Apple iPad Mini 6 review: Not extravagant but practical for its size, price

 Priced at Rs 46,900, the Apple iPad Mini is a unique proposition in the tablet market. It is a handy tablet packed with so much performance that you do not know how to use it to its max potential

The iPad Mini has been through five cycles of generational refreshes, yet its design has not been as radically improved as it has in the recently launched sixth-generation upgrade. Called the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 2021 by technology enthusiasts, the new iPad Mini looks modern and in line with Apple’s most other big-screen tablets.

The design refresh boasts trimmed display bezel areas, which allowed Apple to accommodate a tad bigger screen than the last-generation model, without compromising on the compact ergonomics the iPad Mini is known for. Other design changes include flat sides and back, both of which aid handling and improve overall usability. Speaking of handling, the iPad Mini has a fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) embedded in its power button mounted on the top side. It takes some time to get comfortable with it, especially if you are a user of the iPhone X or higher models. Once accustomed, the Touch ID feels natural to use for unlocking the device, logging in to apps, etc.

Coming to the display, the iPad Mini sports an LCD panel of modest contrast and brightness. It is no match to OLED panels seen in premium Apple and Samsung tablets, but is not bad, either. However, I wish it had better sunlight legibility because this display is hard to read in bright outdoors. Aspect ratio is another thing I wish the iPad Mini had done better on. Though optimised for most apps and user interface elements, the iPad Mini’s boxy aspect ratio leaves a thick patch of empty spaces on the top and bottom sides of the window while rendering content with a wide aspect ratio, such as movies and television shows available on most over-the-top platforms.

The iPad Mini has a modest display, but it sure does have a solid audio set-up powered by four speakers – two each on the top and bottom sides. The speakers are loud and have fuller output, supported by stereo effect in both vertical and horizontal orientations.