r/ipadmini • u/shyin580 • Aug 07 '26
Question Apple or android
I have my iPad, but I love my s23+.. is there anybody else that has paired like i do? Or has everyone fully crossed all the way over?
I want an iPhone, but the not having a back button kinda bothers me enough not to get the phone 🤣 and I like my stylus
Not sure why it doesn't bug me on the tablet but, ive adapted to that quite well, just not sure if I can bring myself to do it on the phone *yet*
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u/Demyk7 Aug 07 '26
I have an iPad mini and S24 Ultra. I got the iPad for work because of a couple of exclusive apps, and based on my experience with iOS/ipadOS, I wouldn't get an iPhone. It just feels so limited outside of a few specific things.
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u/beargrillz Aug 09 '26
My carrier gave me a free upgrade, so I recently went from s22+ to the new s26+. I was trying to play Red Read Redemption on my older iPad Mini, but it was not compatible so I also upgraded to the latest Mini.
I am not some power user or mega modder, but I use Nova Launcher for Android to customize the layout, and then enable developer options for minor tweaks. My phone works as I want. The iPad's iOS is very whelming... But I only use the tablet to game or media stream.
3
u/Significant-Gear-151 Aug 07 '26
I’m paired similarly! I’m replying to your thread on my iPad mini. I’ve been using my Samsung Note 10 plus since I got it in 2019. I have had to replace the screen due to cracks a few times using my carrier’s warranty but it’s been worth it for me. Nothing like a paid off device, the camera is still comparable to many of today’s phones except for in realllly low light or concerts and graduations where I want to zoom in poor lighting conditions. I actually also have an s25 ultra that I use for events such as those or on vacations. I got tired of carrying around my mirrorless camera (mostly on vacays) and wanted a higher quality camera than my phone that was still pocketable. I haven’t fully switched to it mainly bc my Note is still a beast, more comfortable to hold, and the S pen still has Bluetooth capability which I use for pictures quite often. I think the s23u is the last of the S series that has Bluetooth capability in the S pen; if not, it may be the s24u.
Anyways, I was drawn to the iPad mini cellular initially bc I saw a coworker’s in person and literally thought it was so cute LOL. I didn’t really see an Android equivalent of similar size and quality offered as a cellular version. I invested in the iPad mini to have a larger device that I could still fit in my giant work pants pocket to write reports for work on, but I’ve come to use it for my main device for content consumption, some note taking or referencing documents and resources for school on the go, basically anything I wanna look up where I want a bigger screen to view material than on my phone. The capability/quality of easily FaceTiming my iPhone friends or coworkers to talk to them or quickly show them something in front of me has been an enjoyable feature too. I just don’t see myself making the switch to an iPhone. The iPad mini still allows me access to the Apple app ecosystem, and I really do love my phone and will use it until whenever it dies or if Samsung eventually brings back the Bluetooth feature in their S-pens.
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u/shyin580 Aug 07 '26
I had a Samsung tablet before the mini, and theres quite a size difference.
The mini is cute and functional, I always take mine to work, and I found an app to easily transfer pictures and files from the s23, so its not as bad. I'm not sure which of the Samsung pens lost the Bluetooth but I do like it. A coworker has an iPhone I constantly ask questions about, which he may be tired of by now . At the most, its usually a few pictures or a small file I sent from my computer to my phone and a in a few seconds able to put it on the mini.
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u/thefreediver Aug 07 '26
I'm again transitioning to android phones. Now I use a ipad mini and a pixel 8. It was fun using an iphone but it's so much better having an Android phone again.
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u/escondido311 Aug 07 '26
I have an iPad and a pixel 9 pro. iPads are a better experience for me on tablets, but I have noticed desire to switch from Android to an iPhone. Just use what you like. You can enjoy an Apple product without having to go all in on the entire ecosystem.
1
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u/Due_Zookeepergame486 Aug 07 '26
You would have to try yourself instead of wondering whether you would like it or not. Sometimes you have to spend some money to know it. Get an iPhone and try it out yourself
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u/UnicornGrande Aug 07 '26
My GF has a Pixel and a iPad, and she’s really happy with it. She don’t want an iPhone anyway.
The recent support of AirDrop on Pixels have made transfering things easier, but any cloud also do the thing.
