The 4 methods my iPad mini earns its maintain each...

Look, I do know I used to be fairly harsh on the iPad mini (2024) in my recent review. Its chunky bezels and lackluster show simply really feel so dated in comparison with the majority of Apple’s tablet lineup. I additionally simply cannot get previous the truth that it solely has a 60hz show. Positive, it is on the cheaper facet, however in 2024, a 60Hz refresh charge simply does not reduce it.

Alas, I do know there’s an viewers on the market for the iPad mini — notably, for those who truly need a pill that is solely barely larger than their smartphone — and I’ve discovered myself utilizing the pint-sized pill way over I anticipated over the previous couple of weeks.

Whether or not it is looking the net, enjoying video games, or reading, the iPad mini can actually hit the mark for some functions, particularly if you would like a comparatively tiny all-in-one machine that does every thing.

Learn our evaluation

The iPad mini (2024) is great for reading and gaming, but not much else

Except you are searching for an all-in-one media machine and do not thoughts a lackluster show, most individuals will likely be higher off utilizing their telephone.

1 Studying e-books and articles in a book-like dimension is nice

The smaller type issue truly works within the iPad mini (2024)’s favor

I did not anticipate this, however the brand new iPad mini has rapidly turn out to be my go-to studying machine for sure kinds of content material. Its 8.3-inch display screen suits completely in my hand, each for one-handed and two-handed studying. I do not see myself switching to studying e-books on the iPad mini (2024) any time quickly (I like my Kobo Libra Color an excessive amount of), nevertheless it’s stellar for browsing the net and consuming content material I’ve saved to learn later with Pocket.

As a lot as I like my Kobo Libra Colour and its Pocket integration, in lots of circumstances, the read-later app makes tales look fairly tough from a design perspective, particularly once they’re image-heavy. Fortunately, articles look means higher within the iPadOS Pocket app. I additionally discover myself visiting web sites immediately extra usually prefer it’s 2010 yet again, particularly these with designs and content material I am a fan of.

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2 Its 8.3-inch display screen is sized completely for gaming

In case you want extra display screen real-estate for cellular gaming, the iPad mini (2024) is a superb choice

Tablets are fairly awkward for gaming until you join a wi-fi controller to them — on-screen controls are simply too tough to achieve on an 11-inch or 13-inch iPad. That is the place the iPad mini (2024) is available in. If you wish to sport on a tool that is a bit larger than your smartphone and nonetheless use on-screen controls, the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display screen feels good. The truth that its sides are squared-off additionally makes it very snug to carry, even for longer gaming periods.

I would not suggest it, however you may even play AAA cellular releases like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or the upcoming Resident Evil 2 on the iPad mini (2024) because of its A17 Professional chip (please, by no means do that — on-screen controls for extra sophisticated video games are painful). I’ve principally discovered myself enjoying less complicated titles like Alto’s Odyssey on the iPad mini for a couple of minutes once I’m trying to kill time, although I have been contemplating resubscribing to Apple Arcade to strive Outlanders 2 and NFL Retro Bowl 25. As a lot as I take pleasure in enjoying cellular video games on my iPhone 16 Professional as a result of its 120Hz OLED show is awesome-looking, I even need to admit that it is good to have a much bigger show, particularly for sure cellular titles (I am trying ahead to diving into Skate City: New York on the iPad mini).

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3 Fast photograph spot elimination with Lightroom CC

For fast edits, the iPad mini (2024) may be very handy

I do know I discussed in my iPad mini review that I discover its show too small for intensive photograph modifying, and I stand behind that. I’ve began carrying the iPad mini round my home once I’m snapping pictures of a tool for Pocket-lint and have to see it rapidly on a bigger show.

It is simply really easy to slip an SD card into the pill with the assistance of a trusty card reader to offer the picture a more in-depth look in Lightroom CC (I’ve even discovered myself generally making fast edits to the picture generally, because of the iPad MIni 7’s Apple Pencil Professional compatibility). Nonetheless, I would by no means need to edit greater than a picture or two on the iPad mini (2024)’s 8.3-inch display screen.

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4 Controlling my sensible residence

Put that telephone away and depend on your iPad to set the temper

I have been making an attempt to remain off my telephone within the night to keep away from the fixed social media doom-scrolling. However generally, I nonetheless want to drag my telephone out to regulate my sensible thermostat, shift the colour of my Hue smart lights, or examine my Ring doorbell.

To keep away from getting caught up within the horrible state of the world, I’ve resorted to grabbing my iPad mini and opening Google’s House app. It is turn out to be my night sensible residence management machine, and has helped me unplug way over I anticipated. The important thing to creating this work is protecting the iPad mini on my espresso desk in entrance of my TV. That means, it is easy to only choose up and put down once more, and it helps me break the behavior of reaching for my telephone.

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