Apple iPad Mini 2021 Cellular (4GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The What Hi-Fi? review of the Apple iPad Mini (2021) praises the device as a significant, pocketable upgrade featuring a redesigned 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and impressive "class-leading" landscape stereo speakers. Performance is driven by the powerful A15 Bionic chip, with added benefits of USB-C, 5G capability, and Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support, making it a highly versatile, compact, "cinematic" device. Despite these strengths, the review notes drawbacks including the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, potential screen movement "judder," and a high starting price for the base 64GB storage model. What Hi-Fi? Copy

After three months, the iPad mini 6 is praised as a powerful, portable device featuring a fast A15 Bionic chip, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with Touch ID, and excellent versatility for gaming and note-taking, notes a Forbes review. Key strengths include its compact form factor, superior 12MP cameras with Center Stage, and USB-C connectivity, making it ideal for mobile, single-handed use. However, the review highlights limited base storage (64GB) without a 128GB option as a major drawback, alongside the screen being too small for effective multitasking. Copy

The 2021 iPad mini features a redesigned, portable chassis with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, powered by the A15 Bionic chip and featuring USB-C connectivity. Key improvements include the 12MP front camera with Center Stage and improved Apple Pencil 2 support, making it an ideal companion for specialized, portable use cases. While it serves as a highly capable device, limitations include a lack of Face ID, the absence of a headphone jack, and a "jelly scroll" effect in portrait orientation. Furthermore, its small screen hampers productivity-heavy multitasking, and the high price point positions it as a premium, niche device. Copy

The 6th generation iPad mini (2021) is described as a high-performance "pocket rocket" featuring a modern all-screen design and the powerful A15 Bionic chip. Key advantages include its compact, lightweight form factor (under 300g), a sharp 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and the inclusion of USB-C for improved accessory compatibility. However, the review notes a significant price increase and a screen size that can feel cramped for multitasking, with features like Split View described as less functional. Other limitations include the lack of a Smart Connector for official keyboards and the absence of ProMotion 120Hz technology. the device is positioned as the best small tablet on the market, ideal as a portable digital notebook with the second-gen Apple Pencil or a high-end media device. The 12MP "Center Stage" camera is noted for enhancing video calls, though users must weigh the high cost against the small screen, say Stuff.

The Apple iPad mini (2021) receives a "Pro-style" makeover, featuring an all-screen, portable design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and USB-C connectivity. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the tablet delivers top-tier performance for demanding tasks and includes a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage, making it an excellent, compact choice for portability and creative work. However, the device faces criticism for its high entry price, lack of a 128GB storage option, and a screen size that can feel cramped for extensive multitasking, according to the review.

The Apple iPad mini (2021, 6th generation) features a total redesign with a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, removing the home button in favor of Touch ID in the power button, and adopting a USB-C port for increased versatility. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the tablet offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor, making it capable of handling demanding applications, creative work, and gaming with a highly accurate display. However, key drawbacks noted in the review include the limited 64GB base storage option, the lack of a smart connector for official keyboards, and a battery life that drains quickly under intensive use.

The 2021 iPad mini, described by The Guardian as a "stunning revamp," introduces a modern, 293g "all-screen" design with slim bezels, making it highly portable for reading and video. Performance is driven by the A15 Bionic chip, ensuring top-tier speed, while the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers low reflectivity, complemented by a versatile USB-C port and "Centre Stage" 12MP camera. While praised for its power and form factor, the review notes the high £479 starting price, limited 64GB base storage, lack of official keyboard support, and a "jelly scroll" effect in portrait mode. The Guardian

The 2021 Apple iPad mini features a significant "Pro-style" makeover, transitioning to an all-screen, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display that maintains high portability. Key advantages include top-tier performance from the A15 Bionic chip, long battery life, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. The device also upgrades to a USB-C port and includes a 12MP front camera with "Center Stage" technology. However, the tablet comes with a $100 price increase, starting at $499 (£479) for the 64GB base model. Furthermore, its small form factor can make multitasking tedious, with some apps displaying overly small buttons. Limitations also include the lack of multi-user support and the absence of a first-party keyboard case, restricting its capability as a laptop replacement.

The 6th generation iPad mini is a high-performance, ultra-portable device featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, Touch ID in the power button, and an A15 Bionic chip suited for media consumption. Key advantages include magnetic charging for the Apple Pencil 2, USB-C connectivity, and optional 5G support, making it an excellent tool for note-taking and on-the-go productivity. However, the 64GB base storage is limited, and the display lacks ProMotion (120Hz), which may feel restrictive for users accustomed to higher refresh rates.

Wayne Dixon’s review of the 6th generation iPad mini highlights the device as a powerful, compact upgrade, featuring a new 8.3-inch display, USB-C connectivity, and the high-performance A15 Bionic chip. Key advantages include support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and an upgraded 12 MP camera, though the 5X digital zoom shows significant noise. While highly portable for reading and browsing, users may find the transition to Touch ID in the power button jarring, and typing requires an adjustment due to the screen size.

The Six Colors review characterizes the 2021 iPad mini as a thoroughly modern, highly portable 8.3-inch tablet that brings the all-screen design language, USB-C, and Apple Pencil 2 support to the compact form factor. It highlights significant performance gains from the A15 Bionic chip, alongside 5G capability and the Center Stage front camera, making it an ideal device for readers and travelers. While praising its capabilities, the review notes constraints such as difficult multitasking, a lack of dedicated keyboard cases, and a slightly down-clocked processor compared to the iPhone 13.

