Is The Ipad Mini Actually A Better Daily Driver Than The Iphone 12 Pro

In an era where mobile devices define how we work, communicate, and consume media, the line between phone and tablet has blurred. The iPhone 12 Pro, once Apple’s flagship smartphone, competes in a category defined by pocketability and performance. Meanwhile, the iPad Mini—compact yet powerful—offers a different kind of mobility. But could this small tablet genuinely replace a high-end smartphone as your primary device? For some users, the answer isn’t just yes—it’s emphatically so.

The idea of using a tablet as a “daily driver” used to sound impractical. Too big, too fragile, not enough cellular integration. But with advances in LTE/5G connectivity, app optimization, and multitasking, the iPad Mini has evolved into a surprisingly capable personal device. When stacked against the iPhone 12 Pro—a phone now several generations old but still widely used—the comparison reveals trade-offs that may surprise even seasoned Apple fans.

Portability and Form Factor: Size vs. Usability

The most immediate difference lies in size. The iPhone 12 Pro measures 5.78 x 2.82 inches with a 6.1-inch display, fitting comfortably in one hand and nearly all pockets. In contrast, the iPad Mini (6th gen) is 7.99 x 5.3 inches with an 8.3-inch screen—noticeably larger, though still among the most compact tablets available.

Despite its larger footprint, the iPad Mini remains highly portable. It slips into backpacks, tote bags, or larger jacket pockets without issue. Its weight—just 308 grams on Wi-Fi + Cellular models—is only slightly more than the iPhone 12 Pro’s 189 grams. But the real advantage isn't just screen size; it's usability during extended tasks.

Tip: If you frequently read long articles, watch videos, or type messages, the iPad Mini’s larger screen reduces eye strain and improves accuracy.

For users who spend hours on messaging apps, email, or social media, the iPad Mini offers a more ergonomic experience. Typing on its virtual keyboard—or pairing it with a slim Bluetooth keyboard—feels closer to laptop use, while the iPhone demands more thumb acrobatics.

Performance and Multitasking Capabilities

Both devices are powered by Apple’s A-series chips—the iPhone 12 Pro uses the A14 Bionic, while the latest iPad Mini runs the A15 Bionic (with a slight core reduction). In practice, both deliver snappy performance for everyday tasks. However, the iPadOS ecosystem unlocks functionality the iPhone simply can’t match.

iPadOS supports split-screen multitasking, slide-over apps, drag-and-drop, and external keyboard shortcuts. You can have Messages open alongside Safari, pull links into Notes, or run a video call while browsing documents—all simultaneously. The iPhone 12 Pro, limited by iOS constraints, doesn’t allow true multitasking without third-party workarounds or jailbreaking.

“On the iPad Mini, I manage my entire freelance workflow—emails, invoices, client calls—without touching my laptop.” — Jordan Lee, digital nomad and content strategist

This makes the iPad Mini not just a communication tool, but a lightweight productivity hub. For students, remote workers, or creatives, that flexibility often outweighs the convenience of pocket-sized access.

Connectivity and Communication: Can It Replace Your Phone?

A key hurdle for any non-phone daily driver is voice calling and SMS. The iPad Mini supports FaceTime Audio and VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom—but lacks native GSM calling unless tethered to an iPhone via Continuity. However, Apple’s Continuity Calling feature allows iPad users to answer iPhone calls directly on their tablet when both devices are on the same network.

For users already embedded in the Apple ecosystem, this integration smooths the transition. With an iPad Mini (cellular model), AirPods, and an iPhone left at home or in a bag, you can take calls, send iMessages, and receive notifications seamlessly. The experience mimics having your phone with you—even if it’s not.

Battery life further tilts the balance. The iPad Mini lasts up to 10 hours of continuous use, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro’s 17-hour mixed usage. For heavy users—those streaming, reading, or working remotely—the iPad Mini often requires fewer charges per day.

