IPad mini video quality. Apple iPad Mini 3 review

The iPad Mini 3 is an amazing tablet and an atrocious waste of money

“This is a fantastic iPad Mini, but it’s a terrible deal. We recommend you buy a cheaper 32GB iPad Mini 2 and wait a year to get a fingerprint sensor.”

• Touch ID sensor
• High-quality retina screen
• Great size for reading
• As good as any
• Limited upgrade over iPad Mini 2
• Last year’s specs offer little incentive to upgrade
• Entry-level model’s 16GB of storage doesn’t cut it

Typically, the launch of a new iPad is a big deal — not so with the iPad Mini 3. The latest small iPad from Apple has only really changed in two respects: it’s now available in gold and has a Touch ID sensor. Everything else – from design and dimensions to specs and performance – is exactly the same.

The iPad Mini 3 comes with an upgrade that’s as modest as can be. Of course, Touch ID adds more than just an element of security to the Mini 3. It can also be used to pay for in-app purchases with Apple Pay. That nifty new feature will cost you an extra 100, though. Is it worth it? We took a look at the third-generation iPad Mini to find out.

Gold finish and Touch ID add flare to original Mini’s design

Apple may have shaved a few millimeters off the iPad Air 2, but it didn’t diminish the Mini 3’s dimensions at all. The 7-inch iPad still measures 200 × 134.7 × 7.5 millimeters and weighs 331 grams – just like last year’s model. The volume buttons and rotation lock are positioned on the right-hand side and the two rows of speakers remain at the bottom of the iPad Mini 3.

At this point, Apple Pay for apps is still pretty limited, but once it makes its way to restaurants and more big-name retailers, it may become the killer app for online shoppers. The addition of Touch ID sweetens the deal, but it doesn’t make the iPad Mini 3 a must-buy.

iOS 8 also offers subtle improvements over iOS 7 and looks great on the Mini 3. You can now choose any third-party keyboard you want, share apps and other iTunes purchases with Family Sharing, monitor battery life, and use Apple Pay to make purchases. Apple also boasts that there are 675,000 different iPad-specific apps on its App Store that are optimized for its tablets.

No camera upgrades for you

The iPad Air 2 may have one of the best cameras of any tablet, but the Mini 3 is stuck with the same 5-megapixel iSight camera on the back. It takes decent photos compared to any other non-Apple tablet, but in comparison with shots we took with the iPhone 6’s camera, the Mini 3’s photos are noticeably less detailed and not as sharp. The details of buildings photographed at a distance were neither blurry nor perfectly crisp. The camera’s not a standout, but it’s not a disaster either, which is more than we can say for most tablet’s cameras.

If you want an iPad Mini, the second-generation model is the best choice. Those of you who might want a larger screen should absolutely check out the iPad Air 2, but be aware that you’ll pay a premium for it.

Operating system agnostics should also look into the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. It offers a slightly bigger screen, fast processor, sleek design, and all the perks of Android. Samsung positioned the Tab S line to compete with Apple’s iPads, so both models are worth a look.

The iPad Mini 3 is undoubtedly a fine tablet – it just doesn’t offer enough compelling new features to tempt us.

Highs

• Touch ID sensor
• High-quality retina screen
• Great size for reading
• As good as any

Lows

• Limited upgrade over iPad Mini 2
• Last year’s specs offer little incentive to upgrade
• Entry-level model’s 16GB of storage doesn’t cut it

iPad mini video quality

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The iPad mini 6 is a device that I thought to be very interesting, but I do not really need it. Not at least until this review. After all, I already owned an iPad mini a few years back but I hardly used it. The form factor was great in terms of portability, but working on it was less than satisfactory. In 2021, however, I came to a hard realization: The iPad mini 6 is a very different creature from its predecessors and is now my constant companion. Read on to find out why.

Price-wise with a Pro factor

The iPad mini (2021) is available at a recommended retail price of 499. The tiny variant clocks in at 64 GB, and while it does not seem to be worth the admission price, let us dive deeper to see what makes it worth it.

If you want to have 256 GB in the Apple tablet, then expect to see the price balloon quickly. The iPad mini already costs 649 for the Wi-Fi only version (256 GB), and if you want to have a SIM slot with 5G support to go along with that, be prepared to fork out a whopping 799.

With a price increase in the most basic model compared to its predecessor, you might begin to scratch your head when you compare it to the iPad Pro’s pricing structure. Is the smaller form factor worth it when I can settle for an 11-inch tablet that doubles up as a notebook replacement for around 400 more?

The question that I asked myself concerning this review is: if you had the exclusive choice between the iPad mini and iPad Pro, which one would you end up buying? It’s a really tough question.

People who know me know that I often use the iPad as my primary work device. I compose my articles on it, use it for painting, doodling, scribbling, and even brainstorming. Yes, I even edit small videos with it from time to time. So will I only be able to do all that with the iPad mini 6 in the future, and if so, why the 2021 generation and not previous ones?

Design: Small and unlike the iPad Pro

The iPad mini (2021) resembles its big brother, the iPad Pro, in terms of looks. You get a flat screen design and rounded corners, but there are no bells and whistles to shout about here otherwise. Compared to the plain old iPad mini, the 2021 version has thus made significant gains in terms of screen size. The screen edges or bezels have become far narrower simply because of the missing Home button, making room for an 8.3-inch display.

Pros:

• Larger display and smaller bezels than its predecessor.
• Volume controls will automatically adjust based on the direction the iPad mini is held.
• Perfect notebook format with the Apple Pencil.
• Touch ID sensor located in the Power button.

Cons

There is one more difference in the iPad mini (2021) compared to its predecessor: Instead of a Home button, Apple has installed a Touch ID sensor in the Power button that is located on the side. Which reminds me, the iPad mini has Touch ID on board. This is exactly what I kept wishing the iPad Pro had. However, it is also a shame at the same time (and not infrequently annoying) that Face ID is missing!

Face ID is a feature that I actually miss quite often, since one would most probably be so used to the iPad or iPhone recognizing oneself. Also, it’s not uncommon to know where the Touch sensor is at any given moment, and you may have to laboriously reach around (if you haven’t registered enough fingers, for example) to unlock the device.

