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Update Published October 24, 2019
All Apple Q&As >> iPad mini Q&A (Home) | Also see: All iPad Specs
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What are the "pros and cons" of the iPad line? Is one the best iPad for me?
Apple has discontinued the original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 4. The company sells the iPad mini 5 as the current model. This Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS compatibility and more and is quite useful for anyone buying one of these models whether new or used.
Whether or not any of the iPad mini models -- an original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, or iPad mini 5 -- is the right tablet for you is a decision that only you can make. However, objective pros and cons can be quite helpful in the decision making process.
EveryiPad.com also provides detailed comparisons of the original iPad mini and iPad mini 2 (Retina), iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4, and iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 that can be useful should you be interested in a more in-depth evaluation.
Nevertheless, for those who prefer the just the "highlights" rather than complete details, this quick-to-read summary can be ideal:
Original iPad mini
Unique Pros:
iPad mini 2
Unique Pros:
iPad mini 3
The iPad mini 3 has all the same pros of the iPad mini 2 but also adds the following.
Unique Pros:
iPad mini 4
The iPad mini 4 has all the same pros of its predecessors but also adds the following.
Unique Pros:
iPad mini 5
The iPad mini 5 -- or iPad mini 5th Generation -- has all of the same pros of its predecessors but also adds the following.
Unique Pros:
Pros (All iPad mini Models):
Original iPad mini
Unique Cons:
iPad mini 2
Unique Cons:
iPad mini 3
The iPad mini 3 has the same disadvantages of the iPad mini 2 (most notably, no support for the current version of the iOS), but also was a poor value at the time of its introduction. As a used model, it may be a better deal.
iPad mini 4
At the time it was released, the only notable con unique to the iPad mini 4 is that it is slower than the discontinued original iPad Air and iPad Air 2 as well as the current iPad 5th Gen, as well. It shares the general cons below, though.
iPad mini 5
As the current iPad mini, the only significant cons unique to the iPad mini 5 is that its industrial design seems rather dated compared to the much more expensive iPad Pro line, it only supports the original Apple Pencil instead of the much better Apple Pencil 2, and it supports Lightning instead of the more current USB-C. It shares the general cons below, as well.
Cons (All iPad mini Models):
So, which iPad mini is right for me?
Ultimately, all of these tablets provide compact size and attractive designs.
However, the current iPad mini 5 is the best choice for most users. It has (1) the best quality display, (2) is fastest, (3) has more RAM which means not only higher performance now but almost certainly longer iOS support, as well, (4) has the most global 4G/LTE connectivity, and (5) supports the original Apple Pencil.
For those interested in saving some money, the iPad mini 4 remains a good choice on the used market. These models also have high quality displays, just not as high quality as the iPad mini 5, as well as respectable performance, solid connectivity options, and current iOS support. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 still are worth considering, but because they no longer support the current version of the iOS, app support will start to wane from here.
The original iPad mini only would work for someone with very modest performance and app needs. Because the original iPad mini is quite slow running iOS 9 and cannot run iOS 10 and later versions of the iOS at all, most users would be better off with a newer model.
iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options
There are many sites to buy a new or used iPad mini. However, buying your iPad from a good company with solid knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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