The iPad Mini 6 in 2023: Is the Compact Wonder Still Worth It?
iPad Mini 6. Courtney: Apple.com
I have had my iPad Mini 6 since it was released in 2021, so this piece doubles both as a long term review and is it still worth it article.
iPad Mini 5 - A little History
I was never a fan of the older model iPad Mini's; they appeared too small for my taste, and I disliked the big bezel to screen ratio. For instance, the iPad Mini 5 has a 7.9" screen size with seemingly large bezels which gives the perception of a cramped viewing experience, in my opinion.
iPad Mini 5 Source: Apple.com
My First iPad - iPad 6th Generation
iPad 6th Generation. Source: Apple.com
My first iPad was the 6th Generation which I bought during medical school along with the Apple 1 Generation pencil, but I quickly got fed up with its clunky size and unfriendly portability. I left it at home more times than not. I did enjoy the larger screen size 9.7" on this iPad, however.
My Current iPad - The iPad Mini 6
My iPad Mini 6 - Front and Back Views
When the iPad Mini 6 came out in 2021 with all its features, which I'll go into shortly, I decided I MUST get it! I sold my iPad 6th Generation along with the 1st Generation Apple Pencil and promptly purchased my ultraportable, light weight and updated iPad Mini 6!
Now you must be thinking, "but why don't I just get the latest iPad Pro with its M2 Chip and 12.9" screen? STOP RIGHT THERE 🚫 ! Do you need the power of an M2 chip? Do you even know what an M2 Chip is!? Do you need a mini-computer, which is what I consider the iPad Pro? Or do you need a portable system which can process 4k videos and is lightweight, then you should seriously consider adding the iPad Mini 6 to your tool kit.Check out two of my favourite tech reviewers, Patrick Rambles and Mark Ellis Reviews. I always watch these two techies reviews when I'm considering purchasing new gear, and both have this unexpected power horse as part of their work arsenal.
Why I love it? (PROS)
+ Portable - I cannot express how amazingly lightweight the iPad Mini 6 is. The Wi-Fi model weighs a whopping 293 g whilst the Wi-Fi + cellular models weight 297 g; that's less than a loaf of bread 🍞!
+ Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) - this is a must-have accessory to purchase when using my iPad Mini 6. Why, you ask? Well, the pencil allows me to take handwritten notes, draw, sketch and sign important documents. I grew up in the era of only pen 🖊 and paper 📃 which I still love using, but sometimes you need the digital version of pen and paper and this combo, does its job extremely well.The iPad Mini 6 along with the Apple 2nd Generation Pencil are excellent tools to get if you are learning a new language, and you want the ability to practice on the gooooo💨 ! I use it to practice Chinese and Japanese characters!
+ Charging 🔌 - the Apple 2 Generation Pencil is charged on the iPad Mini 6 itself, a massive improvement compared to the previous model!+ Storage - the apple Generation 2 Pencil is stored magnetically on the iPad Mini 6, also a massive improvement.
+ Colours - It comes in four flavours: Pink, Space Gray, Starlight and Purple. We all love customized items and albeit the colour options may not be your absolute favourite colour you can still choose a colour that you will love, trust me. I love my Purple Flavour!
+ 4k Video Editing - If you are a content creator, you would love this option! The ability to process 4k on such a ultraportable device is simply amazing. This means you can easily edit videos on the go. I have done this on many occasions during downtime at my day job 🫣 using Lumafusion or the VN Editor.
+ Screen size - The iPad Mini 6 boasts an 8.3" screen. Sometimes, it's hard to get a true appreciation of sizes, especially when you're not great at math like me 🫠 . For a person with medium-sized hands, the device size is approximately the size of your two hands with thumbs overlapping. You are welcome 🤭.
+ USB-C - all I can say is finally 🫡 Apple! It is super convenient to have most of my devices with USB-C because ultimately it means fewer cables! I do not yet own a MagSafe charger, so you can see why I'm happy for fewer cables!
What can be improved? (CONS)
iPad Mini 6: Volume rockers and Power Button
+ Touch ID - This button is located on the right-hand side, top corner of the device when held in Portrait mode. Generally it works very well, it's very responsive however, when the device is rotated the location of the button is a bit eccentric. Perhaps, face ID would dramatically improve this, come on Apple!
+ Front facing Camera - I bought this device with the thought in mind that I would use the camera for my YouTube videos. As you can imagine, that didn't work out at all. As with most, if not all, especially Apple camera products, the rear cameras are where the true potential of all its devices are evident. However, in upcoming models, I would love to see this issue resolved. What's the point in having a front facing camera if it's not good enough to do some excellent recording?
+ Speakers - When the iPad Mini6 is held in Portrait Mode, and I'm listening to any piece of content, I find that the left sided speakers play a little louder than both the right sided speakers which does not ruin the auditory experience per se but is a worthy point that can be improved in going forward.
+ Volume rockers - In Portrait mode, the volume rockers are located to the top left corner of the iPad Mini 6. A better location would have been on the left surface of the iPad Mini 6, which is the exact location of the volume rockers on the iPhones. Here, the volume rockers would be much easier to use, especially in Landscape mode.
Should you buy the iPad Mini 6 in 2023?
Absolutely, it's portable, lightweight, processes 4k videos, supports the Apple 2nd Generation Pencil all with a great sized screen to do much on the go work! Now go forth and buy in confidence.
Until next time,
Josanne
*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you.