The volume buttons have now shifted to the front of this Apple tablet on the iPad mini (2021). Here’s something cool that you might want to know: The upper button between the two is always assigned to Volume Up, changing accordingly based on how you cradle the iPad mini 6.

Best form factor. Too little Pro.

I have to be careful to manage this paragraph so that it does not end up as my conclusion. It was the form factor and the design that primarily made me take the iPad mini (2021) with me everywhere I went, where I used it for many hours each day. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, has seen far less action than it used to since.

While I’m gushing like a wide-eyed schoolboy being gifted the best BMX bicycle with regard to the overall package of the iPad mini (2021), there are several big buts to consider. If I have anything to criticize about it, it’s that Apple apparently didn’t want to cannibalize its iPad Pro line by a wider margin and intentionally did so by keeping the iPad mini compromised’ in certain aspects. You can read more about that in the Camera and Display sections.

The notepad format makes the Apple Pencil even more useful to me.

A little less flexible than the volume controls (as described above in being adaptable based on the way it is held) would be the magnetic holder for the Apple Pencil. The pencil is always held via magnets on one of the wide sides, and this also determines the tablet’s holding direction to a certain extent.

In return, however, you end up with a perfect digital notepad that is always ready as and when required. Of course, this is provided you have the iPad mini with you. Due to the form factor, the tablet is almost capable of fitting into a trouser. or at least in my jacket When it fits in comfortably that way, rest assured that the tablet is hardly noticeable in a backpack or shoulder bag.

Display: Good, but not perfect.

The display panel used in the iPad mini (2021) is a real downgrade compared to this year’s iPad Pro. The 120 Hertz display with ProMotion technology on the iPad Pro happens to be the main reason why the iPad mini (2021) remains stuck with a 60 Hz refresh rate. You end up with the smaller iPad packing a 2266 x 1488 pixel LCD panel instead. Bummer!

Cons

• Not as easy to read under direct sunlight as the iPad Pro panel.
• Maximum 60 Hertz refresh rate.

However, I’m nitpicking on a high level here. This is because apart from slightly less fluid movements when swiping around on the screen, the lower refresh rate is hardly noticeable. Rather, it will be noticeable only if you want to find a weak spot at all costs. The slightly lower display brightness on the iPad mini (2021) compared to the Pro is noticeable under bright sunlight, making it literally harder to use when outdoors.

Nevertheless, I can also certify the display of the iPad mini (2021) after a good two months of use is absolute suitable for everyday use. at least outside of the beer garden season. I now use the iPad mini for almost everything and everywhere: I enjoy my TV series or sports games on the go, type long texts on the external keyboard as well as compose short notes, and even when reading on the couch in the evening. This tablet does it all and with style to boot!

With the iPad mini’s display, it’s probably the same as in real life with other things and even people: Everything does not always have to be perfect in order to be good all around.

iPadOS is the perfect operating system for tablets

Just like iOS 15 on the current generation iPhones, iPad OS 15 has been optimally adapted for the iPad mini (2021). The operating system runs ideally on the small tablet.

Cons

iPadOS 15 also runs smoothly on the iPad mini 2021. My initial fear of the smaller display affecting the user negatively was quickly allayed.

Sure, you sometimes have to move your nose a little closer to the screen when editing photos or videos in order to see properly. But the apps I used always made good use of the available screen space, and I did not notice any limitations compared to the iPad Pro.

Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) performance

Apple’s own A15 Bionic chip powers the iPad mini and transforms the tablet into a real powerful machine. It is the same SoC that also sees action in the iPhone 13 and provides excellent performance. If you want to know more about the performance of Apple’s latest processor, then I highly recommend you read our latest iPhone 13 review:

Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) camera

The iPad mini has both front and rear 12-megapixel sensors, with the selfie camera featuring an ultra-wide angle sensor, while the main rear camera is capable of shooting at up to 4K.

Pros

• Center Stage is available for the front camera and comes in handy for video calls.
• Decent front camera image quality.

Cons

What’s cool is that the Center Stage function is also possible with the front camera, a feature that Apple showed off for the very first time this year in the iPad Pro. The camera is able to follow you in video calls, ensuring that the person talking remains in FOCUS at all times. In addition, the iPad mini (2021) is able to recognize when other people or objects in the field of view become important and should also be blended in.

The 12-megapixel selfie camera delivers decent quality shots under good lighting conditions. Colors are accurately rendered, with skin tones looking realistic. Even during late afternoon video calls in the dimly lit home office, the quality holds.

The main camera at the back also offers the Apple-standard 12-megapixels. Picture quality is okay and sufficient to quickly take a few pictures of documents, scan a barcode, or even take a photo when you don’t want to take the smartphone out of your But seriously, who captures photos with their tablet?

The battery is good but not outstanding.

The iPad mini (2021) was made for those who are always mobile. Basically, you end up with a battery that can survive a full workday on the train or in the park is something that is important to take note of. Indeed, Apple does well here.

Cons

• Power users who perform video editing and other intensive tasks will run out of power on long workdays.
• Fast charging would be nice for power users in such cases.

Apple claims that the battery life of the iPad mini (2021) is able to run up to 10 hours. I can confirm this claim in reality. This means you are able to get through the day without plugging it into a charger even with heavy use. On undemanding days, it’s sometimes enough to go beyond that, although honestly speaking, I’m more of the I-charge-whenever-I-can type, so I rarely push the battery to its limit.

The battery in the iPad mini (2021) is therefore adequate for most users. But compared to the leap that the current iPhone generation has made in terms of battery life, the iPad mini (2021) lags behind by quite a bit.

Final verdict

Apple has done a great job with the iPad mini (2021), especially in considering most usage scenarios. how you use a product and what you use it mainly for. This is also the reason why I would pick up an iPad mini instead of an iPad Pro in the future, should I have to choose between the two models:

The iPad mini is simply much more compact compared to the iPad Pro, while the trade-offs are within my acceptable boundaries.

