iPad mini Real thoughts on iPad mini 5?...

[Kal-037]

What does everyone think about the release and design of the mini 5 here? I honestly can’t stand the home button look or (the home button period,) but I’m more annoyed they didn’t add 4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion... and they still have the mini at a ridiculous high price (especially compared to the 2018 iPad.)
I think I’d have ignored the home button design IF Apple had added those features and especially 4-speakers and Promotion.
Lately it’s seeming like 2018-2019 for all Apple products (except iPhone) have been/will be regurgitated designs with just spec bumps.

If I could get the iPad mini 5 for $250-275... I maybe would grab one then. But part of me wonders if Apple will upgrade the mini ever again and if I should wait still.

Anyone thinking in 2-4 years Apple will give a true redesign and upgrade to the mini 5, and are any of you thinking you might wait?


K.

 

[JBGoode]

I think you were expecting too much if you wanted pro/iPhone X level features for less than $399--quite frankly that's a little nuts. I'm surprised that this got the A12 chip and kept a laminated screen. It should cost more than the basic iPad as it's a better machine in all but it's size.

 

[kazmac]

I am super happy they kept the same chassis, upgraded the internals and gave it Pencil support. I think the price is fine for these upgrades.

I do not care about bezels, Face ID, or that these do not work with the 2nd gen Pencil etc.

Given the hardware issues with the Pros (bending, touch disease/irresponsiveness and white spots), it’ll will be nice to get the Mini in a proven chassis.

Trading in my 2018 iPad as soon as the Minis are in store.

 

[joeblow7777]

I have no problem with the design. But then again, my current iOS device are an iPhone 8 Plus and a 6th Gen iPad, so clearly I have no problem with a home button. In fact, I prefer TouchID over FaceID.

If someone wants a new Mini now, it doesn’t make sense to me to wait years for something that may or may not even come. Life is short. Live for today.

 

[squizzler]

Wow you were expecting a $700 mini.

Nice specs bump but could reduce the bezels.

 

[mollyc]

Why would you want a 12mp camera in an iPad??!?

 

[Falhófnir]

Perfect update IMO, kept the laminated display, gave it the latest chip available, pencil support, reasonable price and storage configurations. The whole point of the more advanced pros is to be productivity focused, that's why they have been trending bigger - a mini pro wouldn't be able to have the smart KB folio, so no good on that front. Eventually some of the design elements might trickle down, but it's far too soon for that yet.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Why would you want a 12mp camera in an iPad??!?

 

[caoimhe]

I'm very happy with the updated specs, don't care about bezels or Touch ID, and often listen through headphones so speakers aren't a big issue for me. I already own the first Apple Pencil and have mini 4 cases I can reuse. Can't wait to get it in my hands!

 

[JagdTiger]

What does everyone think about the release and design of the mini 5 here? I honestly can’t stand the home button look or (the home button period,) but I’m more annoyed they didn’t add 4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion... and they still have the mini at a ridiculous high price (especially compared to the 2018 iPad.)
I think I’d have ignored the home button design IF Apple had added those features and especially 4-speakers and Promotion.
Lately it’s seeming like 2018-2019 for all Apple products (except iPhone) have been/will be regurgitated designs with just spec bumps.

If I could get the iPad mini 5 for $250-275... I maybe would grab one then. But part of me wonders if Apple will upgrade the mini ever again and if I should wait still.

Anyone thinking in 2-4 years Apple will give a true redesign and upgrade to the mini 5, and are any of you thinking you might wait?


K.

It’s a great portable, the specifications are good.

