9.7" iPad Pro or iPad Mini ?

[augustya]

I know guys this is a age old question, going on from generations and has been asked a thousand times, still can't make up my mind when it comes to me to take a decision for myself. I also know it is a question like asking what came first the chicken or the egg lol ! But still...

so I have an iPad-3 and originally I started thinking by upgrading from my iPad-3 to the 9.7" iPad Pro but then also the thought that comes to my mind is, is the mini even worth considering a thought ? Why not a mini? I have also felt and believed the 9.7" is a right size just between your iPhone and your MacBook. Mini perhaps is a bit too small. But anyways it varies from case to case basis. In my case portability is not a big, big concern I can do with either size mini also and also a 9.7" I am ok with any size, but perhaps more inclined towards the bigger the screen size the better. But still wanna consider all aspects and perspective before I take a plunge again. Any thoughts if I should go for a 9.7" iPad Pro or a Mini ? Who should go for a mini and who should go for a 9.7" iPad ? Are there any thumb rules ?

 

[Newtons Apple]

Best to go to the Apple store and play with both. I have had a Mini before and for the difference in size and power the full size iPad was right for me. This choice is for each individual to make.

 

[JamieLion]

Hello,

I agree with previous post, go and an Apple Store and try them. Apple have a great return policy, so picking one and trying it for 14 days is a good way to answer the question. I have done this with Macs in the past, the Apple Store staff encourage you to find the right fit.

Usage is the key one for me. My iPad mini I mostly used for consuming content and in bed. It was getting old and slow and a replacement was expensive. In the end I traded it in for a 6th generation iPod touch which much better suits what I want to do in the evening (with my phone on charge in another room). I use it for audiobook and music and a few TV Shows.

A friend got an iPad Pro and let me borrow his full size iPad Air that has replaced my laptop for use when out and about. It's much easier to sit in a cafe with an iPad than a MacBook and the keyboard is good enough for forum posting etc.

Hope some example help,

Jamie + Lion

 

[augustya]

Well as of now, I feel the 9.7" is the right size for me, but when others buy the Mini that makes me forcibly think should I also go for the Mini ? I get confused you see...

 

[masotime]

Well as of now, I feel the 9.7" is the right size for me, but when others buy the Mini that makes me forcibly think should I also go for the Mini ? I get confused you see...

You shouldn't buy a Mini simply because others buy a Mini. Buy it because you need the portability.

Based on your first post, I'd say stick with the normal-sized iPad. There's a reason it was the first size launched - it's the most balanced one in terms of portability and power.

 

[augustya]

You shouldn't buy a Mini simply because others buy a Mini. Buy it because you need the portability.

Based on your first post, I'd say stick with the normal-sized iPad. There's a reason it was the first size launched - it's the most balanced one in terms of portability and power.

Yeah kind of makes sense, the Mini is too small if, I have to go that small I am better off with a iPhone 6s or 6s Plus IMHO !

 

[maclancer]

I choose the mini because I go around the house and I need something light. Also the mini can accomplish same as any iPad. But portability was the main reason.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Well as of now, I feel the 9.7" is the right size for me, but when others buy the Mini that makes me forcibly think should I also go for the Mini ? I get confused you see...

Good that you can't make a mistake as if you decide you do not like, you can return and get the other. Keep us posted on how it went!

 

[ron7624]

I'll vote the mini, but that's my preference. My wife has the Air 2 and loves it. You can't go wrong if you follow your gut, they are all worthy devices.

 

[joeblow7777]

My personal preference is the Mini. Not because I need portability but because I like portability. A 7.9" device that fits in the palm of my hand and does everything that a "full sized" iPad does is really nice. A phone, even a Plus model, is too small for comfortable web browsing and video watching though.

 

[augustya]

My personal preference is the Mini. Not because I need portability but because I like portability. A 7.9" device that fits in the palm of my hand and does everything that a "full sized" iPad does is really nice. A phone, even a Plus model, is too small for comfortable web browsing and video watching though.

Mini just gets a little too small. 9.7" is just the right size.

 

[Badrottie]

I know guys this is a age old question, going on from generations and has been asked a thousand times, still can't make up my mind when it comes to me to take a decision for myself. I also know it is a question like asking what came first the chicken or the egg lol ! But still...

so I have an iPad-3 and originally I started thinking by upgrading from my iPad-3 to the 9.7" iPad Pro but then also the thought that comes to my mind is, is the mini even worth considering a thought ? Why not a mini? I have also felt and believed the 9.7" is a right size just between your iPhone and your MacBook. Mini perhaps is a bit too small. But anyways it varies from case to case basis. In my case portability is not a big, big concern I can do with either size mini also and also a 9.7" I am ok with any size, but perhaps more inclined towards the bigger the screen size the better. But still wanna consider all aspects and perspective before I take a plunge again. Any thoughts if I should go for a 9.7" iPad Pro or a Mini ? Who should go for a mini and who should go for a 9.7" iPad ? Are there any thumb rules ?

