Apple’s iPad mini is a new iPad that is perfect for students. Along with the iPad air and iPad pro, we love the mini as a great laptop replacement or supplement for taking notes. Many students love this because it is essentially a smaller iPad air. We highly recommend the iPad Mini if you are looking for a more portable iPad for students that packs all the features of the full size iPads at a more affordable price.
iPad Mini Review
The iPad mini is one of the best iPad for students. It runs the same software as the more expensive iPad pro and iPad air, yet the device is a much more affordable option.
Although the iPad mini is a few hundred dollars cheaper, the only real downgrade in the tablet is the display. The iPad mini 8.3 inch liquid retina display runs at 60 Hz which makes it good for note taking, movies, and other tasks of a college student. However, it is not as good as the iPad Pro would perform outside in sunlight.
The iPad mini also features a 12.8 MP camera on the back and great front facing camera for zoom meetings or video calls. There is a usb c port on the bottom and volume buttons on the top edge of the iPad screen. The front camera is the same quality as what you get with the iPad air. Stereo speakers also make for a great audio quality.
Best iPad Feature
Our favorite feature of the iPad mini is that it is compatible with apple pencil 2.0. The Apple pencil magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad mini. Students will always have their apple pencil nearby for easy note taking. Additionally, the iPad mini is compatible with smart keyboard folio, magic keyboard, and other smart keyboard products commonly available for a tablet.
Caution – Other iPads last longer
The one downside of the iPad mini is the battery life. Compared with the iPad air and iPad Pro, the battery lasts much shorter before needing a charge. The iPad Mini will likely last a full day before it needs a charge. Comparing products to the iPad Pro which can last almost a week, this is definitely a shortcoming of the Apple iPad mini.
✅ Reasons to buy iPad Mini – Apple Pencil Integration
Apple pencil – works seamlessly with the iPad mini and attaches magnetically on the side
Size – easily fits in your bag, purse, or pocket. You can hold it in one hand, unlike the iPad Pro.
Apple experience – this is the best ipad for students on a budget. You can save money and still get a new iPad with all the best Apple features.
❌ Reasons Not to buy iPad Mini – iPad Air and iPad Pro are better
Battery – compared to the iPad Pro and iPad Air, you’ll need to charge much more frequently
Bigger screen – if you want to watch movies, you may be better off with the standard iPad air or Pro which will show your movies larger in landscape mode
Large hands – if you have larger hands, this may not be the best student iPad. It will be hard to type without a smart keyboard because the screen size is so small.
⚖️ Bottom Line – iPad Mini is best iPad for students wanting easy to carry tablet
If you are looking for the best prices on an apple iPad, then the mini is the most affordable iPad. It is very easy to carry around and just what is needed for college students taking notes. Pair it with the Apple pencil and you will have a great setup for note taking in class. We highly recommend this tablet.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Display Resolution | 2266 x 1488 pixels |
| Screen Size | 8.3 inches |
| Hard Drive | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Average Battery | 9 – 10 hours |
| Weight | 0.65 lbs |
Video Review of iPad Mini
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the apple pencil is not included. You will need to purchase the apple pencil separately.
It is different. The main difference between this and the iPad air and iPad Pro is the size and price. iPad Air and iPad Pro are larger screens, such as the 10.9 inch liquid retina display.
The screen size is 8.3 inches featuring a liquid retina display.