Apple iPad mini (2019) Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Apple iPad mini (2019) is a compact and powerful tablet that offers a great balance of portability and performance. It features a bright 7.9-inch display, works seamlessly with the Apple Pencil, and is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Although it has an unchanged design and uses the older Apple Pencil, it delivers impressive specs and performance for its size.

Design and Build Quality

The iPad mini (2019) retains the familiar design of its predecessor, the iPad mini 4. It has a compact and lightweight build, measuring 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm and weighing 300.5g (Wi-Fi) / 308.2g (3G/LTE). The device features a glass front and aluminum back, with an aluminum frame. It also supports stylus input, but only with the first-generation Apple Pencil. The bezels are relatively thick, which may feel outdated compared to the slim bezels on newer iPad models.

Display

The iPad mini (2019) features a 7.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen offers sharp and vibrant visuals, with a pixel density of approximately 324 ppi. It also includes scratch-resistant glass with an oleophobic coating, ensuring durability and smudge resistance. Although the bezels are relatively thick, the display provides an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption and reading.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPad mini (2019) packs the powerful Apple A12 Bionic chip, which is built on a 7nm process. It consists of a hexa-core CPU with two high-performance Vortex cores and four energy-efficient Tempest cores. The device also includes the Apple GPU with four cores for graphics-intensive tasks. This chipset delivers impressive performance, making the iPad mini capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and even photo and video editing with ease.

Software and User Interface

The iPad mini (2019) initially runs on iOS 12.1.3, but it is upgradable to the iPadOS 17. This operating system brings several enhancements specifically designed for iPads, including improved multitasking, enhanced Apple Pencil support, and a more desktop-like experience. With iPadOS, the iPad mini becomes a versatile productivity device, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously and make use of advanced features like split view and slide over.

Camera

In terms of camera capabilities, the iPad mini (2019) is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus. It can capture detailed photos and supports HDR mode for improved dynamic range. The device also has a 7 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is suitable for video calls and taking selfies. While the camera performance is decent, it's not the main highlight of the iPad mini and may not match the capabilities of dedicated smartphones.

Battery Life

The iPad mini (2019) is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 5124 mAh battery, which provides a decent battery life of up to 10 hours for multimedia usage. The device also supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge the tablet when needed. With its efficient chipset and optimized software, the iPad mini offers sufficient battery performance for daily usage, including web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks.

Connectivity and Networking

The iPad mini (2019) offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models also feature GPS and GLONASS positioning. However, NFC and radio capabilities are not included in this device. In terms of ports, the iPad mini uses a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer. It supports USB 2.0 speeds, but lacks the USB-C port found in some newer iPad models.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

Compared to other iPad models, the iPad mini (2019) stands out as the most portable option. It offers a smaller form factor and lighter weight, making it highly portable and suitable for on-the-go use. However, it also comes with a compromise in terms of screen size, as it features a 7.9-inch display compared to the larger 10.2-inch or 11-inch screens found in other iPad models. Additionally, it uses the first-generation Apple Pencil, while newer models support the more advanced second-generation Apple Pencil.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Overall, the Apple iPad mini (2019) is a highly capable and portable tablet that offers a great balance of performance and convenience. It features a bright display, powerful chipset, and support for the Apple Pencil. While it may lack some of the features found in newer iPad models, such as slim bezels and second-generation Apple Pencil support, it still delivers an impressive user experience. If you prioritize portability and don't mind the slightly higher price tag, the iPad mini (2019) is a solid choice.