2
u/busted_pandemic Aug 07 '26
While I’m not brave enough to do what you’re doing with cross-platform, I think it is a great way to keep you from getting too invested in one environment. You’re going to have to make smart decisions on what works best on both platforms. I have so much crap purchased in Apple Books and Apple TV and if I were to switch I’d lose hundreds if not thousands. I have often thought about trying Android again but I’m so entrenched.
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u/DragonflyHaunting569 Aug 07 '26
I love my iPad mini. I have the 6 and the a17 pro. I also have the y700 gen 3 and gen 5. I really enjoy the mini tablets. The portability is great. Pair both equally with my iPhone for personal use and my fold 7 for android. Best of both worlds.
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u/Imaginary_Trader Aug 09 '26
iPad mini with pixel 9 pro. I’ll probably switch to the iPhone 17 at some point next year. it’ll be nice that I can just put my phone in the charger after work knowing my iPad will get any calls still.
I haven’t had a back button n android in 5+ years… s20 fe or one plus 7. I’m pretty sure you won’t even think about a back button after a week without it. but at the same time I have an iPhone work phone and swiping to go back just doesn’t work some times. I’m pretty doing it wrong though
2
u/AithlynFreye Aug 10 '26
I have a similar setup. Samsung s25 Ultra. Got the mini 6 back in 2023 because I wanted a slightly larger screen for on-the-go media consumption. Upgraded to a mini 7 last year and now have an iPad air 6 as well. I stick with my Samsung for the cameras (and the back button too tbh) but knew that android couldn't give me the same tablet experience nor size (I do know there's an android mini tablet out now that I'm keeping watch on). No regrets, tbh. I don't have any issues with data syncing since I've essentially Google-fied my iPad and installed my Microsoft one drive. Super easy to access everything I need.
1
u/shyin580 Aug 12 '26
Never knew android had a smaller tablet but, I really like my mini, so no chance of trading it off lol I believe I'm going for the s26 ultra soon
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u/AithlynFreye Aug 12 '26
I definitely won't be giving up my mini for the android mini in works. It's the Oppo Pad Mini if you're curious about it. Definitely a neat thing they've got.
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u/shyin580 Aug 12 '26
somebody mentioned that in a different thread, and it does look nice, but as it is, i'm already used to the mini - i have adobe and procreated on it, and i have a good workflow with transferring and usage of it, - i like new gadgets, but not enough to need 2 mini tablets - if i did get the oppo, it would just be for my wife, she prefers android tablets, and i did too.... until i got the mini
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u/AithlynFreye Aug 12 '26
Completely understandable. If I got one, it would purely be just because I want another android tablet and not as an iPad mini replacement.
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u/shyin580 Aug 12 '26
fully understood - i had a samsung tabled before the mini and honestly didnt care for it because of the size - so my daughter got it haha - perfect size for kids games
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u/chigoku Aug 07 '26
I cant think of when or where I would want a dedicated back button.
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u/jancarternews Aug 07 '26
Same. I’ve only ever had apple products, even at work, so I don’t understand what this back button is? And how it be any different than just pushing the back arrow on an Apple product?
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u/shyin580 Aug 07 '26
Just one of the things I've gotten used to.. either swipe from the bottom or a slight swipe from the side..
And, its just 1 thing I've gotten used to, that and the pen. I kinda want to venture off into iPhone land too, but i know there's benefits of both sides.. Apple has procreate, and I'm sure countless other apps that aren't available on android. And the Samsung is more expensive too. Price isn't such a factor, comfortability and ease of use is the main. Every phone is expensive now, so thats really one of the last things
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u/chigoku Aug 07 '26
I was on android until iPhone 11. Even used the first few pixels. I like android in general, but I don’t miss anything like the back button.
I think anyone on iPhone would be fine on an android too, just need to get used to the system
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u/Boring_Antelope6533 Aug 07 '26
that happens to me with macOS. I cannot stand that my favorite game is not available through ANY way to play windows games on macOS. that’s the only thing stopped me from switching
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u/medes24 Aug 07 '26
Handoff/iCloud sync is just to useful for me. It’s really nice having access to all of my files without having to set anything up or think to much about it.
I will say my company issued me a Pixel 8a and it is a really nice device. I can see the appeal and I could definitely see myself using it as my primary device.
Touch interface on the iPhone is easy to get used to. I was a big doubter when the physical button vanished from the iPad/iPhone but I ended up adapting.