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Apple iPad mini review

8.8/10 AVG.
RATING
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Apple iPad mini
Apple iPad mini
Apple iPad mini
Apple iPad mini
Apple iPad mini
...


8.8/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad mini currently has an Informr score of 8.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 42 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Despite the late Steve Jobs’ pronouncements that Apple would never release a 7-inch tablet, Apple unveiled the iPad mini, a shrunk-down version of the 9.7-inch iPad.

The general consensus around the Web is that the iPad mini is an excellent compact tablet. But many reviews concur that the 7.9-inch iPad mini lacks the “wow factor” found in the iPhone 5 or the third-generation iPad.

Apple revolutionized the PC industry when it unveiled the finger-friendly, keyboard-less tablet in 2010, and has so far sold an eye-popping 100 million units. The iPad 3 earned overwhelming reviews for its stunning Retina display, improved camera, powerful processor, and LTE capabilities. Apple is not expected to revolutionize its product lineup every single year. Still, some reviews say that the iPad mini feels like a step backwards for Apple.

The iPad mini’s anodized aluminum back makes the device look entirely different from the full-sized iPads and is lighter (at 7.2mm) and thinner (at 312g) than previous iPad models. But other than looking like a blown-up fifth-generation iPod touch and being smaller, the iPad mini is almost identical to the two-year old iPad 2.

Almost every review notes that the iPad mini only offers the iPad 2’s A5 dual-core processor (not the new A6X chip found in the iPad 4) and the iPad 2’s 1024 x 768 display that’s relatively modest when compared to the retina display of the iPhone 5 or the 10-inch iPad 3. In addition, Apple’s refusal to add USB ports or memory card slots that are found in Windows 8 and Android tablets continues to be a drawback.

Make no mistake however. Hands-on reviews and benchmarks all report that mini is a great device notwithstanding the iPad 2-like specs. Sure it doesn’t have a retina display, but images are still bright, sharp and colorful. And while the dual-core A5 processor is certainly a notch slower than chips found in the latest-generation full-sized iPad, the mini feels fast and responsive and is great for content consumption.

As for the software, you of course get Apple's latest OS and and access to the greatest number of tablet-optimized apps found anywhere via the iOS App Store.

What about price? It's a factor as a number of critics have emphasized. The mini is a full $130 more expensive than $200 Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD. Regardless, Apple is known for pricing its products at a premium, and the iPad mini is Apple’s first foray in the budget-tablet market. For all the innovative strides previously made by Apple, the mini leaves something to be desired.

Nonetheless, the iPad mini should appeal to anybody who’s trying out Apple’s tablet ecosystem for the first time, as well as existing iPad owners who want a more portable tablet.

Need to Know: Apple iPad mini

1. Tiny, lightweight form factor that makes the device more comfortable to carry around. (The Good)

2. Access to the most number of tablet-optimized apps. (The Good)

3. Older processor and display. (The Bad)

4. More expensive than other 7-inch tablets. (The Bad)


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
7.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7.9"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
16 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


BGR
BGR

It’s also satisfactorily thin and light, and it’s ideal for kids. In fact, tablets make infinitely more sense for those between the ages of 3 and 13 than a phone or laptop. They’re relatively rugged, decently difficult to lose, they last a solid day or two on a charge, they only re...

- Darren Murph, BGR
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the iPad mini 2 to get those updates when it launches later this year. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS. It's not cheap by any stretch, especiall...

- Jim Martin, Tech Advisor
Mobility Digest
Mobility Digest

If I was to say anything bad about the iPad Mini, if would have to be the painfully boring iOS experience that powers it. Having daily drivers like Windows Phone and Android, iOS feels more dated every time I slide to unlock. Maybe the price as well, but that is also relative. This is not a cheaper...

- Ramon Trotman, Mobility Digest
Android Central
Android Central

The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the next iPad mini to get those updates. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS. It's not cheap by any stretch, especially if you want more storage spa...

- Jim Martin, Android Central
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

There’s little doubt that the iPad Mini is a gorgeous tablet which is well built, simply stunning to look at and fast. However, it’s also around £100 more than a Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD, two Android tablets with higher-resolution displays that are both excellent value and better for watching video...

- Tom Morgan, Expert Reviews


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Quick view

Screen Size
7.9"

The Apple iPad mini's screen size is 7.9 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Apple Apple A5 Dual core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/32/64 GB

Internal memory is 16/32/64 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
16WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 16 WHr battery. Apple's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

iPad mini Specs

Overview
Release Date November 2, 2012
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple Apple A5 Dual core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32/64 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.17 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Backside illumination, Five-element lens, Hybrid IR filter
Video Recording Formats
H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Face detection, Geotagging, Backside illumination, FaceTime video calling
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 163 pixels
Size 7.9 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 16 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Black & Slate, White & Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 20.0 x 13.5 x 0.7 cm (7.9 x 5.3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 308 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Mute Key: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC, AAC+, AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV
Video Playback Formats: H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, GIF, HTML, JPG, PDF, PPT, PPTX, RTF, TIFF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Apple iPad mini Reviews
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