iPad mini My experience with the iPad Mini

[BB1970]

I decided to return the iPad Mini. I should preface, I’m not a “returning” type. I typically keep most things that I get because I did the research and such. But some things you just need some time with (even briefly) to understand. Such was the case with the Mini. If you’re considering one, keep in mind these things.
1. It’s small. So the tap targets are constantly having to be pressed repeatedly to activate. Like closing a tab or such. Surprisingly, the iPhone is a lot easier and more precise in this regard because it’s not iPadOS scaled to a smaller form. It became really annoying, fast.
2. The Touch ID is just cumbersome. I’m coming from a Face ID iPad Pro (still use it) and I can’t tell you how many times I just “expected” something to open and was like, “oh yeah, Touch ID.”
3. The lack of an ultra wide camera. I know it’s a niche thing but I bought this as essentially a video camera that has fast transfer speeds to the Pro for editing (my pro has 2TB storage). And for that, it worked nicely. But because of the smaller form factor, it’s closer to being iPhone sized and you’re not that “iPad as a camera guy” that people find obnoxious. So an ultra wide may have tipped the balance to keep it.
4. While I didn’t find it performed badly, there were some here or there moments where it felt “laggy”. Not some repeatable way, just here and there. Like it’s (almost) M1 but.. just not quite there.
All in all..it wasn’t for me. But if your fingers are more nimble than mine, you may have better luck with the tap targets. It was just too frustrating for me.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Sorry for your poor experience with Mini.

I've owned cellular Mini 2 since launch and now Mini 6 also since launch. It has doubled as my phone (VOIP app with buds) and I use it pretty much every day. For me and my needs, it seems like the very best of all iPads (and iPhones). I'd not consider it too far from "perfect" if Apple hadn't cheaped out on the screen (fingers crossed for iPad Mini 9 or 10 when this 6 finally wears out).

And then it's just a matter of relative perspective:
#1 "small" can be repackaged as "portable" unlike those "clunky, larger & heavier" iPads. I wouldn't want to try to carry the big ones around like I carry this one (and note I'm about 6'6" with big hands).
#2 TouchID is far preferable to notch or island to me. My rectangle is a solid rectangle, not one with a chunk bit out of it.
Nothing to rebut #3 and #4 but both are "eye of the beholder" as Mini 6 seems quite fast & responsive to me and I don't really care about ultra-wide in a tablet.

But that's why there are many choices of iPad- so that anyone can get whichever one is best for them. I imagine if I came from Pro models to Mini, I'd definitely feel #1-#4 too. But in NOT doing that, I feel it is best iPad. In fact, I'd pretty much not even consider any other model for my purposes.

Fortunately, there are others that cover the issues you have with it. And also fortunately, Mini exists too for people like me. All those posts where people want lines pruned down to "just one model" or similar come to mind: there are MANY people in the world, all with differing wants & needs from products like these. It's good that all can be served instead of only some of us.

 

[smooth0906]

I have also owned a cellular mini 2 since launch and I still use it for reading kindle books and using it at night for a clock, calendar, and weather readouts for my location. I purchased a wifi iPad mini 7 yesterday and I love the size. The screen isn't the best, but that's because I also have an iPad 13 inch M4. Nothing is better than that OLED screen!

 

[Amplelink]

I couldn't use a mini for the same reasons you mentioned, particularly the smaller elements on screen. And the lagginess.

 

[DaveS86]

Currently reading and writing this on a Mini. 6. I love it! Small enough to fit in a pocket, snappy, haven’t noticed a problem with touching small buttons but I do have sausages for fingers.

I do agree on touchid though, I hate it. I keep mine in a thin case and it virtually never recognises a fingerprint on first touch. If they had made the screen an oled on the 7 I’d have gone for it though.

