Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

All iPads Which iPhone/iPad combo would you rather have?

B

bubbagumpshrimp

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 16, 2008
356
92
Which combo would you rather have? Doesn’t have to be paired exactly like this.

iPhone 13 Max Pro with XDR 12.9 iPad Pro

iPhone 13 Pro with 11” iPad Pro

iPhone 13 mini/ iPad Mini 6

I know they are quite a bit different in price but that’s not a factor in this decision. I’ve always gone with the largest form factor in the past but sometimes wonder if a smaller combo would actually be more enjoyable. I also have a MacBook Pro so I don’t technically need a larger iPad.
 
I have an iPhone 12 mini with an iPad Mini 6 on the way to replace my iPad Mini 2. I do all my work on a MacBook hooked up to an external display. For me iPads are pure content consumption devices and so I value the smaller size and weight of the Mini to hold in one hand over the screen real estate the larger iPads have. I don't consume much content on my phone aside from light reading or watching the odd video and so the size and cost of the 12 mini sold me over the other models.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lilatheestallion
I have iP11pro + iPadPro11 2020 + pen + MK more than 1 year and I would recommend such combination. I like small/mid size displays. iPad mini is very nice, I had 1. and 2. generation, but after iPadPro experience is no way back…
 
If I had to move to iPhone from Android I would go iPhone mini and keep all my iPads (12.9, 11, mini, 1 iPad is not enough for me)
 
  • Like
Reactions: rui no onna
sparksd said:
I currently have the 12 Pro Max and 2021 12.9 so I'd pick iPhone 13 Max Pro with XDR 12.9 iPad Pro. I prefer larger displays.
Click to expand...

Same. I do a lot of annotation and writing. I find the bigger screens helpful for both of these tasks. Also the keyboard for the 11’’ iPad Pro (Magic Keyboard) just doesn’t work for my fat fingers. I’ve debated getting a Mini as a pure consumption device, but I’m thinking that would be overkill.
 
None. I have a 12 standard with a 12.9" Pro. Previously had a 12 with the Mini 5.
 
2 answers here.

Me- 13 PM and the 12 iPad Pro.

Wifey- 13 Mini and iPad mini 6. Ordered her Christmas present today. iPad mini 6 WiFi Starlight 256, Black cherry folio and Apple Pencil 2. iPad is 6 weeks out. . . Received 145 TI for the 4 Mini 128 thru Apple
 
Mini + mini + 12.9.

iPhone for me is a quick use tool + audio consumption device, used sporadically and occasionally throughout the day when out and about, so it needs to be as small and unobtrusive as possible.

iPad mini for me does all iPhone functions + all casual visual consumption when home, so it needs to be as big as possible while still being able to be easily handled for long periods of time and brought with me all around the home. (The mini is slightly bigger than my ideal, but it’s the best option. Also note- I don’t usually bring my mini outside because, by choice, I rarely consume visuals outside of my home and workplace. Also I don’t do any “serious” video viewing on it because I save that for my living room tv, or maybe my 12.9 if I’m on a trip.)

12.9 for me is for drawing + productivity, around the home or outside when I decide to take my shoulder bag, so it needs to be about the size and weight of an ultra book.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cibonak, bubbagumpshrimp, IJBrekke and 2 others
iPhone 13 Mini (5G) + iPad mini 6 + 12.9” iPad Pro w/MK (LTE)

I don’t use my phone when I’m home as I’m on my iPad for all my needs. The iPhone will be my “go to“ communications device (calls and text) when I’m out, but I’ll have my iPad Mini in my bad as part of my EDC for sit down moments (coffee shops). The 12.9” iPad Pro w/MK and LTE will mostly use for travel or docked at home.
 
Consider getting really "crazy"- and economical- and going iPad cellular and NO phone 😱 ... then using the iPad with a VOIP app and buds to cover phone & texting needs. That's what I've been doing for years with Mini 2 and will be doing for many years with this new Mini 6. If you do most of your mobile use in free-wifi zones, you can barely sip at cellular data. Cellular data-only plans are available for as little as $7/month or- the one I prefer- on-demand 2GB for 90 days for $30.

Net result: nobody I phone with can tell any difference. My "phone" rings, receives texts and gives me notifications. I can call anyone & text anyone using the free VOIP app for non-Apple people or Facetime/iMessage with Apple people. Only ONE thing to carry around instead of two. Not using the Apple default VOIP app but another- I like free Google Voice, but there's also Talkatone, Comcast Voice, etc.

