{"id":15454,"date":"2012-11-15T23:01:50","date_gmt":"2012-11-15T15:01:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=15454"},"modified":"2023-08-25T11:16:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T03:16:21","slug":"ipad-mini-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/ipad-mini-review\/","title":{"rendered":"iPad Mini 2012 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was first Published on: Nov 15, 2012<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been three weeks since the iPad Mini was released, and we\u2019ve had the chance to compare it with other mini tablets in the market<\/a>. Now that we\u2019ve gotten our hands on an actual iPad Mini, it\u2019s time to examine the claims made about it.<\/p>\n

Did Steve Jobs have a point when he said that 7-inch tablets were impractical<\/a>, suggesting that users would need to \u201csand their fingers down to a quarter of their size\u201d? Is the 7.9-inch iPad Mini truly in a class of its own<\/a> compared to other 7-inch tablets?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no better way to find out than through a comprehensive review and some hands-on testing.<\/p>\n

In this review, we\u2019ll explore the iPad Mini\u2019s design, portability, hardware, gaming performance, ease of setup, and cost<\/strong> relative to its competitors.<\/p>\n

Refined Design: The Quintessential Apple Experience<\/h2>\n

The iPad Mini may seem like a miniaturized iPad 2 on paper, featuring the older A5 processor and lacking the Retina display found in newer iPad models. However, it retains the sleek and stylish design that is synonymous with Apple products.<\/p>\n

Unboxing the iPad Mini is an exhilarating experience, thanks to its minimalist packaging. Upon first look, the glossy, smooth bezel<\/strong> effortlessly merges the front glass and the rear aluminum casing into a unified design.<\/p>\n

\"Smooth<\/figure>\n

The back of the device features a smooth curvature that feels comfortable to hold and offers a secure grip. Despite its lightweight and slim profile<\/strong>, the iPad Mini does not compromise on build quality and durability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The rear casing is made of anodized aluminum and is available in black as well. It sports the iconic Apple logo, and unlike other iPads, its side buttons match the color of the back casing.<\/p>\n

\"Volume<\/figure>\n

As for connectivity, Apple has opted for the Lightning dock connector<\/strong>, which is also found in the iPhone 5. Positioned between the built-in speakers, this new connector is not only durable but also eliminates the need for guesswork when plugging in the charging cable.<\/p>\n

Optimized Gaming Experience on iOS<\/h2>\n

When Apple introduced the Retina display, app developers had to update their apps to meet the new high-resolution requirements. Fortunately, this isn\u2019t an issue with the iPad Mini. Any app that works on the standard iPad will work on the iPad Mini, making it a great device for gaming.<\/p>\n

The iPad Mini excels in this area due to its lighter weight and smaller size. It\u2019s comfortable to hold for users with hands of all sizes.<\/p>\n

\"Gaming<\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re concerned about accidental screen touches, Apple has designed the iPad Mini\u2019s display to be smart<\/a>. It can distinguish between intentional and accidental touches.<\/p>\n

Compact Size for Enhanced Portability<\/h2>\n

The iPad Mini is significantly smaller and about twice as light as its predecessor. This makes it easy to carry, whether in a pocket, handbag, or small zip compartment.<\/p>\n

You won\u2019t feel burdened while carrying it around, and it fits comfortably in one hand.<\/p>\n

\"Comparing<\/figure>\n

Its compact size not only makes it easy to hold but also provides a sense of security that you won\u2019t easily drop it. The small form factor is also perfect for photography<\/strong>, although whether you\u2019d want to use it for that purpose is another question.<\/p>\n

Battery Life: An In-depth Analysis<\/h2>\n

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any mobile device. The iPad Mini, with its compact size, intrigued us regarding its battery performance.<\/p>\n

We conducted a series of tests to simulate both typical and extreme usage of the iPad Mini. Our objective was to determine the device\u2019s battery endurance. Here\u2019s a summary of our findings:<\/p>\n

Experiment #1: Regular Usage Simulation<\/h3>\n

We utilized the AirVideo app, which enables streaming of video files from a desktop PC. We streamed a video for 20 minutes over Wi-Fi, maintaining 50% brightness and 50% volume.<\/p>\n

Result:<\/strong> The iPad Mini\u2019s battery remained consistent without any noticeable decline.<\/p>\n

Experiment #2: Extreme Usage Simulation<\/h3>\n

For a more rigorous test, we compared the iPad Mini\u2019s performance against several other devices under the following conditions:<\/p>\n