The 4 methods my iPad mini earns its maintain 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 aspect, however in 2024, a 60Hz refresh charge simply would not lower it.

Alas, I do know there’s an viewers on the market for the iPad mini — significantly, for those who really need a pill that is solely barely greater 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 online, taking part in video games, or reading, the iPad mini can actually hit the mark for some functions, particularly if you need a comparatively tiny all-in-one system that does the whole lot.

Learn our assessment

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

Except you are searching 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 kind issue really works within the iPad mini (2024)’s favor

I did not anticipate this, however the brand new iPad mini has shortly grow to be my go-to studying system 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), 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 a number of instances, the read-later app makes tales look fairly tough from a design perspective, particularly after they’re image-heavy. Fortunately, articles look approach 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.

Associated

5 features I’d like to see in an iPad mini Pro

Small dimension would not should imply compromised specs.

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

In the event you want extra display screen real-estate for cell gaming, the iPad mini (2024) is a superb possibility

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 greater than your smartphone and nonetheless use on-screen controls, the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display screen feels excellent. The truth that its sides are squared-off additionally makes it very snug to carry, even for longer gaming classes.

I would not suggest it, however you would even play AAA cell 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 taking part in easier titles like Alto’s Odyssey on the iPad mini for a couple of minutes after 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 taking part in cell video games on my iPhone 16 Professional as a result of its 120Hz OLED show is awesome-looking, I even should 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).

Associated

Apple’s TV set isn’t dead yet

Apple is reportedly nonetheless contemplating releasing its personal TV set, however its destiny could possibly be decided by its upcoming good residence hub.

3 Fast photograph 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 in depth 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 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 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 need to edit greater than a picture or two on the iPad mini (2024)’s 8.3-inch display screen.

Associated

I underestimated nano-texture screens until I tried the M4 iPad Pro outside

I have been completely improper about nano-texture show expertise.

4 Controlling my good residence

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

I have been making an attempt 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 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 grow to be my night good residence management system, and has helped me unplug way over I anticipated. The important thing to creating this work is holding the iPad mini on my espresso desk in entrance of my TV. That approach, it is simple to simply decide up and put down once more, and it helps me break the behavior of reaching for my cellphone.

Associated

My 6 favorite Apple HomeKit accessories for apartment living

Dwelling automation usually seems like a homeowner-only sport. Luckily, there are many renter-friendly HomeKit gadgets.