Ipad Mini Vs Iphone 6 Plus In 2024 Is The Bigger Screen Of The Iphone Enough

In 2024, comparing an iPad Mini to an iPhone 6 Plus may seem like a mismatch at first glance—one is a modern tablet, the other a phone released nearly a decade ago. But for users still relying on older devices or considering budget options, the question remains: does the iPhone 6 Plus’s 5.5-inch screen offer enough utility compared to the compact yet powerful iPad Mini? The answer depends on how you use your device, what tasks matter most, and whether raw screen size outweighs functionality, performance, and ecosystem support.

The iPhone 6 Plus was revolutionary in its time, introducing Apple’s first large-screen smartphone. Meanwhile, the current-generation iPad Mini delivers modern processing power, app compatibility, and multitasking capabilities in a portable form factor. While both have screens suitable for media and light productivity, their roles in today’s digital landscape are fundamentally different.

Screen Size and Usability: Beyond Inches

At first glance, the iPhone 6 Plus’s 5.5-inch display appears close in size to the iPad Mini’s 8.3-inch screen. However, screen real estate isn’t additive—it’s exponential. The iPad Mini offers over 90% more viewing area than the iPhone 6 Plus, which translates into tangible benefits for reading, multitasking, and media consumption.

Device	Screen Size	Resolution	PPI (Pixels Per Inch)	Aspect Ratio
iPhone 6 Plus (2014)	5.5 inches	1920 x 1080	401	16:9
iPad Mini (6th Gen, 2021)	8.3 inches	2266 x 1488	326	5:3

While the iPhone 6 Plus has a sharper pixel density, the iPad Mini’s larger canvas allows for split-view apps, proper keyboard placement, and comfortable web browsing without constant zooming. For tasks like email, document editing, or watching videos side-by-side with notes, the iPad Mini is in a completely different class.

Tip: If you're using a device primarily for reading or content creation, prioritize usable screen area over pixel density—real estate matters more than sharpness.

Performance and Software Support in 2024

This is where the comparison becomes stark. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip and topped out at iOS 12. It cannot upgrade to iOS 13 or beyond. That means no security updates since 2019, no support for modern apps that require newer APIs, and declining compatibility with services like banking apps, messaging platforms, and even some websites relying on updated JavaScript engines.

In contrast, the iPad Mini (6th gen) uses the A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. It supports iPadOS 17 and will likely receive updates through 2026. This ensures access to advanced features like Stage Manager, external keyboard and stylus support, robust file management, and up-to-date encryption protocols.

“By 2024, device longevity isn’t just about hardware—it’s about software relevance. A device stuck on outdated OS versions becomes a liability.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

The performance gap isn’t theoretical. Opening PDFs, switching between apps, loading web pages—every interaction on the iPad Mini feels instantaneous. On the iPhone 6 Plus, even basic tasks can lag, especially when multiple tabs or background processes are active.

Real-World Use Case: Maria’s Daily Routine

Maria, a freelance editor based in Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus as her primary device for years. She appreciated its size for reading manuscripts and replying to emails on the go. But by early 2023, she noticed key issues: her banking app stopped working, Google Docs became sluggish, and FaceTime calls frequently dropped.

She borrowed an iPad Mini for a week and immediately saw the difference. Using Split View, she could edit a document while referencing client feedback. With the Smart Keyboard, typing long passages became efficient. Even reading long articles felt less straining due to better font rendering and layout adaptation.

She eventually sold her iPhone 6 Plus for parts and bought a refurbished iPad Mini. Her workflow improved dramatically—not because the screen was “bigger,” but because it was capable.

When the iPhone 6 Plus Still Makes Sense

There are rare scenarios where holding onto the iPhone 6 Plus might be justified:

• As a secondary device for calls and texts only, especially if paired with another primary device.
• In regions with limited internet where app bloat and constant updates aren’t necessary.
• For elderly users who rely on muscle memory and resist learning new interfaces.

But even then, risks remain. No security patches mean vulnerability to phishing, malware via malicious sites, and data interception. Modern authentication methods like two-factor login via authenticator apps may not work reliably—or at all.

Step-by-Step: Upgrading from iPhone 6 Plus to iPad Mini

If you’re transitioning from an iPhone 6 Plus to an iPad Mini, follow this sequence to ensure a smooth shift:

1. Back up your iPhone: Connect to Wi-Fi and ensure iCloud Backup is enabled. Alternatively, back up to a computer via iTunes.
2. Transfer data: During iPad Mini setup, choose “Restore from Mac or PC” or “Restore from iCloud Backup.” Select the most recent backup.
3. Reinstall essential apps: Some apps may not carry over if they’re no longer supported. Re-download them from the App Store.
4. Set up communication tools: Sign in to iMessage, FaceTime, and email accounts. Note: SMS forwarding requires an active iPhone.
5. Optimize settings: Enable accessibility features, adjust text size, and set up Focus modes tailored to work or personal use.
6. Test core workflows: Try reading a long article, editing a document, and video calling to confirm everything works smoothly.

Tip: Use the iPad Mini in landscape mode with a lightweight Bluetooth keyboard for a laptop-like experience during travel.

Checklist: Is the iPad Mini Right for You?

Answer these questions before making the switch:

• Do I need to run modern apps (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Notion)? ✅
• Am I doing any form of content creation (writing, drawing, editing)? ✅
• Do I want access to the latest security updates? ✅
• Is portability still important? (The iPad Mini fits in most bags.) ✅
• Can I live without cellular voice calling? (iPad Mini doesn’t replace phone calls unless linked to an iPhone.) ❌

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first four, the iPad Mini is a strong upgrade path—even if you lose standalone calling capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPad Mini replace my phone?

Not fully. While it supports FaceTime Audio and WhatsApp calls over Wi-Fi, it lacks native cellular voice calling. You’ll still need an iPhone or Android phone for traditional calls unless you rely entirely on VoIP apps.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus still safe to use in 2024?

No. Without security updates since 2019, it’s vulnerable to known exploits. Avoid entering passwords, banking details, or sensitive information on it. Consider it functionally obsolete for secure tasks.

Does the larger screen of the iPhone 6 Plus beat a smaller iPad?

No. Despite being closer in diagonal size than older iPhones, the iPad Mini’s interface, multitasking, and app optimization make it far more functional. Screen size alone doesn’t determine usability—software and ecosystem do.

Conclusion: Size Isn’t Everything—Capability Is

In 2024, choosing between the iPad Mini and iPhone 6 Plus isn’t about screen size—it’s about staying relevant. The iPhone 6 Plus may have seemed large in 2014, but today it’s technologically stranded. The iPad Mini, though slightly less pocketable, offers a future-proof platform for work, creativity, and communication.

The bigger screen of the iPhone 6 Plus isn’t enough. What matters is having a device that keeps up—with apps, with security, and with your evolving needs. If you're still clinging to an aging iPhone, consider upgrading not for novelty, but for necessity.

💬 Have you made the switch from an old iPhone to a modern tablet? Share your experience and tips in the comments—your story could help someone else take the leap.