All iPads Form factor: iPad Air vs iPad mini

[Uofmtiger]

I prefer the larger size. I rarely hold it in my hands for an extended period. I usually have it sitting on my chest and just use a hand to balance it. I have used it for hours this way without issue... It was easy with an iPad 3, but even easier with the lighter weight of the Air2.

I should mention that the mini has never had any appeal to me because I would never walk around with it in a back pocket and if I have to carry a bag, I would rather have the larger screen when I got it out. I like editing photos, reading magazines, watching video, etc... And those are all better with a larger screen.

I now have an iPhone Plus and it fits easily in my front pockets, so I have that for portability.

 

[eimeria]

Echoing what many others have said. It really depends upon how you are using it.

I had the larger iPad but only really used it at home. When the mini came out I got one because it would fit in the pocket of my doctor's white coat. I use it all the time as a teaching tool to help teach the students and residents I'm working with. I'm able to carry around the smaller size model in my pocket unlike the larger one that just wouldn't fit. I have all of the important medical papers that I use frequently right at my finger tips during rounds.

 

[PowerBook-G5]

I prefer the full size iPad for a few reasons. One is that it has the new display features, like the glare reduction coating. The second reason is that it has the beautiful BONDED display. I can't stand using the iPad Air from 2013 or the iPad minis because the cover glass sounds so plasticy and cheap.

Also, the Air was actually updated this year, while the mini really didn't get an update.

 

[s2mikey]

The only reason one would benefit from the mini is if portability is a HUGE issue for them. In every other area, the full size ipad is a better experience. Size does matter.... And the full size iPad gets it right. The mini IMO is just a little too small.

 

[Billy95Tech]

If i was buying a Ipad it would be the full size as i really like the full size ipads.


I think the smaller ipad(mini) is too small as i tried it in the Apple store.


When i buy my a ipad(my 1st ever one) in the future it will be the full size one.

 

[ron7624]

Yup, choice is a wonderful thing. Portability is a HUGE factor for me, and not being so big as to cover my entire dashboard up as I use my rMini as a navigational tool and its mounted in a cd slot holder device. Even though my Air will fit that gizmo, it covers up too much real estate imo.

 

[zip]

Funny cause I was thinking the same thing about selling my 5s and mini for a 6 plus. I absolutely love the 5s form factor. But when I think of the 6 plus as an iPad, it seems quite manageable as that, like an extremely portable tablet. However, when I think of using the 6 plus at home, like when I am watching YT and browsing the web, relaxing at home, I would much prefer the mini, or maybe the Air. That is what makes me decide not to go with the 6 plus. Also, I really do love the 4 inch size, I don't want to switch to a bigger phone. Ever. Long live the 4 inch iPhone!

For home use an iPad is the way to go, the extra screen space makes books, the internet and a lot of apps much more enjoyable. I agree with New Apple, how you use the iPad can help determined which one to get for mostly home use. On my trip I often had the choice if an Air, Air 2, and Mini 2 and would grab the Mini every time. If you are still having trouble deciding, if you can, buy an Air 2 and try it.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Trickhot3102]

So Im still trying to decide between the mini or Air size for my next iPad upgrade.
But rather than focus on specs, I wanted to make a separate thread simply talking about the form factor of both devices. If I already have the mini, should I switch to the Air size? Is the mini better to use with my MacBook air? Overall, which form factor do you prefer, and why?

I was in your place a few months ago! I was undecided between the air 1 and mini 2! It really comes down to what you do with it I ultimately got the mini for a lot of resons, and I do not regret it I got the mini because I like to take it places, mainly school. It's a perfect tablet for the school or work because it's not obnoxiously big like the large iPad I also use it on the couch and at home.

It really comes down to what you are gonna use it for since you have the mini, you know how it is. If Apple matches the specs of the mini 4 and Air 3 this year, I'll get the mini 4. I love the form factor. But if they give it last years specs, I'll probably get the air 3 or 2 for the specs

 

[newellj]

I definitely know its a personal preference. But for me, hearing why people chose the mini or the air really helps me decide. So mini users, why did you choose the mini? Or air users, why did you choose the bigger size?

I have one of each. The primary difference for me is that the full size iPad is much better for watching movies, reading web pages or doing light document work due to the larger screen and better color accuracy, but the Mini is much more portable. I carry the Mini daily, while the full size iPad mostly stays home.

 

[MH01]

It's personal preference. Unless you want hear peoples thoughts to justify your next purchase it's really upto you. Personally I would not get the mini as I have the iPhone 6 plus

 

[JerTheGeek]

Thanks for all the feedback!
I think what I'll do is actually get the Apple Watch on launch day, and then a few months later I'll go for a refurbished Air 2. I like the idea of a bigger screen, and since I won't be taking it out much, I see no trade offs with the larger size!

