In case you’re still on the fence about getting the 7.9-inch iPad mini or the 10-inch 4th gen iPad which Apple announced last month, we’ve compiled review summaries from top tech reviewers to help you decide.
For the iPad mini, most reviewers agree that the tablet stays true to the iPad experience and can be easily handled with one hand. The reviewers’ main gripe: the mini’s lack of the sharp Retina display found on Apple’s third and fourth gen iPads, as well as the most recent two iPhones. Is the mini worth its premium $329+ cost compared to its competitors? Most reviewers say yes.
The fourth generation iPad also received glowing reviews across the board, but there is less agreement on whether or not it’s worth buying if you already have a third gen iPad. Aside from the HD camera, faster processor, and Lightning connector, there’s nothing else new that sets this new iPad apart from Apple’s previous iterations. And if you are a non-iPad owner wondering if you should take the iPad plunge? For that there are many variables — so check out the reviews below to help you decide.
After you’ve made up your mind, please share with us in the comments below which tablet is best for you.
iPad mini reviews:
CNET
“4/5 — The full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package.”
Engadget
“To consider it just a cheap, tiny iPad is a disservice. This is, simply, a great tablet.”
The Loop
“I was really surprised with how much I used the iPad mini in my daily routine — more than the 10-inch iPad.”
Gizmodo
“If you are in desperate need of a small tablet, and already have thousands of dollars sunk into iOS, and don’t watch much video, and have never used a retina display, and have Scrooge McDuckian levels of disposable income, then yes. You should buy the iPad mini. But what most of us should do is wait.”
iMore
“Every inch an iPad (2), only in a more concentrated form.”
The New York Times
“Google Nexus, Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD… those tablets also have high-definition screens, which the Mini doesn’t. But the iPad Mini is a far classier, more attractive, thinner machine.”
The Verge
“9/10: The ‘best small tablet’ market? Consider it captured.”
The Wall Street Journal
“If you love the iPad, or want one but just found it too large or heavy, the iPad mini is the perfect solution.”
iPad 4th Generation reviews:
CNET
“4.5/5: At the top of the tablet heap. It’s better all around, but third-gen owners need not apply.”
Engadget
“If you found the toasty nature of the third-gen iPad distasteful, you’re likely to encounter the same heat here.”
SlashGear
“Unless you’re desperate for Lightning – perhaps you’ve also got an iPhone 5, and want to use all the same accessories rather than buy the adapter dongle – then we’re yet to see apps that really demand the potent A6X chipset.”
TechCrunch
“Apple isn’t looking at this as $329 versus $199. They’re looking at this as an impossibly small iPad 2 sold at the most affordable price for an iPad yet.”
The Verge
“9.3/10: If you’re within your return window you should probably swap for the newest iPad, but if not? Rest assured you’re not really missing that much. Not yet, at least.”
Trusted Reviews
“There’s definitely not enough of an upgrade here for iPad 3 owners to be tempted.”