Ky use case is purely media consumption though

 

[muzzy996]

I'm thankful that I don't share the frustrations with touchID on my mini 6 but I fully appreciate that others do and I wouldn't mind having FaceID on the Mini. For me sometimes small touch targets are annoying but what is truly annoying to me is the lack of UI scaling in iPadOS for things like Control Center or Today View. It is utterly ridiculous that those views are scaling smaller than on an iPhone Pro Max when the Mini's display is twice as large.

My other gripe is the lack of swipe typing on all keyboard modes in iPadOS and while that can apply to all ipad models I do feel its an oversight on the mini in portrait rotation. I really don't see why it can't be an option for those who want it. Pinching the keyboard to enable a smaller floating keyboard and losing the ability to use other keyboard shortcuts just to get access to swipe typing seems ridiculous to me, and I haven't found a third party software keyboard that I like.

All in all though the Mini is still my preferred daily driver for general browsing and media consumption. For any sort of heavier lifting I go to my SP9, MBP or Windows machines.

 

[The Game 161]

certainly not a perfect device but i'm keeping mine for content reasons so i have another device with an ideal aspect ratio for sport and having an extra screen for watching sport and another device to read my magazines and news while i'm using my ipad pro. it works on the go too so will stay in my tech bag.

 

[Isamilis]

I decided to return the iPad Mini. I should preface, I’m not a “returning” type. I typically keep most things that I get because I did the research and such. But some things you just need some time with (even briefly) to understand. Such was the case with the Mini. If you’re considering one, keep in mind these things.
1. It’s small. So the tap targets are constantly having to be pressed repeatedly to activate. Like closing a tab or such. Surprisingly, the iPhone is a lot easier and more precise in this regard because it’s not iPadOS scaled to a smaller form. It became really annoying, fast.
2. The Touch ID is just cumbersome. I’m coming from a Face ID iPad Pro (still use it) and I can’t tell you how many times I just “expected” something to open and was like, “oh yeah, Touch ID.”
3. The lack of an ultra wide camera. I know it’s a niche thing but I bought this as essentially a video camera that has fast transfer speeds to the Pro for editing (my pro has 2TB storage). And for that, it worked nicely. But because of the smaller form factor, it’s closer to being iPhone sized and you’re not that “iPad as a camera guy” that people find obnoxious. So an ultra wide may have tipped the balance to keep it.
4. While I didn’t find it performed badly, there were some here or there moments where it felt “laggy”. Not some repeatable way, just here and there. Like it’s (almost) M1 but.. just not quite there.
All in all..it wasn’t for me. But if your fingers are more nimble than mine, you may have better luck with the tap targets. It was just too frustrating for me.

Quite interesting on the laggy experience. I never had that. It’s not super smooth but no laggy at all. Also, the battery since 18.1.1 is very good.

 

[xxFoxtail]

I feel like I'd have a similar experience with it if I purchased one. I'd love to have one for reading ebooks and magazines and possibly replacing my MacBook with it. But, I can’t get over how much I dislike Touch ID. I've said it before, after a few weeks, it just completely stops working for me. I have it disabled on my MacBook and just use my Watch to authenticate everything.

As for the tap targets, is it possible to change the UI view on the iPad mini? The iPhone is pretty customizable as far as this goes.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I’m an artist, and my main content creation device is an iPad Pro. But when I really wanna travel light, I always grab my iPad mini. It’s the perfect size digital sketchbook when on the go. It compliments the larger iPad Pro nicely.

 

[Starfia]

The lack of an ultra wide camera.

(Isn't the front-facing camera ultra-wide…?)

 

[BB1970]

(Isn't the front-facing camera ultra-wide…?)

Yes. But I would have liked the rear to be more on par with the iPhones set.

