I know the 2019 mini is a much more capable and advanced device than the 2018 iPad. However, I can get the iPad for $270 where was the mini will cost me $395. I'm really torn whether the mini is worth the extra $125. I know all the spec differences, the main one being the A12 vs A10. Also, the RAM and storage space are bigger for the mini. This will mostly be used as a streaming media consumption device so the internal storage difference probably won't be a big deal. The mini form factor is preferred, but I'm not sure if it's "$125 more preferred". As for games, I'm sure my wife will be letting my elementary school kids play simple games on it occasionally. I guess my main concern is how slow the A10 and 2GB will be compared to the A12 and 3GB about 2.5 to 3 years down the line for daily tasks as I'm expecting it to last at least that long. Can you guys help me decide which one to get?
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Torn between iPad mini 2019 and iPad 2018
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I’m in the UK where the pricing is £329 vs £399, if I recall, so the price difference is larger for you at the current exchange rate. I bought the Mini. The A12 vs A10 likely means 2 years extra iOS support, which if you are a basic user planning to keep the device for a long time, will be important, as even basic apps will eventually ask for a higher iOS. The extra RAM is likely to become more important in the future if you fall into this group like me. For me, these factors together with never having had a Mini before but always having liked the look of it was enough to justify the difference.
I mainly use my Mini for internet browsing and media consumption, and initially wanted 32GB. I also wanted the cellular option, which closed the gap by another £10 as it’s a £130 upgrade on the 2018 vs £120 on the Mini. I’m currently using 19.1GB with some videos and music saved, so 32GB is do-able (I deleted a lot of the pre-installed apps but have 59 installed) but I’m glad to have the 64 in hindsight as it means I won’t be running out of space in years to come. I had a GB free of the 16GB I upgraded from but I was keeping it to a minimum. The luxury also helped to justify the price difference, and perhaps would suit you best if you plan to download TV shows for offline viewing.
I often use the Mini for media consumption in bed and while some might prefer a larger screen, it’s great for that. I have a Smart TV device if I want to use TV apps on a larger screen.
With the larger price difference where you are, I think I’d consider a refurb 2018 but I wouldn’t buy one brand new when it has been on the market for over a year.
I mainly use my Mini for internet browsing and media consumption, and initially wanted 32GB. I also wanted the cellular option, which closed the gap by another £10 as it’s a £130 upgrade on the 2018 vs £120 on the Mini. I’m currently using 19.1GB with some videos and music saved, so 32GB is do-able (I deleted a lot of the pre-installed apps but have 59 installed) but I’m glad to have the 64 in hindsight as it means I won’t be running out of space in years to come. I had a GB free of the 16GB I upgraded from but I was keeping it to a minimum. The luxury also helped to justify the price difference, and perhaps would suit you best if you plan to download TV shows for offline viewing.
I often use the Mini for media consumption in bed and while some might prefer a larger screen, it’s great for that. I have a Smart TV device if I want to use TV apps on a larger screen.
With the larger price difference where you are, I think I’d consider a refurb 2018 but I wouldn’t buy one brand new when it has been on the market for over a year.
I wouldn’t hold my breath on that happening but who knows besides Apple. My vote goes to the iPad 2018 and currently it’s on sale at Amazon for $249. I purchased it last year for $229 from Amazon and could not be happier. It does everything I need it to for a fraction of the price of other iPads. In a few years when it’s gotten slow I will have more than gotten my monies worth.
The 2018 iPad 6th gen is awesome. I could honestly care less if the screen is not laminated. Yes, I do own a iPad Pro 11” 1TB. But, if it broke or if something happen to this iPad. I’d use the 6th gen without trouble at all!
It is a great iPad. And it’ll do anything you need it to.
It is a great iPad. And it’ll do anything you need it to.
Thanks for all the input guys. While the iPad 2018 will probably suit my needs just fine, I think I'll stick with the mini for a couple reasons:
1) Since I'm planning to keep the iPad at least 3 years, likely more (hopefully no accidents), the extra cost for the faster CPU and 1GB of extra RAM will guarantee more longevity and seems justified.
2) While my wife has no definitive preference over the screen size, she told me if she was forced to pick, she'll go with the 7.9" screen.
1) Since I'm planning to keep the iPad at least 3 years, likely more (hopefully no accidents), the extra cost for the faster CPU and 1GB of extra RAM will guarantee more longevity and seems justified.
2) While my wife has no definitive preference over the screen size, she told me if she was forced to pick, she'll go with the 7.9" screen.