The iPad mini is not only much easier to carry around. It’s also far more comfortable and practical to hold! With a mobile keyboard, it is also suitable for working on more intensive tasks.

However, when writing extremely long and complex texts (hello, CMS!) or working on detailed presentations, the iPad mini eventually reaches its limits. The same applies to photo editing or video editing: the larger the display, the easier life gets.

iPad Pro or iPad mini?

So the question remains: Which iPad should I buy for myself: an iPad Pro or an iPad mini? My answer to that question lies in your personal needs and usage pattern. Given the current iPad lineup, it would clearly be the iPad mini (2021).

For those who are looking for a mobile tablet that will mainly suffice for regular work such as taking notes, simple presentations, emails or small texts, and will otherwise be used mainly for mobile browsing, gaming and entertainment, the iPad mini 2021 is really highly recommended to everyone.

Sure, for the really big tasks, I’ll still use my notebook or my iMac. But the iPad mini (2021) has also gotten larger in terms of viewing real estate without a physically bigger chassis. The gap to a full-fledged computer has shrunk, and I’ve become a true iPad mini fan in recent weeks.

Apple iPad mini 6 (2021)

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iPad mini 6 (2021) review

The iPad Mini is back for 2021 – and it’s bigger and better than ever.

Pros

• Great leaps in performance and battery life
• Bright, sharp and vibrant display
• Beautiful design with easy-to-use controls
• Support for Apple Pencil (second-generation)

Cons

It’s been almost a decade since Apple unveiled the first iPad mini at an October launch event back in 2012. In that time, the tech giant has released five successors – the most recent of which, dubbed iPad mini (6th generation), made its debut in September 2021.

Unlike the iPhone and larger iPads that are refreshed annually, the iPad mini hasn’t seen as much love from Apple. It hasn’t had anywhere near as many upgrades, and we’ve been waiting since 2019 to see a refreshed model. The wait was so long, relatively, that we half expected to have seen the last of the iPad mini range with the iPad mini 5. Yet, in true Apple style, the brand threw us a curveball. The iPad mini 6 is notably different in a number of ways yet still stays true to the format.

In our sixth-generation iPad mini review, we put Apple’s curveball to the test to see if there is still a place for a smaller iPad. Especially one that costs as much as it does, and similarly sized tablets are available for a lot less.

We make comparisons to the iPad mini 5 throughout this review, but if you’re keen to delve more into the details of the now-discontinued tablet from 2019, head to our iPad mini 5 review.

• iPad mini 6 review: summary
• What is the iPad mini 6?
• How much is the iPad mini 6?
• iPad mini 6 features
• iPad mini 6 screen quality
• iPad mini 6 camera
• iPad mini 6 design
• iPad mini 6 set-up
• iPad mini 6 battery and performance
• Our verdict
• Where to buy

iPad mini 6 review: summary

Price: Wi-Fi only: £479 (64GB), £619 (256GB); Wi-Fi and Cellular: £619 (64GB), £759 (256GB)

Key features

• 8.3-inch Retina display iPad powered by Apple’s iPad OS
• TouchID sensor built into the physical Home button
• Support for the second-generation Apple Pencil (sold separately)
• 12MP Wide camera with True Tone flash
• Ultra-Wide FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage
• Built-in Siri voice controls
• Up to 256GB storage
• Pre-installed apps and the Apple App Store give you access to a host of entertainment and productivity tools, including games, TV shows, music, podcasts, books, notes, reminders and more
• Can be used for browsing, streaming, games, drawing, and note taking
• HomeKit app allows you to control compatible Smart devices via the tablet
• Great leaps in performance and battery life
• Bright, sharp and vibrant display
• Beautiful design with easy-to-use controls
• Support for Apple Pencil (second-generation)

What is the iPad mini 6?

The sixth-generation iPad mini – often referred to as iPad mini 6 or iPad mini (2021) – is the latest small-form tablet to join the iPad lineup. Revealed at an event in September 2021 alongside a new iPad and the iPhone 13 range, the iPad mini 6 is both larger and more expensive than any of the mini models that have come before.

On the same day, Apple discontinued the previous fifth-generation iPad mini/iPad mini 5, although you can still buy this tablet from third-party retailers.

In the two years between the iPad mini 5’s release and Apple debuting the iPad mini 6, a number of features have seen significant upgrades. For the first time, the iPad mini comes with an 8.3-inch display, up from the 7.9-inch screens seen on all previous minis.

The rear camera has been upgraded from 8MP to 12MP, akin to that seen on the iPhone 13 devices, while the front camera now has a 12MP Ultra Wide lens (up from 7MP) and supports a feature called Center Stage. Center Stage allows the front-facing camera to remain fixed on you and your face as you make video calls or join conferences. This means you can walk around the room, and it will follow your every move, even widening automatically when new people enter the scene. Center Stage was introduced on the iPad Pro (2021) but is now available on the iPad mini 6 as well as the 2021 iPad.

Underneath the hood, the iPad mini 6 is powered by the A15 Bionic Chip. This is the most substantial improvement made to this most recent model and is three generations of chip processing power and speed better than the A12 found on the iPad mini 5. You can read more about this in our battery life and performance section below, but the A15 Bionic Chip brings significant benefits. It’s so cutting-edge, it’s the same chip found in Apple’s newest flagship phones. This, along with its larger size, goes some way to justifying the price increase from £399 on the iPad mini 5 up to £479 for the latest model.

You can buy the iPad mini 6 with Wi-Fi only or with Wi-Fi and cellular. The latter starts at £619, and not only does this mean you’re paying more for the tablet itself, but you’ll also need to pay extra for a mobile contract if you want to take full advantage of the cellular capabilities. For many, being able to use the iPad mini 6 on the go will be a dealbreaker but, based on our experiences, save yourself the hassle – and £140 – by buying the Wi-Fi model and hotspotting off your phone.

The iPad mini 6 is available with 64GB or 256GB storage. This follows suit from the iPad mini 5 but is limited in comparison to all the iPad mini models that came before. Each of those models offered 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. As with all Apple products, there is no option to expand this storage via microSD. You can only upgrade this storage virtually via iCloud for an extra monthly fee.

