Refurbished iPad Mini 6 (2021): Small but mighty, but is it worth the price?
If you're looking for a compact and powerful tablet, the Apple iPad Mini 6 from 2021 might be your new best friend. But before you throw this little powerhouse in your shopping cart, it's good to know exactly what you're getting for your money. Is this THE tablet that will make your life easier, or will it become an extra screen that collects dust? We'll take you through this review and see if a refurbished iPad Mini 6 is a smart purchase.
A Makeover That Impresses
Apple has taken a big step with the iPad Mini 6 in terms of design. It's like they put the iPad Air in the wash and then treated it with a shrink ray. The result? A tablet with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, slim bezels, and a modern look that fits perfectly in your hand.
The biggest advantage of this compact size? You can easily hold the Mini in one hand, even if you don't have large hands. It's small enough to throw in your bag without taking up extra space next to your laptop or notebook. Ideal for on the go or chilling on the couch.
💡 Fun fact: The screen is bigger than the previous iPad Mini (7.9 inches), but the device itself has remained almost the same size!
USB-C and Touch ID: Practical and Modern
The addition of a USB-C port is a huge plus, especially for those who want more flexibility with charging and accessories. No more messing around with outdated cables. The Touch ID sensor is neatly incorporated into the power button at the top, so you can quickly unlock your Mini without having to type your password all the time.
Performance: Small but Dapper
Under the hood of the iPad Mini 6 you'll find the same A15 Bionic chip as in the iPhone 13 series. That means this tablet runs fast and smoothly, even when you have multiple apps open at the same time. Whether you're answering emails, editing photos, or watching a series while multitasking, the Mini keeps up effortlessly.
💡 Tip: Use the iPad Mini as a second screen with the Sidecar function. Handy if you want to expand your MacBook with extra screen space, for example for keeping notes or monitoring a project.
The only downside to that powerful performance? With intensive use, the tablet can get a bit warm. Not alarming, but noticeable if you're gaming or using multiple apps at the same time.
The Camera: A Minor Caveat
Although the iPad Mini has a 12MP ultrawide front camera with the handy Center Stage feature (which automatically keeps you in the picture during video calls), the placement of the camera is not ideal. In landscape mode, the camera is lower than on larger iPads, which sometimes results in an uncomfortable image.
If you often make Zoom or FaceTime calls, you'd better use a tripod to find the right angle. But if you just make a quick call every now and then, it's good enough.
Accessories: Indispensable for the Full Experience
The iPad Mini is fun on its own, but if you really want to get the most out of this device? Then accessories are actually indispensable. Think of the second-generation Apple Pencil for making notes or sketches, and the Smart Folio case to prop the tablet up while watching videos.
❗ Note: With the Pencil and Folio case, the price quickly adds up. If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, a refurbished model might be the ideal solution.
Battery: A Workday Is Just Too Long
The battery life of the iPad Mini 6 is not great. With average use (such as browsing, emailing, and watching a series), you'll get about 5 to 6 hours. Apple claims you can get 10 hours, but that's especially true if you use the device lightly, such as for reading or simple tasks.
💡 Tip: Be sure to have a power bank on hand if you want to use the Mini all day on the go.
The Price: What Do You Get For Your Money?
The iPad Mini 6 is not cheap. A new one starts at €499 for 64GB of storage, but prices quickly rise if you add accessories or extra storage. The good news? At Back in Use you can find a refurbished iPad Mini 6 for a much friendlier price tag.
Want to save directly and still enjoy all the benefits of the iPad Mini? Then check out our range of refurbished iPads here.
Conclusion: Who Is the iPad Mini 6 Ideal For?
The iPad Mini 6 is perfect for those who want to multitask on the go, take notes, or quickly watch a series. Thanks to the powerful A15 chip and the compact form, you can do a lot with it. But the question remains: do you really need this device if you already have a smartphone, laptop, or e-reader?
If you mainly work or study at home, a larger iPad or even a laptop might be a better choice. But if you're often on the go and looking for an all-in-one tablet, the iPad Mini 6 is a smart purchase—especially if you opt for a refurbished model to save some money.
Curious about our refurbished iPad Mini 6 model? Then click here to see what we have in store for you!
