Ipad Mini 4 Vs Iphone 6 Plus Was Getting A Bigger Phone A Mistake

In 2014, Apple changed the smartphone game with the release of the iPhone 6 Plus—a device so large it blurred the line between phone and tablet. At the same time, the iPad Mini 4 offered a compact, full-featured tablet experience just 13 months later. For users caught between these two devices, a critical question emerged: Was upgrading to the larger iPhone 6 Plus instead of sticking with or switching to an iPad Mini 4 actually a step forward—or a misjudged compromise?

This isn’t just about screen size. It’s about how we use our devices daily: for communication, media, productivity, and portability. Comparing the iPad Mini 4 and iPhone 6 Plus reveals trade-offs in ergonomics, functionality, battery life, and long-term satisfaction that still resonate with today’s phablet-era decisions.

Ergonomics and One-Handed Use

The iPhone 6 Plus introduced a 5.5-inch display, a significant jump from the 4-inch iPhone 5S. While marketed as more immersive, this size came at a cost: usability. Many users found it difficult to operate with one hand, especially when reaching across the screen to access menus or type. Thumb strain became a real issue—something rarely discussed in early reviews.

In contrast, the iPad Mini 4, with its 7.9-inch screen, was never intended for pocket carry. It was designed for two-handed use, much like reading a book or holding a notepad. But here’s the irony: despite being physically larger, the iPad Mini 4 often felt more natural in sustained use because it wasn’t pretending to be something it wasn’t—a phone.

Tip: If you value pocketability and single-hand control, a large phone like the 6 Plus may create more friction than convenience.

Carrying the iPhone 6 Plus meant bulkier pockets, increased risk of drops, and frequent readjustments during use. The iPad Mini 4, while less portable, encouraged intentional usage—pulling it out for specific tasks rather than constant scrolling.

Performance and Multitasking Capabilities

Under the hood, both devices launched with competitive specs for their time. The iPhone 6 Plus used the Apple A8 chip with 1GB RAM, while the iPad Mini 4 upgraded to the A8 chip with 2GB RAM—a subtle but meaningful difference. That extra memory allowed the Mini 4 to handle multitasking more smoothly, especially when switching between apps or running background processes.

Apple also introduced split-screen multitasking on iPad models starting in 2015, though the Mini 4 received limited support due to its smaller screen. Still, even basic slide-over functionality gave it an edge over the iPhone 6 Plus, which had no true multitasking interface until iOS 9—but only in very constrained forms (like picture-in-picture video).

“People don’t need bigger phones—they need better ways to do more with them.” — David Pierce, Former Editor-at-Large, The Verge

The reality is, screen real estate matters most when you’re doing more than consuming content. Writing emails, editing documents, comparing prices, or watching video while messaging—all are easier on a device where interface elements aren’t cramped. The iPad Mini 4, though not revolutionary, offered breathing room the iPhone 6 Plus simply couldn’t match.

Display Quality and Media Consumption

On paper, the iPhone 6 Plus boasted a higher pixel density (401 PPI) compared to the iPad Mini 4’s 326 PPI. However, viewing distance changes everything. When held at typical tablet distance (12–18 inches), the Mini 4’s screen delivered a more immersive experience for videos, comics, and e-books.

Moreover, the Mini 4 featured dual-domain pixels for improved off-angle visibility, making it better suited for sharing content or using in bed. The iPhone 6 Plus, while sharp, suffered from color shift when viewed from below—an issue magnified by its curved edges and lack of advanced panel tech.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPad Mini 4
Screen Size	5.5 inches	7.9 inches
Resolution	1920x1080	2048x1536
PPI	401	326
Aspect Ratio	16:9	4:3
True Multitasking	No	Limited (Slide Over)

The aspect ratio alone made a difference. The 16:9 screen of the 6 Plus was optimized for video, yes—but awkward for web browsing and document work, where vertical space is king. The iPad’s 4:3 ratio provided more usable area above the keyboard and reduced scrolling fatigue.

