8 reasons why I use an iPad mini instead of a Kindle as my ebook reader

Lance Whitney/ZDNET

I like to read in bed before I nod off to sleep. Though I enjoy the feel and texture of a good, old-fashioned printed book, I typically turn to ebooks because they’re easier on the eyes. And what do I use as a reader? No, not a Kindle, but my trusty iPad mini.

I’ve tried a couple of Kindles in the past but didn’t quite take to them. For me, the iPad mini is a more versatile device that offers certain advantages over a Kindle. First, though, I’m going to discuss the ways in which the Kindle beats an iPad mini. Yep, I’m playing devil’s advocate to start.

4 ways Kindle beats iPad mini for reading

To start, there’s the price. Kindles come in different sizes, formats, and price tags. But even the most expensive Kindle, the 64GB Kindle Scribe, retails for $449. Other models are considerably less, starting with the Kindle Basic<!–> at $110. Compare that with the latest iPad mini 7th generation–>, which starts at $489.

Then there’s the display. Kindles use e-ink technology to deliver a crisp, sharp look that suits longer reading sessions. In contrast, the iPad mini sports a traditional LCD screen, which looks great but could strain the eyes after a while.

Also: I gave away my Kindle and iPad within hours of testing this tablet

Another item in the Kindle’s favor is size and weight. The basic Kindle with a 6-inch screen measures 6.2″×4.3″×0.32″, while the Kindle Paperwhite<!–> and Colorsoft–> with 7-inch screens both measure 7″×5″×0.3″. Due to their diminutive size, you can hold these Kindles in one hand and turn the page with the other, and they’re relatively light.

In contrast, an iPad mini measures 7.69″×5.3″×0.25″. That’s a bit more difficult to hold in one hand, especially if you have short fingers. The iPad is also heavier than a Kindle. However, I solved both the size and weight issues by attaching a cellphone grip to the back of my iPad mini. I can easily hold it with the third and fourth fingers of either hand and turn the page with the thumb of the same hand.

Finally, battery life is another point for the Kindle. On a single charge, a Kindle can last for days, even weeks. The iPad mini lasts around 10 hours on a single charge.

Also: This simple Kindle accessory has seriously upgraded my reading experience – and it’s cheap

OK, those are definitely features that give the nod to the Kindle. Why do I still prefer an iPad mini for reading my favorite books? Read on.

8 ways iPad mini beats Kindle

The less expensive Kindles sport a 6-inch or 7-inch screen size, while the iPad mini boasts a screen size of 8.3 inches. I’ve always found the screen on the Kindle too small, especially since the bezels are large. For me, the iPad mini’s screen delivers more bang for the buck, given its bigger real estate.

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The Kindle offers a sharp display with e-ink technology, but the resolution is another story. The resolution on all Kindle models, including the latest Kindle Basic, is 300 ppi (pixels per inch). The full resolution on the 6-inch and 7-inch Kindles varies based on model and size but ranges from 1,072×1,448 pixels for the Kindle Basic to 1,264×1,680 pixels for the Kindle Colorsoft. The iPad mini’s resolution is 2,266×1,488 at 326 ppi. For me, the iPad’s higher resolution compensates for its LCD screen, resulting in sharp text and sharper images.

Also: The Kindle Colorsoft brings books to life in vivid color, and you can save on one right now

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Most Kindles use a black-and-white display. The Kindle Colorsoft is the exception. Though the text resolution on the Colorsoft is 300 ppi, the color resolution is 150 ppi. With the iPad mini’s overall resolution of 326 ppi, such content as images, PDFs, and comic books look much better.

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I’ve never liked the way you control a Kindle. Tapping the screen moves you to the next page. To access key settings, you have to swipe down from the top of the screen. Viewing the page timeline and slider requires you to swipe up from the bottom. To view other settings or return to your library, you have to tap at the top in just the right spot. Yes, you can pinch the screen to zoom in and out, but that’s about the only familiar aspect.

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Controlling an iPad mini is much more intuitive. Beyond pinching the screen to zoom in and out, simply tapping it displays all the available settings and controls.