Cost result: one-time payment for this 6 plus less than $100 PER YEAR for cellular (again, I'm usually in wifi zones most of the time so I simply add cellular when I actually need it). iPads LAST a long time with iOS upgrades so no need to find money to buy new devices every year or two. I just rode the 2 for about 6 years and I expect this new 6 to be my "phone" + tablet for about 4-6 more.

Key cons: if you must have full functionality on Watch or CarPlay, you HAVE to have iPhone. Obviously, iPad doesn't fit in a pocket (but suit pockets, bags and purses work and I just tuck under an arm when I need it with me but am not in a suit jacket). Life won't actually end if you don't have your mobile with you at all times too ;) so leaving it in the car and then checking for texts and voice mail in a few hours will probably not wipe out your existence. The tremendous savings over time of cell service fails if you eat lots of cellular data and can't save big data demands for when you have free wifi access. Cameras are better in iPhone than even this new 6.

Bottom line: this works pretty well with only modest compromises IMO. In turn, there's many thousands in cost savings this way over time. While not for everyone, this works very well for how I use mobile tech. I really look forward to my new "phone" + tablet in ONE small device.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: thera
HobeSoundDarryl said:
Consider getting really "crazy"- and economical- and going iPad cellular and NO phone 😱 ... then using the iPad with a VOIP app and buds to cover phone & texting needs. That's what I've been doing for years with Mini 2 and will be doing for many years with this new Mini 6. If you do most of your mobile use in free-wifi zones, you can barely sip at cellular data. Cellular data-only plans are available for as little as $7/month or- the one I prefer- on-demand 2GB for 90 days for $30.

Net result: nobody I phone with can tell any difference. My "phone" rings, receives texts and gives me notifications. I can call anyone & text anyone using the free VOIP app for non-Apple people or Facetime/iMessage with Apple people. Only ONE thing to carry around instead of two. Not using the Apple default VOIP app but another- I like free Google Voice, but there's also Talkatone, Comcast Voice, etc.

Cost result: one-time payment for this 6 plus less than $100 PER YEAR for cellular (again, I'm usually in wifi zones most of the time so I simply add cellular when I actually need it). iPads LAST a long time with iOS upgrades so no need to find money to buy new devices every year or two. I just rode the 2 for about 6 years and I expect this new 6 to be my "phone" + tablet for about 4-6 more.

Key cons: if you must have full functionality on Watch or CarPlay, you HAVE to have iPhone. Obviously, iPad doesn't fit in a pocket (but suit pockets, bags and purses work and I just tuck under an arm when I need it with me but am not in a suit jacket). Life won't actually end if you don't have your mobile with you at all times too ;) so leaving it in the car and then checking for texts and voice mail in a few hours will probably not wipe out your existence. The tremendous savings over time of cell service fails if you eat lots of cellular data and can't save big data demands for when you have free wifi access. Cameras are better in iPhone than even this new 6.

Bottom line: this works pretty well with only modest compromises IMO. In turn, there's many thousands in cost savings this way over time. While not for everyone, this works very well for how I use mobile tech. I really look forward to my new "phone" + tablet in ONE small device.
Click to expand...
This would be a decent setup if I was in a major city and if I didn't need a phone for emergency services, if I remember right Google Voice isn't recommended for things like 911. Plus I plan to get a Watch at some point.

But I know a person this would appeal to.
 
Yes, again it certainly doesn't cover every base. And it is easy to rationalize needing anything.

The question would be how often you've needed to actually use 911 before. In my case, that's been never, so, while I am certainly at a disadvantage should my long-term "luck?" run out, I save several thousand dollars each year to have to go a little bit further in the rare emergency situation. Instead of 3 digits, I'll have to dial 10 when away from home. At home, I've got the local emergency services in my call list, so that will be one click instead of 3. Many 911 situations involve others too, so others may be 911'ing while I'm 1 or 10-digit dialing. Nutshell: I don't see this as a very big deal myself. Many people never actually use 911.

And I do not live in a major city. But work and home- where I spend the bulk of my waking hours- both have free wifi. Those times in between when not driving from one to the other are relatively little slices of time. However, at any time, if I need to connect, I simply buy cellular data at that time. Then I'm as connected as anyone else: 3 months for $30. 1 year always connected: $120. There's lots of people paying up towards that $120 each MONTH.

Watch has much functionality that doesn't need iPhone. But select functions DO need iPhone. So, if me, that would come down to how badly I want those functions that rely on iPhone vs. how much of that I can accomplish on the Mini instead.

