I bought a mini 4 for one of my younger grandsons from someone on here, got it in Friday, and OMG I wanted to keep it for myself.
Why are they so darn cute?
I have an XR and 11” pro and definitely do not NEED a mini, but now I just HAVE to have one.
I have a problem. I just ordered myself 3 watch bands to try and contain this.
Someone please - I need an intervention.
LOL I certainly can understand that. I have found that pre-emptive alternative purchases (like you buying watch bands) doesn't work.
IMO, no iPhone can replace an iPad... even one as nice as the XR. The aspect ratio is all wrong for content consumption and light productivity. It's necessary for use as a phone, but not as a tablet. So in that respect, having an XR doesn't necessarily eliminate the need/want for an iPad Mini.
I much prefer to use something like the Mini when the conditions allow for the use of something larger. If I'm standing in a checkout line, using a phone is better. Sitting in a coffee shop, I'd rather use the Mini. It also helps allow the phone's battery to be available when I need the phone.
Having gotten used to the ultra-high pixel density of the Mini 4, I can't see myself spending top dollar for the latest Pros. Their screens look like a pixelated hot-mess by comparison. Add the smearing of ProMotion and... blecch! (hyperbole works wonders!)
Since you have other devices, this wouldn't be a primary device. I don't think waiting for a good sale on the Mini 5 and getting the base model is a bad thing. What happens though is doubt, uncertainty, and fear kick in and causes people to get the higher storage model (uncertainty as to whether or not the base storage is enough), and get AppleCare (fear of damaging the device), which inflates the net cost of the device well beyond what is reasonable.
I'm pretty much set on keeping my 2018 iPad w/Pencil, trading my Mini 4 in for a base 5... and picking up a Logitech Crayon to use with both devices.
Oh, I was supposed to talk you out of it... oops.