Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): Apple Intelligence, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 512GB, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Starlight

I got an iPad Mini to replace my Kindle Colorsoft for reading and it has been awesome. I was worried at first because I always enjoyed reading on an e-ink display and have used a Kindle since 2021. It did take me a week or so to adjust to the LCD screen on the iPad but now I don't notice it at all and it is well worth the switch to me. I made a list of pros because I wanted to be sure the money I was spending on an iPad was worth it. Here's my list broken into two parts - the first is specific to the iPad Mini and the second is based on the Kindle app vs reading on a Kindle device.iPad Mini Pros-Font is crystal clear and sharp with no ghosting-Better auto-brightness (I never have to fiddle with the brightness!! I hated this on the Kindle!)-Auto-warmth (I set mine to sundown to sunrise)-Integrated Audible control (can control via the Control Panel or in the Kindle app, and can access Audible app)-Integrated music control (don't have to pick up my phone every time I want to set/control background music)-Great for reading manga (images are clear and you can turn the iPad sideways to show 2 pages at once)-Maps are a lot easier to see and you can zoom in on them-Device is more responsive overall (faster page turning, faster highlighting, faster loading times)-The ability to access other apps (I use OneNote and Notes when I read, nice to have Goodreads app too)-Aluminum backing is comfortable, durable and easy to clean and there are fun color options-Very comfortable to hold in your hand and feels premium-The lock button is on the top rather than on the bottom of the device-More customization for lock screen and home screen (can incorporate character art, quotes, book covers, etc.)-All the additional built-in functionality of an iPad not related to readingKindle App Pros (these functions are not available on the Kindle devices)-Continuous scroll option-Page turn animations-You can customize the information that shows when you tap bottom left of page-You can show a reading progress bar on the lock screen (I prefer a progress bar to a percentage)-"Search in book" function (can highlight a word/name and search the book rather than using Search function)-"Search on web" function (helpful to me when there's a word I want a visual of, such as a castle "crenulation")-Can view your reading streaks and challengesThe things I miss from the Kindle is the always-on display that shows the cover of the book, the ability to import custom fonts, the ability to bold the font (idk why this isn't a thing on the Kindle app), and the longer battery life.The battery life on the iPad Mini is the only con I have, but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I read about 1-2 hours a day and can get 4-5 days out of the battery before I have to charge it if I'm only reading. If I use the iPad for other content like watching videos in addition to reading, I get 2-3 days of battery life. I don't mind charging it because I have a charger always out and ready to go and it charges quickly so it doesn't impact my experience much.Overall, I'm glad I tried the iPad Mini and don't plan on going back to a Kindle device. I'm hoping Apple continues to update the iPad Minis with features like the always-on display and OLED screens.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Reviews for Apple products are almost not required. The quality of the product itself speaks for itself. Most reviews are about how good of a fit. It is for the consumer who purchased it. I purchased this particular product for its size. I have a iPad Pro and another iPad, I guess not pro. I was looking for something that was larger than a phone but smaller than the 12 inch iPad. I use various tools on the iPad for my work, but I needed something a little smaller that would fit on the desk. I’ve had this item for. About 3 1/2 months and I still love it. The text on the screen can get pretty small depending on what you set it at but the crispness of the text even at a small size is amazing. I know a lot of people don’t care for Apple products because of the price. I have been able to move past that. I have watched my sister replace her android tablet twice since I have had my first iPad. So why I would recommend any Apple product, I would definitely recommend the iPad mini for someone who is looking for a powerful tablet that is in a small package.

We love it. These Ipad minis are fast. It took me awhile to get used to my normal thumb "Home" button not being there on the new one but I have made the transition to the new ipad with no other issues. It's fast. The screen quality is great and the definition is better than the old one (yet the definition on the old one still isn't bad). My wife and I both love the screen size of the Minis, they're much easier to take with you on the go and most of the time when we travel it rides along in her purse. The larger ipads are cool too but definitely more bulky than the minis. I think we purchased our last Ipad mini in 2017 or there about. The old one is still working fine though the battery is a bit weak and Apple stopped allowing software updates, making it useless for some everyday uses. I fully expect this one to last a few years without issue, unless Apple stops software updates.

I love my iPad mini! This serves as my second so I got the basic - no cellular. I still use my mini 6. I do everything from taking notes , reading, watching videos - almost everything I would do on a laptop. I use a mini Bluetooth keyboard and take it to the library or coffee shop. I’m rarely without my mini.I had the first mini until 5 came out. I didn’t need another until my 5 fell and smashed then I got the 6 which still works great. I bought the A17 recently and I love it. I need nothing else! This was my first time not buying from Apple directly so I was concerned. But so far everything is as expected including Apple care.The size of an iPad mini is perfect. I’ve tried the 12.9 inch pro , the iPad air and the regular (got it through school 2018-still works so I gave it away) I think the mini might also be the most durable, too.

The Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, Wi-Fi, Blue) is hands down the best ultra-portable tablet I’ve used. It fits perfectly in one hand, yet delivers a full-featured iPad experience with the power of Apple’s latest chip and a gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display.I chose the Wi-Fi-only 128GB model, which hits the sweet spot for price and functionality. It’s been ideal for web browsing, streaming, and educational apps, making it a great value for focused, everyday use without the need for cellular connectivity.Performance is snappy, the all-day battery life is reliable, and Touch ID remains simple and secure. For anyone looking for a compact, high-performance tablet at a reasonable price, this is the one to beat. I’m thoroughly satisfied.