iPad mini 6 Long Term Review! AMAZING, but FRUSTRATING…

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The Apple iPad mini 6 is an incredible device, with a side order of frustration 😱 Here's my honest long-term review, with comparisons vs iPad Pro 11 inch (2018).
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0:00 I got 3 of them??
0:44 size & form factor
1:26 performance
2:01 it's FUN
2:53 cameras
3:22 display
3:50 Apple Pencil 2
4:20 cheap laptop replacement
5:13 no ProMotion
6:38 jelly scroll
7:17 wEirD scaling
8:07 TouchID vs FaceID
8:33 no headphone jack
8:49 loose buttons
9:27 storage options
10:02 TOO mini?
#iPadmini6 #ipadmini #iPad #apple #tablet #BenAqua 4k HDR Final Cut Pro MacBook Pro 14 inch 2021 2022 7 air 1 2 3 4 5 s/o street fighter II anime movie in the background hi bye

[@filmusikat]

iPad mini for me all day. Had the 5th gen for a while and didn’t upgrade until the 6th gen came out. It’s just perfect all around for what I use it for, note taking, and KZbin really. Doesn’t feel too big to bring around for travel unlike the bigger iPads. If I need something bigger, I’ll use my 14” MBP.

[@b3naqua]

Good points! The mini size is so perfect 👌🏼

[@monurajput5608]

Is the KZbin watching experience much better than on an iPhone ?? I'm somehow confused between iPhone 12 and iPad mini 6 ,because iPhone is advertised as a complete product. But my heart says iPad mini.

[@tmb8807]

I had an iPad Pro, but it started to feel increasingly unwieldy to me when I was just trying to kick back and read, which is really mostly what I use my iPad for, so I got this instead. It hits the sweet spot for me - much better experience for reading, browsing, media consumption etc than my phone, and much more comfortable to hold in one hand or for long periods than the larger iPads. Only minor gripes I have are the 'jelly scrolling' (although it doesn't bother me _that_ much it still seems like a pretty inexcusable oversight by Apple) and the fact there's no 128GB option.

[@b3naqua]

good choice w the mini 6!

[@anothervisionofthings]

Firstly i sold my iPhone 13 Pro to go for the 13 Mini, which is so perfect ! Then also sold my 12.9 iPad Pro for this 6 Mini : best combo ever ! :)

[@b3naqua]

mini lyfe 🤘🏼

[@Snowy_Melody]

Bru you serious sould your iPad pro 12.9 For iPad mini six Bru you wan your hands get bigger you gonna have to buy the iPad pro and iPhone 13 again 😂

[@matthewuy2559]

Same! got the 13 mini 128 gb midnight and the ipad mini 6 64gb space gray

[@brandnaqua]

periodtt! 🙌🙌

[@kritnicol8546]

I see you like downgrading

[@ghas4151]

I’d like to see an iPad mini “Pro” with ProMotion, M1/M2 chip and an XDR display. That would be so awesome.

[@b3naqua]

Omg same. That would be the dream iPad tbh

[@GermericanGuy]

That would be good. Then I could use the Mini as a replacement for my Mac Mini desktop. Kind of like that Microsoft product years ago (“Continuity” was it called?) where you would wirelessly connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use the bigger screen like a desktop computer, then disconnect and you’re back to a tablet. Bonus that you would be carrying a “computer” with you all the time and connect depending on your needs of the moment. I think I’ve read that we can do this now using the newest iPads and newest iPadOS so I’m going to be trying it out.

[@davidjacobs6244]

Never gonna happen.

