Tips & more

The complainer’s FAQs guide to iPad mini 6

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• It’s too small for professional tasks that require finger and stylus accuracy.
• It’s too expensive for an 8-inch tablet that can be used mainly for basic needs.

iPad mini 6 is here, but don’t get too excited about it. It is either too small or too expensive. Being the smallest Apple tablet, it doesn’t have the lowest price. It costs $500 – $170 more than the 10.2-inch basic iPad. Why so much?

Don’t be fooled by its looks. iPad mini 6 resembles top-shelf Pro models, but will never be a smaller iPad Pro. Getting it as a cheaper Pro is the worst decision you could ever make.

The following list provides answers to the most common questions about iPad mini 6. Sorry, if I am too grumpy from time to time.

iPad mini 6 is available in Apple and Amazon online stores, but will you ever want to buy it?

iPad mini 6 – table of content

Apple iPad mini 6 FAQs (questions and answers)

iPad mini 6 2021 FAQs questions answers

What are the main benefits of iPad mini 6?

Here are the main features:

▸ A bigger 8.3-inch display, compared to 7.9-inch in iPad mini 5, with 2266 × 1488 px screen resolution and 326 ppi pixel density.

A15 Bionic chip, which delivers up to 80% faster performance than the previous generation.

USB-C port, which provides faster charging and data transfer.

Center Stage technology – the front camera is combined with machine learning to recognize and keep you centered in the frame all the time.

What are the main disadvantages of iPad mini 6?

One disadvantage makes all benefits and other disadvantages fade out instantly: its display is too small, especially when compared to its price.

iPad mini 6 has a bigger display than mini 5 (8.3 inches vs. 7.9 inches) but a price set at $500 for an 8-inch tablet is far too high.

What is the price of iPad mini 6?

Apple iPad mini is available in four variants. Here are their prices:

  • 64 GB / Wi-Fi – $499
  • 64 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $649
  • 256 GB / Wi-Fi – $649
  • 256 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $799

What are the dimensions of iPad mini 6?

The dimensions of iPad mini 6 are 7.69 × 5.3 × 0.25 in (195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 cm).

Despite the larger 8.3-inch display, the overall size of the 6th-generation iPad mini is smaller than its predecessor. The height is lower by almost 8 millimeters.

iPad mini 6 dimensions compared

Name – a common name used to describe the iPad model, Generation – official generation number in the iPad model series, Year – a year the model was released, Screen – screen size in inches, H/W/D – height / width / depth

Name Generation Year Screen Inches H/W/D Millimeters H/W/D
iPad mini 6 6th 2021 8.3″ 7.69 × 5.3 × 0.25 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3
iPad mini 5 5th 2019 7.9″ 8.0 × 5.3 × 0.24 203.2 × 134.8 × 6.1
iPad Pro 11 3rd 2021 11″ 9.75 × 7.03 × 0.23 247.6 × 178.5 × 5.9
iPad Pro 12.9 5th 2021 12.9″ 11.04 × 8.46 × 0.25 280.6 × 214.9 × 6.4
Main disadvantage of iPad mini 6 - small size
Size comparison: iPad mini 6 (2021) versus iPad Pro 11 (2021) / Image: Geek Updated

Is iPad mini 6 a smaller iPad Pro?

No, it’s definitely not. Don’t treat the 6th-generation iPad mini as a cheaper or more compact alternative to the iPad Pro.

First, despite the similar look featuring an edge-to-edge design, the iPad mini’s dimensions (both physical and display) are dramatically lower. The small size will force you to avoid performing the tasks that require more finger or stylus accuracy.

Secondly, the size of the tablet is so small that using a dedicated keyboard won’t make you more productive – the keys would be too small and too tightly placed.

Third, iPad mini 6 is missing a few iPad Pro features, for instance Face ID, ProMotion, M1 chip, or Thunderbolt connector.

Size comparison - iPad mini 6 vs Pro 11 and Pro 12.9
iPad mini 6 size compared to iPad Pro 11 and Pro 12.9 / Image: Geek Updated

Does iPad mini 6 have mini-LED display?

No, despite the rumors, iPad mini 6 doesn’t feature the mini-LED display.

So far, the only Apple tablet to sport the mini-LED is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

How many speakers does iPad mini 6 have?

There are four speaker grills in iPad mini 6 – two on the top and two on the bottom.

It doesn’t mean the device has four speakers. In fact, iPad mini 6 sports two stereo speakers.

For the best sound, play music or videos in a landscape mode.

Does iPad mini 6 have Face ID?

No, it doesn’t. To securely unlock the device, you can use Touch ID.

Where is iPad mini 6 Touch ID located?

Touch ID is integrated into the button in the top-right corner.

Does iPad mini 6 come with Center Stage?

Yes, the newest iPad mini sports Center Stage technology.

Center Stage is a new feature that’s very helpful when you make many video calls. The feature is provided by a new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, with 122° field of view.

The camera combined with machine learning uses the much larger field of view to recognize and keep you centered in the frame all the time.

