iPad mini (2021) Review: small in size, big in performance

Despite its outdated design, the iPad mini (2019) was really my favorite tablet. That while I could also really enjoy the iPad Air from 2020. The only thing that disappointed me about this tablet was the size and in that regard, the iPad mini (2021) is just right.

It is therefore clear that I am enthusiastic about the arrival of this new iPad mini (2021). But is that enthusiasm really justified? I’ve been working with the tablet for the past 13 days and I’ll give you the answer in this review.

iPad mini (2021): what does the tablet have to offer you?

The iPad mini (2021) has been given a completely new look. Not only on the outside, but also on the inside. To give you a good impression of what the tablet has to offer you, I have listed the most important specifications for you:

• Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
• Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
• Random access memory: 4GB
• Storage capacity: 64GB / 256GB
• Battery: 19.3wh Li-ION
• To upload: 20W
• Camera system: 12 megapixel wide lens (f/1.8)
• selfie camera: 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera (f/2.4)
• Software: iPad OS 15
• Weight: 293 grams (Wi-Fi) / 297 grams (LTE)
• Size: 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm
• Color options: Space Gray, Pink, Purple and Starlight

The iPad mini (2021) is for sale from €556. For that price you get the new tablet with 64GB of storage capacity. If you want more, you can opt for the 256GB model of €729.

iPad mini (2021): 5 things that are new

Unlike its predecessor, quite a few things have changed with the iPad mini (2021). That’s why I list the biggest improvements and changes for you:

#1 Finally a new design

You’ve probably already seen and heard it: the iPad mini (2021) has a new design. Considering the 2019 model was already outdated, this was certainly not a wrong decision. In terms of design, the tablet is more in line with models such as the iPad Air (2020), iPad Pro (2021) and the iPhone 13 series. Not only a more angular design, but also more color options, so.

#2 Better display

In addition to the design, the display of the iPad mini (2021) has also been overhauled. The screen is therefore not 7.9-inch, but 8.3-inch. That is a significant improvement, especially if you put the specifications next to it. For example, the screen has a brightness of 500 nits, it supports True Tone and a wide color gamut is used.

#3 More powerful than the iPad Air (2020)

It’s pretty funny to see Apple dodging the question, but the iPad mini (2021) is definitely more powerful than the iPad Air from 2020. This is mainly due to the fact that this model is equipped with the new A15 Bionic chip from apple. Although we are dealing with a device that is slightly more reduced in performance than, for example, the iPhone.

#4 Improved camera system

The iPad mini (2021) is the first mini-tablet to be equipped with a so-called camera bump. That simply means that the system sticks out a bit. Not a big deal, because you get a slightly better camera system in return. Although the biggest change is mainly in the selfie camera. This time, the iPad mini uses a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a viewing angle of 122 degrees. Sufficient to enable Center Stage functionality.

#5 New connection

It took a while, but Apple will finally bring USB-C to the iPad mini in 2021. So the tablet leaves the Lighting Port and switches. That is nice, because in addition to faster loading times, consumers now also have the opportunity to use their USB-C accessories on this model.

iPad mini (2021): the ideal tablet ‘for me’

The iPad mini (2021) is mainly due to its size. Due to its size and weight, this remains the ideal tablet for on the go. You simply take it with you very easily and that makes it the ideal tablet for me. Now I understand that it may not help you, but it says a lot about this model.

The compact design makes this the ideal model for playing games and reading content. Bigger than an iPhone and smaller than a regular tablet: that’s exactly what I like so much. Watching movies and series is also excellent, although this is made a little less attractive due to the compact design. Not a problem for me, because I don’t normally do this either.

So I mainly use the iPad mini (2021) as an extension of my iPhone 13 and that means that the battery life is more than sufficient for me. It is also good to know that the battery lasts less long than with larger tablets, but knows how to leave the iPhone behind. A day or two can easily be saved with the iPad mini (2021) and that is very nice. Just like the Apple Pencil 2 support, by the way.

It took me a while to appreciate that addition. As with the rest of the model, you also have to look at this part differently than with other tablets. Yes, it is annoying to use the iPad mini (2021) with the Apple Pencil 2 attached. But it’s ideal to hold the pen in your hand and use it when you need it. So I take it off during use, hold it in my hand and then stick it back on to charge it.

All of this is precisely why the iPad mini (2021) is the ideal tablet for me. But that doesn’t have to be the case for you. You really have to like the size to appreciate it. If the above does not appeal to you, then it may be that you are looking for something else when we talk about “the ideal tablet”.

iPad mini (2021): not used to Apple

Unfortunately, not everything is completely personal and there are also things that, almost everyone will notice. Starting with the operating system: iPadOS 15. I’ve never seen it at Apple before, but I’m starting to get the sense that the company itself isn’t ready for the iPad mini (2021). The software does not work as well as I am used to.

On the one hand, this has to do with the fact that widgets are smaller. Compared to other iPad models logical, compared to the iPhone very striking. A shame, because I notice that I hardly use them because of this. The iPad mini (2021) also suffers from a much too large keyboard in landscape mode, so that it takes up more than half of your tablet.

Perhaps logical, but also something that I am not used to from Apple. Just like the fact that your Apple Pencil is thicker than your iPad mini (2021). It makes a very small difference, but the stylus is physically slightly thicker. Oh, and why aren’t the volume buttons on the left, but on top of the tablet?

Apple has also provided the iPad mini (2021) with a new screen. Very nice, but this screen has one problem: Jelly scrolling. This is the name for situations in which scrolling on a screen does not run smoothly. The right side moves a little faster than the left, which creates a weird effect. Not visible to everyone, but very annoying when you do. If you normally notice these kinds of things, then you have to take that into account.

And speaking of bill: it is very high. Accessibility is something that has made the mini a success in the past and unfortunately little of it has survived financially. Especially if you want to do it with more than 64GB of storage. A step higher means a storage capacity of 256GB and therefore an immediate price increase of €173. Oof!

iPad mini (2021): small in size, big in performance

It should be clear: where the iPad mini (2021) is small in size, it remains big in performance. The tablet has a wonderfully compact model, so you can use it with ease anywhere. Playing a game, making a quick note or reading a book: it’s all possible.

For me, all this makes the iPad mini (2021) the ideal tablet, but that doesn’t have to apply to you. In fact, it’s completely understandable if this isn’t what you’re looking for. Certainly not for the €529 price tag. So you really have to be looking for this product to really appreciate it. So if you’re looking for something between an iPhone and an iPad, the mini (2021) is the Apple product for you.