Elsewhere, the iPad mini 6 offers support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which is sold separately.

What does iPad mini 6 do?

• Ultra-Wide, FaceTime HD camera offers support for Center Stage
• Media streaming with the Apple TV app, which acts as a remote control for Apple TV streaming boxes; a library for any video content purchased from the iTunes store; and a hub to find and watch Apple TV Plus shows (for subscribers)
• Netflix, BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub, SkyGo and Disney available from the Apple App Store, as are thousands of gaming, entertainment, health and wellbeing apps
• Apple Books and Podcasts have their own apps, as does the iTunes Store
• iPad mini additionally comes with Apple’s pre-installed apps, including Books, Files, Find My, Photo Booth, Safari, Translate, Voice Memos and more
• It additionally comes with free apps including Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, Apple Store, Clips, Swift Playgrounds and Support
• The iPad mini can be used to control and manage Smart home devices via HomeKit
• iCloud support means you can sync all content, purchases, and downloads across multiple Apple devices, including Macs, other iPads and iPhones
• Support for the second-generation Apple Pencil (sold separately for £119) turns the iPad mini into a notebook and sketchpad

How much is iPad mini 6?

The iPad mini comes in two storage sizes – 64GB and 256GB – and is available with Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and cellular.

The prices, when bought directly from Apple, are as follows:

• iPad mini 64GB storage with Wi-Fi: £479
• iPad mini 64GB storage with Wi-Fi cellular: £619
• iPad mini 256GB storage with Wi-Fi: £619
• iPad mini 256GB storage with Wi-Fi cellular: £759

You can also buy the iPad mini from the following places:

• Currys: From £479
• Very: £479
• Amazon: From £469
• John Lewis: From £399
• Argos: From £479
• AO.com: From £479

Is the iPad mini 6 good value for money?

The iPad mini has historically been a relatively affordable way to enter the Apple tablet market. At its previous price of £399, it could never be described as cheap, but by coming in under the £400 mark, it at least felt attainable. With its latest refresh, Apple has pushed the price up to £479 for the entry-level model, and this feels like a substantial difference.

As with all Apple products, you do ultimately get what you pay for. The amount of tech that is now inside the iPad mini 6, not to mention its larger size, means that it wouldn’t have made economic sense for Apple to price it the same as its smaller, less powerful predecessors. Yet, this also means it will price it out of reach for many, too.

If you can afford this increase, and you don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with the larger iPads in the range, then the iPad mini is a fantastic device. You’ll get the most value for money if you’re an existing Apple customer, but even if you’re not, there is enough here to hit the sweet spot of functionality and portability. It’s also head and shoulders above its rivals, meaning you’re unlikely to be disappointed with your (albeit extravagant) purchase.

iPad mini 6 features

Anything the iPhone can do, the iPad mini can do better. Well, almost.

By running on iPad OS, the tablet version of the regular mobile iOS, the iPad mini 6 comes with all the same apps and many of the same features seen on even the most recent iPhones. Granted, it doesn’t have Cinematic Mode or Photographic Styles seen on the iPhone 13. Nor does it come with quite the level of technical power and specs as the iPhone 13 Pro range. However, with the recent camera upgrades and the addition of the A15 Bionic Chip, it can certainly give earlier iPhones more than a run for their money. On the other hand, the larger screen and support for Apple Pencil open up a huge number of use cases that aren’t possible on any of the phones.

Of course, you’re unlikely to buy one or the other. They address different needs, but we make the comparison to show just how far the technology on the iPad mini 6 has come.

It offers the full catalogue of apps via the Apple App Store and, if you’re an existing Apple customer, you can connect your iPad mini 6 to your iCloud account. This means you’ll get full access to all your settings, downloads, shows, games, purchases and more on every device. And this access is constantly synced across these devices. For Non-Apple customers, it just means you’ll have to manually add the apps you want as you go.

As with all Apple products, the iPad mini 6 comes preloaded with a whole host of Apple apps and services, plus a selection from Apple’s partners. This includes Music, Apple TV, Podcasts, Books, GarageBand, Swift Playground, and News on the entertainment and hobby side of things. It has Clips and iMovie video creation and editing tools; Fitness and Health apps to keep track of all things exercise, health and wellbeing; plus productivity apps including Voice Memos, Reminders, Notes, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and Files.

The downside to all these free tools is that they take up a large chunk of storage. 15GB, to be precise. This does include the operating system, but if you’re looking at getting the 64GB model, that’s almost a third of the storage gone in one fell swoop.

It is possible to remove as many or as few of these apps as you like, so if you’ve got a lot of your own apps, files, photos and more to sync, you might want to be particular about what you keep.

Surprisingly, Apple has stuck with Touch ID for the iPad mini 6, rather than introducing the Face ID features seen on almost every other device. On the iPad mini 6, the Touch ID sensor has been embedded into the Power button (as it is on the iPad Air), and it’s done away with the physical Home button entirely. For us, as iPhone users, the removal of this button for on-screen controls is familiar. However, our toddler struggles to use the iPad mini 6 as easily as he did the iPad mini 5. He often swipes apps away or moves between them accidentally, and it’s been a steeper learning curve for him.

The iPad mini 5 was the first to support the Apple Pencil, and we’re thrilled to see that the iPad mini 6 has not only carried over this support but that it now supports the Apple Pencil 2. While the original Apple Pencil is a great accessory, it lacks some of the smarter gesture controls as seen on the latest, second-gen model, and this meant we were missing certain productivity gains when using it with the iPad mini 5. Thankfully, all of these gains are back with the iPad mini 6 and Apple Pencil 2.

