All iPads Should I get my 12-year old an iPad (10th gen) or the most current iPad mini?

[djkirsten]

The mini has the slightly newer processor and anti reflective screen and is currently the same price on sale as the iPad 10th gen. But the iPad 10 has a bigger screen.

My kid plays ROBLOX, geometry dash, Minecraft mostly and sometimes records themselves playing games and edits the screen-recordings in iMovie. There’s no major preference for the Pencil (I have an Apple Pencil 1 already but again that probably isn’t a factor). My kid will be coming from a much older iPad 6th gen so either will be a nice upgrade.

 

[Realityck]

The mini has the slightly newer processor and anti reflective screen and is currently the same price on sale as the iPad 10th gen. But the iPad 10 has a bigger screen.

My kid plays ROBLOX, geometry dash, Minecraft mostly and sometimes records themselves playing games and edits the screen-recordings in iMovie. There’s no major preference for the Pencil (I have an Apple Pencil 1 already but again that probably isn’t a factor). My kid will be coming from a much older iPad 6th gen so either will be a nice upgrade.

I like the 8.3" iPad mini 6 for its size/weight/performance, and it's a very effective as a media player (sVoD videos) with its redesign. If you wanted something bigger I would go with the Air over the plain iPad 10th gen. Use it with AirPods Pro.

Example of gameplaying with Mini 6

 

[darngooddesign]

The one with the larger screen is better for iMovie editing.

I don't know if you can swing this, but can you get both and keep the one your kid prefers.

PS. Look at a refurbished/discounted previous generation iPad Air which is better than both of those.

 

[rui no onna]

The iPad mini is easier to handle for touchscreen gaming. If using a controller, then the larger screen is better.

 

[benniacan]

iPad Mini...my niece, 9 year old said ipad mini is her favorit gadget, it fit in her hand, i had ipad air 4 before switch to mini 6. She playing roblox, minecraft, gatchalife and watch youtube. She love too record when she is playig and make edit a short movie.
Ipad mini processor, screen, battery etc is powerfull enough for today, yes the screen is smaller but if you used it everyday, like me used it for hours it very convenient and not too heavy than others ipad.

 

[mlody]

I would say, save the money and get 9th gen iPad on sale which you can find for about $250.

 

[spiderman0616]

The mini 6 for the same price as a 10th gen base iPad is a tough call, but I voted mini 6. Not because that's the one I currently have, but because it's much closer to a mini iPad Air than a mini iPad. You're just getting a lot more for your money, and if you want an Apple Pencil later on, there's always a deal somewhere on the gen 2. I just got one for my wife for $89 on a Black Friday deal, but I see that deal or similar ones all the time. It's a much better device than the gen 1 and a no-brainer purchase even if it's just for marking up documents.

 

[sorgo †]

If it weren’t for the jelly scroll I’d say the mini. So the 10th-gen I guess

 

[Technerd108]

Kids have good eyes. They don't mind smaller screens. They generally prefer them.

The mini is perfect for kids. Easier to hold, less weight.

Get the Mini. Skip the 10th gen.

 

[mebehere]

If you live near an Apple Store or another store that sells both, have the kiddo take them for a spin. Having said that, I’d go with the larger model. Mini might be a step back from the 6 Gen’s larger screen. Good luck

 

[1BadManVan]

My kids have the air 3 and love it. Never complained the screen is too big. 9 year olds and a 14 year old

 

[Isamilis]

The mini has the slightly newer processor and anti reflective screen and is currently the same price on sale as the iPad 10th gen. But the iPad 10 has a bigger screen.

My kid plays ROBLOX, geometry dash, Minecraft mostly and sometimes records themselves playing games and edits the screen-recordings in iMovie. There’s no major preference for the Pencil (I have an Apple Pencil 1 already but again that probably isn’t a factor). My kid will be coming from a much older iPad 6th gen so either will be a nice upgrade.