[@75gmag]

Wow! Same here! I’m on my third mini 6 too! I initially purchased the 64gb Wi-Fi, returned it and went for the 256gb Wi-Fi, then realized I wanted cellular, so returned the Wi-Fi for the 256gb cellular model!! LOL!! I looooove my mini 6! I still have an 11” Pro for work and I also have a MacBook Air M1. They all have their purposes, BUT I take my mini everywhere!! Love the cellular version so i don’t have to worry about connection. I have no regrets purchasing the mini. If they update it to let’s say a Pro version, I would absolutely purchase it!!! Great vid! ❤

[@Jeetacademykl]

absolutely love....the street fighter 2 movie on the background ! haha ! nice video thank you for your sharing. ! Your channel deserves more viewers !! Great job !

[@b3naqua]

Haha thanks Ben!!

[@fvnt0miix953]

I had the loose buttons issue when I got my first iPad about 6-7 years ago. I went thru 3 iPads: first one had a yellowish line on one side of the screen, second one had loose buttons and finally the 3rd one was a winner. Idk if I was unlucky, but I usually have to go thru 2 Apple devices to find a product without defects 😢

[@b3naqua]

Yeah their quality control on certain iPads seems to have decreased. Every iPad mini 6 I tested (3 of them) had the same loose button issue

[@jebaker2]

I am 6’3” and have pretty big hands… so I find the 11” iPad Air is easy to use without sacrificing screen real estate. But, I totally get the use case for the Mini.

[@m.hreels9822]

You're the only person who I've ever heard bring up that there's no headphone jack thank you 🙏🏻❤️ more people need to mention that!

[@b3naqua]

Right? I miss headphone jacks 😭

[@grantryder5463]

You can buy a usbc to female headphone jack for a few bucks.

[@chrismichaelis7259]

I also have both the 11” Pro and the Mini 6, and I use the Mini way more. I fact I hardly ever use the pro anymore, which is weird to me because it outclasses the Mini in every way, and doesn’t have jelly scroll or loose buttons. So Id have to say the Pro is better, but that smaller screen is so much more useful and easy to use

[@b3naqua]

Interesting! Agreed

[@brubrushanghai]

Thanks for the extensive review

[@b3naqua]

No prob, thanks for watching!

[@bigv1]

I Was Dead Watching Street Fighter For Half The Review 😩😅....Great Video Man 🙌🏾👍🏾

[@b3naqua]

Haha glad you noticed that lol

[@TerryManitoba]

The large variety of productivity/entertainment uses for the Mini demonstrates how versatile it can be for so many people. Master of Nun - But Good at a lot of stuff - Fine by me!!! I bought an iPad Mini 2 Cellular 10 years ago. I do not browse with it - I'm an adult - so I use my 14" laptop to browse and an Apple TV for viewing. After 10 years of ownership - I use my Mini almost exclusively when I "TRAVEL" - to do the following (otherwise it sits in a drawer) #1- as a GPS unit in my vehicles - the best GPS ever (70%) That's after over 150K miles of road trips - when I need a GPS around town - my iPhone works fine. #2 - as a Sidecar or mirror screen to view video paired with a M2 MBA (25%) #3 - as an eReader (4%) #4 - the odd miscellaneous task (1%) This might change with the pencil. I will likely buy the new Mini 7 when it comes out @ year end. The Mini is simply a great portable high performance device that sits between an iPhone & MBA M2 as a complimentary but not essential device.

[@Ohkeh640]

Do you use the pen much? Is it necessary? What case do you use? I want one in pink

[@brettlowenthal9989]

I have the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 inch and bought my 6th gen iPad mini last month, to supplement it, and I haven’t touched my iPad Pro since lol.

[@b3naqua]

Lol nice! Yeah there’s something so satisfying about smaller sized iPads

[@Coedai_76]

Great review! I've had my mini a little over a week, coming from an iPad pro 11 2018, and I really like it. Much more comfortable to hold and carry around. I don't notice any obvious difference with the 60hz display that would make it a negative, even though my iPhone 14 pro and old iPad pro 11" both have 120hz. If anything, I'd like a bit better battery life and 128GB storage option.