We knocked a point off the score of the iPad mini’s features because, while it offers a whole lot, it’s missing some of the fantastic photography additions recently made to the iPhone range. Plus, not all app developers have rendered their apps to suit the larger screen yet. This isn’t Apple’s fault, of course, but it does lessen the quality and experience at times.

iPad mini 6 screen quality

Aside from the larger display on the iPad mini 6 – 8.3-inch up from the iPad mini 5’s 7.9-inch – the screen quality has also had an upgrade. For the first time on an iPad mini, the screen panel uses Liquid Retina Display technology. This, alongside True Tone and support for the P3 wide colour gamut, as well as a new anti-reflective screen, makes the iPad mini 6 display super bright and vibrant. Text is sharp and clear, and the contrast is great, which means that whether you’re playing games, watching Squid Game or reading via the Kindle app, you’ll get the content as it was intended. All without having to find the perfect angle to watch from.

Apple claims the anti-reflective screen coating gives this tablet the “lowest reflectivity in the industry” – at 1.8%. It is noticeably less reflective than our iPhone, our iPad mini 5 and other Apple devices we own, and this means it’s great for use in brightly lit rooms or when outside.

This all combines to put the iPad mini leagues above the displays found on rival 8-inch tablets, particularly those from Amazon.

iPad mini 6 design

Despite being packed full of new technology, from a faster processor to a more efficient battery and improved camera sensors, the iPad mini 6 is still remarkably thin and light. In fact, it’s only 0.2mm thicker than the iPad mini 5, at 6.3mm. All while being lighter than the iPad mini 5. Although the difference is marginal and barely noticeable in hand, this is a technological achievement, and we’re impressed.

Apple always makes well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing products, and the iPad mini 6 is no exception. It’s comfortable to hold, even for long periods, and it’s lightweight enough to be portable.

The outer enclosure is made from aluminium which gives it a premium, luxury feel but, due to the combination of its size and lightweight design, it does make it feel like the iPad mini 6 could break easily should it be dropped. As a result, and as is the case with all Apple products, we do recommend you buy a case or stand to absorb any damage.

Although the display is advertised as 8.3-inch because of the curved corners of the device, the actual viewing display is a tad smaller than this. The bezels are also noticeably large and a little intrusive, but the benefit to this is that it’s comfortable to hold without worrying you’ll knock the screen. On the plus side, however, and despite the larger display, the iPad mini 6 is noticeably smaller than the iPad mini 5. This is because the latter had to make room around the edges for the physical Home button.

Port-wise, the iPad mini 6 has a USB-C port. Then there is a power button, which can also be used to enable Siri, on the top of the device, with the volume buttons sitting on the top edge, to the right. The speakers sit on either side of the charging port at the bottom and between these buttons on the top. This makes the sound feel much more immersive and less tinny than previous models.

Colour-wise, the iPad mini 6 is available in four new finishes – Purple, Pink, Starlight, and Space Gray.

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iPad mini 6 camera

Few of us will likely buy an iPad, or any tablet for that matter, purely for its camera technology. However, with the upgrades seen on the iPad mini 6, we wanted to give Apple a nod for the photography improvements seen on this new tablet.

The rear-facing 12MP camera does, for the first time on an iPad mini, let you shoot in 4K. It also takes beautiful, detail-rich photos thanks to an improved lens and sensor, as well as Apple’s hardware and software integration. The portability and lightweight nature of iPad mini 6 makes this tablet much more suited to taking videos and photos on the go, and it comes with modes Apple fans will be familiar with, including Panorama, Slo-mo video, Burst mode, and time-lapse. Sadly, it doesn’t come with some of the photography improvements seen on the iPhone 13 range, such as Cinematic Mode or Photography Styles.

However, it’s the front-facing, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage that has really caught our attention. It allows us to make video calls more easily while cooking dinner, for example, or while chasing our toddler around the room. We don’t have to be constantly moving the angle for our family members to see us. The quality of the camera is great for video conferences, too, and we no longer take our laptop with us when we’re working on the go. We can do everything we need to do on the iPad mini 6.

iPad mini 6 set-up

If you’re an Apple fan and already have Apple products in your home, you’ll know the drill when it comes to setting up the iPad mini 6. Even if you’re not, though, a step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of connecting the tablet to your Wi-Fi, adding TouchID fingerprints, setting up Siri voice controls and enabling various Privacy settings.

You can choose to set the iPad up manually, or use a backup. If you’re an existing Apple customer, the latter simply means signing in to your account. However, if you’re setting this tablet up for a child or as a new device, you can also skip this sign in step and add all the appropriate apps and settings manually.

If you’re not an existing Apple customer, you’ll be asked to create an Apple ID. Technically you don’t need an Apple ID to use the device, but if you want to add any apps or take advantage of many of the Apple features, you’ll eventually need one.

iPad mini 6 battery life and performance

On one hand, Apple claims the iPad mini 6 has ‘all-day’ battery life. However, when you delve a little deeper, this is listed more specifically as 10 hours. Not really what we’d describe as ‘all-day’, and a claim that falls a little short of the 24 hours we expected.

In reality, though, the battery lasts somewhere in between. In our looping video test, in which we play an HD video on repeat at 70% brightness and with aeroplane mode enabled, the iPad mini 6 took a little under 11 hours to go from full charge to flat. Yet, when we used the tablet as we would normally do – which includes a couple of hours of browsing, half an hour playing SimCity, around five hours of Spotify and some TikTok – the iPad mini 6 did actually last all day. We didn’t have to plug it in to charge until the following morning.

While this is impressive, the biggest draw of the iPad mini 6 for us is just how fast and powerful it is. It’s noticeably slicker than the iPad mini 5 and on par with our iPhone 13 Pro Max.

This is because it’s running on the same A15 Bionic chip found in the latest handsets. This not only increases power efficiency – which explains the great battery life – but it also powers a host of intense tasks, such as editing 4K videos and playing immersive games. The iPad mini 6 has a new 6-core CPU alongside a 5-core GPU, plus a 16-core Neural Engine and machine learning accelerators.

Apple claims that the A15 Bionic chip delivers a 40 per cent increase in performance over the previous iPad mini and why we can’t quantify this, we can confirm that it’s a powerhouse.

Our verdict: should you buy the iPad mini 6?

As always seems to be the case with each iteration of the iPad mini, the iPad mini 6 was worth the wait. In the wider iPad and iPhone range, the iPad mini 6 always felt like an entry-level device that was lacking in a number of places but which had a relatively low price to match.