 

[sonicrobby]

Before they released the new iPP last years, I was so excited for an updated mini with pencil support. Its still my preferred form factor. But Im with you, now that I've seen and owned a reduced bezel iPad with FaceID and Pencil2, Im much less interested in this update. Im glad Apple hasnt killed it off yet! But Im hoping for a form factor change on the next update in 5 years or so. Id be very interested in an iPad Mini Pro

 

[HappyIntro]

What does everyone think about the release and design of the mini 5 here? I honestly can’t stand the home button look or (the home button period,) but I’m more annoyed they didn’t add 4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion... and they still have the mini at a ridiculous high price (especially compared to the 2018 iPad.)
I think I’d have ignored the home button design IF Apple had added those features and especially 4-speakers and Promotion.
Lately it’s seeming like 2018-2019 for all Apple products (except iPhone) have been/will be regurgitated designs with just spec bumps.

If I could get the iPad mini 5 for $250-275... I maybe would grab one then. But part of me wonders if Apple will upgrade the mini ever again and if I should wait still.

Anyone thinking in 2-4 years Apple will give a true redesign and upgrade to the mini 5, and are any of you thinking you might wait?


K.

Sorry you are disappointed with the update. From your wish list, I too would have liked 4-speakers and a 12 mp camera. However overall I am pleased with it and plan to get one after they are out and have been scrutinized a bit. It really seemed like Apple was going to just let the mini design die off, so I am happy with what they've done overall with the update.

FaceID works great for me with my iPad Pro 12.9 and Xr. However, I actually very much prefer my 2nd Gen iPad Pro 12.9's form factor - I think it looks and feels better in my hands by a large margin. The home button works fine and doesn't bother me - I am surprised at the level of disdain for it I see expressed on these forums.

So overall I'd say try convince yourself to get a Mini if you've been waiting for one - after waiting so long for a refresh, why wait even longer for something that may not happen or if it does, could again disappoint with what they choose to upgrade or what price point they set it at then.

 

[joeblow7777]

The home button works fine and doesn't bother me - I am surprised at the level of disdain for it I see expressed on these forums.

Same here. People deny it, but ultimately it comes down to being conditioned to prefer what’s new when it comes to tech whether it’s a practical improvement or not. That became clear to me when people praised Apple for removing the headphone jack.
They could remove the display from the next iPhone and some people would swear it’s an improvement and say that any device with a display is dated and obsolete.

 

[Duncan-UK]

I’ve been after s mini with pencil support for some time so will definitely be upgrading from my 2nd gen mini. I use the pencil every day for work so it’s great to have the smallest iPad join the family.

 

[JagdTiger]

I’ve been after s mini with pencil support for some time so will definitely be upgrading from my 2nd gen mini. I use the pencil every day for work so it’s great to have the smallest iPad join the family.

The size is perfect for travel and being non tethered like the other iPads can connect to any televison/projection monitor.

 

[Jimbo Limbo]

I, among many others, emailed Tim Cook, requesting an update to the iPad Mini 4.

I am pleased with the choices. I do prefer the shape of the Pencil 2, but understand that using it would have necessitated a redesign of the chassis of the mini, increasing the cost.

I am most pleased with the A12 processor over something lesser, and the 3G RAM.

 

[masotime]

didn’t add 4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion... and they still have the mini at a ridiculous high price (especially compared to the 2018 iPad.)

I really don't get this reasoning.

2019 iPad Mini base price - $400
2019 iPad Air base price - $500
2018 iPad Pro 11" base price - $800
2018 iPad Pro 12.9" base price - $1000

The cheapest iPad Pro is twice the price of the iPad Mini, and 60% more expensive than the iPad Air. Of course it has "4 speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion"
[doublepost=1553085895][/doublepost]The base 2018 iPad has half the storage of the base iPad Mini, non-laminated screen, weaker processor and it costs $330 - slightly more than 12% cheaper.. If you ask me, it's the base 2018 iPad that is overpriced compared to the 2019 iPad Mini.

 

[TomOSeven]

Not going to buy one, the price is nuts.

I love the old chassis with home button and I don't mind in the slightest that they keep using it.
I love the old display and have zero complaints here, either.
I love the inclusion of an A12 processor, meaning this thing will get updates for years.

I'm quite indifferent about using the old pencil. Yeah it's older tech but it's also half the price if you buy it refurbished / used.

What I don't like is that they couldn't have added real stereo speakers or USB-C.

