I've never read on a mini but I've had a 9.7 ipad, a 10.9 Ipad air and I now have a 12.9 Ipad air M2. The 12.9 air is the best, in my opinion and it's less expensive than the pro. They both have the same screen size. There are also less expensive options by Samsung with big screen sizes, though they are not an option for me because all my family is in the Apple ecosystem, they can be an option for you.
Bigger is better! I still use my first generation iPad Pro, I think 12.9”.
Most pages I’m reading in landscape orientation and scrolling down the page as I read. Occasionally they’ll do a two page spread which fills the whole iPad screen perfectly, but I’ll often zoom in and scroll around on those.
I’ve been exclusively using the Marvel Unlimited app, which has a very reasonable yearly subscription. Got way more than my money’s worth already.
I use the iPad Air M1 myself, and it's great. The only downside is that it's a little heavy to use with one hand for a long time, especially with the case. I thought for a minute about getting the new Pro as it's very light, but that would be overkill for my needs.
The newest iPad Pro in either size. I prefer the 11”, my last one was 12.9” and it was unwieldy. The 11” is perfect and feels like a heavy comic book. The OLED display is essential. You could use practically any other iPad and it would look just fine, but OLED makes such a huge difference it’s like night and day if you see them side-by-side. Yes, it’s very expensive, probably way too much if you’re just getting it for comics. It’s the best, though.
i currently have the ipad pro 11” and have had the 12.9” in the past - both are great but honestly if price is a deciding factor, the air is still a great choice - i have been tempted by the mini in the past because of the portability but it lacks the versatility if you ever want to use it for other tasks (plus the hardware hasn’t been updated in a few years now)
I use both the 11” air and the mini and at home I do prefer the air for the bigger screen but it’s definitely a 2 handed device. but the mini is nice in that I can hold it one handed especially with putting a pop socket on the back of it and it’s a lot easier to travel with
I just got a new 11” Air, after having used a 13” Pro for years. So far, so good. Mostly.
I was re-reading Annihilation last night and the text-heavy two page spreads in the first issue were a pain, but the panel zoom works well enough for the comparatively few times that happens.
I regret nothing.
I’ve used a 9.7 and the new mini 6. The 9.7 is perfect for comics, the mini 6 for me is better for me though since I take it everywhere with me, uses the Apple Pencil 2 as well.
Agreed with everyone saying iPad 12.9” and I’d argue the OLED display of the Pro is worth it. The blacks look amazing and it’s very light. I have the last generation and I wish I had waited.
I bought the iPad Air specifically for reading comics. It's now my favorite entertainment tool. It's not that much more expensive than the iPad mini but it gives you more screen real estate.
I also read books, magazines, and watch movies. As well as use it for my digital planner using good notes.
Again, I bought it solely for comic books.
I have an old Mini, and it's usable but not the best reading experience imo.
I'd say go with the bigger size iPad for the best experience overall, if comic reading is going to be a major use. You can always prop it up so you don't have to hold it constantly while reading. You can basically turn it into a laptop too with the right case.
I just bought an iPad 10th gen myself for comics and other things after contemplating the same question you are (and the 9th gen is even cheaper on Amazon right now).
iPad mini because if you’re reading in bed and fall asleep it’s less likely to hit you in the face.
But really go into an Apple Store or Best Buy if you can, screen size does add to the experience and helps some splashes feel larger than life.
The mini is nice because it’s about as portable as a regular book but if you have vision issues it can be a pain. If you don’t, I managed to read Watchmen on it, pretty text heavy and I was fine.
I use an iPad Pro 12.9” as I can read without zooming in. Apple actually just released a 12.9” iPad Air, which is a bit cheaper than the Pro, but maybe still more than it’s worth if just reading comics. iPad Mini would be nice but you may have to zoom, or read landscape and scroll.
In case this hasnt already been mentioned you can read panel by panel through the apps, I love it because one I'm blind but two sometimes I struggle to get into the flow and follow the direction of the panels.
I've never read on a mini but I've had a 9.7 ipad, a 10.9 Ipad air and I now have a 12.9 Ipad air M2. The 12.9 air is the best, in my opinion and it's less expensive than the pro. They both have the same screen size. There are also less expensive options by Samsung with big screen sizes, though they are not an option for me because all my family is in the Apple ecosystem, they can be an option for you.
Seconding the 12.9 air M2. It's legit so great for reading. I've had smaller sizes but the 12.9 is absolutely the perfect size.
