All iPads iPad mini -> 4 -> back to mini

[ddaniel]

Just played with the Mini at the Apple store for close to 30 minutes.. Loved the design, the weight, and the form factor.. Loved the one-handed use.. The device could easily fit into my coat pocket.

However, the Mini screen is a clear no-go for me. I had my iPad 3 for side by side comparison.. The text on the Mini looks washed out and pixelated.. This is especially visible with smaller fonts, where font crispness is the key. I do a lot of reading on my iPad, including engineering PDFs. There is just no way I can go back to washed out text.

People can convince themselves all they want that the Mini screen is "OK", I just don't buy it. Form factor is important, but the display is where the majority of interaction with the device takes place. I wanted to love the Mini, I really did.. But I am not about to go back to vastly inferior display. Not after using Retina iPad for about 9 months. Using my iPad 3 after using Mini is a relief to my eyes.

Here's to hoping Apple fixes the screen in the 2nd gen Mini, and we can finally have a perfect tablet. But this Mini is not for me.

No offense to you in particular, but it's posts like this that made me regret my original purchase.

To say the screen is "vastly inferior" is a subjective opinion, and a gross overstatement.

I held the mini next to the 4, just like you, and from normal viewing distance the screens were, for all intents and purposes, indistinguishable. Both look great. I had to view them up close to tell a difference.

If I were to use the device 6" from my face on a regular basis this would be an issue, but I found myself usually holding it like a book. Even if you get close enough it see pixels, it is still very legible.

The screen is not "broken", its just not retina.

I'll take retina when they offer it, but for now the size and weight of the mini make it a more pleasant experience to use.

Everything I can do on the full sized iPad I can do on the mini, but the mini can be used in ways the full sided cannot. To me, this is checkmate.

 

[ddaniel]

iPad mini is similar to iPhone 2007.

We all know apple crippled the iPhone 2007 (no GPS, no 3G).

What did apple do in 2008. Release same exact phone with 3G and GPS.

We all know apple crippled the ipad mini. No retina and 1/2 RAM.

Patience is virtue. Retina mini with real processor is coming. It may be 6 months. It may be 10 months. But it's coming. For the first time in a very long time. I am passing on the iPad mini. I returned my mini. And money isn't an issue with me either.

It's just I know how apple operates with "new products". Similar to iPad 1 with 1/2 the RAM in 2010. Notice how the iPad 2 has had a much longer life than iPad 1.

iPad 1 was new product. Almost like a test product.

iPad mini with outdated processor and 1/2 RAM as iPhone 5/ipad3/iPad 4.

I know the game. The iPad mini (2013 model) will have a longer life span than iPad mini version 1.

In five years the mini will probably wipe your ass and teleport you places, but that doesn't make today's version a bad product.

The a5 is a good chip. Keeping retina out means half the pixels to push, and 512 Meg's of ram has handled everything I've thrown at it.

I loved my "crippled" 2007 iPhone just like I love my "crippled" mini

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Thanks for showcasing my video, the games actually run very well on the iPad mini and that's speaking from experience and hands on use of the mini. The points you mentioned in the video are not issues to do with performance or game lag, these are simply the game loading the data in for the next stage, the same thing happens on my 3rd gen iPad and will likely happen on the 4th gen too. Actual gameplay when running the game is fine and for all the other games I've tested. Looking at all the videos comparing the Nexus 7 to the iPad mini there really is no contest, if you want stutter, lag and slowdown then the Nexus 7 has it in abundance for gaming.

Cool video, further justifies my decision

 

[ctyrider]

To say the screen is "vastly inferior" is a gross overstatement.

I held the mini next to the 4, just like you, and from normal viewing distance the screens were, for all intents and purposes, indistinguishable. Both look great. I had to view them up close to tell a difference.

If I were to use the device 6" from my face on a regular basis this would be an issue, but I found myself usually holding it like a book. Even if you get close enough it see pixels, it is still very legible.

The Mini screen is vastly inferior to the 9.7" 2048x1536 screen. There is no doubt about that in my mind.. none. The difference is most striking when looking at small fonts - for instance, text in the Safari URL bar. Retina iPad: crisp, sharp text. Mini: washed out, pixelated text.

The smaller size of Mini screen makes the washed out small fonts even more unbearable than pre-retina iPad 1/2. It instantly reminded me of trying to read text on my old iPhone 3GS, which was a painful experience.