[@b3naqua]

Congrats on your mini! Yeah better battery life would be awesome

[@warrengaskin3863]

I recently upgraded from the iPad mini 5 to the 6, the 5 served me well for 3 years but the 6 has a larger screen to size ratio and the better charging method. I’m counting on my recently purchased iPad mini 6 to give me the same stellar service that I got from my mini 5

[@b3naqua]

Congrats on your 6!

[@antoyau]

he can't get enough of it

[@CandanceOnline]

I have had iPad mini 1st generation, the 5th generation and now the 6th generation & I loved all my mini babies .

[@b3naqua]

Awesome!

[@christianhotter]

I'm happy with mine. My daughter got the regular iPad at the same time, so now we can play games together and I never have to touch her food/bugger crusted tablet if I want to watch a show when relaxing at night.

[@b3naqua]

😂 cuz who really has the time for boogers on tablets

[@ryanlhobson13]

Show this to her 16 yo bf in a few years. Will work better than a shotgun. No criminal charges :)

[@FixItOnTheWay]

Great vid. I like that you have a real relationship with your gear. Buying and returning the same gear, repeatedly...is something a lot of people do (not me) but don't like to admit it. How is the video on the iPad 6, especially stabilization. Will you do a video about making videos with the iPad 6. It sounds hilarious just thinking about it. No pressure, tho. I'm just asking for a friend.

[@b3naqua]

Thanks! Yeah I try to give each device the paces and really see how they integrate into a specific workflow or purpose. The video is pretty good for an iPad, with decent stabilization that is added when the video is processed. While you're shooting on it, it looks shaky as hell. But then it smooths out. The image quality reminds me of the iPhone XS/11. Good, but not incredible.

[@rickray1701]

I’ve found using the text size feature in the control center, per app, helps with the text sizing. Some apps don’t need it, but when it’s needed, it changes the whole experience for the better on the mini.

[@b3naqua]

ooh good tip! need to try that

[@DBAMAN7]

Same thing over here…🖐🏽 - I have a MacBook Pro and I had an iPad Air 5th Gen, but it never got any use. I have picked up and returned the iPad Mini 6 at least two times. I keep going back to it, of course the iPad Air is better, but what good does it do me if it gets no use? So I sold the iPad Air and got the Mini again😂

[@b3naqua]

haha nice!

[@applemagsafe]

As always love your honest and fun review

[@b3naqua]

thx 🙏🏼

[@m.hreels9822]

I've never once been able to see jelly scrolling. I think that's the most ridiculous thing people have ever come up with! I only see it on videos and never in person. I get it, it's there, but come on, it's barely noticeable. And like you said, people weren't even paying attention to it until people started mentioning it to begin with. For me, I never see it. I think it's hilarious! 😂🤣

[@jbunk2109]

I got my mini 6 on Friday and I don’t see it either and the only time I’ve seen it is on videos as well. People just look for anything they can to tear things apart!

[@b3naqua]

🙃

[@m.hreels9822]

@@jbunk2109 I agree with you on that

[@GermericanGuy]

I have totally replaced my iPhone with an iPad Mini 6 with cellular. So far the only things that don’t work for me are the McDonald’s app and Apple CarPlay, but music through the car’s system works well.

[@b3naqua]

Nice! The mini 6 is a totally viable iPhone replacement 👌🏼

[@FredCallahan]

Unintentional shout out for me when you were showing the scrolling….

[@b3naqua]

Haha yessss I see you 👀

[@christiank.8035]

curious to know, whats that white speakers under ur tv? thanks 😊

[@b3naqua]

It’s a pair of M-Audio BX8a monitors I painted white 🤘🏼

[@hangwithfi]

I have the iPad Air 5th gen and love it but with my job I have to visit different sites so I ordered the mini and it is exactly what I need

[@b3naqua]

nice!

