Less is much more with this pocket-sized iPad mini that punches well above its weight
Apple’s once neglected iPad mini is now a powerhouse and centre stage in the company’s device arsenal. Is it a better option than a full-sized iPad?
Apple’s once neglected iPad mini is now a powerhouse and centre stage in the company’s device arsenal. Could it be a better option than a full-sized iPad? I’ve spent a few days carrying one around to find out.
iPad Mini’s smaller size has distinct advantages. A compact 8.3-inch iPad mini is easier to carry around in one hand, much more so than a regular 10.2-inch iPad or a larger 11-inch iPad Pro. It uses Apple’s second-generation Pencil, and it’s easy to input information on iPad mini without putting the tablet down and you don’t need to rely on a keyboard.
The keyboard is an issue. Apple doesn’t sell a folio-style keyboard for iPad mini, although you could pick up a third party Bluetooth one from Logitech and other accessory makers. It would need to be small if it attaches to the iPad mini, too small in my opinion. The best option would be a detached Bluetooth keyboard.
Input aside, in the past I have used iPad minis for various tasks. At one stage I mounted a mini on my car dashboard for road directions before I bought a car with in-built navigation. During my test I used a mini for reading documents, watching TV around home with the HDHomeRun app, for signing documents with Apple Pencil, and for playing some games.
Although the screen is smaller, the mini screen resolution is sharp, and it’s a nice size for reading in bed; it’s easier to nurse on your lap than a heavier tablet or laptop, and you can sustain holding it with one hand for ages.
The mini will be comfortable to use on an aircraft tray-table when we manage to fly again.
This latest iPad mini includes major upgrades: a sharp 8.3-inch liquid retina display, 12MP cameras front and back. It’s a better option for FaceTime calls than a phone and the tablet supports “centre stage” which keeps you in the frame when you move around in front of the camera.
You could buy a small stand and place the mini in it to make video calls when preparing food on the kitchen bench.
You get modern capabilities such as wireless charging, touch-ID fingerprint unlocking through the power button at top right, and the Apple iPadOS 15 operating system with its multi-tasking capability. The left and right stereo speakers in landscape mode produce clear audio too, albeit more treble than bass.
There are two features that set the 2021 iPad mini apart and extend its capability.
The first is Apple’s new A15 bionic chip, which means iPad mini is one of the fastest of Apple’s devices. Using the AnTuTu performance benchmark, my review unit iPad mini scored 826133, on par with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3 and iPad Pro 4. That’s powerful.
Indeed, the iPad mini is in good company given the new iPhone 13 also has an A15 bionic chip, although Apple watching site MacRumors reports that the version of the A15 in the mini is slightly down-clocked. Operation is quick nonetheless.
The most exciting new development is the changeover from using an Apple-centric Lightning connector to a more universal USB-C port. Not only is data transfer faster, the compatibility of the USB-C across manufacturers means you can connect loads of devices to iPad mini and increase its functionality.
I could use a regular wired keyboard attached to iPad mini with a USB-3 to USB-C adaptor, although it is an awkward idea. I added an Ethernet connection to iPad mini using an adaptor and I could plug in an external hard drive and import files and photos.
Apple says you can also attach cameras, scanners and medical devices such as ultrasound and micro-optic devices, and even a 4K monitor using an HDMI cable and HDMI to USB-C adaptor – just as you can to an iPad Pro or Air. You can even attach a multi-port hub. The iPad mini has never been so well connected.
Battery life is very good. I did our regular battery test, playing 1080p video continuously at 50 per cent screen brightness, and the mini kept going for just under 12 hours.
The iPad mini offers power and connectivity comparable to larger high end iPad Pros. The question is whether the smaller size works for you. The iPad mini costs from $749 for a 64GB model. There are Wi-Fi only and cellular versions.
