iPad Thinking of buying a smaller iPad than my M1 13" Pro

[ctfan]

Hey guys,

So I have an iPad Pro 13inch (2021 M1 version) and I have been thinking about buying a smaller one since this one is quite cumbersome to lug around, so it’s kinda collecting dust for now

I am a student, so my 2 main uses for it would be occasional plane travels (so baggage space is at a premium), and I was also debating that maybe with a smaller iPad I would actually take it to class since I tried that with my Pro and I gotta say - not a fun experience. I have a non-plus iphone, so I think there should be a difference in media consumption?

Right now, I have narrowed it down to 2 possible candidates: iPad Mini 6 64gig or iPad 10 (again 64gig), I am looking to spend at a push ~300€ or less (so not new) and I would want USB-C for future proofing, also most of the lightning based ones are quite old now. I see close in price there’s also the Air 4 (also 64 gig). I don't think I need more than 64 gig for a glorified media machine, since I don't plan on using it as a laptop replacement - except for notes, which are not that heavy on storage, not to mention upgrading from these spec is way too expensive to justify.

Do you guys think its worth paying the premium for a Mini in my use case (I have an apple pencil 2 so for 10th gen I would have to consider also buying a 1st gen one with that stupid dongle - ffs Apple)? I am trying to find a happy medium between size+portability/price

Thanks for the help in advance 😄

Prices here seem to be like this: iPad 10 (around 280) < iPad Mini 6 (around 320) < iPad 11 ~ iPad Air 4 (both around 400ish, iPad 11 seems to be cheaper actually)

 

[subjonas]

There are a lot of factors there but I’ll just say that I find the Mini a very compelling size because you can hold it comfortably for a long time (especially with a pop socket). I don’t find that to be the case with any other iPad. But of course if you more highly value having more screen space, like to split screen apps or something, then you should get something bigger. So it depends what you value more, and what you think will make you get the most usefulness out your device. As far as price, one thing to keep in mind is that it can fluctuate a lot with sales or buying refurbished with these devices. Also it’s a one time thing vs living with your device, so in my opinion it’s generally the thing to consider after you know what device is best for your needs.

 

[ctfan]

There are a lot of factors there but I’ll just say that I find the Mini a very compelling size because you can hold it comfortably for a long time (especially with a pop socket). I don’t find that to be the case with any other iPad. But of course if you more highly value having more screen space, like to split screen apps or something, then you should get something bigger. So it depends what you value more, and what you think will make you get the most usefulness out your device. As far as price, one thing to keep in mind is that it can fluctuate a lot with sales or buying refurbished with these devices. Also it’s a one time thing vs living with your device, so in my opinion it’s generally the thing to consider after you know what device is best for your needs.

Honestly after watching (way too many) videos today, I think the iPad Mini 6 might be the best choice for me. Since I also plan on taking this to class to write on it (otherwise only buying it for like 2/3 plane trips per year would be a horrible financial idea) and I was worried that the Mini might be too small - but it seems people seem to have reached a consensus that the Mini is apparently a really good size for a portable, practical iPad that you will actually use. I can kinda gauge the form factor of the Mini, since funnily enough I do have an iPad Mini 2 rn which is still kicking - I tried today to see if it could fulfill the media machine role so I wouldn't need to think about another iPad at all, but tbh it is reaally stretching it with a meager 16gig storage (about 10 is iOS 12 btw )

I also love that, compared to the iPad 10/11 I get to reuse my Apple Pencil, which is also another major factor to consider - I would have to pony up for an Apple USB-C one since the first gen is such a horrid thing and it would need an adapter too. I think that I will try and pony up the difference between iPad 10 to get the Mini 6, most likely with 64 unless I find some mega deal on a 256 (thx a lot Apple for not making it also 128....)

