New York Times: iPhone or iPad?

I have an iPhone 5 and an iPad Mini, and I'm looking to subscribe to the New York Times. The NY Times offers three types of digital subscriptions: web + smartphones ($7.50), web + tablets ($10), and web + smartphones + tablets ($17.50). I'm looking to get either the smartphone or tablet subscription.

I usually just push my news from Reeder and Twitter to Instapaper, and then read them on Instapaper on iPad. But as far as I know there is no read later option for the iPhone app.

I also figure I can always browse the NY Times website from the iPad.

I guess my question is: is either of the NY Times app so bad that the alternative is much better?

Thank you.