Apple iPad mini 6th gen (2021) review

Alternative offers

There aren't many tablets like the Apple iPad mini, and that's one of the reasons it's been so popular since its premiere back in 2012. The smaller tablets are a niche that Apple has dominated for years, and the 8-inch Android slates have never been much of a competition since they are mostly entry-level devices.

The latest iPad mini gets a lot of things right - the updated screen size and aspect change are very much welcome, the new design is cool, and the A15 Bionic with optional 5G connectivity is a game-changer. It finally offers properly positioned speakers, there is a standard USB-C port, and the camera upgrades are significant, too.

The first alternative offer that comes to mind is the entry-level Apple iPad 10.2, which was refreshed together with the iPad mini. It has a larger display, but it's inferior in sharpness and doesn't support wide color. It still impresses with performance and has the new 12MP Center Stage front camera, plus it can handle Apple Pencil 1st Gen. The larger iPad 10.2 is €170 cheaper than the mini, so if you are after a budget Apple tablet with a larger screen and you don't mind the lower pixel density, this iPad 10.2 is a very good alternative.

We immediately think of the Xiaomi Pad 5 when we need to recommend a more compact tablet. It's an 11-inch tablet with a similar design, and it offers a superb Dolby Vision screen, powerful hardware, better Dolby Atmos speakers, plus it also supports an optional Smart Pen. The Pad 5 runs on Android with clean MIUI on top, which could be a deal-breaker for longtime Apple users. The Pad 5 is about €180 cheaper, and it's worth considering.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 costs and much as the iPad mini, and it is an all-powerful tablet that comes bundled with the most advanced S-Pen. The Tab S7 offers an 11" HDR10 LCD screen, one of the most powerful Android chipsets, four speakers, capable cameras, and a large battery. It is one of the best tablets for drawing with the S-Pen and one of the most versatile devices, thanks to its unique DeX support.

Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) • Xiaomi Pad 5 • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

Our verdict

The new Apple iPad mini is a great little tablet - it has a bright 8.3-inch display with good contrast, proper stereo speakers and one of the most powerful chipsets - things that make the iPad mini a superb multimedia and gaming device.

The sixth-generation iPad mini also brings Apple Pencil 2 support, this new cool design, and the universal USB-C port that opens a door for many third-party accessories. The tablet can also be used as a second screen to any modern Mac thanks to Sidecar support.

Finally, the good battery life and the access to the rich Apple AppStore can easily sell this iPad mini well.

It's not an ideal device, though. First, the screen isn't as great as we'd hoped for - it is not HDR-capable, and there is the jelly effect when scrolling in portrait mode. Then, if you like the Apple Pencil experience, you need to spend €135 extra for this stylus, which is outrageously expensive.

Lastly, Apple iPadOS may not be everyone's cup of tea because of its more complex file management and other tiny restrictions that pile up eventually. If you decide to get involved in Apple's ecosystem, you really need to be ready to put up with their way of handling things and their walled garden of services.

That is not bad per se - Apple offers great iCloud sync and subscription services, there are many games that run better on iPads, you get at least 5 years of software updates, plus - there is a reason the iPads are the best-selling tablets in the world - Apple pioneered this device and shaped what it needs to do and what - doesn't. And Apple has since abided by these rules, and every iPad has turned successful. Because the iPad was not made to replace your laptop, it was made to ease your day and give you a larger canvas than your phone, and that's what the iPad mini, or any iPad for that matter, does incredibly well.

Pros

• Larger screen and thinner bezels, modern design.
• A powerful chipset, optional 5G.
• Outstanding stereo speakers.
• Dependable battery life.
• Great photo and video quality from either camera.
• Center Stage is cool for video conferencing.
• It's got a USB-C port and the charger comes bundled.
• Apple Pencil support with a magnetic recharging spot.

Cons

• Display does not support HDR, or high refresh rate.
• Annoying screen jelly effect.
• Apple iPadOS remains a love it or leave it affair, multi-tasking is weird at first.