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I Used the iPad Mini 7 for 8 Months | I Now Use It for EVERYTHING
Why I Can’t Put Down My iPad Mini in 2025
Ark
June 07, 2025
A couple of years ago, if you’d told me I’d be using a 60 Hz, non-AMOLED display in 2025, I’d have thought you were out of your mind. As a self-proclaimed tech nerd obsessed with top-tier specs, I never imagined I’d fall in love with a device like the iPad Mini. Yet, here I am, completely hooked on this compact powerhouse. After months of using it, I’ve come to a surprising conclusion: the iPad Mini is now my go-to device for everything. Here’s why.
Overcoming Initial Doubts
When I first got the iPad Mini, I was skeptical. The display and smaller screen size had me worried it wouldn’t cut it for serious work. I even considered returning it for an iPad Pro. But once I embraced the Mini’s purpose—a portable, lightweight, and highly usable device—my perspective shifted. It’s not about competing with larger iPads; it’s about being the perfect companion for on-the-go productivity and entertainment.
A Game-Changing Reading Experience
As an avid reader, I never saw the appeal of a single-purpose device like a Kindle. The iPad Mini changed that. It’s ideal for reading books and articles, all while offering full productivity capabilities in a form factor that feels perfect in hand. I also added a matte matcha screen protector, which reduces glare and mimics the soft, paper-like texture of a Kindle screen. While it slightly degrades the display quality—more noticeable in light themes than dark—it adds a delightful friction feel, setting it apart from my iPhone 16 Pro Max. This protector has transformed how I use the iPad Mini, especially outdoors, where glare is no longer an issue despite the display’s 500-nit brightness.
Apple Pencil: A Must-Have
Initially, I hesitated to buy the Apple Pencil Pro, thinking it was overpriced. I’d used an Apple Pencil with my iPad Mini 6 and 2018 iPad Pro, so I wasn’t sure I needed a new one. But in 2025, the Apple Pencil feels essential. It’s a joy to use, keeping the screen fingerprint-free and offering precision that a finger can’t match. Whether I’m navigating the UI, sketching in Procreate, or editing photos in Adobe Lightroom, the Pencil elevates the experience. Combined with the mobile hotspot from my iPhone, I’ve turned my Wi-Fi iPad Mini into a cellular-like device, making it my go-to for everything from grocery lists to YouTube analytics at the park or office.
Portability Meets Power
The iPad Mini’s size is its superpower. It fits effortlessly into my bag alongside my work laptop and EDC gear, unlike larger iPads that feel cumbersome. At home, its lightweight design makes it unbeatable for casual use—whether I’m lounging on the couch or lying upside down. Despite the 60 Hz refresh rate and modest brightness, the display is sharp, with excellent pixel density and color accuracy, making it great for multimedia and creative tasks like video color grading or Lightroom projects. The stereo speakers, while not as robust as the iPad Pro’s quad setup, are more than adequate. Plus, the battery life is stellar—I get days of heavy use without needing a charge, even with the Apple Pencil attached.
Performance That Packs a Punch
The A17 processor, doubled storage, and doubled RAM compared to the iPad Mini 6 make this device a performance beast. Apps open quickly, and editing videos or using Apple Intelligence features feels seamless. The screen size isn’t ideal for heavy editing, but it gets the job done remarkably well for its size.
One feature I wish Apple advertised more is Sidecar. Using the iPad Mini as a second display for my M4 Mac Mini is a game-changer. I can drag files, use my mouse and keyboard, and extend my workspace effortlessly. It’s a feature I didn’t know I needed, and now I can’t imagine working without it.
Why Choose the iPad Mini?
Compared to the iPad Pro, which is often marketed as a MacBook replacement, the iPad Mini offers a unique value proposition. For most people, a combination of a phone, iPad Mini, and MacBook makes more sense than a phone, iPad Pro, and MacBook. The leap from an iPad Pro to a MacBook isn’t significant enough to justify the overlap, whereas the Mini’s portability and versatility carve out its own niche. The display’s downsides—60 Hz and lower brightness—are outweighed by its size, performance, and overall usability.
Final Thoughts
I’m infatuated with the iPad Mini. It’s not perfect, but its strengths make it a device I can’t put down. Whether you’re a creator, a reader, or just someone who values portability, the iPad Mini is worth considering. Have you tried the iPad Mini? Do you use a cellular model or rely on a hotspot like me? Let me know your favorite use cases and how it compares to larger iPads. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share your thoughts and stay tuned for more!
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