Hardware Reviews
iPad Mini vs reMarkable Paper Pro Move: The 2026 Pocket Tablet Showdown
The trend in tech used to be “bigger is better.” We moved from 9-inch tablets to 13-inch behemoths that tried to replace our laptops. But in 2026, the pendulum has swung back. Professionals are realizing the value of the “jacket pocket” device—a tablet small enough to carry everywhere but large enough to think on.
This resurgence has given us two titans in the 7-to-8-inch category: Apple’s updated iPad Mini 7 (with the A17 Pro chip) and the surprisingly popular reMarkable Paper Pro Move (the 7.3-inch portable version of their flagship color tablet). Choosing between the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** is not about specs; it’s about your brain. Do you need a device that connects you to everything, or a device that disconnects you from everything? In this review, we compare these two pocket powerhouses to see which one deserves the space in your daily carry.
Specs at a Glance
Before diving into the philosophy of the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** debate, let’s look at the raw numbers.
| Feature | iPad Mini 7 (2025) | reMarkable Paper Pro Move |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina | 7.3-inch Canvas Color |
| Weight | 293g | 235g |
| Battery | ~10 Hours | ~14 Days |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil Pro (+$129) | Marker Plus (Included in bundle) |
| Price | $499 + Pencil | $499 (Bundle) |
The Screen: LCD vs 7.3″ Canvas Color
This is the most polarizing aspect of the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** comparison.
iPad Mini: The 8.3-inch LCD is stunning. It has deep blacks, vibrant colors, and runs at 60Hz. It is perfect for watching YouTube, editing photos in Lightroom Mobile, or playing games. However, it is a light source. It shines light directly into your retinas, which causes eye strain during long reading sessions.
reMarkable Move: The 7.3-inch Canvas Color display uses reflected light. It looks like a physical paperback book. The colors are desaturated and “pastel-like,” designed for highlighting text rather than viewing photos. While it lacks the fluid animation of the iPad, it is completely readable in direct sunlight, something the iPad struggles with due to glare.
The “Pocketability” Factor
Both devices claim to be “pocketable,” but only one truly fits in a standard jacket pocket comfortably.
The **reMarkable Paper Pro Move** is slightly narrower and lighter (235g vs 293g). Its textured back makes it easy to grip with one hand, like a reporter’s notebook. It feels rugged, like you could toss it in a bag without a case.
The **iPad Mini**, while small, feels denser and more fragile due to its glass front and back. You almost certainly need a case, which adds bulk. Holding the iPad Mini with one hand for 30 minutes gets tiring; the Move does not. For commuters standing on a subway train, the ergonomics of the reMarkable Move are superior.
Software: iPadOS vs Linux
Here is where the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** paths diverge completely.
iPad Mini (The “Everything” Device)
It runs iPadOS. It has millions of apps. You can check email, join a Zoom call, slack your team, and watch Netflix—often all at the same time. It is a computer in your hand.
reMarkable Move (The “Focus” Device)
It runs a custom Linux OS. It has zero apps. No browser. No email. No notifications. It does three things: Reading, Writing, and Thinking. This limitation is a feature, not a bug. It forces you to focus on the task at hand.
Battery Life: Hours vs Weeks
If you are traveling, the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** choice might be decided by the charger you want to carry.
- iPad Mini: Needs to be charged every night. If you use it heavily for note-taking with the Pencil, it might not even last a full work day.
- reMarkable Move: Lasts two weeks on a single charge. The screen only consumes power when the image changes. You can go on a short business trip and leave the charger at home.
For field workers, journalists, or hikers, the reliability of E-Ink is unmatched. Read more about E-Ink efficiency at E Ink Corporation.
Final Verdict
So, which side of the **ipad mini vs remarkable paper pro move** debate should you choose?
Choose the iPad Mini if:
- You need a “second brain” that connects to the internet.
- You consume multimedia (video, social media).
- You need to reply to emails immediately.
Choose the reMarkable Move if:
- You want a digital “Moleskine” notebook.
- You are easily distracted and want to focus.
- You primarily read text-heavy documents and books.
- You prefer the tactile feel of pencil on paper.
The iPad is a tool for doing. The reMarkable is a tool for thinking.
Fit Your Pocket Device
Whether you choose the Mini or the Move, you need a planner that fits the small screen. Our “Mobile Series” templates are optimized for 7-8 inch screens.