Could Apple's OLED iPad Mini Finally Be a Kindle Killer?

[H3LL5P4WN]

Nope.

OLED is nice, but nothing beats e-ink. Especially on Kobo’s latest color eRreaders.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

It won’t even be a Kindle “Bash it against the head until it’s unconscious”, much less killer.

 

[elrojo69]

ehhh. The kindle is great for reading before bed. No blue light, and the e-ink looks more natural.

 

[switz]

Our two Mac mini iPads v7 with 512GB of ram work just fine for reading and internet access via cellular when wifi is not available. Not really interested in another incompatible device to carry around.

So improvements "might" be of interest, but what we have just works and Apple Care could keep them working at least seven years.

 

[Kidseeghost]

…

 

[Daxmelbourne]

No. They’re different devices for different purposes at vastly different price points.

Why haven’t OLED tvs replaced other tvs, projectors?

 

[ScanTheNavian]

I like being able to read books on my ereader with no backlight, only the sun. It's a device 100% focused on one thing. Not to mention how light it is and how long the battery lasts.

 

[DaveTheRave]

I didn’t cringe when my Kindle fell on the concrete while I was sitting by the pool last summer. Would have had a much different reaction if that were an iPad.

 

[SilmarilFinder]

Whoever compares kindle and iPad mini clearly never used kindle.

Its like “can your car finally replace planes?” question. 2 completely distinct use cases.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This question would only be asked by somebody who has never used a Kindle or other e-ink reader.

 

[progx]

A Kindle killer? That’s a stretch. While I’m sure Apple would love to make the iPad the best device for reading e-books, I don’t think they’re positioning the OLED screen on an iPad mini to compete with that device.

 

[Naraxus]

If Apple is this committed to making and updating the niche iPad mini, the least popular iPad, they really should make and keep updating the iPhone mini.

Rofl. The iPhone Mini didn't sell. The iPad Mini does sell.

 

[schneeland]

I personally prefer reading on a tablet to Kindle/e-ink devices, but I don't feel that's a sentiment shared by the majority of digital readers (just see the previous comments). Plus, I think the price point alone prevents the Mini from being a Kindle replacement.
That being said: I think the Mini is a great, portable device for websurfing, media consumption, chat (that can also double as an e-reader if needed). And I very much look forward to an upgraded version with an OLED display.

 

[edrozenberg]

The one thing I want from any future mini is Face ID. Not only is the fingerprint sensor annoying to use multiple times a day since you have to reach for it in the right place, it's also different from every other mobile Apple device I own all of which do have Face ID. Give us Face ID already, charge the extra $1.50 or $15.0 or $150 and stop the ongoing annoyance.

 

[klasma]

Doubt Apple gift OLED but we welcoming mini LED

Mini-LED is useless for the Kindle use case.

 

[chars1ub0w]

If it had a HDMI input, it could double as a high-quality monitor for camera use.

 

[lcseds]

Fluff piece. The iPad will never replace the Kindle. Totally different display tech. And Apple charges at least double the Kindle price. BS article.

 

[klasma]

Yeah I hope the rumors are correct that the fold will be close in size to the iPad mini. I love the mini, but can’t fit it in my pocket.

From the rumors, the display will be a little bit smaller, but also higher-resolution.

 

[carrrrrlos]

Nope. Lol clickbait. Macrumors do you really believe these two devices are in the same category? Ugh, 9 to 5 posts actual stories and this is just too much.

 

[jdawgnoonan]

I own a current generation iPad Mini and an OLED iPad Pro. If I want to read a novel I still pick up my e-ink Kindle (I own the current Paperwhite and the current backlit Scribe).

 

[Black Belt]

Surely they could create a “reader” screen profile programmed in on all OLED iPads that would more simulate paper.

The failing of e-ink is any pictures especially color.

Yes they need to address the liquid rating of iPads.

 

[actcyclist]

I read my kindle on the beach. It cost $100, lasts years, needs charging weekly not daily.
The iPad mini would be a terrible reading device. I’d buy a Boox if I wanted a mix between a reader and a tablet.

 

[Mobius77]

Soon as iPad mini has face id then I will replace my iPad Pro 11' to mini.

 

[joshuakrey]

I replaced my iPad Air M1 with the iPad mini 7 a few weeks ago. It also replaced my Boox eink tablet. I'm trying to eliminate the number of devices I have and the Air was just a media consumption device and the Boox while nice was big and trying to read comics was a little annoying with the refresh rate.

I am really enjoying my mini but I have kept my kindle for now. While reading on the mini is great for sitting on the couch during the day on weekends, I like my kindle for night lying in bed, and think when on vacation it may be nicer as well with the battery life.

 

[whitby]

Agreeing with the majority opinion here.

iPad cannot replace the Kindle or any other e-ink reader:

1. Eye strain from displays that are refreshed anything faster than once when you turn the page.

2. iPad cost 3 to 5 times too expensive.

3. iPad battery life. Around 72 times too short.

4. iPad size and weight.

iPads are awful to use for reading anything longer than a couple of hours. And even then my eyes feel sore.

So no, the iPad cannot replace the Kindle. Horses for courses, I think is the saying.