Apple's smallest iPad, the iPad mini, is my favourite iPad model Apple sells. Whilst some may question the purpose of a small tablet, it has its benefits over larger models and I wouldn't consider buying any other iPad. Here are five reason why I prefer the iPad mini over bigger iPads:
1. Comfort
iPad mini is much lighter than the other iPad models, making it easier to hold when using the iPad sat down on a sofa or in bed. This allows for longer sessions using the iPad, such as when you're watching something on YouTube or watching a series on Apple TV.
The size also allows you to use the device one-handed with no problem, something you'd struggle to do with other iPad models.
2. Handheld Gaming
Handheld gaming is best experienced on this iPad model, as you can play a range of games on a larger screen, but can still reach all the controls you need. The 8.3-inch screen of the iPad mini feels like the sweet spot between your controls being too small on an iPhone to not being able to reach them on an iPad, iPad Air or iPad Pro.
3. Note-taking
When paired with an Apple Pencil, iPad mini feels like the perfect device for handwritten notes if you need to quickly jot something down when working at a desk, or if you're taking notes in class holding the device in one hand.
The iPad can sit beside you on a desk without taking up too much room, ready for you to reference notes you may need or quickly write down something you're currently doing.
Similarly, the size of the iPad mini is a benefit when you're out and need to take notes. You can simply hold the iPad in one hand, your Apple Pencil in the other and it's the perfect setup for note-taking.
4. Portability
If you're regularly on the go, the iPad mini is the best iPad to take with you. The tablet itself doesn't take up much space and it doesn't feel like you're lugging around a laptop with you.
I sometimes have both my MacBook Air and iPad mini in my bag at a time, so a larger, heavier iPad would significantly impact the weight and feel almost unnecessary when I have the larger 13-inch display of the MacBook Air with me.
Additionally, the iPad mini will fit in some larger coat pockets so you don't always need your bag with you if you're taking it somewhere.
5. Performance
The iPad mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is plenty of performance for a note-taking, content consumption and light handheld gaming device.
After a year of ownership, I haven't encountered a task that is too much for the iPad mini, though if you're using an iPad mini you're probably not planning to push it that far.
Notably, it supports Apple Intelligence, Siri AI and on-device AI, which it handles fine. As the A17 Pro is now a 3 year old chip, if you're using a newer iPhone model or newer Apple Silicone Mac, AI on this device could feel a bit slower.
Why not get a Pro Max iPhone?
Some people may ask why not get an iPhone Pro Max? This would surely solve my problem of the iPhone screen being too small, whilst keeping the device easy to hold and high in performance?
The reason once again falls to portability. My iPhone is always with me, so I don't want to have the almost 7-inch Pro Max iPhone with me all day. My 6.3-inch Pro iPhone is the perfect size to reach all content and buttons in one hand and I have my iPad mini available if I want a larger screen for tasks. Additionally, the iPhone Pro Max does not support Apple Pencil, so handwritten notes are not possible on that device.
Final Thoughts
I prefer the iPad mini over larger iPad models because of its portability, light weight and comfort to use. Everything I need to do on an iPad, I can do on any model whether that’s a 13-inch iPad Pro or the 8.3-inch iPad mini. However, not everything I can do on the iPad mini can be done on these larger models.
iPad mini is the most versatile iPad available and one of my favourite Apple devices in the ecosystem.