[@williamokrasinski9840]

Thanks for your review. Wondering if you can help me. I'm unable to change volume with buttons. Maybe I'm missing some setting but the up/down buttons playing music don't do anything and facetime same. unable to change volume. Wondering if you can help me figure out this (what should be simple ) action ? mini 6 OS 15.5. While in music I am able to swipe up from active song and change volume that way, but top buttons don't work.

[@b3naqua]

hmm sounds like the buttons are faulty/dead. Contact Apple support cuz they might be able to exchange it if it’s still under warranty 👌🏼

[@williamokrasinski9840]

@@b3naqua Thanks for the reply Ben. it was two weeks old when my wife took it back. They said "We've never seen this before", and would have exchanged it except they said they didn't have any. So we have another one coming from another seller. They will credit account when we return the faulty one.

[@Burps___]

I had to turn on Bold Text in Accessibility on my iPad mini. I never had to do that on my iPhone or 11.9 inch iPad.

[@b3naqua]

It’s either that or use a microscope lol

[@OlivesD]

Yes, the scaling is so weird! Texts and links sometimes appear so tiny it's difficult to read and access. So this is just an iPad mini issue? There is no fix? One week in and I'm still deciding whether to keep this thing.

[@b3naqua]

No fix that I'm aware of other than messing with font scaling in settings, but there's still a lot of scaling weirdness idk

[@petepaxton5109]

Enjoyed it until I got the Zfold 4. Newer so more updated graphics and speed. And it's always with me as well as my phone. Also runs in dex mode so I can use it as a great desktop. After the price drop and the Samsung trade in, it was only $500. Would love to see Apple come out with a foldable iphone/ipad.

[@b3naqua]

Nice! It'll be interesting to see if Apple gets into foldables

[@sigiligus]

I miss the 9.7” iPad screen size. Just small enough to be serviceable for reading, just big enough to be serviceable for watching videos. I don’t know why Apple insists on creeping up the display size (even the mini had this happen). Now they don’t make a single 9.7” iPad.

[@b3naqua]

A 9.7 would be nice to have again!

[@josemanuel2244]

Does the mini 5 has the same issue for reading as you mention in the mini 6?

[@b3naqua]

The mini 5 felt smoother somehow to me 🧐

[@ArchaicCreationsbp]

Did you notice this same blurriness and jelly scroll on the ipad mini 5?

[@b3naqua]

It seemed a bit smoother. I don’t have the 5 anymore, but I don’t remember it being as choppy as the 6

[@katdog007]

Lol 😂 “i think i just need to live in a promotion only experience lifestyle” =D

[@b3naqua]

Highly recommend it lol 😂

[@genpluspreston]

Im going from an ipad pro 12.9 it was just a bit too overwhelming and it didnt have enough features for its price

[@b3naqua]

That’s a big change!

[@miyolee7]

Are you happy with that change? Doing the same. The form factor is a no brainer with a huge Mini win, but the display and overall quality drop is sadly very noticeable.

[@dgutie8]

I love my iPad mini 6! Very portable, take it everywhere! I use it more than my iPad Pro!

[@b3naqua]

Nice! It really is such a fun and portable device 👌🏼

[@m.hreels9822]

I love how this guy is so cool that he has Dan Aykroyd's Crystal Head Vodka on his desk, and he never mentions it! 💀☠❤

[@b3naqua]

💅🏼

[@xenos975]

i hear more good reviews on the mini than not

[@b3naqua]

it's legit!

[@a-kuz-a]

Best of Willow Pill in recommendations 😎

[@b3naqua]

💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼

[@KingKing-tz6of]

Higher variants should have been available with mini led and more ram

[@b3naqua]

Facts

[@khbkcbdck]

The only thing I feel attached to Buy iPad mini 6 is the ability to write notes and "palm rejection", but I got poor handwriting skills, and I usually type notes using the qwerty of My phone, for this reason and for the price wich is crazy High I don't know if I hit the Mini 6 or the Samsung A7 Lite wich cost only $100 bucks, what d'you think guys?

