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

The iPad mini (2021) is a portable powerhouse featuring a significant design overhaul with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C connectivity, and Apple Pencil 2 support. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers top-tier performance for demanding tasks and includes a 12MP front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. Despite its capabilities, the device is hindered by a higher price point and a 64GB base storage limitation. The compact screen is also considered cramped for effective multitasking, and it lacks a Smart Connector for official keyboard accessories. Ultimately, the 2021 iPad mini is praised for its performance and portability, making it a powerful, albeit expensive, choice in the tablet market. Copy

The Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) is described by Creative Bloq as a highly portable, "portable powerhouse" featuring a significant design overhaul with a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display in a sub-300g, compact chassis ideal for on-the-go creative work. Key performance upgrades include the A15 Bionic chip, the switch to USB-C, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, alongside a 12MP front camera featuring Centre Stage. While highly praised, the review identifies limitations, including a "hit and miss" battery life, the lack of a 60Hz ProMotion display, and a screen size that may feel constrained for complex multitasking. Copy

The iPad mini 6 features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a modern, all-screen design that provides exceptional portability for one-handed use, note-taking, and media consumption. It brings a major design overhaul, including a 2nd Gen Apple Pencil attachment and a USB-C port, making it a powerful, premium, yet lightweight tablet. Performance is driven by the A15 Bionic chip, which excels in multitasking, paired with a solid 10-hour-plus battery life. Furthermore, the tablet includes a 12MP front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. However, the tablet has a $499 starting price with a disappointing 64GB base storage, and it suffers from a "jelly scroll" effect on the display. Additional cons include the absence of a headphone jack and the added cost of the necessary 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. Copy

The 2021 6th-generation iPad mini features a major redesign with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, flat edges, and USB-C connectivity, replacing the Home button with Touch ID. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it offers high performance in a compact form factor, supporting the second-generation Apple Pencil and featuring improved cameras with Center Stage, though 64GB base storage is considered limited. While praised for its portability, drawbacks include the lack of Face ID, no native Magic Keyboard, and a noticeable "jelly scroll" effect in portrait, making it a specialized, ultra-portable device rather than a primary productivity tool. Copy

The 6th-generation Apple iPad mini (2021) features a significant redesign with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, removing the Home button for a Touch ID-enabled power button and providing improved portability. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the device delivers substantial performance improvements for gaming and creative tasks, while introducing USB-C connectivity and 2nd-generation Apple Pencil support. Key pros include its high-performance, compact form factor and bright screen, whereas cons involve a higher starting price, base 64GB storage, and a potential "jelly scrolling" display effect.

The 2021 iPad mini (6th generation) features a modern, all-screen design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C connectivity, and 12MP Center Stage cameras, addressing long-standing design requests. Driven by the A15 Bionic chip, the tablet delivers top-tier performance for demanding tasks and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. However, the device faces criticism for its higher $499 starting price, limited base 64GB storage, lack of a smart connector for keyboards, and a screen size that can feel cramped for heavy multitasking.

The iPad mini (2021) features a significant redesign with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, adopting a modern, flat-edged aesthetic and replacing the home button with a Touch ID sensor. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the tablet offers high performance, along with 5G connectivity and a USB-C port for faster data transfer and improved versatility. The 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage further enhances the user experience for video calling. Despite these improvements, the review highlights the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display as a notable omission, which limits the smoothness of the display. Users may also experience "jelly scrolling" due to the 60Hz refresh rate, alongside concerns regarding the higher starting price and the limited 64GB storage on the base model. Finally, while the 10-hour battery life is sufficient for daily use, it can drain rapidly under heavy, intensive tasks. Copy

The 2021 Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) is a high-performance, ultra-portable tablet featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a lightweight 295-gram aluminum design. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it excels in demanding tasks like gaming and 4K video editing, with a 12MP front camera supporting Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, and optional 5G. While praised for its performance, the $499 starting price, lack of Face ID, 64GB base storage, and poor, non-keyboard supported multitasking are noted drawbacks. Copy

The Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) is a powerful, ultraportable tablet featuring a sharp 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, the speedy A15 Bionic processor, USB-C charging, and 2nd Gen Apple Pencil support. While praised for its performance and one-handed design, the review notes cons including the lack of Face ID and a headphone jack, along with reported "jelly scrolling" in portrait mode. Ideal for media consumption, gaming, and video calls with its 12MP Center Stage camera, the device offers around 11 hours of battery life and is considered the premier option for portability-focused users. Copy

The Mumsnet review identifies the Apple iPad Mini 6 as a premier, durable tablet for children, highlighting its compact 8.3-inch screen, robust build, and suitability for travel. Key advantages include a high-quality True Tone display, effective parental controls, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 for creative tasks. While it serves as a valuable tool, particularly for children with SEN, the primary drawbacks are its high cost compared to budget alternatives and limited storage options.

The 6th generation iPad Mini is defined by a significant redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch display and an Air-like aesthetic that Mashable highlights as highly portable and perfect for one-handed use. Pros include the adoption of USB-C, 2nd Gen Apple Pencil support, and a fast A15 Bionic chip for top-tier performance. However, the review notes drawbacks such as a $499 starting price, the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, and limited 64GB base storage. The display, while bright and sharp at 500 nits, lacks 120Hz ProMotion and exhibits a "jelly scrolling" effect in portrait mode. Battery life is described as adequate rather than exceptional, particularly during intensive tasks like gaming. Ultimately, for users prioritizing portability over high-end productivity, the review concludes this is the best small tablet currently available.

