Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
The first iPad mini was unveiled in October 2012 and was a copy of the original iPad just smaller. Since then, Apple have released 5 more generations of the iPad mini.
The iPad mini 5 uses the same body shape as the previous generations, with the classic look with Touch ID in the home button and large bezels around the 7.9-inch screen. The iPad’s display has the ability of True Tone, a feature introduced with the iPad Pro 9.7 and available on all iPhones since the iPhone 8. This feature has become very popular and it’s clear why. When browsing the internet or reading an eBook, the True Tone display is easy on the eyes and provides a more natural look to the device instead of the classic bright white.
It’s small size is ideal for just throwing it in your bag and heading to college/university.
The chip powering the device is the same A12 Bionic chip used in the iPhone X and is perfect for this kind of device. When split screening apps, I have seen no delay or struggle from the A12 chip and despite newer devices having newer chips, it’s very difficult to notice the difference. It allows you to run the latest operating system smoothly, currently iPadOS 16. As a student, the best apps for notetaking and research are only available on the latest OS which means you will have access to everything you need.
When it comes to notetaking, this device is the first iPad mini to be compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st generation. Using the pencil on this iPad feels like using one of those little notebooks. I have found the pencil to be very precise and accurate and the battery life lasts for about 12 hours, with just 15 seconds of charge giving you an hour of use. Each app you use the pencil with has options for different colours, thickness and styles. Unfortunately, unlike the later iPad models, to charge the pencil you either plug it into the lighting charger port or, using an adaptor, use the traditional cable charging method. This can be very awkward at times.
The cost for this iPad is the main reason to why this device is worth purchasing. From the Apple refurbished website, it is half the price of iPad mini 6, which adapts the body style of the new generation of iPads. The market for cases is very large and most support a slot for the pencil, while still remaining fairly cheap.
For students, this iPad is the perfect device if your main tasks consist of notetaking, research and media consumption. The speakers are mounted on 1 side of the device and provide a basic level of audio. I have found that the device’s battery lasts a day if used heavily, which is expected from a battery this size.
The cameras on this device are the downside to this device. It’s 7MP FaceTime camera works best in well-lit spaces which as a student, is good enough for Zoom calls.
If you have a tight budget, I highly recommend the iPad mini 5. It can do everything the newer devices can and in no way does the device feel old.
