Is The New Ipad Mini Worth Upgrading From An Older Model For Artists And Note Takers

For digital artists and productivity-focused note takers, the iPad mini has long occupied a unique space: compact enough to carry everywhere, yet powerful enough to handle creative workflows. With each new release, Apple refines the device with better processors, improved displays, and enhanced compatibility with the Apple Pencil. But if you're already using an older iPad mini—say, the 5th generation or even earlier—is the latest model truly worth the upgrade?

The answer depends on your specific needs, how you use the device, and what features matter most in your daily routine. This article breaks down every critical factor—from drawing precision to battery life—to help you decide whether investing in the new iPad mini delivers meaningful improvements or just incremental updates.

Performance Leap: From A12 to A15 and Beyond

The most significant hardware upgrade in the latest iPad mini (6th generation, released in 2021) is its processor. Older models like the iPad mini 5 used the A12 Bionic chip. The current version steps up to the A15 Bionic, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This isn't just a minor speed bump—it translates into real-world gains for creative applications.

Digital art apps such as Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer benefit greatly from faster CPU and GPU performance. Complex brush engines, high-resolution canvases, and multi-layered projects load quicker and respond more fluidly. Artists working with large files or time-lapse recordings will notice reduced lag and fewer crashes during extended sessions.

Additionally, the A15 supports improved multitasking. You can now run two apps side-by-side more reliably using Split View or Slide Over—a major advantage when referencing images while sketching or taking notes alongside a lecture video.

Tip: If you frequently work with layered artwork or animation timelines, the A15’s 4GB of RAM (up from 3GB in the mini 5) significantly reduces app reloads and improves background task retention.

Display and Drawing Experience: A Game-Changer?

The screen may be the single most important feature for artists and note takers. The iPad mini 6 introduced a major redesign: larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels, edge-to-edge glass, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil with magnetic attachment and wireless charging.

Compared to the 7.9-inch display of the mini 5, the newer screen offers slightly more canvas space—about 13% larger—which might not sound like much but makes a tangible difference when writing full pages of notes or sketching detailed illustrations. More importantly, the updated anti-reflective coating reduces glare, making outdoor use and prolonged reading sessions more comfortable.

The integration with the Apple Pencil 2 is transformative. No longer do you need to unscrew the pencil to charge it; simply attach it magnetically to the side of the iPad mini, and it begins charging wirelessly. Double-tap functionality allows quick tool switching in supported apps, reducing reliance on menus and streamlining the creative process.

“From a tactile standpoint, the combination of the refined display and Pencil 2 support brings the iPad mini much closer to paper-like responsiveness.” — Lena Torres, Digital Illustration Instructor at Bay Area Art Academy

Comparison: Key Differences Between iPad Mini Models

Feature	iPad mini 5 (2019)	iPad mini 6 (2021)
Screen Size	7.9 inches	8.3 inches
Processor	A12 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Ram	3GB	4GB
Apple Pencil Support	Pencil 1st gen (lightning charging)	Pencil 2nd gen (magnetic attach & charge)
Port	Lightning	USB-C
Audio Jack	Yes	No
Top Button Fingerprint Sensor	Home button Touch ID	Power button Touch ID
Weight	300.5g (Wi-Fi)	293g (Wi-Fi)

Note that while the switch to USB-C opens up possibilities for connecting external storage or audio interfaces, the removal of the headphone jack means users must rely on Bluetooth headphones or adapters—an inconvenience for those who prefer wired audio during long drawing or study sessions.

Real-World Use Case: An Artist’s Workflow Upgrade

Sophia Chen, a freelance concept artist based in Portland, upgraded from an iPad mini 5 to the 6th generation after two years of hesitation. Her primary concerns were portability and reliable stylus performance during client meetings and travel.

She described her experience: “I used to carry my mini 5 with the first-gen Pencil clipped to my bag because I was afraid it would roll off the desk. Charging was always a hassle—I had to plug it into the iPad just to top it up. With the new model, I just snap the Pencil on the side. It charges automatically, and I never worry about losing it.”

More importantly, she noticed smoother performance in Procreate when using custom shader brushes and recording 4K time-lapses. “The app doesn’t stutter anymore when I’m painting at 4K resolution. That alone made the upgrade worthwhile.”

