The 4 methods my iPad mini earns its preserve 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 fee simply does not minimize it.

Alas, I do know there’s an viewers on the market for the iPad mini — notably, for people 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 few weeks.

Whether or not it is shopping the online, enjoying 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 gadget that does all the pieces.

Learn our overview

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

Until you are in search of an all-in-one media gadget and do not thoughts a lackluster show, most individuals shall be higher off utilizing their telephone.

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

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

I did not count on this, however the brand new iPad mini has rapidly turn out to be my go-to studying gadget for sure varieties 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), however 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 a number of circumstances, 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 instantly extra typically prefer it’s 2010 over 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

If you happen to want extra display screen real-estate for cellular gaming, the iPad mini (2024) is a good choice

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 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 comfy to carry, even for longer gaming classes.

I would not suggest it, however you possibly can 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 difficult 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 after 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 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 must admit that it is good to have an even 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) could be very handy

I do know I discussed in my iPad mini review that I discover its show too small for intensive photograph enhancing, and I stand behind that. I’ve began carrying the iPad mini round my home after I’m snapping images of a tool for Pocket-lint and must 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 better 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 wish 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 good dwelling

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

I have been attempting 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 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 Dwelling app. It is turn out to be my night good dwelling management gadget, and has helped me unplug way over I anticipated. The important thing to creating this work is retaining the iPad mini on my espresso desk in entrance of my TV. That approach, it is simple to simply choose up and put down once more, and it helps me break the behavior of reaching for my telephone.

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