iPad mini Using my iPad as an iPhone

[ThatiPhoneKid]

I am absolutely loving my iPad mini 5th generation cellular, so much that I’ve been using it more than my iPhone, I’ve been using it to send emails and texts via iMessage and if I need to phone anyone I’ve used FaceTime audio as most of the people I know own an iOS device.

I have found myself not needing to use my iPhones as much as I used to, but don’t get me wrong I still love my iPhone XR and Xs Max but I think the larger screen size is perfect and I love that I can just get my Apple Pencil out to write down some notes.

I’m actually in love with it, I know that it’s quite large to use as a phone but I think it’s the perfect size, it’s fits in my backpack and I can hold it with one hand as it’s so light. It really is the perfect device for me and I wished Apple would make a smartphone this size.

I’m curious does anyone else use their iPad mini as their iPhone and or do you wish Apple would make an iPhone in this size??

 

[Greenmeenie]

Dude. I have been using an ipad mini in place of a phone for a few years now. I found that most of my communications were texts & factime & messenger...so i just ditched my phone and haven’t looked back. Not only does the ipad mini fit in my cargo pants pocket, the screen is so much more enjoyable to get work done on then my phone. I also have a google phone number and there are many apps where you can make & receive calls. Just updated to the mini 5 & am loving it.

 

[Lee_Bo]

Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I would have gotten the cellular version of my 9.7" IPP. I'd probably be doing the same thing.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I am absolutely loving my iPad mini 5th generation cellular, so much that I’ve been using it more than my iPhone, I’ve been using it to send emails and texts via iMessage and if I need to phone anyone I’ve used FaceTime audio as most of the people I know own an iOS device.

I have found myself not needing to use my iPhones as much as I used to, but don’t get me wrong I still love my iPhone XR and Xs Max but I think the larger screen size is perfect and I love that I can just get my Apple Pencil out to write down some notes.

I’m actually in love with it, I know that it’s quite large to use as a phone but I think it’s the perfect size, it’s fits in my backpack and I can hold it with one hand as it’s so light. It really is the perfect device for me and I wished Apple would make a smartphone this size.

I’m curious does anyone else use their iPad mini as their iPhone and or do you wish Apple would make an iPhone in this size??

Watch this video to the end.

 

[Juicy Box]

I have the original iPhone, which I loved and used for almost four years, then the Touch part of the touch screen stopped working. IIRC, it was in May 2011.

I wanted to wait for the rumored iPhone 4s launch to get a new phone, so I started to use my iPhone without the touch part, which, pretty much the only thing I could answer incoming calls with the headset button.

I did that for about a month.

I had the original iPad, which was a cellular model. I looked into how I could use that to replace my iPhone.

I can't remember if I used skype or MagicJack app to set up a VoIP phone number, but what ever I used, it was early when these type of apps were first coming out. I tested it out, and it work okay.

I suspended my AT&T service I had with my iPhone, and forward all my iPhone calls to my new VoIP number.

And for the next 4ish months, I used the original iPad as an iPhone.

It worked well, except the 3G service in my area had crappy upload speeds, so many times while talking on my iPad, the other person couldn't hear me, or it sounded choppy.

The size of the iPad was definitely an issue for portability, but I am sure if it had been an iPad Mini, the size issue wouldn't of been as bad.

 

[ThatiPhoneKid]

I have the original iPhone, which I loved and used for almost four years, then the Touch part of the touch screen stopped working. IIRC, it was in May 2011.

I wanted to wait for the rumored iPhone 4s launch to get a new phone, so I started to use my iPhone without the touch part, which, pretty much the only thing I could answer incoming calls with the headset button.

I did that for about a month.

I had the original iPad, which was a cellular model. I looked into how I could use that to replace my iPhone.

I can't remember if I used skype or MagicJack app to set up a VoIP phone number, but what ever I used, it was early when these type of apps were first coming out. I tested it out, and it work okay.

I suspended my AT&T service I had with my iPhone, and forward all my iPhone calls to my new VoIP number.

And for the next 4ish months, I used the original iPad as an iPhone.

It worked well, except the 3G service in my area had crappy upload speeds, so many times while talking on my iPad, the other person couldn't hear me, or it sounded choppy.

The size of the iPad was definitely an issue for portability, but I am sure if it had been an iPad Mini, the size issue wouldn't of been as bad.

I feel like with iMessage and FaceTime audio it makes things a lot easier to connect with people now

 

[rui no onna]

I feel like with iMessage and FaceTime audio it makes things a lot easier to connect with people now

With other iOS device owners to be more accurate. I find I still need actual phone functionality (regular calls, SMS, MMS).

That said, using the iPad as primary device means I don't need a top of the line iPhone Plus/Max. Mind, I think if Apple releases an iPad mini-sized iPhone that also supports all the iPad apps (and used in conjunction with AirPods and Apple Watch), I could stop carrying both iPhone and iPad with me all the time.

 

[The Game 161]

Need WhatsApp so Wouldn’t work for me

 

[Shanghaichica]

Need WhatsApp so Wouldn’t work for me

I have a third party app called messenger for what’sapp on my iPads. It works well enough.

 

[The Game 161]

I have a third party app called messenger for what’sapp on my iPads. It works well enough.

Do you have register it each time to use it? You still get notifications on your phone and iPad at same time?

 

[Shanghaichica]

Do you have register it each time to use it? You still get notifications on your phone and iPad at same time?

Not every time but I can only have it working on one non phone device at a time, say mu ipad or my MacBook (desktop client), not both at the same time. It still works with my iPhone and ipad at the same time.