So if I wanted to take the Mini with me, I would have to use an extra charger and cable, but I also couldn't use it at home for music playback like my iPad Pro 10.5, because it just doesn't do that well.

It also still doesn't have WhatsApp, which probably isn't Apple's fault, but it sucks for me.

It's too bad. I'm sure it's a nice enough little computer, but it's not for me.

 

[sracer]

What does everyone think about the release and design of the mini 5 here? I honestly can’t stand the home button look or (the home button period,) but I’m more annoyed they didn’t add 4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion... and they still have the mini at a ridiculous high price (especially compared to the 2018 iPad.)
I think I’d have ignored the home button design IF Apple had added those features and especially 4-speakers and Promotion.
Lately it’s seeming like 2018-2019 for all Apple products (except iPhone) have been/will be regurgitated designs with just spec bumps.

If I could get the iPad mini 5 for $250-275... I maybe would grab one then. But part of me wonders if Apple will upgrade the mini ever again and if I should wait still.

Anyone thinking in 2-4 years Apple will give a true redesign and upgrade to the mini 5, and are any of you thinking you might wait?


K.

The Mini 5 was intended to be a modest update to the Mini 4, NOT a 2018 iPad Pro in the Mini form-factor. In spite of your wishes for one, there isn't a market out there for a Mini Pro (with the accompanying Pro pricing). From everything I've seen and heard, most Minis are used in vertical markets (pilots, warehouse workers, nurses, doctors, point-of-sales, etc.) and not the casual consumer. Those people (vertical market) don't need the gimmicks of ProMotion and rounded corner screens at a higher price, but are pleased with this new model.

 

[Moyapilot]

Promotion is the only thing of real value that’s it’s missing. It’s not a gimmick.

Overall I’m very pleased with the specs of the new mini. Pencil support and a laminated True Tone P3 screen along with a 3gb A12 are the most important features for me.

My wife’s mini 4 is still going strong and the screen is great until this day, while my 10.5pro has an ugly white spot on the screen. I’ll likely end up getting the mini 5. After returning my 11pro in January, I think I’m done th pro line for good.

 

[ACG12]

I kept my expectations super low (A10 and 2gb RAM) and I am super excited about the mini 5. My wife finally gets a new iPad after almost 3 1/2 years with a mini 4 and I’m getting one for myself, too.

For $399, I’m not complaining. That’s almost half the cost of an iPhone XR and now I can extend the life of my 7 as the mini 5 is going to be my main device.

 

[rui no onna]

I kept my expectations super low (A10 and 2gb RAM) and I am super excited about the mini 5. My wife finally gets a new iPad after almost 3 1/2 years with a mini 4 and I’m getting one for myself, too.

For $399, I’m not complaining. That’s almost half the cost of an iPhone XR and now I can extend the life of my 7 as the mini 5 is going to be my main device.

Yeah. Same low expectations and I was even afraid Apple was going to cheap out with a non-laminated display in order to lower pricing so I'm very happy with what we got.

 

[MimicBunion972]

I think the new Mini 5 is such a lazy ass minimally viable product update. If it works for you, good for you. I am not touching it, not for $399. $250, maybe I will consider just for the bathroom.

 

[ACG12]

I think the new Mini 5 is such a lazy ass minimally viable product update. If it works for you, good for you. I am not touching it, not for $399. $250, maybe I will consider just for the bathroom.

What other tablet is better for $399 that’s going to get years of support?

And we’re talking about Apple here. The company that always makes us overpay and now they finally throw us a bone for once, IMO.

 

[masotime]

I think the new Mini 5 is such a lazy ass minimally viable product update. If it works for you, good for you. I am not touching it, not for $399. $250, maybe I will consider just for the bathroom.

What were you expecting for $400, given that the $800 iPad Pro has, I quote, "4-speakers, 4K 60fps, 12mp camera, portrait mode, ProMotion" and FaceID?

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, and that you'd rather pay $600+ for those features on an iPad mini?