me is if the mini gets USB C. I don't care about 0.5in more screen (I have bigger ipads), I prefer touch ID and the mini 5 being as fast as the 11 pro, more speeds would make no difference.
But honestly even if it gets USB C (and that's not what rumors say...) there is really no reason for me to upgrade. I still need lightning for my airpods, powerbeats pro and for the 12.9 and the mini 5 meets all my needs for a mini tablet.

 

[MisterMillz]

Enjoying reading everyone’s insights and POVs. I think I might give the minis a spin again. Recently bought another 12 Pro. So, I’m still within my 14 and sold my iPad Pro 11 at even.

I do hope the Mini 6 screen gets bigger as long as the dimensions stay the same or decrease (iPad Pro/Air 4 body) and gets Apple Pencil 2 support. However, I do like that one charger can currently charge an iPhone and Mini. Less cables while traveling. Probably going to get a 5 now and if the 6 checks all the boxes, I’ll upgrade. If not, I’ll get to enjoy another Mini sooner than later.

 

[Zazoh]

From the buyers guide on this site.

 

[Enclavean]

When you ask enthusiasts, they will all say "wait for the Mini 6." Personally, that's what I am doing.

I think the real question is: If Apple DOESN'T release the Mini 6 in March, how long will you wait until you realized that you should've just purchased the Mini 5 and gotten it over with?

I thought Apple would've released the 6th gen by now since the Minis and Airs relate closely to each other. Perhaps it's just strategical to stagger the release dates, who knows? But if Apple doesn't release the Mini 5 in March, then who knows if they will take years to release the 6? If so, I have the 5 and love it. Because of that, I am waiting to see what they do for the 6 but in your case, the 5 (especially if you can find it heavily discounted) will be a great purchase. If you don't mind non-laminated screen, even the iPad 8 is a good purchase since they have the same chips~

Very simple, buy it on April 1st. If its not released then, it'll probably come out in October. Regardless its 1 month to wait, and for someone who already has an iPad to use thats a no brainer.

 

[Digitalguy]

Very simple, buy it on April 1st. If its not released then, it'll probably come out in October. Regardless its 1 month to wait, and for someone who already has an iPad to use thats a no brainer.

more like 2 months

 

[tops2]

Not sure if its placebo effect..but with the latest 1 or 2 iPadOS update, my Mini 4 feels a bit smoother. At least it doesn't stutter as much when I'm web surfing. Unless because its not the holiday season so I'm not constantly on various shopping sites that feels choppy (like bestbuy.com for me). Regular (non shopping) browsing and use feels fine.