Yes, Apple has increased the price of the iPad mini 6, but it’s also significantly ramped up the specs to warrant this increase. Whereas previous models have been best suited for entertainment, the power improvements on the iPad mini 6 make it much more suitable for productivity, creative and work tasks – suitability that is bolstered by support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and its larger screen. This will increase its appeal to a broader audience.

By increasing the screen size, Apple has also helped distance the iPad mini from its range of iPhones. Previous models were marginally larger and often came with far lower specs, so it was tricky to justify buying both.

Performance-wise, this tablet can do almost anything you want it to do. Hardware-wise, it’s easy-to-hold, easy-to-use and versatile. The price is the only real sticking point, but if you can afford it, you – and/or your kids – will be getting a lot of bang for your buck.

iPad Mini review: A huge update to Apple’s tiniest iPad

Apple’s new iPad Mini hits stores on Friday. I’ve been using one for the past several days.

Apple typically updates its iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pros each year. But the 499 iPad Mini is unique. The last refresh was in 2019, and Apple typically sells it for a few years as an option for people who want a smaller tablet.

It isn’t a watered-down tablet. It has Apple’s latest chip, newer than the one even in the 549 iPad Air, and has a nicer screen and better speakers than the regular 329 iPad.

It’s also the first major redesign of the iPad Mini since the original model launched in 2012.

Apple’s iPad business continues to grow, likely driven by the pandemic as people find new ways to work and learn from home. iPad revenues were up 12% year over year during Apple’s fiscal third quarter. It launched new iPad Pros in May and is keeping that momentum going with the new iPad Mini and a new regular iPad.

The iPad Mini is the more exciting of the two since Apple made some big design updates to it. But small-screened iPads aren’t for everyone. Most people like having a big portable screen that can double as a work device, or one that offers a larger display for movies and other entertainment. But some people want something smaller, and that’s where the iPad Mini fits in.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s good

The iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch screen, which is smaller than the 10.2-inch regular iPad and the 10.9-inch iPad Air. But it’s bigger than the 7.9-inch screen in the last iPad mini thanks to the removal of the home button.

It’s like holding a really big iPhone compared with the other iPads. That makes it more appealing if you spend a lot of time on your iPad reading books, or want to use it to write down notes. It’s more of a portable gaming/video/reading machine than, say, something you’d want to pull out and attach a keyboard to for work or school. The screen is too small for that. And Apple doesn’t even make a keyboard for it.

I love the size. It’s perfect for reading on the couch, sort of the same way I’d use a Kindle, but with the option to also listen to music, continue texting with friends or check in on my fantasy football team. I’ve been a big iPad Mini fan since the first model was introduced, and I dig that it’s all-screen now, without a home button. Instead, there’s a small fingerprint reader in the power button, just like on the iPad Air. It takes some getting used to if you’re used to a home button or Face ID on an iPhone or iPad.

It has Apple’s latest A15 processor, which gives it a 40% processor bump and 80% graphics bump from the A12 chip used in its predecessor. It’s a noticeable change over my aging iPad Mini from 2019, especially now that Apple’s latest iPad update includes things like home screen widgets and improved multitasking. The graphics bump really just means it will hold up to the latest games and photo or video editing apps better than the last version, though serious photogs should consider the Pro models, which are more powerful.

Apple also added a 5G option to the iPad Mini for the first time, which means you can download apps, music and movies faster if you’re away from home. But you’ll pay an additional 150 for 5G support. It doesn’t support the fastest mmwave flavor of 5G like the iPhones and iPad Pro do, but those mmwave networks are still really sparse and you need to be standing near the tower to use them, so I don’t think that’s a huge loss right now.

The cameras also received a much-needed upgrade. I don’t take photos with my iPad, since the one on my iPhone is always better and easier to reach for, but it’s a sharper 12-megapixel resolution and is still useful for snapping pictures of documents or other things you need to sign. The front-facing 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens is a more important upgrade. It replaces the lower-quality 7-megapixel camera on the older model and now supports Center Stage, which made its debut in the iPads Pro in May. It’s a great new feature, also in the new regular iPad, which tracks you as you move around during a video chat. It works great and I’m glad Apple started to bring this to all of its iPads instead of just the more expensive Pro models.

Several other updates bring the iPad Mini on par with its more expensive siblings. It has stereo speakers so you don’t hear sound coming out of just one side while watching a movie, a nice improvement from the older model. It also uses USB-C charging just like other iPads and MacBooks instead of Apple’s Lightning plug that is uses on iPhones. I just wish Apple would ditch the Lightning charger on its iPhones, too, so I could carry just one cable with me.

I don’t use the Apple Pencil often, but it’s super handy to have when I need to sign something. The new iPad Mini supports the better second-generation Apple Pencil, which sticks to the side of the tablet and charges magnetically. I used it to sign several child-care documents. Artists might like the feature that allows the smaller iPad to double as a portable sketchbook. Plus, the iPad software also supports the pencil for all sorts of stuff, such as writing in search bars, converting notes from handwriting to text and dragging and dropping photos. It’s useful to keep the pencil in your bag for when you need it.

Battery life remains about the same as the last iPad mini. Apple promises up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music. That drops to nine hours if you’re on cellular. I found those claims are pretty accurate, using the device for about three hours per night three nights in a row for reading and browsing Reddit before I needed to recharge it. As usual, your mileage will vary depending on what you’re doing. Playing games will drain it faster, for example.

What’s bad

The volume buttons take some getting used to. They’re on the top if you’re holding the tablet in portrait mode, instead of on the side like on other iPads.

I’m spoiled by the far nicer ProMotion displays on the iPads Pro. It’s just a lot smoother for scrolling through a news article or apps like Apple sees ProMotion as something for professionals, though, which is also why it’s included only on Apple’s new iPhone 13 Pro models. I’d like to see it filter down to all of its products at some point.

The same goes for Face ID. While that appears only in Apple’s Pro iPads right now, it’s just so convenient that I’d like to see it on the iPad Mini. Instead, Apple embedded a fingerprint reader into the power button on the side of the iPad.