Battery Life and Real-World Usage

Apple rated the iPhone 6 Plus for up to 24 hours of audio playback and 14 hours of talk time—impressive for a smartphone at the time. In practice, heavy users saw closer to 6–8 hours of screen-on time. The iPad Mini 4, meanwhile, promised up to 10 hours of mixed usage, which translated to about 7–9 hours under active load.

But battery efficiency isn’t just about longevity—it’s about context. The iPhone 6 Plus drained faster when used continuously due to its smaller battery capacity (2915 mAh vs. 6471 mAh in the Mini 4). Pushing a high-resolution display in a compact chassis generated more heat and throttled performance over time.

Users who switched from an iPad Mini to the iPhone 6 Plus often reported feeling “on edge” about battery by midday, especially when relying on GPS, streaming, or social media. The Mini 4, used as a secondary device, could last two days with light use—making it ideal for travel or weekend getaways without constant charging anxiety.

A Real-World Scenario: Sarah’s Upgrade Regret

Sarah, a freelance writer and frequent traveler, upgraded from her iPad Mini 2 to the iPhone 6 Plus in late 2014, drawn by ads showing people effortlessly checking maps, taking photos, and watching movies on the big screen. She sold her Mini, believing she’d consolidate devices into one powerful tool.

Within weeks, she noticed problems. Typing long drafts on the phone was tiring. She missed the stability of resting the iPad on her lap. Reading research articles caused eye strain due to the narrower column width. And despite the larger screen, she couldn’t comfortably prop the phone up for FaceTime calls.

After six months, she bought a refurbished iPad Mini 4. “I thought I was simplifying my life,” she said. “Instead, I ended up carrying both again. The iPhone 6 Plus was fine for calls and quick checks, but anything serious needed the iPad.” Her story reflects a broader trend: convergence doesn’t always mean improvement.

Checklist: Should You Choose a Large Phone Over a Small Tablet?

• ✅ Do you make frequent voice or video calls and want everything in one device?
• ✅ Is pocket portability your top priority?
• ✅ Do you mostly consume media (social media, YouTube, podcasts) rather than create content?
• ❌ Are you planning to write, sketch, or edit documents regularly?
• ❌ Do you struggle with grip or have smaller hands?
• ❌ Will you be away from chargers for extended periods?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first three and “no” to the last three, a large phone might suit you. Otherwise, consider keeping both devices—or opting for the tablet as your primary screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPad Mini 4 replace a phone?

Not directly. It lacks cellular calling capabilities unless paired with an iPhone via Wi-Fi Calling or FaceTime Audio. However, many users rely on messaging apps and VoIP services (like WhatsApp or Skype) to communicate effectively without traditional voice plans.

Which device has better long-term software support?

The iPad Mini 4 received updates until iOS 15 (2021), while the iPhone 6 Plus stopped at iOS 12. This means the Mini 4 enjoyed nearly three additional years of security patches and feature upgrades, giving it significantly better longevity.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus still usable in 2024?

As a basic device—yes, but with major limitations. Most modern apps either don’t support iOS 12 or run poorly. App stores no longer allow downloads to devices without two-factor authentication capable hardware. It’s largely obsolete for secure, functional daily use.

Conclusion: Reassessing the \"Bigger Is Better\" Mentality

Choosing the iPhone 6 Plus over the iPad Mini 4 wasn’t inherently a mistake—but it depended entirely on how you used technology. For some, the consolidation of functions into a single, large phone was liberating. For others, it was a downgrade in comfort, versatility, and endurance.

The real lesson lies in intentionality. Devices should serve our habits, not force us into new ones. The iPad Mini 4 represented focused utility; the iPhone 6 Plus symbolized ambition toward convergence. History shows that while big phones became standard, tablets didn’t disappear—they evolved, proving that different tools exist for different needs.

🚀 Think before you upgrade: Ask not what your device can do, but how it fits into your life. Share your own experience—was going big worth it?