Content consumption Vs Content creation. Apple’s iPad has been at the centre of this conundrum almost since its debut back at the turn of this decade. The more diminutive Mini is more sorted – this one’s always been a Content consumption device. The 2019 version is finally here (the fourth generation Mini was launched in 2015). For all those who expected Apple to extend its all-new iPad Pro design language to the Mini, this fifth generation iPad Mini might be a let-down. But if you’re looking for a compact tablet in 2019, the Mini is not only your best but probably the only option.
A lot has changed since 2012. When the Mini debuted, the largest iPhone display was 4 inches. Today, the iPhone XS Max sits at 6.5 inches. Large screen smartphones have almost made small tablets redundant. But Apple still thinks there’s room for a small tablet, and after spending a few days with the Mini we can understand why. You can’t tell between the new Mini and its predecessors. The home key lives on (no Face ID here) and so do those extra bezels that look dated. Colours are sharp on the 7.9-inch true tone display (1536 x 2048 pixels / 324 PPI). The 4:3 aspect ratio works really well for books and graphic novels.
But the big changes are under the hood. The Mini features 3GB of RAM and the same A12 Bionic processor that propels the iPhone XS. We noticed a massive difference over the previous gen iPad even as we pushed it over the edge with Asphalt 9. You can choose from 64GB and 256GB storage options. I’m not a big fan of snapping images with a tab, but the 8MP rear cam shoots decent images in optimal lighting. The 7MP selfie cam too, is a big improvement over the Mini 4’s 1.2MP cam. Battery life has always been the Mini’s strong suit and Apple’s 10-hour battery life promise for the 2019 Mini is not an exaggeration.
One of the coolest updates to the Mini is Apple Pencil support. It works only with the first generation Pencil (yes, the same version that you need to stick into your Mini like a spear to charge). I enjoyed using the Pencil on the Mini; it seems more natural to use it on the smaller iPad, especially while taking notes.
The Fifth generation iPad Mini is probably the most useful iPad for the average user. It’s thinner than the iPhone XS – it can squeeze into trousers with deep pockets and weighs just 300 grams. It’s perfect for movies on the go and e-books. The on-screen keyboard (especially on ‘split’ mode) allows you to dash off emails or work on Word docs. While you can add a third-party Bluetooth keyboard, it’s certainly no substitute for a MacBook. But neither is any other iPad. The iPad Mini’s credentials as a Content Consumption device still make it a relevant device and a great one at that.
The 64GB version of the iPad Mini costs Rs 34,900 (wi-fi) / Rs 48,900 (Wi-fi + cellular) while the 256GB variant is priced at Rs 45,900 (Wi-fi) / Rs 59,900 (Wi-fi + cellular). The Apple Pencil costs Rs 8,500/-