 

[scotsmandc]

I am absolutely loving my iPad mini 5th generation cellular, so much that I’ve been using it more than my iPhone, I’ve been using it to send emails and texts via iMessage and if I need to phone anyone I’ve used FaceTime audio as most of the people I know own an iOS device.

I have found myself not needing to use my iPhones as much as I used to, but don’t get me wrong I still love my iPhone XR and Xs Max but I think the larger screen size is perfect and I love that I can just get my Apple Pencil out to write down some notes.

I’m actually in love with it, I know that it’s quite large to use as a phone but I think it’s the perfect size, it’s fits in my backpack and I can hold it with one hand as it’s so light. It really is the perfect device for me and I wished Apple would make a smartphone this size.

I’m curious does anyone else use their iPad mini as their iPhone and or do you wish Apple would make an iPhone in this size??

You'd need to change your username to thatipadkid. Too much work.

 

[ThatiPhoneKid]

You'd need to change your username to thatipadkid. Too much work.

Lol

 

[joeblow7777]

I feel like with iMessage and FaceTime audio it makes things a lot easier to connect with people now

This is all well and good if literally everyone you interact with personally or professionally uses an iPhone.

What if someone actually needs to phone you, like from a landline in an office? What if you need to provide an actual phone number for something?

 

[Apple_Robert]

This is all well and good if literally everyone you interact with personally or professionally uses an iPhone.

What if someone actually needs to phone you, like from a landline in an office? What if you need to provide an actual phone number for something?

In your scenario, a user would have to use "Talkatone" (or similar app or Skype) which can provide a number for you etc., While not as smooth as using a iPhone, it may work for many people.

 

[pika2000]

It's been my number one wish list since I bought my cellular mini 2, for Apple to put phone function into the cellular iPad. Most cellular Android tablets do this, so I'm not sure what's the hold back.
My second wish list is for the iPad to support Apple Watch. This way, the larger size of the iPad won't be a hindrance when many immediate tasks can be done on the watch.

But I doubt that will ever happen. Cellular A12 mini 5 starts at $529, while cheapest XR starts at $749. We obviously know which one has more margins.

 

[tps3443]

I use my iPad Pro 11” as a phone sometimes. It is a little large but I’ll only bring my iPad every now and then as a “phone only option”

Other than this, I wish apple would allow iPads to be fully fledged phones and iPads too! We pay a lot of extra money for the cellular option, and I’ll certainly continue to buy unlocked iPads for the awesome cellular features.
[doublepost=1555814302][/doublepost]

It's been my number one wish list since I bought my cellular mini 2, for Apple to put phone function into the cellular iPad. Most cellular Android tablets do this, so I'm not sure what's the hold back.
My second wish list is for the iPad to support Apple Watch. This way, the larger size of the iPad won't be a hindrance when many immediate tasks can be done on the watch.

But I doubt that will ever happen. Cellular A12 mini 5 starts at $529, while cheapest XR starts at $749. We obviously know which one has more margins.

I’d much rather have a Mini 5 cellular, and install “Talkatone” on it for calling and texting use. It is cheaper, and offers more for the money.

 

[LovingTeddy]

In your scenario, a user would have to use "Talkatone" (or similar app or Skype) which can provide a number for you etc., While not as smooth as using a iPhone, it may work for many people.

I have tried apps like Talkatone and Fongo, while it is doable in emergency, the call quality are subpar compare with actual phone calls. I would not want use these app as my daily communication needs.

 

[pika2000]

I’d much rather have a Mini 5 cellular, and install “Talkatone” on it for calling and texting use. It is cheaper, and offers more for the money.

Unfortunately, not all countries have the flexibility of VOIP with a regular phone number. Plus, a real mobile phone number is sometimes still needed for OTP, WhatsApp, etc.

With practically any cellular Android tablets equipped with the phone function in them, I am still quite miffed that Apple devices not to do that on the cellular iPad. But hey, let’s put cellular phone in the tiny Apple Watch... Oh well, still I would definitely get the iPad when I have the chance.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I have tried apps like Talkatone and Fongo, while it is doable in emergency, the call quality are subpar compare with actual phone calls. I would not want use these app as my daily communication needs.

Have you found nothing that is a decent alternative to Talkatone, yet? I wonder if apps like Burner would work any better.

 

[Shanghaichica]

If i'm at home and want to make a call/send a text and I'm using my ipad at the time then I'll just do it on there. Likewise if a call comes in and I'm on my ipad I take it on there. I use whatever device is in front of me be that iPhone, ipad, mac or Apple watch. I make and receive calls and send messages on my homepod too.

 

[davidinva]

When I’m using my 10.5 Pro and a phone call comes in on my 8+, I answer it on the iPad. Same with messages. The phone is sometimes in another room. There is a setting on the phone to allow this.

 

[ThatiPhoneKid]

This is all well and good if literally everyone you interact with personally or professionally uses an iPhone.

What if someone actually needs to phone you, like from a landline in an office? What if you need to provide an actual phone number for something?

Then they can phone my iPhone

 

[mrex]

the first problem for me it is that there is no apple watch app for ipads - the first and the worst. the second one is that there is no real phone number, so i have to still rely on my iphone all the time.

 

[jeremiah256]

In your scenario, a user would have to use "Talkatone" (or similar app or Skype) which can provide a number for you etc., While not as smooth as using a iPhone, it may work for many people.

I live in Japan and have a Skype number, with the area code the same as my mother’s, so it’s a ‘local’ call for her. Best thing about answering a call from her, iPad or iPhone, is that it comes in as a regular notification. My entire screen isn’t disabled like when I receive a regular call on my iPhone.