 

[ctfan]

Btw, do you have experience with the Mini? Especially compared to the standard 10-11in iPads

 

[It’s always something]

One thing you might need to consider is the screen size’s impact on writing. I find that my handwriting is of such a size that I only average around five words per “line” in portrait mode, which I consider too low for efficient writing. This is on a mini 7.

Obviously your mileage will almost certainly vary from mine, but it seemed worthwhile to mention it as something to consider. I hope this helps!

 

[subjonas]

The Mini 6 seems like it might be a good choice for you, but as the above poster alluded to, the devil is in the details. If writing is an important use case for your iPad, make sure the Mini is big enough to do it where you won’t be frustrated (may need to write in landscape, although that will mean more vertical scrolling). I think the only way to know for sure is to try it out, preferably with the exact app you plan to use.

I have a Mini 5 but I don’t use it with a Pencil, so I can’t speak to writing on it (also I may differ from you anyway). But I can say that the Mini has been my most used device for many years. In addition to the Mini I’ve always had a 13” iPad + Magic Keyboard + Pencil, and a smaller iPhone, but the Mini has always been my go-to device for casual consumption and quick tasks. For those purposes I think it excels because it hits a compelling balance between screen size and portability, especially for non Plus/Max phone users, though for some Plus/Max users as well. It seems to offer the most possible screen size while still being comparable to a phone as far as being easy to pick up and use. For heavier productivity and drawing though, I pull out my 13” iPad since it’s much better suited for that. All these functions are important to me so I can’t get around having multiple devices, otherwise it leads to too much compromise and frustration.

 

[SoYoung]

Personally I don't see the reason why someone would prefer the ipad mini. Its overpriced for what it is and if you have the pro max version of the iphone, the mini size is irrilevant imo. At this point just use your phone. Personally, I found the 11' ipad to be the perfect size. Not too big, not too small and its comfortable to hold for a long period as well.

 

[subjonas]

Personally I don't see the reason why someone would prefer the ipad mini. Its overpriced for what it is and if you have the pro max version of the iphone, the mini size is irrilevant imo. At this point just use your phone. Personally, I found the 11' ipad to be the perfect size. Not too big, not too small and its comfortable to hold for a long period as well.

It’s a valid opinion—not every device is for everyone. Personally I would never get an iPad in the 11” “medium” size range. To me it’s in the no man’s land of too big to hold comfortably for casual consumption* and too small for productivity. I actually disliked the original 9.7” iPad size for this reason and waited until the 7.9” iPad Mini was introduced before buying my first iPad. I bought my second iPad when the 12.9” iPad Pro with Pencil was introduced, which for me was a very good size for productivity.

But obviously there’s a market for all the sizes. The ideal size(s) just depends on each individual’s needs and preferences, plus other factors as you mentioned, like in the case of the iPad Mini, whether or not one has a large iPhone (OP does not). But also I’ve heard iPhone Max owners in these forums say that their iPad Mini is significantly better for some things and so still serves an important role. It is after all something like 50% bigger. So that too is subjective. I actually very recently switched from a small iPhone to an iPhone Max (reluctantly), but I still use my iPad Mini, just less of course. We’ll see after awhile if I will want to continue upgrading my iPad Mini. Another factor for me though is that if needed I also have my 13” iPad which I can turn to for tasks that I find the iPhone Max too small for.

*By this I mean being able to hold it with one hand for say around 30+ minutes without having to rest it on anything (albeit I need a Pop Socket for this on my iPad Mini). For me this makes a critical difference as to whether or not I will want to use it for casual consumption. In fact, the iPad Mini is so close to the weight threshold for me that I found the iPad Mini 3—the heaviest of all the iPad Mini models—too heavy and had to return it lol. Thankfully it got significantly lighter with the Mini 4 and has maintained its lighter weight since then.

 

[sparksd]

I went from the 2021 M1 12.9 to the M4 13" and difference in weight and thickness is really significant - just something to consider.

