iPad IPad 9th Gen vs iPad Mini

[Adelphos33]

Hi all - I have an iPad 8th Gen that I basically use as a supplemental video player / newsreader / email client / video conference machine. I bring it into work sometimes, use it for reading in the evenings, nice, inexpensive supplementary device to my others. I usually upgrade this device every year as it costs about $500 and is worth around $250 in trade in the following year. I am debating between the new 9th Gen iPad and iPad mini this year.

Pros of iPad 9th Gen
1) Much better camera for video calls (same as iPad Mini)
2) Can keep existing Smart Keyboard and cases
3) Upgraded processor
3) Cheaper (especially if I can stick with 64GB)

Pros of iPad Mini
1) better processor, rear camera than iPad 9th gen
2) more compact form factor (though not sure how much this matters if I also have an Max phone)
3) Newer, better looking design
4) Likely to last multiple years

Con of iPad 9th gen
1) Old design
2) No screen lamination

Con of iPad mini
1) No embedded keyboard (would likely have to keep an keyboard/trackpad combo at the office to use with it)
2) Have to buy new cases

Thoughts?

 

[jimimac71]

iPad mini.
iPad didn't remove the home button, so the screen stays the same. Lightning stays too.
The mini gets all the love. USB-C, similar inside updates, even though it had 64 GB already. Just in case you want it, a rear camera flash.
Personality disappointed in iPad 9 news.

 

[Falhófnir]

I don't see much value in a 9th gen over an 8th gen unless maybe you do a lot of video conferencing on it (is an iPad an ideal form factor for that anyway?). I'd say either stick with your current model another year, or try out the mini to see if the form factor suits you - there could be a few deal breakers in there that only become apparent when you use it.

 

[Isengardtom]

Nice spec bump for iPad 9, especially the 64 GB but Mini definitely more compelling device I think.

iPad Air 4 is sort of the weakest value now in my view.

 

[Heelpir8]

if the 9th gen's screen were laminated I probably would've gone with it. Not that I'd ever expect that in the base model iPad. 64GB storage in late 2021 is easier to swallow at $329 than $499.

 

[Racineur]

I don't see much value in a 9th gen over an 8th gen unless maybe you do a lot of video conferencing on it (is an iPad an ideal form factor for that anyway?). I'd say either stick with your current model another year, or try out the mini to see if the form factor suits you - there could be a few deal breakers in there that only become apparent when you use it.

I have a venerable Air 2. Would you say a 9 would fit the bill for me. No zoom, no social media, no photography. I use it for Web browsing, Mail and some iMessage. Air 2 seems slower with iOS 14.7 and battery is a disaster but screen is still wonderful. A non laminated screen is that bad?

 

[Falhófnir]

I have a venerable Air 2. Would you say a 9 would fit the bill for me. No zoom, no social media, no photography. I use it for Web browsing, Mail and some iMessage. Air 2 seems slower with iOS 14.7 and battery is a disaster but screen is still wonderful. A non laminated screen is that bad?

I think at this point the cumulative performance upgrades will definitely be noticeable coming from an Air 2, the display is slightly bigger which is nice for browsing too. I don't think for your use case a non laminated display will look too different, though you may notice the 'hollow' feel when tapping. Maybe worth having a look in store when available if that's possible for you? This model is a great fit for the sort of usage you describe, I think anything more would be well into overkill for browsing, mail and messaging.

 

[jdb8167]

Hi all - I have an iPad 8th Gen that I basically use as a supplemental video player / newsreader / email client / video conference machine. I bring it into work sometimes, use it for reading in the evenings, nice, inexpensive supplementary device to my others. I usually upgrade this device every year as it costs about $500 and is worth around $250 in trade in the following year. I am debating between the new 9th Gen iPad and iPad mini this year.

Pros of iPad 9th Gen
1) Much better camera for video calls (same as iPad Mini)
2) Can keep existing Smart Keyboard and cases
3) Upgraded processor
3) Cheaper (especially if I can stick with 64GB)

Pros of iPad Mini
1) better processor, rear camera than iPad 9th gen
2) more compact form factor (though not sure how much this matters if I also have an Max phone)
3) Newer, better looking design
4) Likely to last multiple years

Con of iPad 9th gen
1) Old design
2) No screen lamination

Con of iPad mini
1) No embedded keyboard (would likely have to keep an keyboard/trackpad combo at the office to use with it)
2) Have to buy new cases

Thoughts?

Pros iPad mini:
USB-C
Apple Pencil 2

 

[GMShadow]

I have a venerable Air 2. Would you say a 9 would fit the bill for me. No zoom, no social media, no photography. I use it for Web browsing, Mail and some iMessage. Air 2 seems slower with iOS 14.7 and battery is a disaster but screen is still wonderful. A non laminated screen is that bad?