[@Earthcitizen4609]

I try to slow scroll slower to avoid the eye fatigue

[@b3naqua]

Smart!

[@shanghaichica]

I have the iPad Pro 11 but my mini 6 is my favourite.

[@b3naqua]

Nice!

[@yungnate7155]

Feel like this iPad size is just perfect!!

[@b3naqua]

it really is!

[@tsv6505]

What video is playing on the TV name?please

[@b3naqua]

Street Fighter II anime!

[@florence3054]

Its not a big deal for me the 60 fps i dont like reading while scrolling fast lol

[@b3naqua]

Haha fair

[@theg9750]

I’ve heard there have been massive battery drain problems with this one. Are they true? A good video, by the way

[@b3naqua]

I didn't really experience any noticeably wEirD battery drain

[@emilyspector2728]

So would this be good for workouts in the gym without looking like a goofball?! I still have my iPod touch until R.I.P.

[@b3naqua]

Hell yeah. Perfect size without being too gigantic and ridiculous lol. It will make you v buff.

[@timelanguid4813]

iPad mini 4 is fine thanks.

[@Mark.Taylor.]

The scaling for me was the bad thing. I have old eyes now and it made reading and especially menu stuff. I returned mine due to that. Hi Ben!

[@b3naqua]

are you calling me old?? 😂 jk yeah the scaling is so strange - things are tiny or huge, no in between. something feels off about it.

[@Mark.Taylor.]

@@b3naqua it was your phone comment that made me double think about how to say that. I could never make it as comfortable as it is on my phone.

[@itsphillang4950]

There's a setting to adjust text size, icons and zoom

[@McCabecadePorco]

I'm using the iPad 6 since 2018 and I can't see any reason why I should buy a new one The same display, same iOS version, same user experience and same anything you can imagine

[@williamhammond3998]

You’ve returned 3 of these? Thanks for making them more expensive lol

[@b3naqua]

You’re welcome bb lmk if I can do anything else for you

[@freckledunicornn]

I want this so bad. It's 650 canadian and I just can't convince myself to pull the trigger on it. :( it's too damn cute.

[@b3naqua]

It’s so adorable 😭 you could check refurbished and used deals cuz the pricing is more reasonable imo

[@BobSince1981]

Introducing iPad Adorbs

[@b3naqua]

would buy 💅🏼

[@esoel]

you lost me at lossless audio 🤣

[@b3naqua]

hope someone finds you

[@itsphillang4950]

ipad mini = replaces iPhone for 90% use cases at home when lying in bed/couch etc...while consuming ebooks/manga/webpages/youtube videos and like ideas machine.....If Apple makes ipad pro mini even at 1000usd 128gb, ill buy it. or even outside like when af coffee shops, reunions, restaurants, grocery etc. Biggest iPhone with more fun OS esp with split screen. Less time zooming in and out. iPhone battery will drain less since most stuffs are shouldered by ipad mini with better experience. iPhone = for best portability everywhere esp pocketable. Best for camera and phone calls. Macbook for complex stuffs. OLED TV = for best watching experience at home and even ps5 gaming.

[@b3naqua]

Agreed 👌🏼 and iPad mini pro would be such an incredible device. I’d buy one instantly

[@jack91522]

what anime is that in the bckground?

[@b3naqua]

Street Fighter 👊🏼

[@moemaster1966]

I have the iPad Pro 12.9 m-1 and the mini 6 …the pro is my main and the mini I use with my Air2s drone …works for me

[@b3naqua]

Nice setup 👏🏼

[@peterdefreitas5936]

I have a iPad Pro 10.5 and l think it’s a Perfect size.

[@b3naqua]

Yeah that 10.5 is an amazing machine!

[@Sensei-zo9tw]

Bought mine for 325 plus tax on eBay I am super pleased.