Is iPad mini 6 compatible with Apple Pencil 1?

iPad mini 6 is not compatible with Apple Pencil 1. It is only compatible with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.

Is iPad mini 6 compatible with third-party pens?

Yes, you can use third-party styluses with iPad mini 6.

Most pens offer palm rejection and come with replaceable tips. They are usually a few times cheaper than Apple Pencil 2. Check out the most popular iPad pens on Amazon.

What you have to keep in mind is that third-party pens can’t be recharged wirelessly by attaching them to the side of the iPad. You will need to use the cable.

Which Apple keyboard case is compatible with iPad mini 6?

Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t offer any dedicated keyboard case for iPad mini 6:

  • Magic Keyboard is not compatible with iPad mini 6.
  • Smart Keyboard Folio is not compatible with iPad mini 6.
  • Smart Keyboard is not compatible with iPad mini 6.

Will my iPad mini 5 case fit the new model?

No, iPad mini 6 has different dimensions, shape, and position of ports than the previous generation model.

There is no chance the case you bought for your 5th-generation iPad mini would fit the 2021 model.

However, if you used a sleeve with your mini 5, it will also be compatible with iPad mini 6.

Can I use a third-party keyboard case with iPad mini 6?

Yes, it is technically possible to use third-party keyboards with iPad mini 6. They are connected with the tablet via Bluetooth and have to be charged separately.

However, as I already mentioned several times already, iPad mini 6 is too small for the same size keyboard. The keyboard case will not make you type faster and more accurately until you have tiny palms and fingers.

There are already a few iPad mini 6 keyboard cases on Amazon (and they surprisingly high ratings) but I recommend using a standalone Bluetooth keyboard that has a larger typing area. Here is a list of the best iPad compatible keyboards.

What are the best stands for iPad mini 6?

The best stand is the one that meets your own needs to the fullest.

The stand doesn’t have to be big and heavy because the device is small and light.

A few ideas for a functional iPad mini stand include: a foldable travel stand, a pillow stand for easy use on uneven surfaces, or a 360-degree rotatable video-conference stand.

Check out a popular list of the best iPad stands that’s curated by our sister site Ebook Friendly.

Does iPad Air 4 have LiDAR scanner?

Unfortunately, LiDAR scanner is not available in iPad mini 6.

LiDAR scanner shoots laser beams at an environment, calculating the distance to objects, and creating 3D maps.

Does iPad mini 6 have 3.5 mm jack?

No, iPad mini does not have 3.5 mm jack port. The only Apple tablet that features it is iPad 10.2.

How can I connect 3.5 mm jack headphones to iPad mini 6?

If you want to avoid investing in Bluetooth headphones, you can use your old cable headphones, but you have to buy a special a USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter.

The original Apple accessory costs $9, but you can get a cheaper USB-C to 3.5 mm connector on Amazon.

Is iPad mini 6 good for reading?

Yes, just like any other Apple tablet, the new mini 6 is a great reading device, especially if you use dark mode combined with Night Shift warm color to reduce eye strain.

However, there is no sense at all to buy iPad mini 6 just for reading books or comic books. For comic books it’s too small, for text-only books it’s too expensive.

If you are looking for a tablet for reading (and if it has to be Apple), pick up iPad 10.2 – the cheapest model with a large screen.

Is iPad mini good for students?

No. It’s too small and too expensive.

Students will need to work with large textbooks. The smaller the display, the bigger the need to pinch to zoom to see the details on the page. Also, making handwritten notes is less convenient on a small display.

The best iPad model for students is iPad 10.2. It’s the cheapest iPad, and it sports the display that’s large enough to use the tablet as a laptop replacement.

Is iPad mini 6 available in white?

If you are asking about the color of the front bezel, the bad news is that iPad mini 6 is not available in white.

Opposite to iPad 10.2, the front of the 6th-generation iPad mini is always black, no matter which color variant you choose.

What are iPad mini 6 body colors?

iPad mini 6 body colors
Apple iPad mini 6 body colors: Space Gray, Pink, Purple, and Starlight / Image: Apple

The 2021 iPad mini 6 comes with all-black front and four body colors:

  • Space Gray
  • Pink
  • Purple
  • Starlight (new)

Does iPad mini 6 come with USB-C port?

Yes, the new iPad mini 6 features the same port as top-shelf iPad Pro models.

USB-C lets you transfer data with a speed reaching 5Gbps. You can use USB-C port for connecting external hard drives, cameras, and monitors up to 4K.

Does iPad mini 6 have Thunderbolt connector?

No, Thunderbolt is not available in iPad mini 6. Only iPad Pro models sport that kind of connector.

What are iPad mini 6 tech specs?

