What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the Apple "iPad mini" with a redesigned form factor and e-books?
Brush up the details as well as the appearance
First, let's compare the specifications with the conventional 5th generation iPad mini. For reference, the specifications of the 4th generation iPad Air are also posted.
| iPad mini (6th generation) | iPad mini (5th generation) | iPad Air (4th generation) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release | September 2021 | April 2019 | October 2020 |
| Size (width x depth x height, thickest part) | 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm | 203.2 × 134.8 × 6.1 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm |
| weight | 293g | 300.5g | About 458g |
| CPU | 64-bit architecture with A15 Bionic chip 6-core CPU 5-core graphics 16-core Neural Engine | A12 Bionic Chip with 64-bit Architecture Neural Engine Embedded M12 Coprocessor | A14 Bionic Chip with 64-bit Architecture Neural Engine |
| Screen size / resolution | 8.3 type / 2,266 x 1,488 dots (326ppi) | 7.9 type / 2,048 x 1,536 dots (326ppi) | 10.9 type / 2,360 x 1,640 dots (264ppi) |
| Communication method | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Battery life (manufacturer's nominal value) | Internet use over Wi-Fi, video playback: up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours (Internet use over Wi-Fi, video playback, audio playback) | Up to 10 hours |
| connector | USB-C | Lighining | USB-C |
| Price (at the time of release) | 59,800 yen (64GB) 77,800 yen (256GB) | 45,800 yen (64GB) * Tax not included 62,800 yen (256GB) * Tax not included | 62,800 yen (64GB) * Tax not included 79,800 yen (256GB) * Tax not included |
First of all, the body size. The length on the short side is the same, but the length on the long side is shorter. This is because the home button has disappeared and the edges have been truncated.
Along with this, the main body has achieved a slight weight reduction (7.5 g reduction). Considering that the iPhone 13 series, which was announced at the same time as this product, has increased battery capacity while being significantly heavier than the conventional iPhone 12, it is epoch-making that it is slightly lighter.
The screen size has increased from the conventional 7.9-inch to 8.3-inch, but the aspect ratio is not the same as it is, but it is vertically longer. It's not a wide ratio (16:10), but it's about half a step closer to that. On the contrary, the short side is slightly shorter, which is not a positive change for e-book use. We will look at it in detail later.
The home button has been abolished, but Touch ID, like the 4th generation iPad Air, is implemented as a "top button" integrated with the power button. In ebook use, since it is necessary to turn pages, fingerprint authentication is often easier to use than face authentication because it is necessary to hold the terminal in hand, and Touch ID was left as it was without being changed to Face ID. Is welcome.
As it is the first new model in two and a half years, the CPU has greatly evolved from the A12 Bionic, which was already out of shape at that time, to the A15 Bionic, and as a result, it has specifications that exceed the 4th generation iPad Air (A14 Bionic). ing.
In addition, Wi-Fi has been completely brushed up from 11ac to 11ax, and the terminal has been completely brushed up from Lightning to USB-C. The camera is still a single lens, but the specs have improved and a new flash is installed. In addition, the Apple Pencil is also compatible with the 2nd generation, enabling charging by adsorbing it to the side of the main body.
On the other hand, the battery life is the same as before. The iPhone 13 series, which was announced at the same time, has achieved an operating time that is about 20% longer than before in exchange for the weight increase, but such changes are not seen in this product. In addition, although it looks like a small version of the 4th generation iPad Air, it should be noted that it does not have a Smart Connector, depending on the application.
The appearance of the main body. The design has been changed to a uniform bezel width on the top, bottom, left, and right without a home button. It looks like a small version of the 4th generation iPad Air. The uniform bezel width makes it more comfortable to use in landscape orientation. As an aside, the apple mark on the startup screen is displayed sideways unlike before. The camera has the same single lens as before, but with the addition of a flash. Smart Connector is a power button (top button) that doubles as a non-equipped Touch ID. The volume button can be unlocked with the top button located on the same side as this top button. When the main body is turned sideways, it is placed on the left side like this. The camera has been changed to a specification with protrusions unlike the conventional one, so be careful not to scratch the desk etc.A new flash is installed underneath. The actual weight is 294g, which is slightly lighter than the conventional 5th generation model (300.5g).