The iPad mini 6 (2021) features a significant redesign, adopting an all-screen 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, the powerful A15 Bionic chip, and USB-C connectivity. Key pros include its high portability (293g), 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support, and the Center Stage front camera, while cons highlight the 60Hz screen's "jelly scroll" effect, lack of Smart Connector for official keyboards, and limited 64GB base storage. The tablet serves as a high-performance, compact device suitable for media consumption and note-taking rather than heavy productivity.

The 2021 Apple iPad mini represents a "transformative" update, discarding the classic home-button design for a modern, "shrunk in the wash" iPad Air aesthetic. It features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with high pixel density (326ppi) and impressive portability, weighing under 300g. Key upgrades include USB-C connectivity and Touch ID integrated into the power button. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the device delivers "zippy" performance suitable for creative apps and gaming, according to the review. The tablet boasts landscape stereo speakers with "oomph" and a 12MP front camera with Centre Stage technology. Furthermore, it supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically snaps to the side to charge. Conversely, the review notes a significant price increase, moving the device into the mid-range category. While the screen is sharp, it lacks 120Hz ProMotion technology, and some users may encounter a "jelly scroll" effect in portrait mode. Other drawbacks include the 64GB base storage, which may feel restrictive, and limited multitasking functionality due to the smaller screen size.

The 2021 Apple iPad mini redesign features a 8.3-inch "all-screen" Liquid Retina display, top-tier performance from the A15 Bionic chip, and a 293g weight, making it a highly portable and powerful device. It includes USB-C connectivity, Apple Pencil support, and the "Centre Stage" camera, though it lacks a smart connector for keyboards and has limited 64GB base storage. While praising its performance and form factor, the review notes a high starting price (£479/$499) and a minor "jelly scroll" effect on the screen.

The 2021 Apple iPad mini represents a significant redesign, featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C connectivity, and Touch ID in the power button. Pros include its "A15 Bionic" chip delivering unmatched performance for its size and all-day battery life, though it has a higher $100 price increase and lacks a 120Hz ProMotion display. The device is highly versatile with 5G/Wi-Fi 6, supports the second-gen Apple Pencil, and includes a 12MP front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. While highly recommended as the best small tablet, it is limited by 64GB base storage and a lack of multi-user support in iPadOS.

In a review for GeekDad, the 2021 (6th Gen) iPad Mini is highlighted as a powerful, compact tablet featuring a modern, bezel-less design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a Touch ID-integrated power button. Key advantages include the shift to a USB-C port, exceptional performance from the A15 Bionic chip, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, making it ideal for note-taking. Furthermore, the addition of the 12MP front camera with Center Stage enhances its capability for video calls. However, the review notes that the device is not designed for heavy productivity, as it lacks a dedicated, first-party keyboard case. Other limitations highlighted include the high starting price and the 64GB storage capacity of the base model. Ultimately, it is described as a high-end, versatile tool best suited for specialized tasks or as a luxury, portable reader.

The iPad mini 6 (2021) features a significant redesign, adopting a 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a Touch ID-equipped power button. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it offers high-end performance in a compact, portable package, making it suitable for tasks like video editing and gaming. Key features include USB-C, 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support, and a 12MP camera with Center Stage. Pros include the impressive screen brightness, improved battery life, and superior performance compared to its predecessor. The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil compatibility makes it an ideal device for note-taking. However, the tablet is more expensive than earlier models and lacks a Smart Connector, limiting keyboard options. Some users may experience a "jelly scrolling" effect on the display, and the screen size can feel too small for extensive, complex multitasking. For a detailed review, see the analysis at WhistleOut.

An extended-use review of the iPad mini 6 highlights its unmatched portability, powered by the A15 Bionic chip and supported by Apple Pencil 2, making it an ideal tool for reading, note-taking, and mobile consumption. The device features a 0.65-pound design, USB-C connectivity, and Center Stage functionality, allowing it to handle intensive tasks like 4K video editing while remaining comfortable for one-handed use. Key drawbacks include the absence of ProMotion, which causes blurry text during scrolling, and the "jelly scroll" effect, alongside a less-intuitive side-mounted Touch ID compared to Face ID. Additionally, some iPadOS 15 elements feel cramped on the 8.3-inch display, and the 64GB base storage is considered limited for extensive use. Ultimately, the review concludes that the iPad mini 6 is the premier, unrivaled choice for users prioritizing portability, acting as a specialized tool for consumption rather than a primary, long-form productivity device.

Wired’s review characterizes the 2021 Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) as a highly portable, "small but mighty" device featuring a redesigned chassis, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and a USB-C port. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it offers high-end performance for gaming and creative tasks, supporting 5G, Touch ID, and the second-generation Apple Pencil. Pros highlight its excellent one-handed usability and portability, while cons include a $499 starting price, limited battery life under heavy use, and potential "jelly scrolling" display issues.

The 2021 iPad Mini (6th Gen) features a major redesign with an 8.3-inch display, USB-C, and the A15 Bionic chip. Key pros include its extreme portability, improved Center Stage camera, and second-gen Pencil support, though it carries a $499 starting price and limited 64GB base storage. While technically impressive, the screen can feel cramped for multitasking and the lack of a smart connector limits its use as a primary laptop replacement.