 

[ctfan]

Personally I don't see the reason why someone would prefer the ipad mini. Its overpriced for what it is and if you have the pro max version of the iphone, the mini size is irrilevant imo. At this point just use your phone. Personally, I found the 11' ipad to be the perfect size. Not too big, not too small and its comfortable to hold for a long period as well.

That may be the case for the max iphones but tbh I hate phones that are that big so I am currently rocking a 13Pro which I plan to upgrade in a couple of years again to a "normal size" variant (I still think out of the modern iPhones the size of my old XS was absolutely perfect for a phone that one can hold in their hands ngl)

 

[ctfan]

It’s a valid opinion—not every device is for everyone. Personally I would never get an iPad in the 11” “medium” size range. To me it’s in the no man’s land of too big to hold comfortably for casual consumption* and too small for productivity. I actually disliked the original 9.7” iPad size for this reason and waited until the 7.9” iPad Mini was introduced before buying my first iPad. I bought my second iPad when the 12.9” iPad Pro with Pencil was introduced, which for me was a very good size for productivity.

But obviously there’s a market for all the sizes. The ideal size(s) just depends on each individual’s needs and preferences, plus other factors as you mentioned, like in the case of the iPad Mini, whether or not one has a large iPhone (OP does not). But also I’ve heard iPhone Max owners in these forums say that their iPad Mini is significantly better for some things and so still serves an important role. It is after all something like 50% bigger. So that too is subjective. I actually very recently switched from a small iPhone to an iPhone Max (reluctantly), but I still use my iPad Mini, just less of course. We’ll see after awhile if I will want to continue upgrading my iPad Mini. Another factor for me though is that if needed I also have my 13” iPad which I can turn to for tasks that I find the iPhone Max too small for.

*By this I mean being able to hold it with one hand for say around 30+ minutes without having to rest it on anything (albeit I need a Pop Socket for this on my iPad Mini). For me this makes a critical difference as to whether or not I will want to use it for casual consumption. In fact, the iPad Mini is so close to the weight threshold for me that I found the iPad Mini 3—the heaviest of all the iPad Mini models—too heavy and had to return it lol. Thankfully it got significantly lighter with the Mini 4 and has maintained its lighter weight since then.

Interesting observation about the Mini 3, was it different for eg than the Mini 2? Idk if I mentioned here but I actually have a Mini 2 from way back in the day that I tried to make work for the movie watching/travel purpose - nope, with 16gig's its pretty much either a slow-ish YT/Netflix machine or a kick ass eBook reader

 

[ctfan]

I went from the 2021 M1 12.9 to the M4 13" and difference in weight and thickness is really significant - just something to consider.

That may indeed be the case, but that would be way out of budget (even after selling my M1) and also I heard that surprise surprise the new M4 isn't compatible with Apple Pencil 2 or my OG Magic Keyboard

And, again personal opinion - having held the thing in my hand, it feels very fragile to me, too thin for its own good long term unless kept in a rigid case such as the MK

 

[rui no onna]

Interesting observation about the Mini 3, was it different for eg than the Mini 2? Idk if I mentioned here but I actually have a Mini 2 from way back in the day that I tried to make work for the movie watching/travel purpose - nope, with 16gig's its pretty much either a slow-ish YT/Netflix machine or a kick ass eBook reader

Same A7 chipset and 1GB RAM. Better display in terms of color saturation. Not sure about laminated display but if it was the heaviest then it probably didn't get it.

 

[subjonas]

Interesting observation about the Mini 3, was it different for eg than the Mini 2? Idk if I mentioned here but I actually have a Mini 2 from way back in the day that I tried to make work for the movie watching/travel purpose - nope, with 16gig's its pretty much either a slow-ish YT/Netflix machine or a kick ass eBook reader

Actually as rui mentioned I think iPad Mini 2 and 3 were almost identical except what I looked up was that 3 had Touch ID. I didn’t realize but they were the same weight so they tied for heaviest at about 330 grams. All other iPad Minis are about 300 grams I believe (about 9% less which you can feel).
Yeah can’t download much on 16GB. I’m surprised it still works for streaming.