 

[newellj]

Thanks for all the feedback!
I think what I'll do is actually get the Apple Watch on launch day, and then a few months later I'll go for a refurbished Air 2. I like the idea of a bigger screen, and since I won't be taking it out much, I see no trade offs with the larger size!

If portability isn't a big issue, that's IMO the right choice. The Air and Air 2 are so light and have such great displays that they're really nicer to use - IMO, and I have both the rMini and an Air.

 

[JonMPLS]

I have been an iPad fanatic since the first iteration, and have a 1,3 and rMini. I travel a lot, and the iPad is about the perfect way to pass time on the plane and around town. Looked at the Air when it came out, but sill like the rMini. For me, the rMini is about the perfect size. Primary use is for iBooks, but also mail and Safari.

 

[Fattytail]

Here's another vote for the mini. I'm in the camp that agrees that the full size iPad is just very taxing to hold for extended periods of time. That's an issue when reading long form books. clearly the Air has a better screen and that does bug me, but the mini' screen is still very sharp. And portability is most important to me. So it's the mini for me.

 

[Infinitewisdom]

Mini still holding up strong for me. Love the size. The Air 2 is really slim, but it's still just big. Not that easy to hold the way a mini is.

 

[Aaron from KY]

The only reason one would benefit from the mini is if portability is a HUGE issue for them. In every other area, the full size ipad is a better experience. Size does matter.... And the full size iPad gets it right. The mini IMO is just a little too small.

I could see price being an advantage of the mini 2, since it has the same specs as the Air for significantly less money, especially refurbished. Ex. Mini 2 64GB is $349 refurbished, 64GB air is $439

 

[studIOS5]

Both haha. But seriously I have both and tend to prefer the mini over the air for certain things (like games and portability) and similarly, I like the air 2 for certain things (like reading textbooks, browsing this forum and just reading in general). I'd say if you find yourself in a financial situation that allows you to have both that's the best case scenario

 

[Mivo]

I like having a large tablet (Air 2) and a small tablet (Nexus 7) as they meet different needs. The small one is used for e-book reading and quick browsing, the large tablet for media consumption, gaming, and work-related stuff.

Then again, I don't have a smart phone (deliberately), only a "dumb" one. If I had a "big" phone like the iPhone, I'd probably only use that and a large tablet.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Both haha. But seriously I have both and tend to prefer the mini over the air for certain things (like games and portability) and similarly, I like the air 2 for certain things (like reading textbooks, browsing this forum and just reading in general). I'd say if you find yourself in a financial situation that allows you to have both that's the best case scenario

I agree. I've got both and use them both for different things. Best of both worlds.

 

[XTheLancerX]

I love the mini size. For a long time I liked the idea of having an iPad, but it never was anything overpowering until I first held an iPad mini. Something about it, I just love them. In a pinch I can stick it in a sweatshirt pocket. I can decently comfortably hold it in one hand for awhile to use. It isn't too big to have while you use it in bed or on the couch. But it still is perfectly big enough to consume media or video, or play games. I actually prefer games on the mini because it's easier to reach around the screen for controls but the game is still nice and big.

However, lately I've been preparing myself to have to let go of the mini size for an iPad upgrade. Apple simply is set on keeping the mini as an inferior product to the full size iPad. I mean just look at the mini 3! What happened to the whole "Why should you have to compromise performance for a smaller form factor?"

 

[newellj]

I agree. I've got both and use them both fit different things. Best of both worlds.

I find the same.

 

[NorthSeaBeach]

We got an ipad 3 and two Mini 2's in our household. I prefer the Mini sizewise not just because of the speed advantage or less weight. It's just so much more portable and easier to handle, not just outside but in the house aswell. On the couch, on the loo, in bed, just love the Mini. It's big enough. It gives everything the fullsize does and is much nicer to handle.

 

[Glideslope]

Honestly, one really needs both. The Mini is perfect for when mobility is foremost.

The iPad is perfect for when your sitting by the fireplace with your Golden Retriever at your side.

 

[XTheLancerX]

So 15 minutes ago I was carrying a lot of food out from the kitchen and didn't have a free hand for my iPad mini, I didn't want to make two trips so I got desperate and put the freaking iPad in my back pocket. Things like that really make me appreciate the mini size. Now keep in mind, I'm a guy, so pockets are generally much larger than women's pockets. But still. Was pretty surprised when I was able to pull that off.

 

[JerTheGeek]

So 15 minutes ago I was carrying a lot of food out from the kitchen and didn't have a free hand for my iPad mini, I didn't want to make two trips so I got desperate and put the freaking iPad in my back pocket. Things like that really make me appreciate the mini size. Now keep in mind, I'm a guy, so pockets are generally much larger than women's pockets. But still. Was pretty surprised when I was able to pull that off.

I love slipping the mini into my pocket; its so convenient and one of the main reasons I think I will stick with it till after I get the Apple Watch. Then I will probably wait till October for a hopefully much improved mini. For now, my good old mini 1 is working fine for my simple uses.