Also, without those Face ID sensors, you miss out on some of the fun Memoji that you might be used to sending to friends from your iPhone. It’s minor, but I missed Face ID on my iPad Pro, which unlocks instantly when I look at it.

Lastly, Apple sells only two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. You shouldn’t buy a tablet with 64GB of storage if you’re planning to download a bunch of apps and movies. Apple doesn’t even sell a 64GB iPhone 13 this year. Still, the 64GB is fine if you just need a little email and reading device, which I think is how most people probably think about the iPad Mini. But, if you do need all the bells and whistles, you’ll spend another 150, or 650 total, for the 256GB model. It costs 799 if you want that version with 5G.

That’s where things get tricky. I still think the iPad Mini has a lot of features you don’t even get in the iPad Air (Center Stage camera, 5G and a new processor). But you’re paying a lot for portability when you could get a still-great iPad Air with a larger screen and 256GB of storage for 749. And you can work on that if you add Apple’s expensive but very good 299 Magic Keyboard.

Should you buy it?

If you’re a fan of the iPad Mini, or have always wanted a smaller iPad, then yes, the iPad Mini is a good buy. I’ve always owned the smaller iPad and this is a nice big upgrade to the aging fifth-generation model.

But if you’re not dead-set on having the smallest iPad, you can save a lot of money and just get the iPad Air or even the regular iPad, which starts at 329 but lacks stereo speakers and does not support the new Pencil, 5G or some other modern options.

iPhones, iPads, Accessories and Apps for Filmmaking

If you own an iPhone, you’ve always got a small, easy-to-use camera in your It’s great for filming where other cameras would attract too much attention. Video quality can be excellent, so they’re increasingly being used for news and documentary. People have even shot feature films with them.

You can also edit on them, though the free iMovie is a bit limited on the phone screen: it’s easier on the iPad. I prefer VN Editor, which is also free. LumaFusion has more professional features. I edit my own iPhone videos using Final Cut Pro X on a Mac.

Why doesn’t everybody film on them?

You can get soft, ‘noisy’ images in low light, and you may get flare when you shoot into the light. The lens doesn’t have true optical zoom, it’s hard to use FOCUS creatively, and the microphone struggles in wind and background noise. But if you avoid shooting in difficult light – and you use the right accessories – you can get remarkably good video out of iPhones.

If you already have a recent iPhone or Android phone, you could also consider getting the DJI : it’s a little stabilised camera that can use your phone as a screen.

iPhone or iPad?

Reasons to buy an iPhone:

Reasons to buy an iPad:

• The bigger screen is better for editing
• Most are less expensive than iPhones
• Some (not the Pro and Air models) have a 3.5mm minijack for connecting headphones and microphones.

You can shoot on your iPhone then move your clips onto another device – such as an iPad or Mac – for editing. AirDrop, found on all recent iOS devices and Macs, makes this easy.

Apple have removed the headphone socket from all current phones: you’ll need a Lightning to TRRS dongle if you want to connect a microphone.

Which iPad or iPhone?

Every current iPad and iPhone can shoot Full HD video, and all the phones can shoot 4K and slow motion. iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards have optical zoom, which is better than digital zoom.

Video takes up a lot of space, so get a phone with plenty of memory. I’d aim for 256Gb or more.

You can save a lot of money by buying an older model, especially if you go for refurbished (make sure you get a guarantee).

iPhone SE

The 2020 iPhone SE is the cheapest current iPhone. Its single rear camera can shoot 4K video at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps slow motion, has extended dynamic range (better contrast handling) for standard video, and records stereo sound.

iPhone 12

These iPhones have twin lenses (Wide and Ultra Wide), plus Night mode for low light shooting, improved battery life, and twin lenses – wide and ultra wide. iPhone 12 models support 5G networks and have HDR video recording; the 12 Mini is more compact.

iPhone 13

There are several models. The basic iPhone 13 and mini have two lenses and better battery life than its predecessor. They also has ‘sensor-shift’ optical image stabilisation which may let you film handheld tracking shots without a separate stabiliser.

The Pro and Pro Max versions have Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto lenses. The main advantage over other iPhones is the introduction of ‘cinematic’ shallow FOCUS (only in 1080p HD), with the ability to rack FOCUS. They also have excellent image stabilisation.

iPhone 14

All these phones have an Action mode which shoots in stabilised ultra wide format. The Pro Max and Pro can record in the professional ProRes format. They handle contrast and low light better than older models.

Best iPad for filmmaking?

The basic iPad is the cheapest current Apple tablet, with up to 256Gb memory and a headphone jack, but it can only shoot 1080p HD and slow motion is limited to 720p.

The latest iPad mini can shoot 4K slow motion, and 1080p HD at up to 240fps. It doesn’t have a headphone jack so you’ll need an adapter.

The iPad Air can record 4K video at up to 60fps, and 1080p HD at up to 240fps. It doesn’t have a headphone socket so you’ll need an adapter.

The iPad Pro models come in two sizes, both with twin cameras. They can shoot 4K, have Full HD 240fps slow motion, continuous video autofocus, and optical image stabilisation. They come with up to 2Tb of memory. The top iPad Pro can record video in the professional ProRes format.

If you’re buying used or refurbished, go for a fairly recent model. iPads more than a year or two old can’t be upgraded to the most recent version of iOS. (Apple support phones for much longer.)

Used/refurbished iPhones

Choosing a used or refurbished phone saves money and emissions (around 80% of an iPhone’s lifetime carbon footprint goes into making it). My refurbished SE 2020 works just as well as a new one.

If you do upgrade, you could keep your old phone to get a second angle, or as a ‘crash cam’ in situations when you don’t want to wreck your expensive new phone. You can also use one with a lavalier (tieclip) mic as a cheap alternative to a radio mic: put it in the actor/presenter’s and sync it up later.

Essential accessories

The biggest issue with iPhone and iPad filmmaking is shaky video, followed by poor sound.

