ASCII.jp [6th generation iPad mini review] There are things that only a mini can do!

6th generation iPad mini. Equipped with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display

Apple will release the 6th generation "iPad mini" and the 9th generation "iPad" on September 24th. In particular, I think that the iPad mini, which has been reborn with an all-screen design, is attracting a lot of attention. Let me tell you the first impression of the new product with the actual machine.

Fresh All-Screen Design Compatible with 2nd Generation Apple Pencil

First, let's take a look at the radically different design of the iPad mini, the smallest and lightest model in the iPad series.

The latest model adopts the same flat edge design as the current iPad Pro and iPad Air. An all-screen design that greatly expands the screen share on the front side with the Liquid Retina display.

All-screen design with no cutouts. Built-in camera discreetly in the top bezel

Available in four color variations. I tried the purple iPad mini

The camera is powered up from the 5th generation iPad mini. The rear is a single-lens 12MP wide-angle camera. The front camera is mounted inconspicuously on the black bezel (forehead) surrounding the display. This is a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera that can capture the subject wide.

The biometric authentication system was fingerprint authentication by Touch ID embedded in the top button, which was first adopted in the 4th generation iPad Air. Whether unlocking, authorizing payments, or signing in to apps, Touch ID responds quickly and accurately.

12MP single-lens main camera

Equipped with a top button with a built-in Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Looking at the sleek look of the iPad mini, which doesn't have a notch for locating cameras and sensors on the front side, this is what it would look like if the iPhone adopted a notchless design in the future. I imagine. I thought it would be nice if the iPhone had a notch, but when I got the iPad mini, I felt that the iPhone had a better all-screen design.

The new iPad mini also supports handwriting input with the second-generation Apple Pencil. The second-generation Apple Pencil can be attached to the side magnet of the iPad for pairing and charging. Although it does not support the 120Hz-driven ProMotion technology installed in the iPad Pro, it supports a full lamination display that reduces the gap between the liquid crystal and the cover glass, realizing a comfortable writing experience with the Apple Pencil. I felt that the handwriting feeling of the 4th generation iPad Air was the closest.

An iPad mini with a Smart Folio cover. Supports handwriting input with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil

You can charge the Apple Pencil by attaching it to the magnet on the side

When the Apple Pencil is attached to the iPad mini, the side is almost completely blocked by the pen, so the volume button has been moved to the side where the top button is placed. Looking at the iPad mini's display from the front, the right side of the two buttons is the volume up button. In general, it may not be necessary knowledge, but pressing the volume up and top button at the same time becomes a "screen capture". When the button position changed, I was a little confused by this operation at first.

Equipped with a volume button on the same side as the top button