The 4 methods my iPad mini earns its preserve each single day

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 would not minimize it.

Alas, I do know there’s an viewers on the market for the iPad mini — notably, for those who really 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 searching the net, 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 machine that does every part.

Learn our overview

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

Until 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 cellphone.

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

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

I did not anticipate this, however the brand new iPad mini has rapidly turn into my go-to studying machine for sure forms 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), but it surely’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 instances, the read-later app makes tales look fairly tough from a design perspective, particularly after they’re image-heavy. Fortunately, articles look means higher within the iPadOS Pocket app. I additionally discover myself visiting web sites instantly extra typically prefer it’s 2010 another time, 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 the event 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 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 could possibly 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 largely discovered myself enjoying easier 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 attempt Outlanders 2 and NFL Retro Bowl 25. As a lot as I get pleasure from 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 picture spot removing 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 picture 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 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 provide 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 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 generally, I nonetheless want to tug my cellphone out to regulate my good thermostat, shift the colour of my Hue smart lights, or test 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 into my night good house 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 decide up and put down once more, and it helps me break the behavior of reaching for my cellphone.

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