This might be unpopular, but iPad (and smartphones) for kids is not good for their mental growth and also (especially) for their eyes. Disciplined schedule only works for first few weeks (in my experience); but you know best your situation.

 

[1BadManVan]

This might be unpopular, but iPad (and smartphones) for kids is not good for their mental growth and also (especially) for their eyes. Disciplined schedule only works for first few weeks (in my experience); but you know best your situation.

Ive had my kids on a schedule for the last 3 years. Screen time, no debate, just kicks them off

 

[spiderman0616]

Ive had my kids on a schedule for the last 3 years. Screen time, no debate, just kicks them off

Same. Rule in our house was that screen time was limited by amount per day as well as time of day up through about 7th grade. As soon as Apple announced this feature, I knew it was going to be so much easier than taking all their devices away and putting them in a pile every night in our bedroom. I also had their Nintendo Switch on screen time limits for several years. For a while they begged at night for just 1 more hour, and eventually they got used to it.

Once they started hanging out at school more and doing more extracurriculars, I turned it off. We judged it per child exactly when to loosen the reins a bit, but all in all it worked out well. I still have my middle schooler on some age limits as far as apps and videos and stuff, but he's really doing well in school and starting to make lots of friends post-COVID, so I can't really complain about his screen time too much.

 

[culo77]

My vote is neither, and say the 9th generation iPad for the win.

Now let me explain, I have a 6th gen Mini and gave my 6th gen base iPad to my kid around the same age as yours to replace the iPad Air 1st gen (a hand me down when I got the 6th gen). Here is my take on this, I love my Mini it is a beast, is fast, crazy portable, plus handles all I throw at it. It's downfall is the battery compared to the base 6th gen, it is not as long. Depending how your kiddo uses it it may be a factor or not. The mini and the new 10th gen do not have a headphone jack, which for my child is a vital. He has wireless beats flex headphones but prefers the the good old reliable non needing to charge plug in headphones. We only have 1 TV in the house so times he will stream something on it if someone is using it, a bigger screen is better. You would think if he had the mini or any other usb-c iPad he could go plug it into our office monitor, nope more comfortable he says to lie on the floor to watch in the iPad.

Now this is just based on how my little squirt uses his iPad, he listens to music and stuff on it rather than his phone so battery life and headphone jack are his priority. Also his lack of remembering to charge stuff is a factor.

The base iPad gen 9 in my opinion is the best iPad, on value and on specs for the majority of people.

 

[Technerd108]

My vote is neither, and say the 9th generation iPad for the win.

Now let me explain, I have a 6th gen Mini and gave my 6th gen base iPad to my kid around the same age as yours to replace the iPad Air 1st gen (a hand me down when I got the 6th gen). Here is my take on this, I love my Mini it is a beast, is fast, crazy portable, plus handles all I throw at it. It's downfall is the battery compared to the base 6th gen, it is not as long. Depending how your kiddo uses it it may be a factor or not. The mini and the new 10th gen do not have a headphone jack, which for my child is a vital. He has wireless beats flex headphones but prefers the the good old reliable non needing to charge plug in headphones. We only have 1 TV in the house so times he will stream something on it if someone is using it, a bigger screen is better. You would think if he had the mini or any other usb-c iPad he could go plug it into our office monitor, nope more comfortable he says to lie on the floor to watch in the iPad.

Now this is just based on how my little squirt uses his iPad, he listens to music and stuff on it rather than his phone so battery life and headphone jack are his priority. Also his lack of remembering to charge stuff is a factor.

The base iPad gen 9 in my opinion is the best iPad, on value and on specs for the majority of people.

I have to agree with all points. Specially the headphone jack.

My son has an iPad Pro for digital art he draws but mostly uses his phone for streaming. I ask him why and he says he likes the smaller size.

So I think the mini is great because I have noticed kids like smaller screens but lack of headphone jack is a big deal. I think the mini or the 9th gen for kids is where it is at.

