iPad mini vs iPad Air - which one is for you? | Mark Ellis Reviews

I’ve been using both the iPad Air 4 and iPad mini extensively. They’re entirely different iPads, but there’s definitely a buying decision to be made between them. So, which one wins in the battle of the iPad mini vs the iPad Air?

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Price
02:19 - Screen size
04:16 - Note-taking
06:28 - Laptop-ability
09:00 - Conclusion

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I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.

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[MarkEllisReviews]

So, are you a mini or an Air kinda person?

[sg]

Your style of presenting is so enjoyable. You’ve mastered using this medium to have a “conversation.” I also appreciate the thoughtful analysis, and that you don’t make us dizzy with lots of slides, etc…. Been enjoying your podcast as well.

[diegolainfiesta]

I love A4 to make notes, thanks for the advice. Was going to buy an iPad mini but now I’ll just keep my iPad Air, I use it mostly to take notes.

[alinacarmenatis]

I have the iPad Air and the mini and I think is comparing pears to apples. Each one is great in their own aspect. If I can only get ONE I would go with the air there is more functionality more productivity BUT the portability of the mini is AMAZING. So both are GREAT and special for their category

[justinmepham]

iPad mini every time, I use one of the previous generation all the time in my IT Support role, it's such a handy size for when you have to leave the office and be away from your iMac.

[egor.okhterov]

If there was only iPad Air or only iPad Mini I would have already bought one, but currently I cannot decide which one to buy, so I have none.

[williamnewland]

I have the iPad Air 4 I’ve tried the mini 6 honestly the mini is so so much more comfortable to use especially if you are not using a keyboard I would definitely go for the Mini 6

[BrenR]

I never had a mini until now and I can’t go back. I loved it. Got a sleeve to carry it around with cellular and am so happy. Also, it looks and feels super premium and I’m not bothered by the minimal jelly scrolling and I don’t have any issues with the UI at all. It’s better than I expected. Not using it much for productivity though (for that, I would go with M1 MacBook Air over a bigger iPad)!

[German-mwzw]

I’ve had an iPad Air 4 since it launched last year and use it daily for media consumption and light work. It’s the perfect iPad for me. The mini seems too small for my taste, probably because I have a Pro Max phone, so I already have a large “mini” screen.

Great review and comparison… thanks for the great content as always Mark.

[gmag]

I have an iPad Pro 2018 and now the mini 6. Love the portability of the mini. I can put it in my purse. It’s definitely not a productivity device, it’s more for fun and consumption IMO.

[danmei-mariah-taylor-BL]

I have an iPad mini 5 for 1 1/2 years and I needed a bigger screen for productivity due to covid related work and I transferred to iPad air. It really goes by to what you need 😁😁

[ExpertScientist]

I got the 64 gb iPad Air 4 about a month ago as it was 100 gbp off, and to me that landed it right in the sweet spot in terms of price, performance and versatility. Very happy with it so far.
Oh and on the storage options, i really feel Apple is trying to force you to go for 256 to increase their margins, as 64 is the absolute minimum they can get away with. But i'd rather live with that limitation than pay that much more for 256.

[DavidLewisTech]

just bought a mini 6 as a wait to give it, so that I can get my hands on it!

[CinemaZiggy]

I don’t like the notion that since the IPad Mini is smaller than other IPads it can’t be productive. Seeing there are notebooks/notepads, sketchbooks, planners/agendas, paint canvas and more that are the same size or smaller I’d say that this size and form factor has already proven it’s productivity. For me personally the iPad mini has replaced all of my notebooks for business, personal art projects, and studying French by using Goodnotes 5. It has also introduced me to using a daily planner and journal as well as long term task management within Things 3. In addition, allowing me to draw, digital sculpt, cad model and make beats using something that can fit in my coat pocket and can be used one handed. Many people also have the notion artists always prefer the larger canvas and that’s just not true if it were all painters would be muralists and the Mona Lisa wouldn’t be so small. All of my previous sketchbooks were the size of the mini or smaller. Lastly the idea that the Mini is overpriced is not taking in consideration both the tech and the actual value. Nearly all of the hardware in the mini is newer and faster than the Air 4. Seeing the apps and iOS experience is the same why should the price gap be $300 instead of $200? It also shouldn’t be priced so close to the IPad 9 seeing how much of an upgrade it is just for being small. The size is a feature not a drawback. So I personally think for the value it’s given me it’s worth the price.

[BillJamesWallace]

Glad you love being a YouTuber! We're all happy too! 😀

[heartsnstars]

Love the Mini, just hoping it was slightly bigger. If you still can’t decide, the Air could the best bet due to the screen size if there is no real need for you to bring it on the go. Colours are nice too. Air is heavy for me with any case on and you really need to use 2 hands but good for any content/task/research and people with failing eyesight (me).

[Vicki_Benji]

I got an iPad mini 6 as a companion for my MacBook Air M1. Perfect combo for me.

[jamiepogue]

We just got the base iPad to replace an aging iPad we had before...It's hard to beat the price. If you just do some casual web browsing and movie watching, it's perfect. None of the upsides of the other iPads say to me "I'd rather spend an extra $200-$300." Only thing I'd really want is a more high contrast screen, but I can't justify the price increase for just wanting that.

[elerocko]

I’ve watched so many videos about this topic and this is the most useful yet simple and to the point, good job!

[EjaxPlus]

The only thing holding me back from decision making is the same sentiment that i love taking notes in that small notebook, i have box full of them over the years. But the bigger reason is that i need quick access to graphic design works. Media consumption is secondary concern, i use a TV or a smartphone if on the go. I guess air is the better deal with compromise to note taking being less flexible.

Then again i believe most people love the mini because they're convinced it's a better smartphone than the air, rather than a productivity extension of a pc or mac.