I love the mandolin, and I’d love to play one regularly, but they are just too small for my fingers. I play guitar, and that’s enough to keep me occupied for life.

I was in a great band as a kid, and on our way to gigs, one of our guitarists would strum the mandolin from the shotgun seat, and we’d all sing along, and practice our harmonies. I remember doing that, smiling wide, and thinking it was the most fun I’d ever had in my young life. Easily one of my favorite teen memories.

hard covers many dimenssions.

The strings are tighter and in pairs so pressing needs more strengh than anything else I’ve tried. No bending either. If you are worred about finge strength it is is about the worst choice.

it is tuned very logically in fifths and so much easier to pick up in any key than a guitar which isn’t consistent. You only need to learn I few chords and then move them wherever you want them. But guitars are much more likely to use a capo so this may not matter.

it is light. If you are carrying it this might matter (compare to a solid body bass with amp).

now forget everything above: while it is true it is irrelavant. time spent practicing is the largest factor in playing anything. If you are willing to practice the ‘hardest’ instrument for 8 hours a day for years but the ‘easiest’ one you find boring and won’t practice more than ten minutes per year: the hardest instrument is going to be easier for you. So pick something - anything and commit to sticking with it.