[@Alphaangell]

I hate reading and I use mine for videos and games so I don’t care for the jelly thing 😅I don’t even use social media

[@adamski101]

Can anyone confirm if it’s worth exchanging for wobbly volume buttons? Also, is keyboard lag in Safari normal? It’s fine In other apps so far as I can tell. Finally, the occasional loud keyboard click through the speakers? Please confirm as I am still in the returns period. Thankyou.

[@b3naqua]

If I were you, I’d take it to an Apple Store and show them the wobbly volume buttons. I did that and they exchanged it with a new one.

[@Tendertroll1]

I hate my iPad minin 6. I totally agree with you, the screen is so choppy and I hate it. Can’t wait until the 7 comes soon

[@b3naqua]

yeah it desperately needs a promotion display

[@ragusaf]

you didnt address external storage transfer speeds...

[@b3naqua]

I suck

[@user-jk8kn3ij8o]

The iPad mini six is the perfect compliment to a 15 inch MacBook Air/Pro.

[@b3naqua]

That would be a sweet combo 👏🏼

[@dg7438]

Yes. jelly scroll would annoy me to. No buy for me

[@b3naqua]

It’s definitely noticeable

[@anicca8957]

You said is fast and zippy, then you call it choppy. What is it?

[@b3naqua]

Both. The processor is fast af, but the display refresh rate looks a bit choppy when scrolling around

[@vinayraojavali]

I prefer iPad 9th Gen 2021. Best iPad for best budget of Apple ever.

[@b3naqua]

good choice 👌🏼

[@FredCallahan]

Whoops 2018 iPad. Sorry

[@otto.10]

wtf this video made my screen yelliw

[@b3naqua]

it's cursed

[@Cukito4]

Why not get an even smaller iPad mini? Or smaller than that? Or smaller than that? Or else, why not get a bigger phone? Or bigger than that? Or bigger than that?

[@b3naqua]

Or nothing at all, maybe some scrambled eggs and toast

[@FredCallahan]

First comment….and I don’t know what to say. Oh wait….I love my 2019 iPad Pro! I think it’s still incredible and competes with the current gen iPads. Y’all agree yes/no?

[@b3naqua]

Agreeeeeeed. The 2018 slaps. I don't really see any need to upgrade it, which is kind of nuts for a 4-yo device. Good job, Apple 💅🏼

[@noupot]

The mini is the best ipad by far

[@b3naqua]

it's a beast!

[@soumenchakraborty2450]

Fun fact, lumafusion and Lightroom actually works in iPad minis, but it’s too cramped.

[@b3naqua]

Facts

[@ghost-user559]

External Monitor gang

[@anrn5303]

hahaha I can't with you ppl, who reads when page is actively being scrolled up/down... oy vey! lol

[@b3naqua]

Me lol

[@nithishsorock]

Everyone goes on about iPad mini 6 is so good. They suck at outside usage. The s is too dang low. Im work water systems at construction site and it is so dam hard to show clients and discuss about drawings and show images. Clients find this as unprofessional as our doesn’t have brightened any where close to an iPhone. Even my ipad 9 h gen has better brightness. Apple cheats their customers by providing false info on this products

[@b3naqua]

interesting point!

[@nithishsorock]

@@b3naqua sorry about the typos. Couldve been hard for you to understand.

[@b3naqua]

@@nithishsorock haha no prob, I got most of it!

[@garrrbarr]

Face id sucks. Give me back my fingerprint readers

[@NizarNoor]

No, it’s not too mini and nothing frustrating about it.

[@b3naqua]

😱

[@LEUNN_]

this guy said scaling…

[@b3naqua]

pretty hawt right

[@rauljavier2182]

the ipad mini 6 sucks bro its not good at all

[@b3naqua]

why don't you like it?

[@steventolerhan5110]

Can you please tone down the saturation and brightness? Jesus christ buddy its like a coco melon video

[@franklin9039]

I will only upgrade my iPad mini 6 to another iPad mini