 

[mansplains]

Personally I don't see the reason why someone would prefer the ipad mini. Its overpriced for what it is and if you have the pro max version of the iphone, the mini size is irrilevant imo. At this point just use your phone. Personally, I found the 11' ipad to be the perfect size. Not too big, not too small and its comfortable to hold for a long period as well.

The diagonal measurement is only half of the story, aspect ratio makes quite a difference. Especially when using apps in split screen (something unavailable on iPhone anyway) and picture-in-picture.

 

[TechRunner]

But also I’ve heard iPhone Max owners in these forums say that their iPad Mini is significantly better for some things and so still serves an important role.

I'm one of them. For me, there is a significant gap between my iPhone 16PM and my iPad Mini 7. In my experience, most who claim they're interchangeable have never used both simultaneously.

 

[joeblow7777]

I'm one of them. For me, there is a significant gap between my iPhone 16PM and my iPad Mini 7. In my experience, most who claim they're interchangeable have never used both simultaneously.

I agree with this. I've also owned a Plus/Max sized iPhone alongside an iPad Mini. There's still a world of difference in terms of screen real estate.

 

[ctfan]

Actually as rui mentioned I think iPad Mini 2 and 3 were almost identical except what I looked up was that 3 had Touch ID. I didn’t realize but they were the same weight so they tied for heaviest at about 330 grams. All other iPad Minis are about 300 grams I believe (about 9% less which you can feel).
Yeah can’t download much on 16GB. I’m surprised it still works for streaming.

Honestly I am surprised that my Mini is tied for heaviest as it is such an easy to handle device, makes me a bit excited about the prospect of buying that Mini 6 after all. And same, Netflix actually runs pretty smoothly which is a testament to how optimized their app might be, Disney+ doesn't work and tbh YT is also pushing it

Btw, I was very much debating if I should try and spring for the 256 gig version, since that would end up pushing it quite some above my intended budget (around 80euros or more best case). I have calculated my iPad Pro usage and, removing Photos and some other stuff I don't need I round up at around 40-45GB with the OS accounted for (as well as as part of the buffer for the system update).

I am a bit wary about not cheaping out when buying now, but at the same time 256 might be overkill for my use case? I plan to keep it around a couple of years (probably as much as it will be usable) so I kinda want to avoid the similar situation with my Mini 2, where memory became limiting down the line

 

[mansplains]

I am a bit wary about not cheaping out when buying now, but at the same time 256 might be overkill for my use case?

256 would certainly be overkill for streaming and note-taking. If most of your flights are a movie-length or less, you wouldn't need the download storage necessarily either.

Btw, I was very much debating if I should try and spring for the 256 gig version, since that would end up pushing it quite some above my intended budget (around 80euros or more best case).

I plan to keep it around a couple of years (probably as much as it will be usable) so I kinda want to avoid the similar situation with my Mini 2, where memory became limiting down the line

I may differ from others, but I typically buy what I need now, with only short-term considerations, aside from my main computer. I would advise sticking to your budget. As a student, your finances may be in limbo half the time. Can you really afford the extra €80 now, or would you be better off upgrading when finances are stable, and you're [hopefully] earning more with your degree? Would your use cases change? Maybe the mini form factor won't matter to you after you finish school, or if your flight volume reduces.

I have calculated my iPad Pro usage and, removing Photos and some other stuff I don't need I round up at around 40-45GB with the OS accounted for (as well as as part of the buffer for the system update).

You've got a ~20GB margin, which should last you a few years, assuming iPadOS doesn't radically change in terms of storage use, and apps don't double in size.

 

[rui no onna]

I have calculated my iPad Pro usage and, removing Photos and some other stuff I don't need I round up at around 40-45GB with the OS accounted for (as well as as part of the buffer for the system update).

