I have been only using Android tablets before, but due to the need of using an app that was only available on iOS, I decided to jump back with Apple and try again. First off, the size and feel of the device is great, simplicity and speed excellent. Good execution there. I even started to enjoy the Apple ecosystem again. Now the bad part for me. Every tablet I have purchased prior were all Wi-Fi only, and all had a GPS receiver. I therefore never thought twice about it, and didn't dwell enough on the specs of this device. I decided on the wifi only as I always tether with my phone, and it is enough to go through the day. But Apple decided to NOT put a GPS receiver on the wifi only device. It only exists on the Cellular+wifi unit. My app is therefore useless, as it requires a GPS signal to work. I do not need cellular on my tablets and therefore do not want to be forced to pay for that unnecessary extra. I know it is my fault for not having seen this before I purchased the device, but this is one of the reasons why I stay away from Apple products. Why would you have such a portable device without a reliable location receiver is beyond me. It is a useless device if you need to travel a lot. Because of this and the fact I realized this past my return time, I am stuck with a neat paperweight. This was my last foray in the Apple grove, and I wish it would have had a different outcome.

This iPad replaced an iPad mini 2 (Retina), from 2015. On one hand, the upgrades are great. - Screen: Brighter, more colorful, TrueTone white balance adjustment. - CPU: A12 (2.5 GHz high performance dual core + 4 high efficiency cores) vs. A7 (1.3 GHz dual core) - RAM: 3GB vs. 1GB - Main Camera: 8 megapixel vs. 5 megapixel - Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac vs. 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0 vs. 4.0 - Physical characteristics: Thinner and lighter. Apple Pencil support. In actual usage, the new iPad mini feels great. Everything has a much snappier feel and you get much better graphics performance. Fortnite is able to run at 60fps on this new iPad! The iPad is a joy to use, but what lets it down is that the physical design, aside from being a little thinner and lighter than older models, is the same as what you could get six years ago. The new iPad Pros feel like the future, and the mini's design could use a refresh. The bezels are rather thick, and there is no FaceID, just TouchID. With the modern specs, the iPad mini is worth a purchase and will last you for years to come. With Apple Pencil support and the tech upgrade, it gives you a lot of what bigger iPads offer and will last you for years to come. It's just a bit disappointing that Apple didn't really touch the design at all.

You can complain all you want about the big bezels, personally I believe they still deserve their place for our fingers for a better holding experience. The design is more than 5 years old, but there’s no denying the performance. Apple lost their models when they created the A11 processor, which for its time already outperformed most laptops to even today’s standards. With the A12 in this tablet, your dollar goes even further for $400. This screen is still amazing, and was already ahead of its time at 326 pixels per inch and bright accurate colors. The fact that we see this design exist yet again 7 years later just goes to show how ahead of time apple’s genius engineering is. The performance bump makes a huge difference, and I can forgive the average cameras for being a tablet. Get this one folks, it’s your best companion and takes your productivity a little further than your phone.

I waited for this to come out! I had the mini 2 (2015) which was still in basically good condition, but it was slow by 2018! I almost bought the 4 but said no, since 2 was still working and I had the 9x7 Pro (2017). BUT once I heard the 5 was coming-now was my time! Even tho outside hasn't changed, I LOVE the thinner and lighter size! I didn't carry the 2 around (felt heavy), but this one goes almost everywhere--fits in my bag without hardly adding any weight-even with the simple softback lightweight case I got for it! Added a Zagg screen--and voila- set to go...PLUS uses the 1st gen pen--didn't have to buy another one! Fits nicely in my hand too. Speed great. Worth the buy--plus got it for a little bit off too for a member sale!

I’m an Apple consumerist, so I’m here for any and all things Apple. I had a 1st gen iPad mini and after being so frustrated with the slowness of it because of it’s age and outdated iOS, I decided to finally upgrade to the new 2019 iPad mini. It’s great for reading e-books, online articles, or anything else really. It’s a good size to be portable yet also large enough to accomplish a variety of tasks. Watching videos/movies is great. I mostly use it for grad school to review articles. There are many apps available that allow for annotation of articles and the iPad mini is a great tool for that. All-in-all, it is a great device and I’m very glad I made the upgrade! The only thing I’m frustrated with is that the Best Buy employee didn’t let me pick the color of the iPad I wanted... :(

My iPad mini 4 lasted 1 year and 3 months, so a little nervous. However, I admit this is a huge upgrade from the older mini. Very fast. Pros: 1. Very fast 2. Great size 3. Apple pencil support. I won't use this as it is way too expensive 4. Can use my current screen protectors and case. Had to drill a small hole for the mic Neutral: 1. Screen is just okay. 2. Stying is good but dated 3. Truetone. IMO it just makes the screen look yellow, but it can be turned off. 4. Price is not good nor is it bad. Cons: 1. Still wishing for storage expandability 2. No ProMotion 120hz screen 3. Seems to take longer to charge 4. Apple has begun censoring some apps and podcasts.

Really love using this product. It is the perfect size for couch sitting or laying in bed. If you have an XS max, you may not find the display much bigger when watching Youtube video's, but for anything else, it is definitely a noticeable size increase. Some people don't like the bezels, but I actually do not mind them at all. They give you the perfect amount of space to hold onto the device. I highly highly recommend this device, especially if you use a XS (non max version) and want something a bit bigger for lounging around the house and travel.

My iPad mini gen 1 stopped taking iOS updates quite awhile ago. I had no real reason to upgrade until now. A new app I wanted to use required iOS 10 or later... so, took the plunge. The five biggest benefits to upgrading were, 1) iOS 12 support; 2) support for latest apps; 3) processor speed; 4) twice the memory; 5) Apple Pencil support. At first, I thought the pencil support was frivolous, but I love it! It speeds up note taking, navigation and is fun to use.