Why the iPad mini 6 is (still) my Apple product of 2022

Apple released a lot of new products in 2022. And yet a product from the end of 2021 has become my big favorite this year. Or should I say: little favourite? This is why the iPad mini 6 is my Apple device of 2022.

iPad mini 6: the ultimate consumption machine

My very first iPad? That was the iPad mini 1 from 2012 (ten years ago). Although that model was already quite retro with the processor from the iPad 2 and the meager 1024 × 768 screen resolution, it seemed to me the ultimate iPad. Due to its small size, it looked more like an e-reader than a full-fledged tablet, but with the almost infinite range of functions of iPadOS (or iOS). A perfect tablet for browsing, reading comics or books. The perfect consumption machine. And to make notes at work or even old-fashioned ‘nice computer’ if necessary.

In the end, that iPad mini couldn’t fulfill my dream. The screen was way too pixelated, the little working memory made browsing an exercise of patience and the iPad was way too slow anyway, especially with the newer iOS versions. And notes without a stylus? Forget that!

Fast forward to 2022. I’ve enjoyed no other Apple product more this year than the iPad mini 6. Simply because it does everything, but actually everything I had hoped from the iPad mini 1 back then. Let me explain.

Also read: iPad mini 2021 review: a (sometimes a little too) small powerhouse

Borderless screen makes the iPad mini 6 great

In terms of dimensions, the iPad mini 1 and mini 6 hardly differ from each other. (Incidentally: the entire design remained almost completely the same up to and including the mini 5.) With the sixth version, the mini-tablet was completely redesigned for the first time. It now has the same modern design as the latest iPad Pros and Air. That means: an almost borderless screen, without a home button. You have integrated Touch ID into the on/off button for unlocking.

It’s mainly the borderless screen that makes the iPad mini 6 so great. Now for the first time you have a really handy tablet that consists of one screen. And that really does something to your reading experience of books and comics. It no longer seems that you have a tablet with a screen in your hands, but really the medium that you consume.

Take notes with Apple Pencil 2

My second wish for the first iPad mini back then was to take notes on the iPad. Unlike ten years ago, this is now officially allowed with an Apple stylus. And what kind. The Apple Pencil 2 snaps magnetically to the side of the iPad mini 6 and is almost as long as the iPad mini itself. This makes the mini look very much like a notepad – and especially with a fun pencil case for the Pencil.

In combination with apps such as GoodNotes (App of the Year), the iPad mini 6 becomes a perfect companion for work or study. And with an app like Procreate even your drawing pad – although the screen is just too small for that in my opinion. It is possible, but then you keep zooming and swiping. But hey, drawing wasn’t a requirement for me then either.

More than enough power

Finally, we have to talk about the raw power of the iPad mini 6. Admittedly, it does not have an M1 or M2 chip (and therefore no Stage Manager), but the A15 Bionic with 4 GB of RAM can already do so just about anything you want to run on it. And because a derivative of that chip is also in the iPhone 14, you are assured of long software support.

In short, the iPad mini 6 is – even though it dates from 2021 – my Apple product of 2022. Do you want to experience it yourself? Below you will find the best deals.