Keeping it steady

It’s tricky to hold a phone steady when you’re holding it horizontally for filming. A clamp or case with a vertical handle makes it much easier. (You could also use a selfie stick). If you can afford it, I’d recommend getting a stabiliser such as the Osmo Mobile. You may not need this if you opt for the Pro Max models because of their powerful built-in stabilisation.

All these clamps and cases (except for the MPod) have tripod sockets, so you can mount your device to any standard tripod.

I keep the ShoulderPod S2 in my bag: it’s well-made, secure and looks professional. It’s part of an extendable modular system, and has a standard tripod socket on the base.

I carry the little Joby MPod in my when I don’t have the Shoulderpod with me. It’s a combined mini-tripod and elasticated clamp: you can straighten out the legs to use as a handgrip.

You could also get an iOgrapher case for iPhones or iPads. These have handles for easy handholding, a tripod socket, a 37mm mount for fitting adapter lenses or filters, and cold shoes for mounting accessories like lights and microphones. Most are designed for specific phone models, though they also make an adaptable Multi Case (which doesn’t have a lens mount).

I’ve recently bought the versatile and inexpensive Zecti rig (above): it’s not as elegant or quick to set up as the iOgrapher, but it adapts to most phone sizes and includes two cold shoes, several brass tripod sockets, a spirit level and an adjustable mount for 17mm and 37mm adapter lenses.

The compact, versatile Manbily A-222M1 monopod is very affordable. It comes with a detachable tripod base. You can mount a clamp or case directly to it, or add a video head or ballhead. You can also fit the tripod screw to the base end and use it as a boom pole for high angle shots.

The Beastgrip phone case is more expensive than the other cases. But it’s adaptable for different phones, so you can keep it when you upgrade your phone. You can also adapt it with a depth of field adapter to fit professional SLR lenses.

The Padcaster gives you several different mounting positions for accessories. You can buy it as a bundle including a microphone and wide angle conversion lens. Some bundles, like this one for the iPad mini include a Lenscaster adapter which lets you mount SLR lenses for shallow FOCUS shots.

Sound

To improve the sound, you can connect separate microphones. You’ll need an Apple to Lightning adapter for microphones with a TRRS plug.

The Rode smartLav is a neat lavalier (tieclip) microphone designed specifically for phones.

The Boya BY-M1 is a bargain lavalier mic for cameras and smartphones. The quality and sound level are remarkable for the price.

You can connect professional microphones as well, but you’ll need a TRS-TRRS adapter.

I’ve done a comparison test of different iPhone microphone options.

Other accessories

Stabilisers

Electronic gimbal stabilisers are much quicker to set up than tripods, and allow you to shoot smooth tracking shots.

The DJI OM5 is foldable, with a magnetic quick-release system, and includes an extension rod for more versatility.

Check price/buy Amazon.com

The OM4 SE is heavier than the OM5 and lacks the extension rod. But it’s cheaper and its battery lasts over twice as long.

Check price/buy Amazon.com

Lenses

The cameras on iPads and single lens iPhones don’t go very wide when shooting stabilised video. (You can get a wider angle by using apps like Filmic Pro that let you turn off stabilisation).

You can add wide angle, telephoto and macro conversion lenses. Wide angle adapters are the most useful. You can get in closer and shoot in cramped spaces, and they make camera shake less obvious. But you’ll lose some sharpness.

The best quality iPhone lenses are made by Moment. You can get telephoto, wide angle, fisheye and anamorphic lenses. They’re fairly large and heavy and mount on Moment’s own cases. You can get telephoto, wide angle, fisheye and anamorphic lenses.

Lights

Small lights aren’t great for image quality, but they can be useful as ‘fill’ or for very low-light closeups.

The Aputure AL-M9 is very good value, compact and controllable. It has good colour rendition and comes with a couple of gels and a diffuser. You can handhold it or mount it on a cold shoe.

The iBlazr 2 is a compact and relatively powerful light that integrates with the Camera app.

You could use a rechargeable ringlight like the iSelfy to provide basic soft lighting and fill, but these cheap lights have poor colour rendition.

Power

A portable external battery/charger is a good idea, especially for timelapses. I use an Anker charger.

Filming apps

The Camera app bundled with iPhones and iPads is easy to use, intuitive and very stable. But it can’t film in standard European frame rates or at the 24fps used by filmmakers.

FiLMiC Pro lets you set manual FOCUS and exposure separately, choose different aspect ratios (screen shapes), frame rates and video quality, adjust colour balance, display overlays to help with exposure and FOCUS, and even ‘pull FOCUS’. It was used to shoot Tangerine, a feature-length iPhone movie selected for the Sundance film festival. Usefully, you can turn off video stabilisation to get the full benefit of the iPhone’s 29mm lens (stabilisation crops the image). But it’s not as stable or easy to use the Camera app.

Adobe Premiere Rush (see below) includes a camera app with manual control options and a choice of frame rates.

Editing apps

It’s easier to edit on the iPad rather than the iPhone as there’s more screen space. Some editing programs have more features in the iPad versions.

Apple’s iMovie (above) is easy to use and works on both devices. It lets you add cutaways and voiceovers, use just the audio from clips, and insert and add motion to still photos. But it’s only designed to work with video filmed on iOS devices, and serious filmmakers and mobile journalists will find it limited.

VN Video Editor is an impressive free editing app for iPhones, iPads, Android devices, PCs, and recent Macs.

LumaFusion brings a raft of pro editing features to both iPhone and iPad, with up to three video and three audio tracks, and far more flexibility and control than iMovie. It works with a range of different aspect ratios (screen shapes). But the interface is complex, especially on the phone.

Adobe’s Premiere Rush works on iPad, iPhone, Mac, PC and some Android devices. It’s mainly designed for online video creators.

VideoLeap offers sophisticated effects including keyframe animations, layers, chromakey (green screen) and more. There’s a free version, but to unlock all the professional features you need the paid version. You can pay monthly or annually, or with a one-time fee.

Training

I provide iPad/iPhone filmmaking training for businesses, organisations and individuals (online only during the current Covid pandemic).

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