Here is an almost complete tech specs list for iPad mini 6:

Screen 8.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Screen resolution 2266 × 1488 px
Pixel density 326 ppi
Storage capacity • 64 GB
• 256 GB
microSD card No
Processor • A15 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture
• 16-core Neural Engine
Rear camera 12MP, 5-elements lens, f/1.8 aperture, 5x digital zoom, 4K video recording
Front camera 12MP Ultra Wide camera, 122° field of view, f/2.4 aperture, 1080p HD video recording, Retina Flash, cinematic video stabilization
Body colors • Starlight
• Space Gray
• Purple
• Pink
Battery Built-in 19.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, non-removable
Battery life Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi or watching video
Charging Via power adapter or USB to computer
Weight • 10.33 oz / 293 g (Wi-Fi models)
• 10.48 oz / 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
Dimensions 7.7 × 5.3 × 0.25 in / 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm
Wi-Fi 802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz); HT80 with MIMO
Bluetooth Yes, 5.0 technology
Ports and connectors • USB-C connector
• Magnetic Connector
• Top button with Touch ID
Operating System iPadOS
Sound Stereo speakers at the bottom and top
Touch ID Yes, integrated into top button
Face ID No
Other sensors • Touch ID
• Three‐axis gyro
• Accelerometer
• Barometer
• Ambient light sensor
In the box • iPad mini 6 (2021 release)
• USB-C charge cable (1 meter)
• 20W USB-C Power Adapter
Apple Pencil Compatible with Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately)
Smart Keyboard Not compatible
Smart Keyboard Folio Not compatible
Magic Keyboard Not compatible
Launch dates • Announcement: September 14, 2021
• Pre-orders: September 14, 2021
• Release: September 24, 2021
Prices • 64 GB / Wi-Fi – $499
• 64 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $649
• 256 GB / Wi-Fi – $649
• 256 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $799
Apple iPad mini 6 2021 release specs
Apple iPad mini 6 / Image: Geek Updated

Is iPad mini 6 worth buying?

It’s worth buying if you are determined to have a small but powerful tablet. However, it’s definitely not worth buying at its regular price ($500). It’s too expensive. Repeat: too expensive.

The 8.3-inch display makes the iPad mini “a passive-mode” device. You can use it for checking emails or social media, reading news and books, browsing the web, doodling, or playing Netflix videos.

I can’t imagine creating a detailed hand-lettered typography on the iPad mini. The smaller screen prevents you from performing more complex tasks.

Sooner or later, you will end up using iPad mini as a supportive device, a replacement, when there is no sense of taking a MacBook Pro with you.

What iPad mini 6 price is acceptable?

$500 is too much for an 8-inch tablet. You will never see the price of iPad mini 6 going down to the iPad 10.2 level ($300-330), but anything around $400-430 for the cheapest version – 64 GB, Wi-Fi only – is worth considering.

Should I buy iPad mini 6 in 2021?

I understand, you are determined to get this little beast. But I strongly discourage you from buying it in 2021. As I said, the mini 6 is too expensive to be bought at a regular price.

And in 2021, just a few months after the launch, you won’t see the prices going down by more than $30-40 for the entry-level variant.

What iPad mini 6 price cuts to expect on Black Friday?

You will be disappointed by Black Friday 2021 prices of iPad mini 6. Even on Amazon, you won’t see them cut by more than 10-12% for the most popular, entry-level $499 variant.

$450 is absolutely the lowest price to see in 2021 for the new iPad mini 6 (basic variant with 64 GB, no cellular).

If you see news articles shouting “iPad mini 6 is $100 off for Black Friday 2021,” it will almost certainly talk about the most expensive variant (256 GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular). Its regular price is $799, so with a $100 discount, you will pay $699. It’s only a 14% price drop.

Unfortunately, you won’t see better prices this Black Friday and this year.

Is it worth waiting for a refurbished iPad mini 6?

If you want to buy iPad mini 6 at a reasonable price, it’s worth considering a refurbished one.

First refurbished iPad mini 6 devices should appear in early 2022. The entry-level variant could cost even below $450, but you will have to track prices pretty often, as the most attractive devices are being sold out almost instantly.

A reputable source of refurbished iPads is Amazon Warehouse – the home of refurbished electronics sitting inside the Amazon online store.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad mini 6?

Yes, it’s safe.

A refurbished device is the one that has been returned by a customer, and tested for functionality and defects. Its software is being restored to factory settings. The display and bezel are usually being replaced to make the device work and look like new.

If you shop for refurbished iPad mini 6 on Amazon, you will get Amazon Renewed Guarantee – you will be eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt, if the product doesn’t work as expected.

Also, you get quick support for claims and free troubleshooting via a single point of contact at Amazon.

Go to Amazon Warehouse, then “Computers & Tablets” category, and then click on “Apple” in “Featured brands” on the left.

Can I buy iPad mini 6 on Amazon?

Yes, iPad mini 6 is available to buy not only in Apple stores, but also in mainstream online shopping platforms, including Amazon.

Is it safe to buy iPad mini 6 on Amazon?

Yes, it is safe to buy iPad mini 6 on Amazon, just as any other Apple product.

In late 2018, Amazon signed a deal with Apple to set up a dedicated Authorized Apple Reseller store. It means you can use your Amazon account to buy all things Apple – and have a chance to save a few dollars on an ongoing basic. Why pay a full regular price at Apple?

⇢ iPad on Amazon

• • •

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