 

[culo77]

I have to agree with all points. Specially the headphone jack.

My son has an iPad Pro for digital art he draws but mostly uses his phone for streaming. I ask him why and he says he likes the smaller size.

So I think the mini is great because I have noticed kids like smaller screens but lack of headphone jack is a big deal. I think the mini or the 9th gen for kids is where it is at.

Just saw my kiddo charging his iPad and have the headphones plugged in at the same time watching a YouTube of 3blue1brown. Can’t do that on any other new iPad unless you pony up for a usb-c dock/hub.

Agreed the kids like the smaller size it seems. Oh to be young and have good eyes again.

 

[Rafterman]

Did you ask hom which he would like? Bigger or smaller?

 

[zach-coleman]

Since they already have a 6th gen I could imagine them disliking the smaller screen, so I’d say 10th gen. Everybody here needs to remember that even if the 10th gen iPad isn’t particularly liked here, it’s still better than the 9th gen and every prior base iPad.

 

[rui no onna]

Since they already have a 6th gen I could imagine them disliking the smaller screen, so I’d say 10th gen. Everybody here needs to remember that even if the 10th gen iPad isn’t particularly liked here, it’s still better than the 9th gen and every prior base iPad.

And if pricing of the 10th gen was $329-349 similar to 5th-9th gen, I doubt anyone here would have any complaints.

 

[Vivian125]

Also take note that the iPad Mini 6 CANNOT replace an iPhone 14 Pro Max even its 8.3" vs 6.7"

Even me as an Adult Lady, i tried the using the iPad Mini 6 as a phone, it didn't work really..

You cannot just Palm and use your iPad Mini 6 in right thumb with your only 1 arm. Still iPad will forever be an iPad therefore cannot be palmable like the way you use your iPhone 14 Pro Max using your right hand and still type and scroll the web without the support of your Left Hand..

Even iPhone 14 Pro max requires 60% of the time to use BOTH HANDS, to type comfortable how much more the iPad Mini 6 that is doubled the size of the iPhones...

There is more BIG DIFFERENCE in screen size between small numbers like 8 inch vs 6.6 inch compared to 24 monitor vs 17 monitor and different aspect ratio of the iPad is closer to square making it more has screen real estate which again makes it fails to use as a phone...

That is why you cannot never find an iPhone with Physical keyboard while iPad Mini 6 still somehow has Bluetooth Full size keyboard making it Laptop like due to its taller screen size. and overall bigger body..

 

[Yebubbleman]

It's highly subjective. Ask your kid what they prefer. Were it me, I'd go for the mini. But I have reasons specific to the size for feeling that way (and many of them have to do with the fact that a 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also going to be in the mix). If this is their only iPad, or if they're plenty comfortable with the current size, then a 10th Generation iPad or iPad Air is probably the way to go.

 

[MayfairMissy]

I have got all iPad sizes from different generations at home. My personal favorite has always been the mini.
But have you considered the iPad Air 4th or 5th generation? You can get the older version of the Air for a decent price at some places.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I have got all iPad sizes from different generations at home. My personal favorite has always been the mini.
But have you considered the iPad Air 4th or 5th generation? You can get the older version of the Air for a decent price at some places.

I've thought about this. The 4th Generation Air used/refurbished/clearance and the 10th Generation suffix-less brand new cost pretty much the same. The trade-offs are, better display with support for the better Apple Pencil but refurbished/clearance/used vs. landscape camera, function keys row on the Apple keyboard, and sold new. Were it me, I'd just save extra for the 5th Generation Air. But if I didn't care about the Apple Pencil support, I'd probably just get the 10th Generation iPad.

Again, assuming mini and 12.9-inch Pro are both safely off the table.

 

[brucewayne]

If it weren’t for the jelly scroll I’d say the mini. So the 10th-gen I guess

Every iPad / iPhone has jelly scroll in one orientation. The reason it became a big deal on the mini 6 is that it moved from landscape to portrait mode.