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a huge update, but it’s not for work

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Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Apple’s new iPad Mini hits stores on Friday. It’s been my daily companion for several days. 

Apple Each year, Apple updates the iPad Air, iPad Air and iPad Pros. However, the iPad Mini costs $499 and is one of a kind. Apple usually sells the iPad Mini for several years to people looking for a smaller tablet.

The tablet doesn’t have a slicker design. This tablet has Apple’s new chip. The chips are more advanced than those in the $549 iPad Air.

This is also the first major update to the iPad Mini’s design since its original launch in 2012.

Apple’s iPad sales continue to rise, most likely due to people discovering new ways of working and learning from home. Apple’s fiscal third-quarter revenue for IPad increased 12% over the previous year. Apple launched the iPad Pro and iPad Mini in May. It is continuing that momentum with the regular iPad and the iPad Mini.

Apple’s major redesign of its iPad Mini makes it more appealing than the other two. The iPad Mini isn’t the right size for every person. Many people love having an iPad with a large screen. This can be used as both a portable work tool or for watching movies. The iPad Mini, however, is for those who need something smaller.

This is what you should know.

What’s good

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

The iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch screen, which is smaller than the 10.2-inch “regular” iPad and the 10.9-inch iPad Air. The home button was removed from the iPad mini’s 7.9-inch display. This iPad Mini screen is larger than that of the previous iPad mini. 

Comparing to other iPads, it’s almost like having a huge iPhone. This makes the iPad more desirable if your iPad is used to take notes or read books. The iPad is more like a mobile gaming/video/reading device than something that you can pull out to attach a keyboard for school or work. This screen is just too small. Apple does not even offer a keyboard.

iPad Mini

Source: Apple Inc.

The size is perfect for me. The iPad Mini is perfect for reading on the sofa, much like a Kindle. It also allows me to listen to music and continue texting with my friends. Since the original iPad Mini was released, I have been an avid iPad Mini user. I love that it is all-screen and doesn’t even need a home button. A small fingerprint reader is located in the power button. This works just as well on an iPad Air. This can be difficult if you have used an iPad Air or iPhone with a home button.

Apple’s A15 processor gives it an additional 40% processing boost and an extra 80% graphics boost over the predecessor A12 chip. This is a significant improvement over the aging iPad Mini 2019, particularly since Apple’s recent iPad update features improved multitasking and home screen widgets. Although the iPad Mini’s graphics will be able to handle the newer games, video or photo editing apps more effectively than its predecessor, serious photogs might want to consider upgrading to Pro models.

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Apple also added a 5G option to the iPad Mini for the first time, which means you can download apps, music and movies faster if you’re away from home. You will need to pay $150 more for 5G support. Although it doesn’t have the fastest 5G mmwave flavors like iPad Pro and iPhone 5, the mmwave networks available are very limited and require you to stand near the tower in order to access them.

A much-needed update was also made to the cameras. My iPad is the best camera for taking photos, and I prefer to use it for documents, and for signing other important things. It is an important upgrade to the 12-megapixel front-facing ultrawide-angle lens. This replaces the 7-megapixel lower quality camera from the earlier model. It also supports Center Stage which was introduced in the iPads Pro last May. The new feature is also available in the iPad regular. This allows you to track your movement during video chats. It’s great, and Apple has made this feature available on all iPads.

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Several other updates bring the iPad Mini on par with its more expensive siblings. You can hear both the stereo speakers and sound from one of its two sides while you watch a movie. It is an improvement on the previous model. You can charge it with USB-C just like your other iPads, MacBooks, and not the Lightning cable Apple has on iPhones. Apple could just get rid of its Lightning chargers for iPhones so that I only had to have one cable.

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

I don’t use the Apple Pencil often, but it’s super handy to have when I need to sign something. New iPad Mini features the second-generation Apple Pencil. It sticks to your tablet’s side and charges magnetically. It was used to sign several documents for child care. An artist might appreciate the ability of the iPad to act as a sketchbook. You can also use the iPad’s software to convert handwritten notes into text or drag and drop photos. The pencil can be kept in your pocket for emergencies.

The battery life is about the same as that of the iPad mini. Apple guarantees up to 10 hours surfing on Wi Fi, listening to music and watching videos. You can get nine hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos and listening to music if your phone is cellular. These claims were quite accurate. I used the device three nights straight for Reddit browsing and reading, for three hours each night before it needed to be recharged. Your mileage may vary depending on the activities you engage in. For example, playing games can drain your battery faster.

What’s bad

iPad Mini

Source: Apple Inc.

You may need to take time getting used the volume controls. These buttons are on top when the tablet is held in portrait view, as opposed to the side on older iPads.

The iPads Pro have far better ProMotion display. This is a much better way to browse news articles and apps such as Twitter. Apple views ProMotion as a tool for professionals. This is why the feature is only available on Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro models. At some point, I would like it to be available for all its products.

Face ID should be the same. Although it only appears on Apple’s Pro iPads at the moment, I find it so handy that it would be great to have it on my iPad Mini. Apple instead embedded the fingerprint reader inside the iPad Mini’s power button.

You also miss some fun Memoji you could be sending to your friends without Face ID sensors. Although it’s not a big deal, I did miss Face ID on my iPad Pro. It unlocks immediately when I glance at it.

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Lastly, Apple sells only two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. A tablet with 64GB storage is not recommended if you intend to install a large number of apps or movies. Apple has yet to sell the 64GB iPhone 13 in this year’s lineup. If you only use the iPad Mini as a reading and email device, then the 64GB version is perfect. The 256GB version will cost you an additional $150 or $650. If you choose the version with 5G, it will cost $799. 

This is where the problems start. Although the iPad Mini is still a great choice, it lacks some of the features found in the iPad Air. For $749, you get an iPad Air that has a larger screen and more storage. The $299 Magic Keyboard from Apple is a great addition to this iPad Air.

Is it worth the money?

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

If you’re a fan of the iPad Mini, or have always wanted a smaller iPad, then yes, the iPad Mini is a good buy. The iPad Mini is an upgrade from the fifth-generation iPad, which I have owned for years.

You can still save money if your goal is to have the iPad Air.

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