Mini does not have stereo so you might want a Pro you could enjoy hearing stereo while watching movies or music. OR you can wait few months to see if Apple is working on Mini Pro with stereo and Apple Pencil

 

[ColdShadow]

Yeah kind of makes sense, the Mini is too small if, I have to go that small I am better off with a iPhone 6s or 6s Plus IMHO !

Go instore and try them multiple times.
There is huge,I mean night and day difference between the experience with Mini and an iPhone 6 Plus.
I first bought a Mini 2 when it was first lauched..same time as original iPad Air.
then thought maybe I should spend more and buy the Air,after 2 days returned the Mini 2 and bought the Air but after few months decided to go back to Mini 2.it's just more convinient,easier to hold and I love the size,I think it's the sweet spot size for a tablet,but people are different.
currently Im thinking about upgrading my Mini 2,definitely prefer the Mini 4 but I might consider an Air 2 simply because I hate the fact that there is no smart case for Mini 4 and Apple wants to force people to buy 2 cases instead.

 

[joeblow7777]

Go instore and try them multiple times.
There is huge,I mean night and day difference between the experience with Mini and an iPhone 6 Plus.
I first bought a Mini 2 when it was first lauched..same time as original iPad Air.
then thought maybe I should spend more and buy the Air,after 2 days returned the Mini 2 and bought the Air but after few months decided to go back to Mini 2.it's just more convinient,easier to hold and I love the size,I think it's the sweet spot size for a tablet,but people are different.
currently Im thinking about upgrading my Mini 2,definitely prefer the Mini 4 but I might consider an Air 2 simply because I hate the fact that there is no smart case for Mini 4 and Apple wants to force people to buy 2 cases instead.

Agreed regarding the large difference between an iPad Mini and an iPhone Plus, as well as the convenience of the Mini form factor.

If the lack of a full smart case is all that's putting you off of getting a Mini 4, consider the many MUCH less expensive non-Apple alternatives. Other than my Mini 4 smart cover (which I hardly ever use anymore) I've never bought an official Apple case/cover. They are way overpriced. Look at this; a fully functional smart case for $9: http://www.amazon.com/JETech®-Serial-Apple-Slim-Fit-Released/dp/B013X9JBMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461969459&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=ipad+mini+4+smart+case&psc=1

When you buy Apple cases, you're paying several times more for just an Apple logo.

 

[yngrshr]

Well, I traded my mini for a 9.7" Pro. Don't regret the decision at all, now.

 

[frankdogg]

judging off of your avatar, you seem to be an individual who enjoys the greater things of life like power and size. I'm going to confuse you more and say "quit wasting your time with those little kids toys and get the powerhouse known as the 12.9 pro". Buy it, take home and you'll know what i'm talking about.

and plus, i just want to add to your confusion.

 

[augustya]

judging off of your avatar, you seem to be an individual who enjoys the greater things of life like power and size. I'm going to confuse you more and say "quit wasting your time with those little kids toys and get the powerhouse known as the 12.9 pro". Buy it, take home and you'll know what i'm talking about.

and plus, i just want to add to your confusion.

12.9" is no where in my purview !! Indeed you have confused me !

 

[apolloa]

Mini does not have stereo so you might want a Pro you could enjoy hearing stereo while watching movies or music. OR you can wait few months to see if Apple is working on Mini Pro with stereo and Apple Pencil

The mini has stereo speakers at the bottom, you are referring to the quad speakers of the pro which sound awesome, but then IMO all iOS device speakers sound pretty good including the mini.
The mini's the best size..... for me... Love the 9.7" Pro, the screen and speakers are fantastic, but it's just too big.
If they gave the mini the same screen and tech and the connectors on the side, not sure they can fit the quad speakers in and make them sound good, it would be great.

 

[MistrSynistr]

If you lounge around the house and browse the web, forums, videos while you watch tv or before bed, mini is absolutely the way to go.

I've owned both.

 

[Channan]

Mini just gets a little too small. 9.7" is just the right size.

Then I'm gonna say the iPad Pro...

 

[Heisenberg888]

Got both. Tough one really. I do like the mini size for reading I.e. Magazines, newspapers and books because it's the size of a kindle. So if you do more of this type of reading then get the mini. If you want the overall best tablet get the pro 9.7.

 

[masotime]

Best Buy is having $100 off all iPad mini 4s right now

 

[Channan]

Best Buy is having $100 off all iPad mini 4s right now

They seem to do this every few weeks. Definitely puts it in impulse buy territory.

 

[ColdShadow]

Mini does not have stereo so you might want a Pro you could enjoy hearing stereo while watching movies

Actually thats not correct,Mini does have stereo speakers.