Comparison Table: iPad Mini vs iPhone 12 Pro

Feature	iPad Mini (6th Gen)	iPhone 12 Pro
Display Size	8.3 inches (Landscape-oriented)	6.1 inches (Portrait-oriented)
Chipset	A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)	A14 Bionic (4-core GPU)
Operating System	iPadOS (multitasking support)	iOS (limited multitasking)
Cellular Calling	No native dialer (requires iPhone for calls)	Full GSM/5G calling support
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 17 hours (mixed use)
Portability	Fits in bags, not most pockets	Fits in hand and most pockets
Camera System	12MP rear, 12MP front (ultra-wide)	Triple 12MP system (telephoto, wide, ultra-wide)
Ideal Use Case	Reading, writing, media, light work	On-the-go communication, photography, portability

Real-World Example: A Week with the iPad Mini as Primary Device

Sophie, a freelance journalist based in Portland, decided to test the iPad Mini as her sole communication device for one week. She owns an iPhone 12 Pro but kept it powered off except for emergencies.

Each morning, she synced her iPad Mini via iCloud. Using Continuity, she answered calls from editors through FaceTime Audio on her iPad, typed long-form responses in Notes with a foldable keyboard, and managed deadlines in Todoist. During commutes, she read research PDFs in PDF Expert while listening to podcast interviews through AirPods.

She did encounter limitations: quick photo captures were harder (the iPad’s camera lacks the immediacy of pulling out a phone), and spontaneous texting while walking felt awkward. But overall, she reported higher focus, less neck strain, and greater satisfaction with her workflow.

“I didn’t miss my iPhone until I tried to snap a picture of my dog mid-run,” she said. “But for actual work? The iPad Mini was better in every way.”

When the iPad Mini Wins—and When It Doesn’t

The iPad Mini excels as a daily driver for users whose primary needs revolve around consumption, creation, and communication in controlled environments: home offices, coffee shops, libraries, or transit. Its screen real estate enhances readability, reduces input errors, and supports richer app interactions.

However, it fails as a replacement for those who rely on instant photography, frequent voice calls on the move, or deep integration with fitness trackers and smartwatches. The lack of a traditional phone dialer and dependency on another device for SMS (unless using third-party apps) remains a barrier.

Tip: Pair your iPad Mini with an Apple Watch to receive and respond to calls/texts independently, reducing reliance on your iPhone.

Checklist: Is the iPad Mini Right for You as a Daily Driver?

• ✅ Do you spend more time reading, writing, or watching videos than making calls?
• ✅ Are you comfortable using VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime) for most communication?
• ✅ Do you carry a bag regularly, or don’t mind slightly bulkier gear?
• ✅ Do you value screen space and typing comfort over pocketability?
• ✅ Are you already invested in the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, AirPods, Mac)?

If you answered yes to most of these, the iPad Mini could be a superior daily companion—even if you keep an older iPhone nearby for backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPad Mini make regular phone calls?

Not natively. It lacks a traditional phone number and GSM dialer. However, you can use FaceTime Audio, WhatsApp, or other VoIP services. With Continuity Calling enabled, you can answer iPhone calls directly on the iPad when both devices are signed in and on the same network.

Does the iPad Mini have worse battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro?

It depends on usage. The iPad Mini offers up to 10 hours of screen-on time, ideal for media and work. The iPhone 12 Pro lasts longer in standby and lighter use due to smaller display and optimized sleep modes. For intensive tasks, the iPad Mini often performs longer before needing a charge.

Can I use the iPad Mini for texting and iMessage?

Absolutely. The iPad Mini supports full iMessage functionality, including group chats, MMS via iPhone relay, stickers, and apps. All messages sync across devices via iCloud, making it seamless to switch between iPad and iPhone.

Conclusion: Rethinking the Daily Driver

The assumption that a smartphone must be your primary personal device is being challenged. The iPad Mini, particularly in its modern form, delivers a compelling alternative—one that prioritizes usability over pocketability. While it won’t suit everyone, especially those reliant on constant mobility and photography, it offers a healthier digital posture, better ergonomics, and stronger productivity tools than even high-end phones.

For knowledge workers, readers, writers, and creatives, the iPad Mini isn’t just a supplement. It’s a legitimate upgrade. And when paired intelligently with existing Apple devices, it can function as the centerpiece of a minimalist, efficient tech stack.

🚀 Ready to rethink your mobile setup? Try using your iPad Mini as your main device for three days. You might never reach for your phone again.