What does any mini, smaller version of a bigger successful device bring to the table? There is no universal answer to that, however sometimes it is to bring in more affordability to the slate of functions and features, sometimes it is for reasons of raising the portability quotient and ease of use and other times it is a manufacturer’s veil let down to recover from slumping sales due to technical issues or because the big phone is overawing for no reason.
The Apple iPad mini is a downsized version of the mighty 10 inch, and allows consumers a chance to explore and enjoy everything the upper size model has to offer. The mini is only a few inches smaller being about 7.9 inches. The 16GB iPad mini (Wi-Fi) is available for Rs.21,900/- last time we checked at FlipKart, and the 16GB (Wi-Fi) with cellular is priced at Rs.29,900/-. The 32GB (Wi-Fi) is available for Rs27,900 while the 32 with cellular will cost you Rs.35,900/-.
The screen on the iPad mini has the same resolution found on the iPad2. The device is more light and thin, and seems more appropriate in today’s times. Most of the time people get caught up with large screens and devices, when really most of that flair is illusionary and excessive.
While it’s natural to first draw up a comparison with the device it springs inspiration from, on further consideration, the iPad mini looks like an enlarged version of the iPod touch! Another discerning factor between the iPad and its mini family member is that the latter has a different case design. There are less marked differences and distinctive design in the second, third and fourth generation of iPads.The iPad mini however assumes independent identity with its anodized aluminum rear, which is another factor that edges it closer to likes and looks of the iPod Touch.
The iPad mini with Wi-Fi only weighs about 308 grams. The screen is a 7.9 inch beauty with a resolution of1,024 x 768 IPS LCD. There are smaller bezels here intentionally to perfectly fit the display in this smaller sized device.
The screen is extremely sensitive to the touch, and even in woolen mitts you can swipe away and type all you want. The size, weight and overall dimensions make this the fancy choice on the go, for it looks good, speaks of professionalism or prosperity, and affords smooth operation with one hand.
The tablet is a simplistic design that reeks of style. The model we picked for testing, was the black one, which has a dark bezel to give it uniformity in design and a wholesome appeal. The fact that the body is matte, increases the feel factor, for we have an aversion to finger print stains, and slippery devices, after all, we don’t pay the mighty bucks to watch our precious mini collapse to the floor.
The layout is slightly different but mostly similar to the iPad. The volume rocker and orientation lock switches are placed on the top right side of the device. The controls of the rocker are not found at opposite ends of one long tab like button, but are different. The power button, like always on iPads is situated on the top, and is comfortable to access and use. There is a tiny microphone beside the power button. Stationed at the other end is a 3.5mm headphone jack, for good reason, or simply to add difference, who knows. The left of the device has been left bare, while the bottom is for the Lightning connector. On either side of the lightening connector is a speaker grille. When tested, the music got pretty loud, and came out clear.
The home button has been reduced by more than just a tad, compared to the iPad. This smaller size could trouble large thumbed folks, since the button is even smaller than the one on the iPhone. Now, since that button is already a little sunk in, a bigger size would have been the better choice. The back camera is a 5 megapixel camera, which has been given top left real estate. That’s too far out, and will require getting accustomed to. The front camera, for FaceTime purposes is a 1.2 megapixel camera.
The pixel density is higher at 163ppi since it is a smaller screen; however that is much less compared to the densities found on the fourth generation iPad and the iPhone. The display does not lack luster and the images are sharp and clear. The brightness and color reproduction is optimal. The colors don’t hurt the eye, and are just vibrant enough to immerse your senses.
The system’s core features a dual-core 1GHz CPU with 512MB of RAM, which specs are the ditto to the iPad 2, which means you can expert like-performance. The Apps load easily and work pretty smooth. However intense tasking leaves the device turning to turtle speeds, but recovers quickly. Otherwise, with general use the iPad mini executes without resistance.
The iPad mini managed to stay alive about 12 with normal use, like browsing, chatting, including video chat, and using the camera features. Speaking of camera, the one present on the iPad mini is better than the one in the iPad 2 but sadly like the latter it too does not have HDR or the Panorama feature. The lens is an f/2.4 lens. The camera module is the same as that found on the iPhone 4 and the images are qualitatively marvelous. The video shooting at 1080p performs as well as all the latest Apple devices. With the right amount of lighting, you can find yourself filming clear videos, with great audio.
Having run through the specifications, performance and features of the iPad mini in and out, we conclude that this device deserves to be viewed and adjudged as a separate entity distinct from the iPad baron. The device packs in hoards of features, some from the iPad 2 and others from its senior. Apple has probably knocked this one out of the park, since being able to afford an Apple which comes with glam features is a unique selling proposition for sure. What confidence Google’s Nexus 7 had, must wane in front of the Apple iPad mini. Previously, thoughts were more on the lines of; why pay such a big amount for an iPhone when I can pool in more to get the iPad? Now, it makes more sense to even opt for the iPad mini straight away for first time Apple users (iPod aside).
