This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I planned to replace my iPad mini (6th generation) with the new iPad mini (A17 Pro). After a lot of back and forth, I bought an iPad Air and an Apple Pencil Pro instead. If you mostly use your iPad on a desk or in the car rather than in one hand, the bigger screen is worth more than the mini’s portability.
What I tested
- iPad Air (the 2024 model, bought new for this video)
- Apple Pencil Pro, compared with my Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
- My iPad mini (6th generation), used for two to three years in a rugged waterproof case
What I found
- The “jelly scroll” effect on the mini 6 — the screen looking skewed when scrolling sideways — was my only real complaint, and the main reason to upgrade. After a recent iPadOS update it became barely noticeable on my old mini, so that reason disappeared.
- I use the mini at home for video and browsing, and in the car, usually propped up rather than hand-held. Its small size wasn’t buying me much.
- The new mini doesn’t work with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil. If I had to buy a new pencil anyway, I preferred to use it on a bigger screen.
- I chose the Pencil Pro over the USB-C Pencil because the USB-C model has to be charged by cable, while the Pro charges magnetically on the side of the iPad.
- The Pencil Pro looks almost identical to the 2nd generation, but the magnet position differs, so it only attaches to compatible iPads.
- Hovering the Pencil Pro shows how the marker tip is tilted before you touch the screen, and squeezing it brings up the tool palette.
- The iPad Air keeps the previous model’s outer dimensions, but the front camera moved to the long edge. Full-cover cases (such as waterproof ones) made for the older model may not line up — buy one made for the current model.
| iPad mini (6th gen, mine) | iPad Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 293 g | 462 g |
| Thickness | 6.3 mm | 6.1 mm |
| Apple Pencil | 2nd generation | Apple Pencil Pro |
Who it’s for
- iPad Air: people who use their iPad on a desk, in the car or for handwriting. The iPad Pro is thinner and lighter, but unless you edit video on the go, the Air has plenty of power.
- iPad mini: people who read or watch on trains and want something that fits in one hand without drawing attention. For commuting, its size is close to ideal.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. Useful points: 1:30 why I chose the Air, 11:10 Apple Pencil Pro features, 12:30 weight and thickness.
Limitations
This is a buying decision after a short time with the iPad Air, based on my own usage. I did not run performance tests. The iPad Air I bought is the M2 model; the link below goes to the model currently on sale, which has a newer chip and different specs.
Products
iPad Air (current model): on Amazon Japan
iPad mini (A17 Pro): on Amazon Japan
Apple Pencil Pro: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Phones (10) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.