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 lower it.

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

Whether or not it is looking the online, taking part in video games, or reading, the iPad mini can actually hit the mark for some functions, particularly in order for you a comparatively tiny all-in-one system that does all the pieces.

Learn our evaluation

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

Until you are on the lookout for an all-in-one media system and do not thoughts a lackluster show, most individuals shall be higher off utilizing their cellphone.

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

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

I did not anticipate this, however the brand new iPad mini has shortly change into my go-to studying system for sure varieties of content material. Its 8.3-inch display 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 online 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 loads of instances, the read-later app makes tales look fairly tough from a design perspective, particularly once they’re image-heavy. Fortunately, articles look approach higher within the iPadOS Pocket app. I additionally discover myself visiting web sites immediately extra typically 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 is sized completely for gaming

When you want extra display real-estate for cell gaming, the iPad mini (2024) is a good possibility

Tablets are fairly awkward for gaming except you join a wi-fi controller to them — on-screen controls are simply too troublesome to succeed in on an 11-inch or 13-inch iPad. That is the place the iPad mini (2024) is available in. If you wish to recreation on a tool that is a bit greater than your smartphone and nonetheless use on-screen controls, the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display feels excellent. 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 possibly can even play AAA cell releases like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or the upcoming Resident Evil 2 on the iPad mini (2024) due to its A17 Professional chip (please, by no means do that — on-screen controls for extra sophisticated video games are painful). I’ve largely discovered myself taking part in less complicated titles like Alto’s Odyssey on the iPad mini for a couple of minutes once I’m seeking 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 get pleasure from taking part in cell 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 an even bigger show, particularly for sure cell titles (I am wanting ahead to diving into Skate City: New York on the iPad mini).

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3 Fast picture spot removing 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 picture 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 shortly 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 better look in Lightroom CC (I’ve even discovered myself typically making fast edits to the picture typically, due to the iPad MIni 7’s Apple Pencil Professional compatibility). Nonetheless, I would by no means wish to edit greater than a picture or two on the iPad mini (2024)’s 8.3-inch display.

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4 Controlling my good house

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

I have been attempting to remain off my cellphone within the night to keep away from the fixed social media doom-scrolling. However typically, I nonetheless want to drag my cellphone out to regulate my good thermostat, shift the colour of my Hue smart lights, or verify 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 Residence app. It is change into my night good house management system, and has helped me unplug excess of I anticipated. The important thing to creating this work is protecting the iPad mini on my espresso desk in entrance of my TV. That approach, it is simple to only choose up and put down once more, and it helps me break the behavior of reaching for my cellphone.

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