iPhone SE or iPad mini?

By Holy Diver, 19 May, 2022

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

If you know me at all it's probably as that grouchy android guy but I actually value iOS a lot and my iPhone 8 is starting to slow down. I'm not looking for a new phone, I do indeed prefer the competition there, but I still want the best of both worlds for an affordable price so I'm looking at the SE and the new iPad mini. Are there any differences between the two with voiceover or accessibility in general I should know before I upgrade? I mostly use iOS for productivity, light braille use on the go (texting, social media, short emails that won't make the cursor go haywire), apps that don't exist on android or aren't as accessible there etc. I'm not really looking for yet another android debate here, just curious which choice you all think fits my needs best.

Options

Comments

By Sebby on Sunday, June 5, 2022 - 15:24

If you don't mind iPad-style apps and quite like a larger screen for Brailling on, you could get an iPad Mini, and as of right now it's the closest thing to an iPod Touch, now just sadly discontinued, that's still available. But if you want small size and the iPhone-style app layouts and don't mind not being able to make phone calls using Continuity in the absence of a SIM at least for the time being, get an iPhone SE. It's the direction I took, though I wish I'd known about that limitation at purchase time as it might have swayed things.

By Ishkabibble on Sunday, June 5, 2022 - 15:24

The iPhone SE has mediocre battery life at best which could be an issue. However, if you care about pocketability above else the SE is one of your best options. I know you said you aren't using this as a phone replacement but will you use this device to make and receive calls on the go? If so, get the SE as it has an earpiece speaker. It's best to try both out in an Apple store (if you can) to test out which feels better in the hand and which size is better for your use case. Hope this helps.

By Justin Philips on Sunday, June 5, 2022 - 15:24

Also the mini allows for up to 3 apps to be on the screen at the same time. A few gestures in the mini are different. With IOS 16, you can expect the gap to vary significantly.

By Maldalain on Sunday, June 5, 2022 - 15:24

I would go iPad for your use case. O>e basic thing is not to strain my iPhone battery. Also the iPad speakers is superb.

By Jesse the K on Sunday, June 5, 2022 - 15:24

I'm mostly sighted (use large print for interface).

The 6 is bigger, and all the cases I've seen provide an Apple Pencil slot. So iPad mini 6-in-a-case is too big for bags where the ipad mini 5 fit no problem.

iPhone SE's home button with Touch ID is so easy. iPad mini 6 touch ID is on the side, so it moves between upper right or lower left in portrait, upper left or lower right in landscape. I rely on the visual interface adding a white highlight to remind me where to press my finger.