 

[sonicrobby]

Pad Mini. I should preface, I’m not a “returning” type. I typically keep most things that I get because I did the research and such. But some things you just need some time with (even briefly) to understand. Such was the case with the Mini. If you’re considering one, keep in mind these things.
1. It’s small. So the tap targets are constantly having to be pressed repeatedly to activate. Like closing a tab or such. Surprisingly, the iPhone is a lot easier and more precise in this regard because it’s not iPadOS scaled to a smaller form. It became really annoying, fast.
2. The Touch ID is just cumbersome. I’m coming from a Face ID iPad Pro (still use it) and I can’t tell you how many ti

I agree with points 2 & 3. I have the 13” iPP and iPad Mini 6 and they each have their uses. I don’t find it too difficult on my tap precision. I actually have a harder time on my iPhone than the iPad mini. TouchID is so dated… I find it more inconvenient to unlock the iPad mini this way, I end up using the password because it’s easier than using the select fingers on a certain location on the iPad.

Camera same, I was out on the job and wanted to take zoomed out pictures but didn’t have the space to back up, it was very limiting. As far as speed, I’ve never had any complaints with speeds, our tasks may be different though. The one thing the iPad mini will always have over the rest is its form factor. It is the perfect device for my job, on sites im often climbing up ladders and over equipment, it’s super convenient to be able to fit this into my jacket pocket and use it single handed.

 

[Rainbow Apple]

I love my iPad mini! However, my mini is not my only tablet:

I also have my (iPad Vanilla-sized) Surface Go. Both Windows and Android installed onto my Surface, so it's both an Android tablet and (with a keyboard-mouse attachment) a Windows laptop. Not a setup I'd recommend for most people, as making two operating systems get along on the same computer can be a challenge, but it works for me.

I have my iPad mini for two reasons:

#1: My Surface is a Windows laptop and an Android tablet, but it can't be both at the same time! And there are times when I want both a laptop and a tablet.

#2: My iPad mini is easier to hold than my Surface Go, being smaller and weighing less. There are times when I prefer the larger size of my Surface, and times when I prefer the smaller size of my iPad.

 

[Matcha]

I love my iPad mini! However, my mini is not my only tablet:

I also have my (iPad Vanilla-sized) Surface Go. Both Windows and Android installed onto my Surface, so it's both an Android tablet and (with a keyboard-mouse attachment) a Windows laptop. Not a setup I'd recommend for most people, as making two operating systems get along on the same computer can be a challenge, but it works for me.

I have my iPad mini for two reasons:

#1: My Surface is a Windows laptop and an Android tablet, but it can't be both at the same time! And there are times when I want both a laptop and a tablet.

#2: My iPad mini is easier to hold than my Surface Go, being smaller and weighing less. There are times when I prefer the larger size of my Surface, and times when I prefer the smaller size of my iPad.

I feel this is the best way to utilize the iPad mini as a secondary device to aid the workflow of primary to get the most out of the mini. It’s definitely doable to main Mini but the experience within that isn’t ideal and comes with a lot of frustration, mostly because of it’s OS scaling. I was under the impression the scaling issue was known and that Apple would iron it out with later integrations or firmware today i think this is a trade off limitation and the norm because of it’s small form factor.

 

[geta]

To each their own, but I have no issues or needs with anything you've complained about.

And what I really like about it, except its size which is obvious, is the TouchID.

 

[MacRazySwe]

I agree with all of this.

I have an iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad mini, and the mini just feels "laggy". Here and there. Also, the UI elements are simply too small when browsing.

I just don't enjoy using the mini. Which is a shame, because the form factor is amazing.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

As for the tap targets, is it possible to change the UI view on the iPad mini? The iPhone is pretty customizable as far as this goes.

Yes absolutely it is possible to scale up on-screen elements, icons and text on the iPad Mini. Given the responses above, changing these settings perhaps just didn’t occur to some people as something that could have improved their experience.

 

[H_D]

I am in the minority, it seems, loving the touch identification. I use the mini as a reading device mostly and in the dark (and close to the face), touch is faster, easier and less interruption than FaceID. I would’ve to have both methods on all iDevices.