If you have successfully convinced yourself the difference is insignificant - great, enjoy. I however am not willing to compromise on something as crucial to my daily experience as quality of the display. I don't know if my reaction would have been different had I not used my retina iPad for almost a year. But as things stand - going back to pre-retina display is not something I am willing to do.

 

[ddaniel]

Btw the 20+ hours usage thing must have been a fluke. I generally get between 12 and 14.

Still good though

 

[bigboar]

I know this upsets alot of people but the display on mine was really blurry when reading text on a website. I returned it and got a 4... maybe mine was defective or something, I dont know. I do miss the form factor, but there was a big difference between the display on my mini and the 4...

 

[ddaniel]

The Mini screen is vastly inferior to the 9.7" 2048x1536 screen. There is no doubt about that in my mind.. none. The difference is most striking when looking at small fonts - for instance, text in the Safari URL bar. Retina iPad: crisp, sharp text. Mini: washed out, pixelated text.

The smaller size of Mini screen makes the washed out small fonts even more unbearable than pre-retina iPad 1/2. It instantly reminded me of trying to read text on my old iPhone 3GS, which was a painful experience.

I guess the "no offense" disclaimer didn't do its job.

I know how to read numbers, I realize the mini has a smaller screen and lower resolution. My point is: for me it doesn't matter. A Lamborghini has twice as many cylinders as my car, but a v6 gets me where I need to be just fine.

Saying fonts look washed out is your opinion. Mine is they look great. The mini has almost the same resolution as the MacBook Air, and nobody seems to be complaining about that screen...

If you have successfully convinced yourself the difference is insignificant - great, enjoy. I however am not willing to compromise on something as crucial to my daily experience as quality of the display. I don't know if my reaction would have been different had I not used my retina iPad for almost a year. But as things stand - going back to pre-retina display is not something I am willing to do.

I don't have to "convince myself" of anything, i'm looking at my mini right now, and loving every second of it.

I started this thread to give my opinion about the mini, and state why I find it superior to the 4. You can state numbers all you want, but that's not going to change anything about my experience.

I'm sorry if you took my remarks personally, and I hope you enjoy your larger ipad. For me, the mini is spectacular.

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I know this upsets alot of people but the display on mine was really blurry when reading text on a website. I returned it and got a 4... maybe mine was defective or something, I dont know. I do miss the form factor, but there was a big difference between the display on my mini and the 4...

Nobody should be upset because of your opinion! If you like one device over the other, it's probably the one for you!

People need to quit taking offense to the fact that some people have opinions that differ from their own.

 

[ctyrider]

I know how to read numbers, I realize the mini has a smaller screen and lower resolution. My point is: for me it doesn't matter. A Lamborghini has twice as many cylinders as my car, but a v6 gets me where I need to be just fine.

Saying fonts look washed out is your opinion. Mine is they look great.

[...]

I'm sorry if you took my remarks personally, and I hope you enjoy your larger ipad. For me, the mini is spectacular.

I did not take any more "offense" to your remarks than you took to mine. Just like you - I am posting an opinion based on my observations. And my conclusions have nothing to do with numbers of paper specs. They are based on hands on experience with both devices.

Clearly, different people put different value in different aspects of the device. For me - quality of the display is uncompromisable feature. Mini is not something I am wiling to live with based on what I have seen of it.

 

[ddaniel]

I did not take any more "offense" to your remarks than you took to mine. Just like you - I am posting an opinion based on my observations. And my conclusions have nothing to do with numbers of paper specs. They are based on hands on experience with both devices.

Clearly, different people put different value in different aspects of the device. For me - quality of the display is uncompromisable feature. Mini is not something I am wiling to live with based on what I have seen of it.

Thanks for your opinion

 

[ctyrider]

Thanks for your opinion

And you for yours

 

[Random 995K]

Thanks for showcasing my video, the games actually run very well on the iPad mini and that's speaking from experience and hands on use of the mini. The points you mentioned in the video are not issues to do with performance or game lag, these are simply the game loading the data in for the next stage, the same thing happens on my 3rd gen iPad and will likely happen on the 4th gen too. Actual gameplay when running the game is fine and for all the other games I've tested. Looking at all the videos comparing the Nexus 7 to the iPad mini there really is no contest, if you want stutter, lag and slowdown then the Nexus 7 has it in abundance for gaming.

Nice video, btw never knew about those loading points, i will test with my iPad 4. Also Mini>>>>>>Nexus 7

 

[Cursayer]

2 years from now when iOS 8 comes out you're gonna be biting the dust as Apple cuts off iPad 2/Mini1 from support.