As you can see here, little compromises to this way. But those save me a couple thousand each year and I don't feel mad compulsion to buy a new mobile every year or two without giving up the latest versions of iOS. Some Watch function, Carplay, 911 worries, etc IS enough for others to rationalize phone or phone + tablet(s). I just prefer to get almost everything they get without spending those extra thousands.
 
Last edited:
HobeSoundDarryl said:
Yes, again it certainly doesn't cover every base. And it is easy to rationalize needing anything.

The question would be how often you've needed to actually use 911 before. In my case, that's been never, so, while I am certainly at a disadvantage should my long-term "luck?" run out, I save several thousand dollars each year to have to go a little bit further in the rare emergency situation. Instead of 3 digits, I'll have to dial 10 when away from home. At home, I've got the local emergency services in my call list, so that will be one click instead of 3. Many 911 situations involve others too, so others may be 911'ing while I'm 1 or 10-digit dialing. Nutshell: I don't see this as a very big deal myself. Many people never actually use 911.

And I do not live in a major city. But work and home- where I spend the bulk of my waking hours- both have free wifi. Those times in between when not driving from one to the other are relatively little slices of time. However, at any time, if I need to connect, I simply buy cellular data at that time. Then I'm as connected as anyone else: 3 months for $30. 1 year always connected: $120. There's lots of people paying up towards that $120 each MONTH.

Watch has much functionality that doesn't need iPhone. But select functions DO need iPhone. So, if me, that would come down to how badly I want those functions that rely on iPhone vs. how much of that I can accomplish on the Mini instead.

As you can see here, little compromises to this way. But those save me a couple thousand each year and I don't feel mad compulsion to buy a new mobile ever year or two without giving up the latest versions of iOS. Some Watch function, Carplay, 911 worries, etc IS enough for others to rationalize phone or phone + tablet(s). I just prefer to get almost everything they get without spending those extra thousands.
Click to expand...

In all fairness, you don't need to spend thousands a year on cellphone service either if you're a low data user.

RedPocket has a $60 annual plan ($5/mo) that gives you 100 minutes, 100 texts and 500MB data per month and there are MVNOs offering even cheaper plans.

Upgrading phones frequently is also a choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HobeSoundDarryl and PandaPunch
HobeSoundDarryl said:
easy to rationalize needing anything.
Click to expand...
Rationalizations are for things that aren’t actually needed. Is that your intention when using that word? If so, that is very bold to tell others what they do and don’t need.

HobeSoundDarryl said:
The question would be how often you've needed to actually use 911 before.
Click to expand...
This argument is completely irrelevant. Who uses 911 regularly? 911 is something you hope you never need to use, but when you need it, you absolutely need it. Even if only once.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Suspenders, Crow_Servo, rui no onna and 1 other person
HobeSoundDarryl said:
Yes, again it certainly doesn't cover every base. And it is easy to rationalize needing anything.

The question would be how often you've needed to actually use 911 before. In my case, that's been never, so, while I am certainly at a disadvantage should my long-term "luck?" run out, I save several thousand dollars each year to have to go a little bit further in the rare emergency situation. Instead of 3 digits, I'll have to dial 10 when away from home. At home, I've got the local emergency services in my call list, so that will be one click instead of 3. Many 911 situations involve others too, so others may be 911'ing while I'm 1 or 10-digit dialing. Nutshell: I don't see this as a very big deal myself. Many people never actually use 911.

And I do not live in a major city. But work and home- where I spend the bulk of my waking hours- both have free wifi. Those times in between when not driving from one to the other are relatively little slices of time. However, at any time, if I need to connect, I simply buy cellular data at that time. Then I'm as connected as anyone else: 3 months for $30. 1 year always connected: $120. There's lots of people paying up towards that $120 each MONTH.

Watch has much functionality that doesn't need iPhone. But select functions DO need iPhone. So, if me, that would come down to how badly I want those functions that rely on iPhone vs. how much of that I can accomplish on the Mini instead.

As you can see here, little compromises to this way. But those save me a couple thousand each year and I don't feel mad compulsion to buy a new mobile every year or two without giving up the latest versions of iOS. Some Watch function, Carplay, 911 worries, etc IS enough for others to rationalize phone or phone + tablet(s). I just prefer to get almost everything they get without spending those extra thousands.
Click to expand...
To be fair, everyone's situation is different. I've had emergencies where my phone acted up and couldn't place the call, so having a reliable phone is a very important for me. If I have the cash, I'll spend it if it means more reliability.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Crow_Servo
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back