I'd say if you've been fine with the Air 2, the iPad 9 will be everything you need.

 

[sracer]

Hi all - I have an iPad 8th Gen that I basically use as a supplemental video player / newsreader / email client / video conference machine. I bring it into work sometimes, use it for reading in the evenings, nice, inexpensive supplementary device to my others. I usually upgrade this device every year as it costs about $500 and is worth around $250 in trade in the following year. I am debating between the new 9th Gen iPad and iPad mini this year.

Pros of iPad 9th Gen
1) Much better camera for video calls (same as iPad Mini)
2) Can keep existing Smart Keyboard and cases
3) Upgraded processor
3) Cheaper (especially if I can stick with 64GB)

Pros of iPad Mini
1) better processor, rear camera than iPad 9th gen
2) more compact form factor (though not sure how much this matters if I also have an Max phone)
3) Newer, better looking design
4) Likely to last multiple years

Con of iPad 9th gen
1) Old design
2) No screen lamination

Con of iPad mini
1) No embedded keyboard (would likely have to keep an keyboard/trackpad combo at the office to use with it)
2) Have to buy new cases

Thoughts?

The Max iPhone is still significantly smaller than the iPad Mini so it really doesn't take the place of the Mini. But only you know if you need the larger iPad. When it comes to screen size, there really is no substitute for trying it first-hand for an extended period of time.

I suggest getting the Mini 6 and putting it through its paces within the return window. That should be enough time for you to determine whether or not the form-factor will work for you. If it does, great. If not, return it and get the 9th gen. (I'm REALLLLLY tempted to pick up the 9th gen... but so far, have resisted the urge... my Mini 5 is just fine).

 

[rdavis41]

I decided to preorder both given the Apple Card payment option and give them a try and then return one. I see both having their advantages. I’m thinking the Mini will be the one I stick with but I won’t be sure until I put them through their paces before the return window.

 

[KPOM]

What’s interesting about the mini is that they made the screen taller, but ever-so-slightly narrower, so it no longer has a 4x3 form factor. It will be interesting to see how much of a difference that makes in day-to-day usage.

 

[Macalicious2011]

There's no point in buying the Mini unless you have a specific use case for it that can't be served by the iPad or Max Pro e.g a tablet that fits into a jacket/handbag OR can be held in one hand while you are standing in a train.

If you mainly use the iPad while sitting down or in the home, than the larger viewing experience has a great real life impact than higher specs.

 

[sracer]

There's no point in buying the Mini unless you have a specific use case for it that can't be served by the iPad or Max Pro e.g a tablet that fits into a jacket/handbag OR can be held in one hand while you are standing in a train.

If you mainly use the iPad while sitting down or in the home, than the larger viewing experience has a great real life impact than higher specs.

It's true that one should consider how they will use their device... but the use cases don't have to be that specific for the Mini to make sense. The Mini's size and high dpi screen make it an excellent option as an ereader. Sitting on an armchair reading a book is more enjoyable on the Mini than it is with the larger iPads.

For those who use their tablet in bed, again, the Mini does extremely well and can sit on a nightstand without feeling like it takes up a lot of space.

When using an iPad as a digital notebook/planner, the Mini is nearly identical in width and height as most paper day planners (that are in the 5.5" x 8.5" form-factor).

There are other scenarios where the Mini is beneficial. It might sound odd, but when in a meeting or at church, the Mini is less distracting to others than using a smartphone to read documents or take notes... or a full-sized tablet.

Regarding viewing videos, yes, sometimes a larger screen is better but if video watching is going to be a significant use case, I don't think that any of the iPads are particularly well-suited for that.

 

[jdb8167]

Regarding viewing videos, yes, sometimes a larger screen is better but if video watching is going to be a significant use case, I don't think that any of the iPads are particularly well-suited for that.

I use my 11” iPad Pro for watching video in bed even though I have a 32” HD TV in my bedroom. I just find it more comfortable. It is usually with my glasses off which means it is pretty close to my face as I’m extremely near-sighted. This fills the same space in my vision as the HDTV does 8-feet away. Having my glasses off watching in the dark is very comfortable to me.

I’m envisioning using my newly ordered iPad mini the same way. Less viewing space but lighter and easier to hold. We’ll see how it goes.

 

[Macalicious2011]

It's true that one should consider how they will use their device... but the use cases don't have to be that specific for the Mini to make sense. The Mini's size and high dpi screen make it an excellent option as an ereader. Sitting on an armchair reading a book is more enjoyable on the Mini than it is with the larger iPads.