 

[ScottNWDW]

2 years from now when iOS 8 comes out you're gonna be biting the dust as Apple cuts off iPad 2/Mini1 from support.

In the computing world 2 years is a long time. I usually replace my iPhones every two years, and when I won an iPad 3 two years after buying my iPad 1 I was very happy. Now if my iPad mini lasts 2 years I will again be very happy. Oh, and my partner is still using the iPad 1 I used to have for 2 years after giving it to him when I won the iPad 3.

As far as other items go, I don't recall ever having a Windows laptop even lasting 2 years. Although my current windows laptop has lasted just a tiny more than 2 years, but then since getting a MacBook Pro a year and a half ago I haven't really turned it on more than a handful of times.

 

[asdok]

I have an iPad2 and am looking at upgrading to either iPad4 or mini. One of my pet peeves with the iPad2 is that it can't stream 1080p iTunes purchased content. Obviously the iPad3 and 4 Can do this but I'm struggling to determine if the mini can, or if it's stuck at 720p like the iPad2. Anyone know the answer? I know it can play 1080p video...I'm asking about purchased iTunes content in particular.

 

[Ladybug]

When iOS 8 does come out, it could also be a whole newly designed OS requiring specs that all the current tablets don't have either. It's not like your current tablet is just going to stop working or something. Same can be said for all the current laptops, phones, and iPods. We really can't future proof ourselves for any device or computer. I have an iPad 1 that no longer gets updates, but I can still run many apps, check my email, and use the Internet among other things just fine. Im not worried about iOS updates, my Mini will still be chugging and as long as it can do the basic things I bought it for, then the point is moot in my book.

 

[b0r1s]

Good post...

Nice personal review and some interesting responses.

I have found the Mini debate to be really contentious across a wide range of websites.

I read a LOT of reviews before considering whether to purchase one.

I followed the spec vs price arguments for a while, I even considered a Nexus 7, which looked nice.

I then decided to go into a store and see for myself. Picking it up pretty much did it for me! I browsed to a few usual websites, played a couple of games etc and it all seemed fine.

I must add that while I own an iPhone 4S with Retina, my previous iPad was the original, so I haven't really experienced the iPad Retina display, but I am more than happy with what I have.

I feel less conscious using this in public, the full iPad always felt like you were showing off.

Battery life is excellent, it charges as quick as my phone.

Only complaint? It needs a case to hold comfortably. I have the Smart Cover and flipped over the back of the iPad gives much better purchase, without it, it feels a little too sloppy.

 

[shadowjeff]

The Mini screen is vastly inferior to the 9.7" 2048x1536 screen. There is no doubt about that in my mind.. none. The difference is most striking when looking at small fonts - for instance, text in the Safari URL bar. Retina iPad: crisp, sharp text. Mini: washed out, pixelated text.

Even though I chose the mini, you are absolutely right no doubt about that. After I used the ipad mini and I went to the ipad 4, the ipad mini is soooo much more inferior. The ipad 4 is so comfortable on the eyes and text looks so much better. Even the color saturation is a lot better on the ipad 4.

The difference is apparent especially when you compare them side to side. Even after I returned the ipad 4, I still notice the difference but I'm willing to sacrifice the display for the form factor

 

[ctyrider]

Even though I chose the mini, you are absolutely right no doubt about that. After I used the ipad mini and I went to the ipad 4, the ipad mini is soooo much more inferior. The ipad 4 is so comfortable on the eyes and text looks so much better. Even the color saturation is a lot better on the ipad 4.

The difference is apparent especially when you compare them side to side. Even after I returned the ipad mini I still notice the difference but I'm willing to sacrifice the display for the form factor

You speak the truth..

My other observation is that 1024x768 resolution is actually MORE problematic on 7.9" screen versus larger 9.7" screen. Some people were saying that Mini has higher 163dpi (versus pre-retina iPads' 132dpi), and so it'd be a better user experience.. I disagree, Mini display is actually worse than iPad 1/2. 1024x768 resolution scaled down to 7.9" screen results in scaled down smaller fonts.. And smaller fonts on non-retina screens look like crap. So the lack of retina resolution on Mini is even more pronounced than the larger iPads gen 1/2, where everything is just bigger.

The choice between Mini and iPad 3/4 clearly boils down to a tradeoff between the screen quality and form factor.

 

[AppleRobert]

You speak the truth..