The iPad Mini 6 introduces a modern 8.3-inch "all-screen" design, replacing the home button with a compact, portable form factor. It brings USB-C connectivity, while the A15 Bionic chip delivers high-end performance for tasks like 4K video editing and gaming. Key advantages include compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Center Stage front camera feature. However, the review highlights a higher price point, moving it into a premium category. The 60Hz LCD screen lacks high-refresh-rate technology, and some users may experience a "jelly scroll" effect in portrait orientation. Battery life is noted as adequate but slightly lower than larger iPads with heavy use. Furthermore, the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and a Smart Connector, limiting some peripheral options. Despite these drawbacks, the device is considered a powerful, portable option in the tablet market.

The Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) is hailed as a significant redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display in a smaller, bezel-less chassis that makes it a powerful, highly portable creative hub. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the device delivers top-tier performance for 4K editing and gaming, while supporting the second-gen Apple Pencil and USB-C for improved versatility. However, key cons include a battery that drains quickly under heavy use, the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display, and a screen size that can feel cramped for intensive multitasking. Copy

The Tom’s Guide review of the 2021 Apple iPad mini 6 highlights its redesigned, ultra-portable 8.3-inch chassis featuring a sharp 520-nit Liquid Retina display and a powerful A15 Bionic chip that excels in performance. Key advantages include USB-C connectivity, support for the Apple Pencil 2, and a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, making it a versatile device for on-the-go use. However, the smaller form factor leads to a cramped experience for multitasking in Split View and lacks support for Apple's Magic Keyboard, while some users experienced a "jelly scrolling" effect in portrait mode.

The Macworld review characterizes the 2021 iPad mini 6 as a significant, powerhouse update, featuring an 8.3-inch, all-screen design similar to the iPad Air and Pro. Key pros highlighted include the high-performance A15 Bionic chip, the adoption of USB-C for better connectivity, and improved utility via the second-generation Apple Pencil, Center Stage camera, and landscape stereo speakers. Conversely, the review cites cons including a higher starting price, limited 64GB or 256GB storage options, and the lack of a first-party keyboard for productivity. Copy

The CNET review hails the 2021 iPad Mini as a significant redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch display and A15 Bionic chip in a portable form factor. While praising its power and versatility, the review labels it a "niche" device due to its high $499 starting price and limited usability as a primary work device compared to larger, cheaper models. Key pros highlighted include the vibrant, larger screen, exceptional performance from the A15 chip, and the shift to USB-C for better accessory compatibility. The addition of second-generation Apple Pencil support and a 12MP camera with Center Stage further enhances its capabilities as a, capable compact tool. Cons center on the lack of official keyboard support and a screen that can feel cramped for heavy multitasking. The high cost of essential accessories, which can push the total price above $800, and the absence of millimeter-wave 5G on cellular models are also notable drawbacks.

The 2021 iPad Mini features a major redesign, adopting the modern, slim-bezel look of the iPad Air with an 8.3-inch display and USB-C connectivity. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers high performance in a compact form factor capable of demanding tasks. However, significant drawbacks include a high starting price of $499 for only 64GB of storage, with total costs rising sharply when accessories are added. Additionally, user experience is impacted by limited battery life under heavy use and awkward front-camera placement. While it is considered an excellent, portable device, the review notes it is a niche, luxury item that is not a necessary replacement for a phone or larger tablet. WIRED Copy

The TechRadar review deems the 2021 iPad mini the top small tablet, highlighting a major design overhaul with a modern, flat-edged chassis and a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Key pros include the highly portable form factor, USB-C, a Touch ID power button, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. Powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, the device provides high performance for gaming and media, while the 12MP front camera adds Centered Stage support. The addition of 5G cellular connectivity and optimized tablet apps enhances its functionality as a portable powerhouse. Cons listed include the 60Hz display refresh rate, which lacks the "ProMotion" smoothness found on higher-end models, and a "jelly scrolling" effect in portrait orientation. Battery life is described as merely adequate, frequently lasting around eight hours under heavy use, and the device is relatively expensive, with 64GB as the base storage option.

The iPad mini 6 is a "splendidly small yet super-powerful" device featuring a modern design, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and Touch ID in the power button. It is considered the "perfect tablet for casual use," offering high portability for reading, browsing, and watching videos. Key advantages highlighted include the powerful A15 Bionic chip, the switch to USB-C for improved connectivity, and the inclusion of Center Stage on the 12MP front camera. Its compact, 293g frame makes it ideal for one-handed use, notes the review. However, the $499 starting price is noted as expensive, with reports of a "jelly scrolling" effect on the display and limited productivity utility compared to larger models due to the lack of a dedicated Magic Keyboard. Copy

PCMag highlights the 2021 iPad mini's "Pro-style" redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C connectivity, and top-button Touch ID, though it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, the device offers top-tier performance for its size and adds support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Center Stage camera functionality. While performance is stellar, drawbacks include a higher $499 starting price, the lack of multi-user support in iPadOS, and potential "jelly scrolling" on the 60Hz screen. Copy

The Verge review praises the 2021 iPad mini (6th Gen) for its significant redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch display, USB-C, and Touch ID in a compact, portable form factor. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the device offers excellent performance for demanding tasks and supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, making it a powerful tool for note-taking and drawing. However, the review highlights drawbacks such as the increased $499 starting price, the lack of a high-refresh-rate screen (ProMotion), potential "jelly scroll" display issues, and limited multitasking capabilities on the smaller screen. Copy