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Apple’s latest iPad mini (AAPL) has arrived. And the 6th generation version of the small-form iPad brings major changes. Not only does the latest iPad mini get a redesigned look with a bigger screen, it also benefits from a powerful new processor and improved front and rear cameras.
The tablet also gets a not-so-minimal price increase of $ 399 to $ 499. That’s more than the recently updated 9th-gen iPad, which starts at $ 329 and gets a larger 10.2-inch screen.
For my money, the mini is still the iPad of choice for people looking for a tablet that’s easy to carry to and from the office or just home – and one that packs a punch in terms of performance as well.
The major makeover of the mini
Let’s start with the new look of the iPad mini. No more large frames surrounding the mini screen. In their place, Apple stretched the screen towards the edges of the mini, allowing for a much larger panel.
The mini now has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display in place of the old 7.9-inch Retina display on the old mini. The change is incredibly welcome, as the mini now fits into most of the styling of the iPad line. And let’s face it. The previous mini gen was starting to look, well, old.
Despite the modifications to the mini, its size has not changed much. It’s actually a bit shorter than the 5th gen tablet and a bit thicker. It’s just as easy to hold and light as its predecessor, but with that larger screen.
Speaking of which, I use my 5th gen mini to watch the New York Mets lose while simultaneously playing video games with my wife, and as a way to stream “Jeopardy” while I run on the treadmill. I also take it with me when traveling to use as a television, as I need it to fall asleep at night. Do not judge me.
For all of these reasons, I’ve always wanted the mini to have a bigger screen, and the new version lives up to it. If you’re using your iPad as a secondary computer, the screen will give you more room to write reports and compile spreadsheets (or whatever people do with a real job).
That said, if you’re looking for an iPad to completely replace your laptop, the mini might not be your best bet simply because it’s much smaller than a traditional 13-inch laptop or even the iPad. Pro 11 inch. Other iPads like the 9th-generation iPad and its 10.2-inch display – or the 4th-generation iPad Air and its 10.9-inch display – are better choices as a complete replacement for laptops.
Power, performance and Apple Pencil
Beyond its updated appearance and display, the iPad mini also gets Apple’s powerful new A15 Bionic chip. The same silicon found in the upcoming iPhone 13, Apple claims the A15 Bionic offers an 80% performance improvement over the 5th gen mini, and based on the benchmarks I’ve run, that adds up to roughly.
Using Geekbench 5, a benchmarking app that measures CPU and GPU performance, the new mini’s A15 handily beats the previous generation mini and its A12 Bionic chip.
In the real world, the new iPad mini is as fast as you’d expect. Using the Pixelmator photo editing app, I erased objects from shots in the blink of an eye, while the old iPad mini took a while or two to make those same objects disappear. Games like “Genshin Impact” also played a little easier on the 6th gen mini than on the 5th gen.
All of this to say that the new mini won’t slow you down when using apps, playing games, or streaming videos.
The 6th generation iPad mini is also compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil from Apple, so you can wirelessly charge and sync the pencil to the tablet for taking notes or drawing.
Central stage and USB C
Like the iPad Pro and the new 9th generation iPad, the mini’s FaceTime camera benefits from Apple’s Center Stage technology. The feature automatically centers you when making FaceTime calls. During a call with my parents and my nephew, I was able to move near the tablet, and the camera quickly refocused me. If you have more than one person on your side of the conversation, the camera will zoom out to capture both of you.
One important thing to point out about the iPad mini is that it now uses USB C rather than a Lightning connector. This means that if you are coming from an older iPad mini, you will have to ditch your old cables.
Although it is painful, the new connection will allow for faster data transfer rates, as well as the ability to connect additional accessories to your tablet. For example, if you are a photographer, you can connect it directly to the mini and instantly see your photos on the tablet.
Finally, the battery life of the iPad mini is more or less unchanged from the previous generation model, which means that it will last you all day and allow you to stream movies without dying before l. ‘final act.
Should you get it?
The iPad mini has been my favorite iPad for years. And while its new price of $ 499 is a bit rich, for a lot of people it’s probably worth it for a bigger screen and improved performance.
Always. if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, there’s always the 9th gen iPad at $ 329. For my money, however, the iPad mini is a winner.
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Do you have any advice? Email Daniel Howley at [email protected] via encrypted mail to [email protected], and follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.
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