iPad mini Which iPad mini to buy?

[rui no onna]

Thanks! Is the Mini 6 easy to use? Another member said the 4/5 is ergonomically easier?

This is personal preference. I like the ones with home button as well.

For a young girl though, the older design might be considered dated and the almost all-screen design is probably more desirable.

I personally use an iPad mini 7 for the performance (mostly for the RAM upgrade).

 

[Xand&Roby]

This is personal preference. I like the ones with home button as well.

For a young girl though, the older design might be considered dated and the almost all-screen design is probably more desirable.

I personally use an iPad mini 7 for the performance (mostly for the RAM upgrade).

iPad mini 5 and older have a different screen shape ratio.

You may not have noticed, but the only iPads that now maintain the original form ratio are the 13", which are also unmanageable as a tablet so the form ratio has been maintained only in the hope of replacing it for a Mac.

 

[BeerDrinkerDan]

I wouldn’t.

The cheapest refurb mini on Apple Store is the iPad mini 6 64GB WiFi for $379.

You can get a brand new iPad mini 7 128GB WiFi from Amazon or Best Buy for $399.

Exactly this. $20 difference for brand new, more RAM, and latest tech. Why go used/refurb? I love my mini 7 and recommend it for anyone.

-bdd

 

[rui no onna]

iPad mini 5 and older have a different screen shape ratio.

You may not have noticed, but the only iPads that now maintain the original form ratio are the 13", which are also unmanageable as a tablet so the form ratio has been maintained only in the hope of replacing it for a Mac.

I'm aware. I even calculated the ratios at one point.

Iirc, the new 8-11" iPads are close to 3:2. Somewhat of a middle-ground compared to the 4:3 on older iPads (and 13") and the 16:10 or 16:9 AR on Android tablets. Well, the 11" isn't quite 3:2 but closer to A4 paper.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Whatever you do, do not get a mini 5 or mini 4.
One of them was introduced six years ago and is likely on its last software version, or maybe second to last.
The other was literally introduced a decade ago and hasn’t been on the latest software already in three years.
I’d pretty much avoid the Mini 6 too, unless you find just an absolutely ridiculous unquestionably good deal.
The Mini 7 is really the way to go, and should last her at least 5 years, probably quite a bit more.

 

[Mactech20]

do not get a 4 or 5 under any circumstance. Way too old at this pointl. 6 or 7 would be fine.

 

[dbc34]

How old is she? I prefer the ergonomics of mini 4/5 than 6/7, Touch ID on home button is easier to touch than Touch ID on power button.

Dang, I soooo agree. I've bought and sold the mini 6th gen at least 3 times never being happy with it. The 5th gen was just so much easier to use daily and you're right. It's the Touch ID that is the pain point. Also, if you play games, it's easy to turn the screen off due to hitting Touch ID. I just wish I could have the iPad mini of my dreams. The iPad mini Pro with OLED, 1000 nits and Face ID.

 

[dbc34]

Of the 6/7, go with the 7. Seems like they will support it longer.

 

[Meedoss]

Dang, I soooo agree. I've bought and sold the mini 6th gen at least 3 times never being happy with it. The 5th gen was just so much easier to use daily and you're right. It's the Touch ID that is the pain point. Also, if you play games, it's easy to turn the screen off due to hitting Touch ID. I just wish I could have the iPad mini of my dreams. The iPad mini Pro with OLED, 1000 nits and Face ID.

same about to return my 3rd