Yes, for some two-app tasks—but not as a like-for-like phone replacement. The iPad mini can provide a larger tablet workspace for reading, reference, and other app combinations when you already carry a phone. A book-style foldable keeps a phone usable while closed and opens into a larger screen for multitasking. Choose based on the apps you need side by side and whether you want one device to handle both roles.
What each device is built to do
The current iPad mini is an 8.3-inch tablet. Apple lists its body as 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm, weighing 293 g for Wi-Fi or 297 g for Wi-Fi + Cellular; the specifications page does not state a publication year for these figures. Apple’s iPad mini specifications also list support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), which may help with handwriting or markup but are not required for multitasking.
A book-style foldable is still a phone when closed, then opens to its larger main display. Samsung documents using apps in split-screen or pop-up views on Galaxy foldables, and says certain Z Fold models can handle up to five apps at once. That capability depends on the model and supported apps, rather than applying uniformly to every Fold or app. Samsung’s Galaxy foldable Multi window guidance describes the feature.
These are different trade-offs: the iPad mini is a separate tablet with a tablet workspace; the foldable combines phone use and an expanded screen in one device. Screen diagonals alone do not establish which option gives your two specific apps more useful space.
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- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
How split-screen and windowed multitasking work
iPad mini: multiple windows and layouts
Apple documents working with multiple apps or multiple windows of the same app, with options to resize and move windows. Its iPad User Guide describes Windowed Apps and Stage Manager; exact controls depend on the iPadOS version and the apps. Apple’s guide to working with multiple windows explains the available modes.
Apple’s iPadOS 26 feature summary, dated September 2025, describes resizing, moving, grouping, and tiling windows, including a gesture for splitting two windows by flicking them toward screen edges. Apple’s iPadOS 26 feature summary covers those controls. Apple also explains grouping apps for projects and arranging, resizing, and overlapping windows in its Stage Manager guide.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
For current setup steps, consult the guide for the iPadOS version installed on your mini: Apple changes multitasking controls across software versions, so an instruction for one release may not match another.
Galaxy foldables: split-screen, pop-up, and continuity
Samsung describes Multi window as opening apps in split-screen or pop-up view. Some Z Fold models support up to five apps at once, but that is model- and app-dependent. Samsung also documents using apps on the outer and main screens, App continuity, and Flex mode on supported models; Flex mode compatibility varies by app and model. See Samsung’s Multi window guidance and its guidance on using a Galaxy foldable opened or closed.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Which is a better fit for your workflow?
| What matters | iPad mini | Book-style foldable phone |
|---|---|---|
| Two-app work | Apple documents windowed multitasking and Stage Manager; check that your apps support the layout and window size you need. | Samsung documents split-screen and pop-up Multi window; availability and behavior vary by model and app. |
| Use as a phone when closed | It is a separate tablet, not a phone form factor. | Designed to be used as a phone while closed. |
| Carrying setup | A plausible choice if you already carry a phone and want a tablet alongside it. | A plausible choice if one device needs to cover phone use and an opened-screen workspace. |
| Handwriting or document markup | Apple lists Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) compatibility; a Pencil is optional and task-specific. | The cited Samsung documentation establishes multitasking features, not a comparable handwriting accessory capability. |
Choose the iPad mini when
- You already carry a phone and want a tablet canvas for reading or reference beside another app.
- Your particular apps work well in the iPad window layout you intend to use.
- Handwriting or markup is part of the task and Pencil support is useful to you.
Choose a foldable when
- You want one device that remains a phone when closed and opens for multitasking.
- Your exact apps work in Multi window or the equivalent feature on the model you are considering.
- You prefer not to carry a separate tablet for these tasks.
Choose neither on multitasking features alone when
- An essential app does not support the needed window layout, orientation, or behavior.
- You have not checked the apps on the specific device and software version you plan to use. An operating-system feature does not guarantee every app will display or behave well in that layout.
Check your apps before deciding
- List the two apps you need together. Include what must stay visible in each—for example, a full document beside notes, or a message thread beside a reference page.
- Try the intended layout on the specific device. On iPad, check the Windowed Apps or Stage Manager options available in your installed iPadOS version. On a Galaxy foldable, check Multi window on the exact model. Verify both apps can be opened together and remain usable at the size you need.
- Test the whole routine. Check how often you need to put the device away, whether you need phone use while it is closed, and whether carrying a tablet plus phone is acceptable.
- Decide based on the working setup, not a feature count. A supported multi-window mode is useful only if your apps and everyday carry needs fit it.
The cited manufacturer documentation establishes software capabilities and device specifications, not a head-to-head usability, battery, durability, or performance result. Your apps, preferred layout, and carry setup are the deciding factors.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 - Up to 256GB storage - Comes in 4 colors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life - Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