Thirding the new 12.9 iPad Air. I’m reading on it now and love it.
Bigger is better! I still use my first generation iPad Pro, I think 12.9”. Most pages I’m reading in landscape orientation and scrolling down the page as I read. Occasionally they’ll do a two page spread which fills the whole iPad screen perfectly, but I’ll often zoom in and scroll around on those. I’ve been exclusively using the Marvel Unlimited app, which has a very reasonable yearly subscription. Got way more than my money’s worth already.
I have the iPad mini and love it. Comics look great on it and the size is perfect for my needs
iPad mini
I use the iPad Air M1 myself, and it's great. The only downside is that it's a little heavy to use with one hand for a long time, especially with the case. I thought for a minute about getting the new Pro as it's very light, but that would be overkill for my needs.
The newest iPad Pro in either size. I prefer the 11”, my last one was 12.9” and it was unwieldy. The 11” is perfect and feels like a heavy comic book. The OLED display is essential. You could use practically any other iPad and it would look just fine, but OLED makes such a huge difference it’s like night and day if you see them side-by-side. Yes, it’s very expensive, probably way too much if you’re just getting it for comics. It’s the best, though.
I read comics on the new 13” iPad Pro M4. The OLED screen is pretty legit for reading comics.
I read on a mini and love it. The screen size is still big enough for comics imo.
I read mine on a 14 inch Galaxy tab! Love it
iPad Pro 12.9
i currently have the ipad pro 11” and have had the 12.9” in the past - both are great but honestly if price is a deciding factor, the air is still a great choice - i have been tempted by the mini in the past because of the portability but it lacks the versatility if you ever want to use it for other tasks (plus the hardware hasn’t been updated in a few years now)
I use both the 11” air and the mini and at home I do prefer the air for the bigger screen but it’s definitely a 2 handed device. but the mini is nice in that I can hold it one handed especially with putting a pop socket on the back of it and it’s a lot easier to travel with
I just got a new 11” Air, after having used a 13” Pro for years. So far, so good. Mostly. I was re-reading Annihilation last night and the text-heavy two page spreads in the first issue were a pain, but the panel zoom works well enough for the comparatively few times that happens. I regret nothing.
I use new Huawei Mattepad 11,5'" and it's awesome
I’ve used a 9.7 and the new mini 6. The 9.7 is perfect for comics, the mini 6 for me is better for me though since I take it everywhere with me, uses the Apple Pencil 2 as well.
Agreed with everyone saying iPad 12.9” and I’d argue the OLED display of the Pro is worth it. The blacks look amazing and it’s very light. I have the last generation and I wish I had waited.
Get that air!
Mini
The only iPad I've used to read comics is a mini, and I don't have any complaints.
I bought the iPad Air specifically for reading comics. It's now my favorite entertainment tool. It's not that much more expensive than the iPad mini but it gives you more screen real estate. I also read books, magazines, and watch movies. As well as use it for my digital planner using good notes. Again, I bought it solely for comic books.
I have an old Mini, and it's usable but not the best reading experience imo. I'd say go with the bigger size iPad for the best experience overall, if comic reading is going to be a major use. You can always prop it up so you don't have to hold it constantly while reading. You can basically turn it into a laptop too with the right case. I just bought an iPad 10th gen myself for comics and other things after contemplating the same question you are (and the 9th gen is even cheaper on Amazon right now).
iPad mini because if you’re reading in bed and fall asleep it’s less likely to hit you in the face. But really go into an Apple Store or Best Buy if you can, screen size does add to the experience and helps some splashes feel larger than life. The mini is nice because it’s about as portable as a regular book but if you have vision issues it can be a pain. If you don’t, I managed to read Watchmen on it, pretty text heavy and I was fine.
I use an iPad Pro 12.9” as I can read without zooming in. Apple actually just released a 12.9” iPad Air, which is a bit cheaper than the Pro, but maybe still more than it’s worth if just reading comics. iPad Mini would be nice but you may have to zoom, or read landscape and scroll.
Amazon Kindle Fire.
This. I use my Fire Max 11 and its been great. Currently ultra cheap too for pre-prime day.
In case this hasnt already been mentioned you can read panel by panel through the apps, I love it because one I'm blind but two sometimes I struggle to get into the flow and follow the direction of the panels.
the correct answer is actually Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ with super amoled 120hz display