iPad mini (2019) review

The fifth version of the iPad mini is a highly portable and slick drawing device.

A user drawing on the iPad mini with a first-generation Apple Pencil
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

While not quite as powerful as the iPad Pro, the latest iPad mini is a convenient and sturdy tablet that's ideal for creating on the move.

For

  • Super portable
  • Runs advanced illustration tools
  • Fully laminated model
  • Affordable

Against

  • Smaller screen area
  • Only supports first-generation Apple Pencil

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

With the iPad mini, 10.2-inch iPad, the iPad Air, and two flavours of iPad Pro, there’s now a busy lineup of Apple tablets to choose from at a range of sizes. They also come at a variety of prices, so if you want to pick up a cheap Apple tablet, check out our guide to the best iPad deals.

For some illustrators, the iPad mini may be one of the more interesting additions to the family. It’s super portable – just 300g and 7.9 inches across. It’s small enough to fit into almost anything and take anywhere with you. Now that you can use the first-generation Apple Pencil with it, this means you can combine a powerful digital tablet with a highly sensitive digital pen. That said, if you want to look outside the world of iPads, check out our guide to the best drawing tablets.

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The Verdict
8

out of 10

2019 iPad Mini

While not quite as powerful as the iPad Pro, the latest iPad mini is a convenient and sturdy tablet that's ideal for creating on the move.

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A veteran from the days of the 8-bit ZX Spectrum, Orestis is always interested in the fastest, slickest way to make computers do new and exciting things.
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