iPad mini 5 set up

I'm trying to help someone with an initial set up of an iPad mini 5. He'd like to transfer data on his iPhone SE to the new mini, and I'm not sure of the best way to do this. Right now, hooking up to his laptop is telling him that the iOS is too old, presumably in reference to the mini 3 that this new one is replacing.

Should the new iPad hook up to the laptop? Should the iPhone SE be "placed on top of the new iPad? How to get data from the Mini 3 without erasing it? Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks,

Jennie