Hey there! In this post, I will address a common question asked by my Procreate students: “Is iPad Mini any good for drawing and Procreate?”
I’ll be sharing my firsthand experiences with the iPad Mini, including insights into its drawing experience, its performance in terms of layers, the quality of display, storage, and even its price point.
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Latest iPad Mini for Drawing
Best Portable iPad I recommend for drawing and Procreate
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Video: My Experience with iPad Mini for Drawing and Procreate
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Drawing Experience on iPad Mini
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In case you are into tech specification, the iPad Mini 7th generation has a wonderful display which is a step up from the other budget iPads for Procreate:
So when it comes to the iPad Mini display, here’s what you can look forward to:
- An extensive P3 color profile ensures fantastic color precision
- Ultra-high-definition resolution offering crystal clear imagery
- A 60Hz refresh rate, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience
I’ve found that the iPad Mini, despite its size, offers an amazing drawing experience, and its usability far outpaces its dimensions. Don’t let the term ‘Mini’ fool you 😊. This compact tablet has a lot to offer, and it’s especially handy for artists who want a portable drawing tablet.
iPad Mini is incredibly light, and I could comfortably hold it with one hand and draw with the other.
Its compact size makes it a perfect digital sketchbook. You can just pop it in your bag or backpack and set off on your day. But it has more to offer than just portability.
With this model of the iPad Mini (7th generation), you get the laminated screen display, offering a more vibrant, crisp, and immersive viewing experience. It may sound technical, but trust me, it’s a noticeable improvement. Compared to the other budget iPads (iPad 10 and iPad 9), it also means there is no gap between the Apple Pencil and your drawing. This, again provides a great drawing experience.
My primary iPad for Procreate is iPad Pro 12.9″, so besides the size (iPad Mini is almost half of the size, actually 😊), I also noticed the smoothness of drawing. Especially when I made fast strokes, there was this tiny lag. This is due to the 60Hz refresh rate, which, again, is only half of iPad Pro models with ProMotion display and 120Hz refresh rate.
It’s nothing serious, but if you are coming from iPad Pro models, it’s definitely noticeable.
One more thing to consider with the iPad Mini is the way you draw.
Its smaller size means you might find yourself resting your hand on the iPad itself or keeping it in the air.
Depending on your drawing style, this could affect your comfort level. If you’re planning on using the iPad Mini as your primary digital sketchbook, I’d recommend trying one out in-store or borrowing one from a friend to see if its size works for you.
iPad Mini Screen Size Comparison
The iPad Mini 7th generation has a screen size of 8.3″.
It’s the smallest iPad you can currently get. As you can see in the photos above it is almost as big as the pocket sketchbook I frequently use, and I can fit it entirely into my A4+ sketchbook
So naturally, the Procreate canvas is not that big and you will find yourself frequently zooming in and out while drawing. I don’t think this is an issue anymore because you can use the Procreate reference image feature.
Number of Procreate Layers on iPad Mini
To understand what influences the number of Procreate layers, check out my article on layer limits in Procreate.
Below is a table with the number of Procreate layers you will get with your iPad Mini 6th generation.
Compared to iPad Air and iPad Pro models, this is not a whole lot of layers. From my experience, though, these numbers should be more than sufficient for most artworks. But you will have to get creative with your layers if you work on complex pieces.
| Canvas size | iPad Mini 7th generation Number of layers in Procreate |
|---|---|
| 3000 x 3000px | 55 |
| 16″ x 16″ @300 DPI | 19 |
| A4 @300DPI | 57 |
| A3 @300DPI | 26 |
| A2 @300DPI | 11 |
Storage Options on iPad Mini
As you see in the table below, iPad Mini comes with only two storage options.
| iPad Mini 7th generation | RAM |
|---|---|
| Storage 128GB | 4GB RAM |
| Storage 256GB | 4GB RAM |
| Storage 512GB | 4GB RAM |
Before you decide, it’s important that you think about your storage needs based on your typical usage habits.
If you’re not one to clutter your iPad with files, or you’re quite disciplined about frequently moving files over to an external drive, the 128GB version should suit your needs perfectly. It can handle Procreate and other drawing apps with no trouble at all.
On the other hand, if you foresee storing bigger art files or wish to download offline content—perhaps from Netflix, YouTube, or Skillshare—the 256GB model could be the smarter pick for you.
There’s roughly a $150 price gap between the 256GB and the 512GB version of the iPad Mini. So, think about what’s more valuable to you: expanded storage capacity or keeping your budget in check.
iPad Mini Apple Pencil Compatibility
Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically
Compatible with iPad Pro M5/M4, iPad Air M2/M3/M4 and iPad Mini 7
I think the compatibility of Apple Pencil PRO with the newest iPad Mini enhanced the drawing experience. It has brought about changes that you don’t know you need until you start using them. Let me explain.
iPad Mini 7th gen allows you to charge the pencil on the side of the iPad, ensuring it’s always ready to bring your ideas to life. It acts as a storage option as well, meaning you don’t have to worry about misplacing your pencil or it rolling away somewhere.
I remember the days when I used to use the first-generation Apple Pencil. While it worked perfectly well, I noticed some fatigue in my hand after prolonged usage.
The second-generation Apple Pencil, however, has addressed this issue with a more comfortable, non-slippery surface. It also has a flat side where you can rest your finger, creating a more natural drawing experience.
Plus, the charging cap that used to be a concern with the first-generation Apple pencil is no longer a worry, as Apple has ditched it in the second-gen model. No more misplacing or losing those little caps! 😅
iPad Mini Price
I think iPad Mini is the best portable iPad for drawing and Procreate which uses Apple Pencil 2.
At the time of writing, the price of the brand new iPad Mini 7th gen with 128GB of storage is ±$499 and goes up to ±$799 for the version with 512GB
While this might be a bit higher in price compared to the more budget-friendly options like the iPad 9 and iPad 10, the enhanced display quality and the ability to pair with the Apple Pencil 2 genuinely compensates by elevating your drawing experience.
Who Should Get iPad Mini for Drawing?
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So, who do I think should get the iPad Mini 7th generation?
In conclusion, I believe the iPad Mini is a fantastic option for digital artists, especially those frequently on the go. Its technical specifications are great, it offers compatibility with the second-gen Apple Pencil, and its display is an absolute joy to draw on. And, of course, the portability factor is a huge bonus. If you’re someone who values the freedom to create wherever inspiration strikes, the iPad Mini could be your ideal match.
One more idea that never occurred to me until recently is using the iPad Mini as a secondary device.
For those who have a larger iPad for in-studio work sessions, the iPad Mini could be an excellent option to carry around for quick sketches or when inspiration strikes unexpectedly.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding the iPad that works best for you.
So go ahead, give the iPad Mini a try, and let your creativity fly! As always, keep creating, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with it.
Happy drawing!
iPad Mini Drawing Accessories
When you get your own iPad Mini for drawing and Procreate, you might also consider these helpful accessories.
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Description: iPad Mini 6th Generation Case with Pencil Holder [Support iPad 2nd Pencil Charging/Pair], Trifold Stand Smart Case with Soft TPU Back,Rose Gold |
Description: Matte Screen Protector for Drawing, Writing, and Note-taking like on Paper |
Description: I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector |
iPad Mini 6th Generation Case with Pencil Holder [Support iPad 2nd Pencil Charging/Pair], Trifold Stand Smart Case with Soft TPU Back,Rose Gold
Matte Screen Protector for Drawing, Writing, and Note-taking like on Paper
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector
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Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
