Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.






iPad mini Q&A

Update Published October 24, 2019

All Apple Q&As >> iPad mini Q&A (Home) | Also see: All iPad Specs

To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.




What are the "pros and cons" of the iPad line? Is one the best iPad for me?

Apple has discontinued the original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 4. The company sells the iPad mini 5 as the current model. This Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS compatibility and more and is quite useful for anyone buying one of these models whether new or used.

Whether or not any of the iPad mini models -- an original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, or iPad mini 5 -- is the right tablet for you is a decision that only you can make. However, objective pros and cons can be quite helpful in the decision making process.

EveryiPad.com also provides detailed comparisons of the original iPad mini and iPad mini 2 (Retina), iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4, and iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 that can be useful should you be interested in a more in-depth evaluation.

Nevertheless, for those who prefer the just the "highlights" rather than complete details, this quick-to-read summary can be ideal:

iPad mini
Original iPad mini

Unique Pros:

iPad mini 2
iPad mini 2

Unique Pros:

  • Small, but beautiful high-resolution display (7.9-inch 2048x1536 at 326 ppi).
  • Quite fast.
  • The iPad Wi-Fi/Cellular (2nd Gen) provides practically global 4G/LTE coverage in a single device.
  • Dual stream 802.11n Wi-Fi with MIMO support.
  • 1 GB of RAM.
  • 128 GB storage option for those who need significant local storage.
  • Dual microphones for improved noise cancellation.

iPad mini 3
iPad mini 3

The iPad mini 3 has all the same pros of the iPad mini 2 but also adds the following.

Unique Pros:

  • Touch ID.
  • Gold color option.
  • 64 GB and 128 GB storage options for those who need significant local storage.

iPad mini 4
iPad mini 4

The iPad mini 4 has all the same pros of its predecessors but also adds the following.

Unique Pros:

  • Higher quality display with a 99% sRGB color gamut and a helpful antireflective coating.
  • 2 GB of RAM.
  • Much better rear camera.
  • Faster Wi-Fi and more global cellular connectivity for the cellular-equipped model.

iPad mini 5
iPad mini 5

The iPad mini 5 -- or iPad mini 5th Generation -- has all of the same pros of its predecessors but also adds the following.

Unique Pros:

  • Only new iPad mini models.
  • Processor provides equal performance to a higher-end iPad model for the first time.
  • Highest quality display yet with support for "wide color" (DCI-P3) "True Tone" to dynamically adjust color temperature and brightness.
  • 3 GB of RAM.
  • As much as 256 GB of storage.
  • Even faster and more global cellular connectivity for the cellular-equipped model.
  • Support for first generation Apple Pencil (A1603).

Pros (All iPad mini Models):

  • Very small and portable with particularly attractive, high quality industrial design.
  • Solid battery life.
  • Dual cameras (720p front and 1080p rear) make video conferencing and 1080p video capture fairly easy.
  • Stereo speakers.
  • System-wide mirroring support.
  • Mostly usable onscreen keyboard -- some users may find it better than a larger iPad because typing can be quick with two thumbs -- as well as support for an external keyboard.
  • Bundled with high-quality iLife and iWork apps for free as well as support for a vast library of third-party apps and webapps.
  • Sold unlocked and without a contract in the US, and most other countries, with multiple wireless carrier options.
  • Smaller and lighter than larger iPad models.
  • Inexpensive compared to notebook computers and larger iPad models.

iPad mini
Original iPad mini

Unique Cons:

  • Display is noticeably lower quality and lower resolution than any other iPad mini models. It is highly reflective, too.
  • Significantly slower than the iPad mini 2 and subsequent models.
  • Applicable models have limited 4G/LTE connectivity.
  • No MIMO Wi-Fi support.
  • 512 GB of RAM.
  • Quite slow running iOS 9 and no support for iOS 10 or later versions of the iOS.

iPad mini 2
iPad mini 2

Unique Cons:

  • Although high-resolution, the display is lower quality than the iPad Air models and the iPad mini 4. It has a glossy finish, also.
  • Slower than the iPad Air models and iPad mini 4.
  • No support for the current version of the iOS, iOS 13 (iPadOS).

iPad mini 3
iPad mini 3

The iPad mini 3 has the same disadvantages of the iPad mini 2 (most notably, no support for the current version of the iOS), but also was a poor value at the time of its introduction. As a used model, it may be a better deal.

iPad mini 4
iPad mini 4

At the time it was released, the only notable con unique to the iPad mini 4 is that it is slower than the discontinued original iPad Air and iPad Air 2 as well as the current iPad 5th Gen, as well. It shares the general cons below, though.

iPad mini 5
iPad mini 5

As the current iPad mini, the only significant cons unique to the iPad mini 5 is that its industrial design seems rather dated compared to the much more expensive iPad Pro line, it only supports the original Apple Pencil instead of the much better Apple Pencil 2, and it supports Lightning instead of the more current USB-C. It shares the general cons below, as well.

 

Cons (All iPad mini Models):

  • Storage capacity cannot be upgraded and can be inadequate, particularly on lower capacity models, given increasingly large file sizes to display images and other content optimized for high-resolution displays.
  • Onscreen keyboard can be cramped for two handed typing and many users -- those who do not use two thumbs, in particular -- may find it slower to type on than larger iPad devices, accordingly.
  • No SD card slot.
  • Lightning connector is not backwards compatible with the earlier Dock Connector nor forwards compatible with USB-C.
  • No bundled headphones (a particularly miserly omission given the price of these devices).
  • The battery is not intended to be replaced and self-replacement is quite difficult.
  • Relatively expensive compared to other small tablets as well as some netbooks and the iPod touch.

So, which iPad mini is right for me?

Ultimately, all of these tablets provide compact size and attractive designs.

However, the current iPad mini 5 is the best choice for most users. It has (1) the best quality display, (2) is fastest, (3) has more RAM which means not only higher performance now but almost certainly longer iOS support, as well, (4) has the most global 4G/LTE connectivity, and (5) supports the original Apple Pencil.

For those interested in saving some money, the iPad mini 4 remains a good choice on the used market. These models also have high quality displays, just not as high quality as the iPad mini 5, as well as respectable performance, solid connectivity options, and current iOS support. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 still are worth considering, but because they no longer support the current version of the iOS, app support will start to wane from here.

The original iPad mini only would work for someone with very modest performance and app needs. Because the original iPad mini is quite slow running iOS 9 and cannot run iOS 10 and later versions of the iOS at all, most users would be better off with a newer model.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are many sites to buy a new or used iPad mini. However, buying your iPad from a good company with solid knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.


Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices




<< iPad mini Q&A (Main) | All Apple Q&As




Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.