 

[subjonas]

Strange that Touch ID on the Mini doesn’t work for some people. I haven’t had issues with it since Apple came out with Touch ID 2 many years back. Touch ID is very convenient on my Mini 5 with it being on the home button, within easy reach of my thumbs. I imagine it wouldn’t be as convenient on the power button which usually requires moving your hand to reach it. I wish the Mini still had the home button and I wish there was still a thick bottom bezel which I find useful for handling my Mini 5. Face ID and Touch ID both have trade offs. In some scenarios one is more convenient than the other, and vice versa. But overall I prefer Touch ID, a large reason being I prefer having more precise/granular control of when exactly my device unlocks.

It’s also strange some people mentioning lag being an issue with the Mini 7. I don’t really notice any lag even with my Mini 5. I wonder if they mean “slow”, as in apps or tabs taking time to load, which does happen a little bit with my Mini 5. But I think of “lag” as referring to UI stuff, like the screen not immediately responding to swipes, selecting, etc. It’s still pretty zippy for me. Or maybe they mean the screen isn’t as smooth without 120Hz. But lower refresh rate is also not usually referred to as lag either since the device still responds immediately, but just the visual animation is not as filled in.

 

[jdb8167]

Strange that Touch ID on the Mini doesn’t work for some people. I haven’t had issues with it since Apple came out with Touch ID 2 many years back. Touch ID is very convenient on my Mini 5 with it being on the home button, within easy reach of my thumbs. I imagine it wouldn’t be as convenient on the power button which usually requires moving your hand to reach it. I wish the Mini still had the home button and I wish there was still a thick bottom bezel which I find useful for handling my Mini 5. Face ID and Touch ID both have trade offs. In some scenarios one is more convenient than the other, and vice versa. But overall I prefer Touch ID, a large reason being I prefer having more precise/granular control of when exactly my device unlocks.

People have different physiology. If you have very dry or very damp hands Touch ID might be more hit or miss. Some people have worn down their fingerprints to a significant degree. Basically any biometric sensor is going to have people who are outliers. Apple does a large amount of testing to try and capture as wide an audience as possible but nothing is perfect.

For example, for me Face ID is a problem because I’m very near sighted; so if I use a Face ID phone or tablet where I can read the screen without my glasses (as in bed), then it is too close to my eyes for Face ID to work. Inevitably I have to move the device away and try again. This can take several attempts. So for me Touch ID is a better solution that I get to work nearly 100% of the time.

It’s also strange some people mentioning lag being an issue with the Mini 7. I don’t really notice any lag even with my Mini 5. I wonder if they mean “slow”, as in apps or tabs taking time to load, which does happen a little bit with my Mini 5. But I think of “lag” as referring to UI stuff, like the screen not immediately responding to swipes, selecting, etc. It’s still pretty zippy for me. Or maybe they mean the screen isn’t as smooth without 120Hz. But lower refresh rate is also not usually referred to as lag either since the device still responds immediately, but just the visual animation is not as filled in.

I don’t experience any noticeable lag on my iPad mini 7 but everyone uses different software. An iPad Pro with an M SoC is going to be faster than an A17 Pro for most things.

 

[CharlesShaw]

If only a lower resolution were available to give the iPad mini a display zoom option, like my iPhone mini has, I'd still be using it, as the physical size is very desirable.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

I had the 1st gen mini, and I only kept it until I could afford to upgrade to the iPad Air 2. The mini was nice for reading and watching things on the train, but useless for everything else I used an iPad for.

I still have that Air, but it feels its age, and I want to step up again, and go for a 13” Air. I don’t need to watch things on public transport, and my eyes were never that good to begin with.

 

[Matcha]

If only a lower resolution were available to give the iPad mini a display zoom option, like my iPhone mini has, I'd still be using it, as the physical size is very desirable.

I’m really thinking about going back to a 13b mini from a 15 pro max the size only is worth it for me. I just need a way out of the att installments without throwing the cash right now

 

[TSE]

OP, don’t you ever talk poorly of the iPad Mini again. My iPad Mini 6 is the greatest device I have ever, and will ever use. You sir are WRONG and MISTAKEN!

But seriously, all jokes aside, it’s nice apple allows returns so that people find the device that works best for them. 😀