I am a bit wary about not cheaping out when buying now, but at the same time 256 might be overkill for my use case? I plan to keep it around a couple of years (probably as much as it will be usable) so I kinda want to avoid the similar situation with my Mini 2, where memory became limiting down the line

Do note, I’ve had instances when iPadOS wanted 12GB free space in order to update. Firmware sizes might go up sooner rather than later leaving you without much wiggle room.

I think when I started using my iPad mini 6, iOS+system data was just 10-12GB. Now it’s 20+GB.

How much is the 128GB iPad mini (A17 Pro) or iPad (A16) in your location? Those might be better options than going with an older model 256GB.

 

[ctfan]

Do note, I’ve had instances when iPadOS wanted 12GB free space in order to update. Firmware sizes might go up sooner rather than later leaving you without much wiggle room.

Yeah, I somewhat recently discovered that. I know that OS sizes will only go up, but I'm wondering - will the Mini 6 be supported long enough for this to become an issue? The device is admittedly pushing on 4 yrs old atp

How much is the 128GB iPad mini (A17 Pro) or iPad (A16) in your location? Those might be better options than going with an older model 256GB.

So, the prices here are like this (using SH market for all but Mini 7 and 11):

iPad 10, 64gig - cheapest, can find one at around 250-270e
iPad 10, 256gig - 420-470e *yeesh*
iPad Mini 6, 64gig - around 300-320(on some deals) pushing towards 350
iPad Mini 6, 256gig - around 450
iPad Mini 7, 128gig - 570
iPad 11th gen, 128 gig - 380

I am going to try out an iPad Mini 6 for a couple of days this week then return it, and see if the size is good for me or if I can also use the (cheaper) bigger base iPad

 

[ctfan]

256 would certainly be overkill for streaming and note-taking. If most of your flights are a movie-length or less, you wouldn't need the download storage necessarily either.

This is what I was thinking as well, but after reading only differing opinions I came to the conclusion that the only way to know for sure will be a retrospective, a couple of years from now
But jokes aside, yeah with my current estimate I should be fine with the 64gig. Unless I come across a killer deal for 256 model, I will probably just learn to adapt to it

I may differ from others, but I typically buy what I need now, with only short-term considerations, aside from my main computer. I would advise sticking to your budget. As a student, your finances may be in limbo half the time. Can you really afford the extra €80 now, or would you be better off upgrading when finances are stable, and you're [hopefully] earning more with your degree? Would your use cases change? Maybe the mini form factor won't matter to you after you finish school, or if your flight volume reduces.

I really liked your comment here, I did have this reflection myself - am I better off either saving that extra money/spending it on fun experiences - the dilemma here of buying memory vs using that money to make memories (the irony is not lost on me)

 

[ctfan]

Btw I want to thank everyone who has responded to this thread and added to the discussion, you guys rock 🤘

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, I somewhat recently discovered that. I know that OS sizes will only go up, but I'm wondering - will the Mini 6 be supported long enough for this to become an issue? The device is admittedly pushing on 4 yrs old atp

Apple still supports 2019 iPads so the mini 6 still has some life left.

For me, 64GB was already an issue starting with iPadOS 17. I didn’t store a lot of documents on the mini 6. All my files were on iCloud and I didn’t download any videos or music on it.

Alas, some things, there’s not much user control over. The Photos app used like 3+ GB despite being set to optimized. System Data was usually a whopping 12-15GB. My mini 6 had 50-54GB used and the only way I could free up space for updates is by offloading or deleting apps. That got annoying pretty quick.

 

[StoneJack]

Air 11 inch m1 or m2 is a perfect choice for you. Mini is too small for any meaningful work on it (and OS is limited too in general, so you'll get double limitations). At least Air has 11 inch of display that's good for reading and writing. I tried using Mini 6 in a classroom and that was a disaster (with MS Teams and pdfs definitely not suitable for anything resembling actual work).