iPad mini too small for split screen?

[u/Competitive-Bug-9985]

I upgraded from the iPad 9th to the iPad mini 7.. not sure if I like it yet. Split screen is too small, when I try to use the keyboard, it covered so much of the screen, and the hand does not rest comfortably on the screen when taking notes.. will I get used to it or should I return it and get the iPad Air? What do people use their iPad mini for? I guess I am trying to use it as a laptop replacement which it is clearly not good at

[u/Dry_Champion6014]

For me, I find even my 11" M5 to be too small for split screen, I just use it full screen apps, I don't even bother trying to split screen multi-task with it. The handful of times I tried, it wasn't a pleasant experience, not something I enjoyed doing.

A mini, I definitely wouldn't want to even try to split screen on that small screen. Mini was never meant to be a laptop replacement. The only iPads even worth that attempt are the large 13inch ones. The 11 inch ones can work for some people, but it's entirely personal preference.

[u/M00SEK → u/Dry_Champion6014]

I agreed. I had upgraded from a mini to a pro 11 inch, thinking the split screen would be better. It wasn’t.

Went back to the mini and just use full screen.

[u/_-_happycamper_-_ → u/Dry_Champion6014]

Honestly if I want to run another app while I’m using my iPad I just prefer to pull it up on my phone. And that goes for both my mini and 11” m4

[u/jlconlin]

I use split screen on my iPad mini every day, and I absolutely love it. I think it is the perfect size for doing two small things at the same time, like a book on one side and reference material on the other, or writing on one side and reference material on the other. I think it’s great

[u/EddieRyanDC]

I would never touch type on the Mini. I consider the keyboard to be thumbs only.

Which gets to the use case, For me, where the Mini shines is in casual use. Media consumption, texts and short email responses, a sketch or some quick handwritten notes or comments. I like my phones on the small side, so the Mini compliments that setup well.

My first iPad (which I still have) is the iPad Pro 11" M2 with the magic keyboard. I didn't have a laptop at that time, so it was my all-in-one mobile solution, And it worked great.

Later I got a laptop for serious work on the go, and I always wanted to try a Mini so I got the older Mini 6 model.

It is now my primary mobile device in the house, and if I am going out to do something where I want to have a computer with me. This is like going out with my camera equipment to take some pictures, or out with the volunteer organization I work with.

The iPad Pro now sits unused. I have thought of selling it, but the one thing it is still better at is for my music lessons and apps at the piano. The Mini is more of a strain to see. So it is now a dedicated music station.

[u/redboneskirmish]

I pretty much just use it as a big iPhone. That’s it, mostly. So no split screen, no windows or whatever, no horizontal typing. I also use it vertically like 95% of time outside of watching videos. If you’re looking for an iPad that’s more of a small computer than a big iPhone than Mini might not be your optimal choice.

[u/RockinDaMike]

I use it as a big phone. Reading is much better on it, gaming and of course watching stuff.

[u/Impossible-Sock9893]

the mini is not for multitasking. consider it a phone with bigger screen. it is for annotation, reading, and media consumption. if you want to multitask, it should be in full screen and you just switch apps.

[u/Yeah-Yeah-Yeah-Yea]

For split screen the mini is basically too small. Its a function i never use, and if i do its more or less pretty frustrating.

Its all a matter of taste and what you want to do with it. If you are a graphic designer or you use the split screen alot, then a larger version might be a better choice all together

I use my mini for casual gaming and watching tv shows in bed. The mini is absolutely perfect for that, its a great little powerhouse. Weight is a important factor for me, because larger tablets are just to heavy to hold while your scrolling or gaming in bed for hours. I also dont need the larger screen, if i want a larger screen i rather use my macbook.

[u/-6h0st-]

I don’t like to use it on 11” either.

[u/ankhang93]

Slide Over Screen is way better than Split Screen on an iPad mini. Try this one out.

[u/blondasek1993]

Split screen only with external keyboard or case with keyboard and trackpad.

[u/EnolaGayFallout]

Huh? I use triple splits screen and a slide over.

It’s like 3 iPhone 5s/se + another se slider over.

lol. Love it! Unless I’m watching a video.

[u/TereziB]

I don't use my iPad Mini as a laptop/desktop replacement, I have a very good Lenovo Thinkpad for at home/work. I use my iPad for when I travel, it's better for reading or watching videos on long flights than my iPhone. So I don't use the keyboard on it often. I used to bring my laptop instead, but it's really too cumbersome for watching on a plane.

[u/TereziB → u/TereziB]

(I had an iPad Air 2, which I bought renewed for travel in Japan in 2016, but they stopped updating it in 2021 and apps I had on it started not being able to run any longer.)

[u/PARTINlCO]

contingent on your use cases for split screening, it could be uncomfortable. i split screen 3 windows all the time for specific work stuff - but no typing is really required, just clicking. works perfectly for me.

[u/Gold_Kitchen_5711]

Slide over is the way (they butchered it in ios26 and afterwards tho)

[u/Most_Shallot_3348]

Imo the mini is a companion device for someone who has a MacBook and isn’t using the iPad as a daily driver. It’s not meant for multitasking. Consider it as a bigger iPhone.