iPad mini Tempted but....

[transmaster]

I will admit I would love to have a iPad Mini. The only problem is I have the iPad Pro M4 13", and in a month or so I am going for a iPhone 16 Pro Max. What I could do is instead of getting the 16 Pro Max get the iPad mini, but the iPhone is still my anchor iOS device and there are valid reasons for replacing my 14 Pro Max. If the iPad Mini had the M4 maybe the A18 is powerful but I can get it in the iPhone. I am more than pleased with the iPad Pro.

 

[russell_314]

I will admit I would love to have a iPad Mini. The only problem is I have the iPad Pro M4 13", and in a month or so I am going for a iPhone 16 Pro Max. What I could do is instead of getting the 16 Pro Max get the iPad mini, but the iPhone is still my anchor iOS device and there are valid reasons for replacing my 14 Pro Max. If the iPad Mini had the M4 maybe the A18 is powerful but I can get it in the iPhone. I am more than pleased with the iPad Pro.

It sounds like you want it because it looks or seems cool but would you actually have a use for it? I used to have an iPad mini, but it doesn’t seem that much bigger than the Max size iPhone but isn’t more portable than the larger iPad. I gave it away because I couldn’t find a use for it. if you can come up with some use that seems practical I might buy another one.

You mentioned the processor, but even if it had an M4 processor, what would you need this for? Are you going to be editing video on an iPad mini?

I think it would be great for someone that has a small iPhone. It’s hard to justify bringing this huge thing that requires at least a cargo pocket if you already have the large iPhone.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If you have an iPad Pro M4 13" ...and are considering an iPhone 16 Pro Max

...I can't even begin to describe how disappointed you'll be with the iPad Mini screen

😬

 

[ericwn]

I find my mini 6 quite good for what it is. Apple has a two week return policy. If you’re interested in the form factor this is the device to have on the apple realm. Give it a shot!

 

[muzzy996]

I find my mini 6 quite good for what it is. Apple has a two week return policy. If you’re interested in the form factor this is the device to have on the apple realm. Give it a shot!

Agree. Undeniable that the screen could be better but it's good for what it is. Do i notice jelly scrolling in portrait? Yes, and it bothers me a little . . BUT the Mini is still a great in this size and it makes a great companion device for the other devices that I own.

 

[Crow_Servo]

The new Mini is definitely powerful enough to keep up with the other iPads and iPhones in the current lineup. The question isn’t about its power, but with how you would like to use it.

I’ll have to contradict the poster that said it doesn’t feel that much bigger than the largest iPhone or more portable than the larger iPad. I have all three sized iPads, and the only one I’d consider carrying around the house with me or taking out of the house is the Mini. It feels so light and manageable, and fits in a carrying bag more naturally than the larger iPads.

It’s my go-to iPad everyday. Sure, sometimes I crave a larger iPad for things, so I do grab one of my others in those situations. Luckily, you have a larger iPad already. I pretty much limit my larger iPads to one room, while my Mini travels around the house with me.

The screen isn’t impressive from a contrast or brightness standpoint, but it’s plenty sharp and is better than the base iPad. Also, you can use the Apple Pencil Pro on it if you already have that for your M4 iPad. I like it for browsing the web and light gaming.

 

[ctjack]

My only problem would be to hate abandoning new 1200 device (pro max) because i have a new ipad mini.

Seriously when i have better phone, I don’t care for tablets. When i have better tablets, I don’t even know where my phone is in the house.

 

[dcmaccam]

No sim slot. No go for me. Hope my mini 6 cellular keeps going. I am in the UK and use a Three prepaid data sim in it. Don’t want any contract.

 

[transmaster]

The way it has worked out for me it the iPad stays in the house and the iPhone goes with me when I am out and about. I have an AWU2 and without a iPhone I am missing part of boths functionality if not paired.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I don’t see much need for mini with a Pro Max, if you have a tiny phone it makes more sense. I had the original mini with my 4s. But it got less use as phones got bigger.

 

[ctjack]

I don’t see much need for mini with a Pro Max, if you have a tiny phone it makes more sense. I had the original mini with my 4s. But it got less use as phones got bigger.

US keeps rotating the globe around the Sun thanks to 70% of its' economy relying on people spending their paychecks. At this point I embrace people spending money to keep this economy afloat.

 

[Johnny365]

US keeps rotating the globe around the Sun thanks to 70% of its' economy relying on people spending their paychecks. At this point I embrace people spending money to keep this economy afloat.

Thank you sir.

 

[Sami13496]

US keeps rotating the globe around the Sun thanks to 70% of its' economy relying on people spending their paychecks. At this point I embrace people spending money to keep this economy afloat.

I hope you’re being sarcastic.

 

[ctjack]

I hope you’re being sarcastic.

and yes and no, but mostly yes.

I am anti e-waste and excessive consumerism, but if everyone in US becomes frugal and stops having overlapping devices with maxed out specks, then the economy would collapse. If one can not stop the riot then one needs to join and rule it.

I came to truly appreciate that other people spending more money helps me spend less money. My bestbuy open box macbook air m1 was bought for $500 off because smn returned it. Bestbuy sells new M2 Air laptops for $750 cause everyone votes with their wallet for new and shiny M3. I get to buy $500 dollar cars because the first owner got tired of it in 10 years and so on and so forth.

 

[JamesMay82]

I will admit I would love to have a iPad Mini. The only problem is I have the iPad Pro M4 13", and in a month or so I am going for a iPhone 16 Pro Max. What I could do is instead of getting the 16 Pro Max get the iPad mini, but the iPhone is still my anchor iOS device and there are valid reasons for replacing my 14 Pro Max. If the iPad Mini had the M4 maybe the A18 is powerful but I can get it in the iPhone. I am more than pleased with the iPad Pro.

