To be honest, with new iPhones and iPads that seem to fulfil pretty much every need for easily portable handheld devices, we thought it was almost a waste to spend money on yet another device.

That was until we tried using the new 2021 iPad Mini for a few weeks.

Spoiler alert: We loved it.

The design

Like most of newer versions of Apple devices, you won't find the home button on the latest version of iPad Mini. Which is great because it just makes the device look that much nicer plus there's more space for the screen as well.

The iPad Mini is 8.3 inches and the screen pretty much extends almost all the way to the edges. So you have a pretty nice sized screen to watch stuff, or if you're a nerd like this author, read stuff. The start button is at the top, with Touch ID fingerprint reader and the volume button is also on top (if you're using it portrait).

It's compact, easy to hold and fits into a small bag or handbag. We also love that it has a USB-C port now.

The iPad Mini comes in four colours - Space Grey, Pink, Purple and Starlight.

What we loved:

A pro might give you the specs of the device, but we're here to tell you the experience of using one.

We loved that when we swipe through the screen, open new apps or switch between apps, it's smooth and fast.

From what we understand, this is because of its powerful A15 Bionic Chip.

Another feature that we really liked is the split screen. you can open two apps side by side or overlay one on the other. This made referencing for articles, as well as dragging and dropping files between apps easier.

Considering that a lot of our job required reading and writing, the size of iPad Mini is perfect when we don't feel like opening a laptop or even iPad Air. It's perfect size to hold and comfortably read on or watch shows on while lying in bed or lounging on sofas.

We even read journals on the device without feeling as much strain on the eye as we do when using a phone.

One of our favourite thing about the iPad Mini is that you can get a Apple Pencil (second generation) to go with it.

Is it absolutely necessary to get the full use of the device? No. Is it a nice addition? Definitely yes.

The pencil is especially cool if you're into art, love doodling, editing pictures or just old school like us and like writing instead of typing.

Considering that the device is not compatible with magic keyboard like other iPads, its nice to be able to write down stuff and having the device converting it to typed words.

The not-so-great:

iPad Mini's camera is better in the latest model compare to the previous one with 12MP camera, but its still not that great. It's decent enough and the webcam is cool if you're on a video call, but you'll most definitely be able to take better pictures on your phones. This is not unexpected, of course but just so you know.

Another issue we have with the device is that it has no headphone jack. You need to have a wireless headphone or the AirPods, unless you're OK with using the built in speakers which aren't too bad.

IMAGE: Apple Insider

The battery life isn't that great. You're supposed to get 10 hours out of it and you can if you're not a heavy user.

Plus the battery also get drained if you're using Apple Pencil as you charge the latter by attaching it to the magnetic side of the iPad Mini.

Verdict

If you intend to get a tablet that is powerful, easy to use and fits easily into small bags, iPad Mini is definitely for you.

It is a good tablet with great specs and everything you'd want in a tablet but whether its worth buying really depends on what you'd want to use it for.

As someone who does a lot of research that involves reading, watching videos and things like that, iPad Mini is great. It has all the features we need, easy to use and more importantly, its not bulky so we can carry it everywhere.

But if you already have a phone, and iPad of any other size or a laptop, an iPad Mini can be a little redundant.

So, we guess the question to ask before buying it is: Do you need it? 'Coz honestly, the iPad Mini is quite pricey.

The price starts from RM2,299 for a 60GB storage. You can also get a 256GB one for RM2949. If you wish to stay connected even when WiFi is not avaiblable, you can get one that supports cellular and the price starts from RM2949 as well and can go up to RM3599.

If you want an Apple Pencil, it'll cost you and additional RM549 and a smart folio will cost you RM269.