For those who use their tablet in bed, again, the Mini does extremely well and can sit on a nightstand without feeling like it takes up a lot of space.

When using an iPad as a digital notebook/planner, the Mini is nearly identical in width and height as most paper day planners (that are in the 5.5" x 8.5" form-factor).

There are other scenarios where the Mini is beneficial. It might sound odd, but when in a meeting or at church, the Mini is less distracting to others than using a smartphone to read documents or take notes... or a full-sized tablet.

Regarding viewing videos, yes, sometimes a larger screen is better but if video watching is going to be a significant use case, I don't think that any of the iPads are particularly well-suited for that.

Or you can be like a true Power users on Macrumours and own both an iPad Pro Max, iPad mini and iPad.

 

[retta283]

Regarding viewing videos, yes, sometimes a larger screen is better but if video watching is going to be a significant use case, I don't think that any of the iPads are particularly well-suited for that.

I occupy a niche space that consumes primarily 4:3 content, so the older iPads are excellent devices to me. 11", 10.8" Air, and now the new Mini are worse for this. The new Mini is actually a smaller display viewing 4:3 than the old Mini. I was going to buy one before I realized this to be the case.

4:3 monitors are a thing of the past and same goes for laptops so the iPad surviving in this form factor was a key factor to me. For 16:9 they suck though so the new ones lean a bit into this, but still not enough.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I never understood the appeal of the mini at first, but have come around to the idea of an ultra-portable iPad for bedtime and commuting, as a complement to my Pro 12.9. The Mini 6 redesign with an Air-like laminated display and updated A15 bionic is very tempting.

 

[one more]

If you upgrade every year anyway, you do not need to worry about the processors at all, as both A13 and A15 will be just fine for your described use.

If you frequently use your Smart Keyboard, Mini won’t do it either.

The only real advantage you will be getting from a Mini is a sharper (albeit smaller) screen, a fresher design, although not entirely new either, and better portability, if that matters.

The rest is up to you. 😊🖐

 

[one more]

iPad Air 4 is sort of the weakest value now in my view.

It all depends on how we use them. I use an iPad Air 4 as my “computer on the go”, for example, so those extra screen inches are quite important for me. The rest is not so relevant for my use and my next Air upgrade will be whenever it gets an OLED screen. ✌️

 

[one more]

A non laminated screen is that bad?

It’s quite subjective, you need to see it for yourself to decide. The screen of your Air 2 is laminated, though.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

It all depends on how we use them. I use an iPad Air 4 as my “computer on the go”, for example, so those extra screen inches are quite important for me. The rest is not so relevant for my use and my next Air upgrade will be whenever it gets an OLED screen. ✌️

I agree, my girlfriend loves her Air 4 and it is probably the best value near-11” tablet that there is. Although I think the Gen 9 and Mini 6 spec bumps will peel off some people towards those devices who would have otherwise bought the Air 4.

 

[Beelzbub]

It all depends on how we use them. I use an iPad Air 4 as my “computer on the go”, for example, so those extra screen inches are quite important for me. The rest is not so relevant for my use and my next Air upgrade will be whenever it gets an OLED screen. ✌️

Same. I use the magic keyboard with mine, and for me it is the perfect grab and go device.

 

[Jxdawg]

I would think if you update this year the mini would be the best “true” update as going from 8th gen to 9th gen iPad would be underwhelming. True Tone and increased storage doesn’t really make up for the lack of design update. Though if they bumped up the RAM to 4gb that might be fairly impactful…

 

[sracer]

I never understood the appeal of the mini at first, but have come around to the idea of an ultra-portable iPad for bedtime and commuting, as a complement to my Pro 12.9. The Mini 6 redesign with an Air-like laminated display and updated A15 bionic is very tempting.

LOL That was me! I initially purchased a Mini (Mini 4, 32GB) to complement my 12.9 Pro. Now I'm a fan of the Mini.

I occupy a niche space that consumes primarily 4:3 content, so the older iPads are excellent devices to me. 11", 10.8" Air, and now the new Mini are worse for this. The new Mini is actually a smaller display viewing 4:3 than the old Mini. I was going to buy one before I realized this to be the case.

4:3 monitors are a thing of the past and same goes for laptops so the iPad surviving in this form factor was a key factor to me. For 16:9 they suck though so the new ones lean a bit into this, but still not enough.

Thank you. I'm in the same boat. Most of my video consumption is 4:3. This is one reason why my 1st gen iPad (pre-ordered on day-1) is still in use in my house... as a digital picture tube for a vintage TV.