I think you should ask yourself what you would realistically use the iPad mini for? I’d say you’re covered with various use options with the iPad and the pro max.

I’ve had a recent upgrade process on all my machines and have a bit of buyers remorse now.

 

[dcmaccam]

My wife and I both have iPad mini’s cellular versions. She has an iPhone 13 mini and I an iPhone 13. We don’t like bigger phones as they are not pocketable. We use the iPad the iPad mini’s when we are traveling around Scotland as there are a lot of places where we can’t get WiFi

 

[transmaster]

No sim slot. No go for me. Hope my mini 6 cellular keeps going. I am in the UK and use a Three prepaid data sim in it. Don’t want any contract.

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[Yimbaz]

If you’re looking for some detailed pro-vs-con lists, this will not be the comment for you, but you might want to hear me out anyway:

You bought a top-of-the-line iPad Pro five months ago at the very latest. The only reason you want this new Mini is because it's new. Do not buy it.

 

[dcmaccam]

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I just travel mainly round Scotland. My Three sim costs about £34 gives 24Gb that lasts 24 months. I have used these for a long time and never run out of data. When I do I just replace the sim. I don’t use it to watch videos or downloading large files or system updates. Works for me and my wife.

 

[ericwn]

My only problem would be to hate abandoning new 1200 device (pro max) because i have a new ipad mini.

Seriously when i have better phone, I don’t care for tablets. When i have better tablets, I don’t even know where my phone is in the house.

I think this experience relates to most of us enthusiasts, we tend to focus on the shiny new things for a little.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The way it has worked out for me it the iPad stays in the house and the iPhone goes with me when I am out and about. I have an AWU2 and without a iPhone I am missing part of boths functionality if not paired.

While it does NOT seem to be well known and some even deny it's possible (but it's oh so easy to test and see for yourself with an iPad already on hand), a cellular Mini can easily stand in for iPhone because telephony is just an app... just like Maps is just an app, flashlight is just an app, video camera, music jukebox, tape measure, etc. If one can "think different" in terms of form factor, the actual service of telephony easily disconnects from a brick-shaped computer in a pocket. In fact, install a VOIP app on your Mac and IT can be phone.

I owned an old iPhone for a few days years ago so I could transfer a long-term landline into a mobile number. And since- starting with iPad mini 2 and now 6- iPad mini (with VOIP app + buds) has doubled as my phone... or- in your wording: it is my "core" tech device.

Besides costing much less than an iPhone itself, it doesn't "long in tooth" in only 2 or 3 years and 5G data offerings for it tend to deliver a much cheaper alternative to even discount MVNO phone plans. For example, I average no more than $25/year for 5G service. Yes, that's YEAR.

Are there some compromises? Yes. But that's to be expected with saving several thousand dollars over life of device. On the other hand, I could easily argue that ALL apps are better with more screen R.E... which tends to be a big reason that many iPhone buyers also buy an iPad.

There are a handful of Apple offerings that have complete dependency on owning an iPhone... but I don't care enough about those things to pay a few thousand more over life of device.

Since you are considering a Mini vs. an iPhone, one OTHER idea is let the former potentially double as the latter. Since you already have an iPad, you can even try this out by installing one of many free VOIP apps on it and just giving it a try for a while. Most VOIP apps will give you a free number (and your number can be ported if you decide you like it). Call yourself and call yourself back. Text yourself and reply to yourself. Use VOIP voice mail. Etc. And/Or involve a friend and learn that your call sounds just as good as making the same call on a "phone." If the iPad you have is not cellular, VOIP apps work great in a wifi zone. Test as is and then- if you want to go this way- seriously consider the extra for cellular so you can connect to the very same 5G as phones.

If you want more on this use, just ask. But I can confirm for certain that- with some compromises- an iPad mini can stand in just fine as a phone too... much like a phone can stand in for a Map or a flash light. I've been doing this for more than a decade now and don't really feel like I'm missing a thing.

 

[transmaster]

I just travel mainly round Scotland. My Three sim costs about £34 gives 24Gb that lasts 24 months. I have used these for a long time and never run out of data. When I do I just replace the sim. I don’t use it to watch videos or downloading large files or system updates. Works for me and my wife.

I understand, there are choices with e-Sims. Pre-paid sim cards are a big deal with American servicemen and women overseas. State side family members often send Sim cards to family service members. You buy them by country. So if you are in Chickentacostan you purchase a Sim card for that country to send to your service kin stationed there. What is so interesting I worked at VA hospital I would get phone calls from Afghanistan from servicemen to make appointment for a post deployment physical. There were still analog cell phones at the time, the calls from Afghanistan were of better quality them those from the South side of Cheyenne.

 

[klasma]

I used to have an iPad mini, but it doesn’t seem that much bigger than the Max size iPhone but isn’t more portable than the larger iPad.

I have to disagree on both counts. The size difference between the 16 Pro Max and the iPad mini is considerable:

The size difference between the mini and the 11” is similarly large (not to mention to the 13”):

The mini fits into a jacket pocket or a purse, unlike the 11”.

 

[Johnny365]

I think people are just comparing the numbers and think "My Pro Max iPhone is only a tiny bit smaller than the iPad Mini". Totally different aspect ratio and diagonal screen space. I'll never buy a Pro Max phone, even though back in the 6 and 6s Plus days, I went for the Plus models. Now I prefer and adore the Mini size for fitting in my pocket and not feeling like someone is tugging at my back pocket/pants.

 

[klasma]

My only problem would be to hate abandoning new 1200 device (pro max) because i have a new ipad mini.

Yeah, don’t buy everything at the same time. The iPads in particular easily last 5-6 years, so it makes sense to spread out the purchases over the years.