For note takers, especially students or professionals attending virtual meetings, the larger screen and center-mounted front camera (now positioned vertically when held in landscape) make video calls far more natural. Handwriting recognition in apps like GoodNotes and Notability is also more accurate thanks to faster touch sampling and lower latency.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Decision Checklist

Not every user will benefit equally from upgrading. Consider the following checklist to determine if the new iPad mini aligns with your workflow:

• You use the Apple Pencil regularly – If you draw, annotate, or write daily, the seamless pairing and charging of the Pencil 2 offer measurable convenience.
• You work with high-resolution projects – Whether it’s detailed sketches or multi-page notebooks, the A15 chip handles memory-intensive tasks better than the A12.
• You value portability without compromise – The mini 6 maintains the compact form factor while delivering near-pro-level input responsiveness.
• You multitask across apps – Running reference material in one app while drawing or taking notes in another works more reliably with the increased RAM and modern OS optimizations.
• You plan to keep the device for 4+ years – Future iOS updates and app requirements will favor devices with stronger processors and more memory.

If most of these apply to you, the upgrade is likely justified. However, if you only sketch occasionally or take light notes, your current device may still serve you well—especially if it’s functioning properly.

What Hasn’t Changed: Limitations to Consider

Despite its improvements, the iPad mini still operates within constraints. It lacks some features found in the full-sized iPad Pro line, such as ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, Face ID, or external display support. Artists accustomed to ultra-smooth brush tracking on a 120Hz screen may find the mini’s 60Hz display less responsive, particularly when doing fast strokes or gesture-heavy editing.

Battery life remains similar—around 8–10 hours under typical mixed usage—but intensive drawing sessions with screen brightness maxed out can drain it faster. There’s also no option for cellular connectivity in many regions, limiting offline access unless paired with a hotspot.

Furthermore, while the software ecosystem is robust, some advanced illustration tools are either scaled-down or unavailable on iPadOS compared to desktop alternatives. This isn’t a flaw of the hardware, but a reminder that the iPad mini, even upgraded, is a mobile device first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Apple Pencil with the new iPad mini?

No. The iPad mini 6 only supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. The first-gen Pencil is not compatible due to changes in pairing and charging mechanisms. Attempting to use it will result in no connectivity.

Is the screen laminated, and does it reduce parallax?

Yes, the iPad mini 6 features a fully laminated display, meaning there’s no air gap between the glass and the LCD layer. This minimizes parallax—the visual offset between where the Pencil touches and where the mark appears—making handwriting and drawing feel more precise and paper-like.

Does the upgrade improve note-taking accuracy in low-light conditions?

While the screen itself doesn’t have adaptive tone like newer iPhones, the anti-reflective coating helps maintain readability in dim or bright environments. Additionally, apps like Notability and GoodNotes include dark mode and customizable paper textures that enhance visibility and comfort during nighttime use.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate Your Need for an Upgrade

1. Assess your current pain points – Make a list of frustrations: slow app launches, Pencil charging issues, frequent crashes, etc.
2. Test your existing device under real workload – Open your most-used art or note-taking app and simulate a typical session. Note any lag or unresponsiveness.
3. Compare app compatibility – Check if upcoming versions of your key apps require A15 or later chips (some developers are beginning to phase out older architectures).
4. Try the new iPad mini in person – Visit an Apple Store or authorized retailer to test the Pencil 2 attachment, screen clarity, and overall feel.
5. Calculate long-term value – Weigh the $499 starting price against how many years you expect to use it. For professionals, even a 10% efficiency gain can justify the cost over time.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The new iPad mini is not a revolutionary leap, but it is a thoughtful evolution tailored specifically to mobile creatives. If you’re still using an iPad mini 4 or earlier, the jump to the 6th generation brings substantial benefits in speed, display quality, and stylus integration. Even owners of the mini 5 will find compelling reasons to upgrade—especially if they rely heavily on the Apple Pencil or demand smooth performance from demanding apps.

However, if your current device meets your needs and you don’t mind the older design or Lightning-based Pencil, holding off is perfectly reasonable. The iPad mini 5 remains capable for casual use, and Apple typically provides 5–6 years of iOS updates, ensuring continued software support.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you value refinement in your creative tools. For artists and note takers who treat their iPad as a primary instrument, the subtle but meaningful upgrades in the latest model add up to a noticeably better experience—one that pays dividends in efficiency, comfort, and inspiration.

💬 Have you upgraded your iPad mini for art or note-taking? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear what changed in your workflow!