My other observation is that 1024x768 resolution is actually MORE problematic on 7.9" screen versus larger 9.7" screen. Some people were saying that Mini has higher 163dpi (versus pre-retina iPads' 132dpi), and so it'd be a better user experience.. I disagree, Mini display is actually worse than iPad 1/2. 1024x768 resolution scaled down to 7.9" screen results in scaled down smaller fonts.. And smaller fonts on non-retina screens look like crap. So the lack of retina resolution on Mini is even more pronounced than the larger iPads gen 1/2, where everything is just bigger.

The choice between Mini and iPad 3/4 clearly boils down to a tradeoff between the screen quality and form factor.

Clearly the 4 has advantages over the Mini than just the screen and those advantages aren't available on the Mini, the latter just its size and weight factor which wasn't enough for me to keep it regardless of its price.

 

[ctyrider]

Clearly the 4 has advantages over the Mini than just the screen and those advantages aren't available on the Mini, the latter just its size and weight factor which wasn't enough for me to keep it regardless of its price.

I suppose CPU/GPU performance of iPad4 is another advantage over Mini. However, a lot of A6X CPU/GPU horsepower is used to drive the Retina display, so these performance advantages are less pronounced than the obvious screen quality.

 

[DodgeV83]

Thanks for showcasing my video, the games actually run very well on the iPad mini and that's speaking from experience and hands on use of the mini. The points you mentioned in the video are not issues to do with performance or game lag, these are simply the game loading the data in for the next stage, the same thing happens on my 3rd gen iPad and will likely happen on the 4th gen too. Actual gameplay when running the game is fine and for all the other games I've tested. Looking at all the videos comparing the Nexus 7 to the iPad mini there really is no contest, if you want stutter, lag and slowdown then the Nexus 7 has it in abundance for gaming.

Agreed, I have yet to see lag on my mini, outside of the points you mentioned where it is loading. It actually reminds me of Halo on the Xbox 360, where it stutters for half a second when loading a new area.

I guess Gameloft copied everything

 

[rowspaxe]

mini me

Took a break today to check out the mini in the apple store. I was curious about the mini due the mulitiple love/hate threads here. I loved it. The form factor is awesome. I has always considered myself a full size customer, but the mini made me reconsider. The screen is great, but I have neever been a strong retina advocate. See it in person.

 

[maverick22]

Took a break today to check out the mini in the apple store. I was curious about the mini due the mulitiple love/hate threads here. I loved it. The form factor is awesome. I has always considered myself a full size customer, but the mini made me reconsider. The screen is great, but I have neever been a strong retina advocate. See it in person.

I agree. I wonder if what some people are saying is true--that the longer you use the Mini, you finally realize how "inferior" the screen is to retina. Seemed perfectly fine the few minutes I used it at Best Buy though.

I currently own a Nexus 7, and I admit I'm thinking I'd like the Mini more.

 

[Bokes]

I'm trying very hard to only use my Mini when I'm out. I bought it to
carry around in my purse...however, I'm using it more than my ipad2
at home in my recliner.

Now, my ipad2 feels like a ton of bricks in comparison!!!

Long live THE MINI

iPad 2 is a ton of bricks!?!
good grief.

I had the mini for 3 days in hopes to replace my ipad3.
No way.
The iPad3 is a tad heavier but the extra real estate of screen is much better for web and magazines, and document writing.
And yeah- the screen on the mini is a disgrace compared to the ipad3 and my Nook HD.

It's a decent reader if you must have an Apple device.
I have never tried the nexus, but
IMO- the Kindle or Nook HD are much better and much cheaper.

 

[bcaslis]

I agree. I wonder if what some people are saying is true--that the longer you use the Mini, you finally realize how "inferior" the screen is to retina. Seemed perfectly fine the few minutes I used it at Best Buy though.

I currently own a Nexus 7, and I admit I'm thinking I'd like the Mini more.

I've been using a mini since 11/2. Seems the same to me now as the first day. Is it as crisp as the retina display, no. Is it fine to use, for me yes. I just don't understand those that used non-retina displays for years, then the retina iPad comes out and now everything not retina is unacceptable? Just nonsense.

It comes down to if you want a lighter, smaller iPad. If yes, get the mini. If no, get something else. It's really a very simple decision.

 

[gecis]

Replaced my iPad 3 with iPad mini. I still have the iPad 3 in the house and wife uses it. But I don't feel like going back to it. Once I held the light weight mini I couldn't go back to iPad 3.

I think it depends on the usage. If you game on your iPad then definitely iPad 4 is the way to go if not iPad mini is a pretty capable machine. Just love the matte black color and weight. The battery backup is also better than my iPad 3.