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Main characteristics
The price is: $499/£569
Screen size: 8.3 inch
Weight: 0.65 lb (293 g)
Memory: Apple won’t disclose
Battery life: Up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing
Storage: 64 GB and 256 GB options
Warranty: 1 year, extendable with AppleCare
Operating system: iPadOS 15 (compatible with iPadOS 16)
Display: Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266×1488
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic chip
Graphics: 5-core GPU
Ports: Thunderbolt/USB 4 port
The iPad Mini 2021 was loved by many for its small, portable form factor, but it went without an update for quite some time. Apple has since revised it, and the latest model is even more capable than before without sacrificing its portability.
It’s not necessarily a tablet to replace a laptop, but it doesn’t need to be. It offers a portable version of iPadOS, and it shares the A15 Bionic chip found in the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models, so it’s pretty powerful. In fact, the iPad Mini 2021 will not be affected by the new M1 features that were discontinued in iPadOS 16.
Slimmer bezels than its predecessor mean it can have a better, brighter and larger display, while Apple Pencil functionality makes it the perfect digital notebook. So, this is one of the best tablets for students and note takers.
iPad Mini 2021 Review: Setup and Usability
Setup, like any iPad or iPhone, is simple – turn on the device, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and sign in with your Apple ID to get started (or create a new one if you don’t have an Apple ID).
With the iPad Mini, you’re prompted to set up TouchID using the Sleep/Wake button for security. In total, the installation should be completed within five minutes.
iPad Mini 2021 review: Design and specs
The iPad Mini 2021 finally follows the aesthetics of the iPad Pro and iPad Air in terms of design. It has flat sides, thin bezels and curved corners on the display. Color options include Starlight (which is a variant of white), Space Gray, Pink, or Purple.
At first glance, it’s a tiny iPad Air weighing 0.65 pounds. It’s dominated by an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, with a 12MP front-facing camera (ideal for video calls) hidden in the top bezel.
On the side you’ll find a place to store the Apple Pencil (opens in new tab) (Second generation), the top has a Sleep/Wake button that doubles as a TouchID fingerprint scanner. There are speakers at each end, perfect for movie and TV sessions. Unlike other iPads, the volume buttons have been moved to the top edge.
On the opposite side, you’ll find a USB-C port for connecting and charging accessories.
iPad Mini 2021 Review: Features and Performance
The iPad Mini, unlike its bigger siblings, isn’t meant to replace your laptop, at least not in the traditional sense.
If you want to write emails, browse social media and read a book or two, it can do so without breaking a sweat, but its small form factor makes it perfect for throwing in a bag. . Its Liquid Retina display is great for watching movies, and the Apple Pencil (sold separately, but a worthwhile investment here) makes it perfect for jotting down a phone number or jotting down a to-do list on the go. Definitely perfect for students or professionals who want something easy to carry.
It almost feels like a cross between a phone and an iPad, and that will be great for most people. This means there’s no traditional keyboard accessory, so you’ll be leaning towards something larger for a more tactile typing experience.
Although the iPad Mini comes with iPadOS 15, it doesn’t get everything that comes with iPadOS 16. Unlike larger iPads, this seems like a moot point – if your screen is just over 8 inches, it’s better to have the extra multitasking features. all the same size?
Only the M1 lacks other features, but the iPad Mini’s A15 Bionic chip is powerful enough to run demanding games, creative apps, and more.
iPad Mini 2021 Review: Price
At $499/£569, it’s hard to call the iPad Mini 2021 cheap – especially when this model comes with 64GB of storage. If you want to use the iPad mini as a portable power source rather than your primary device, this might not be a big deal. However, that extra $150 for the 256GB option is too steep a price to pay.
If extra storage isn’t that important to you, we recommend getting the $129/£139 Apple Pencil (opens in new tab) in place of. It feels like it was made specifically for the iPad Mini, allowing you to take notes or draw diagrams anywhere.
There’s also a 5G version starting at $649/£749. It’s pricey, but if you use your iPad Mini to send emails, text or make calls when you’re away from home, it might be just what you need.
iPad Mini 2021 Review: User Reviews
The iPad Mini 2021 has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Amazon. (opens in new tab), with special praise from customers for its display, even in difficult lighting conditions. Others noted how portable it is, despite the amount of power on display.
Some have complained that 64GB is not enough storage for the price.
Should you buy the iPad Mini 2021?
Pound for pound, the iPad Mini 2021 is the best little tablet around. It’s not cheap, but when you pair it with the Apple Pencil, it’s the best way to take digital notes. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a pocket, yet powerful enough to power through work and play.
Even without the Apple Pencil, it’s an amazing little tablet that feels like a dream come true for students and those who travel a lot.
If this product is not for you
If you’re looking for a cheaper tablet with a larger display, the iPad 2021 at $329/£369 is a great alternative, but the screen isn’t as sharp and it only works with the first-generation Apple Pencil.
The iPad Air, on the other hand, feels like a larger iPad Mini and packs in an M1 chip for extra laptop-like features – but it’s more expensive, especially if you want to add a keyboard.
Another option would be the Amazon Fire 7 tablet (opens in new tab): it’s small, lightweight and offers up to 10 hours of battery life. Plus, prices start at just $59.99/£59.99! However, there are only 16 and 32GB storage options, and Google Play isn’t supported, so you’ll be locked into using Amazon’s Appstore (you’ll still have access to things like Zoom and Netflix. (opens in new tab)).
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