I’ve been testing out the new iPad Mini lately, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite gadgets. This little powerhouse packs the new A17 Pro chip, making it surprisingly speedy for such a compact device. We found it handles everything from basic browsing to photo editing without breaking a sweat.
The 8.3-inch screen feels just right – big enough to enjoy videos and get work done, but small enough to hold comfortably in one hand. Battery life has been solid too, easily lasting through a full day of mixed use. We especially liked how it fits in smaller bags where a full-sized iPad would be too bulky.
Check pricing on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4leVTgH
The upgraded cameras work well for video calls and quick photos. We tested the front camera’s Center Stage feature, which keeps you centered during FaceTime calls even if you move around. The Touch ID button is fast and reliable too.
One thing to note – if you plan to use it for lots of typing, you’ll want to pair it with a bluetooth keyboard. The on-screen keyboard is fine for short messages but takes up a lot of screen space. We also wish Apple included the Pencil in the box instead of selling it separately.
Here’s a comprehensive review of the Apple iPad Mini 7th Generation, complete with ratings on a scale of 1–5 for each key feature, followed by an overall score.
Feature Ratings
1. Performance (CPU/GPU/A17 Pro) – 5/5
- Powered by the A17 Pro chip (6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU, 8 GB RAM), delivers blazing-fast performance—perfect for gaming, multitasking, and AI features.
- Benchmark scores (e.g., 7,113 in Geekbench 6) showcase performance comparable to the iPad Air M3 in core tasks.
2. Display (8.3″ Liquid Retina IPS) – 4.5/5
- Shares high-quality specs with its predecessor: 2266×1488 resolution, 500-nit brightness, True Tone, P3 wide color, anti-reflective coating.
- Now features smooth scrolling without prior “jelly” issues.
- Held back only by a 60 Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion).
3. Portability & Design – 5/5
- Compact and lightweight (0.65 lb/293 g Wi‑Fi model), with iconic Mini dimensions.
- Build remains premium and stable, though volume buttons on the top edge feel slightly awkward.
4. Battery Life – 4.5/5
- Lasted about 10 hours and 28 minutes in tests, easily offering a full day or more of light use.
- Fast recharge: 34% in 30 minutes .
5. Audio Quality (Quad Speakers) – 5/5
- Delivers rich, immersive sound—excellent for gaming and video.
6. Camera (Front & Rear) – 4/5
- Both cameras are 12 MP: rear with Smart HDR 4 and 4K/60 capture; front ultrawide with Center Stage.
- Good enough for FaceTime, scanning, and casual photography—on par with iPhone 12 Mini.
7. Connectivity & Ports – 5/5
- USB‑C port supports up to 10 Gbps and external display; Wi‑Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3 boosts wireless performance.
- Optional cellular supports full sub-6GHz 5G .
8. Apple Pencil Support – 4.5/5
- Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and USB‑C Pencil; enables hover, squeeze, and precise sketching.
- Not compatible with Pencil 2, requiring purchase of new version.
9. Software & AI Integration – 4.5/5
- Ships with iPadOS 18 and full Apple Intelligence support—writing tools, photo cleanup, Siri enhancements.
- Some AI features still rolling out in regions outside the US.
🧮 Overall Rating
4.7 / 5
A powerhouse in a compact form—stellar performance, superb audio, excellent battery, rich connectivity, and AI support—all in a pocketable chassis. The main limitations are the 60 Hz display and lack of compatibility with Pencil 2, but these are minor in light of its overall excellence. Ideal for entertainment, digital notetaking, gaming, and casual productivity. For heavy professional use or refresh-rate enthusiasts, larger iPads may be more suitable.
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Display | 4.5/5 |
| Portability & Design | 5/5 |
| Battery Life | 4.5/5 |
| Audio Quality | 5/5 |
| Cameras | 4/5 |
| Connectivity & Ports | 5/5 |
| Apple Pencil Support | 4.5/5 |
| Software & AI | 4.5/5 |
Bottom Line
The iPad Mini is perfect if you want iPad features in a more portable size. The A17 Pro chip makes everything run smoothly, and the screen quality is excellent for reading, watching videos, or light work.
Ready to try it yourself? Check out the iPad Mini on Amazon and see why it’s become our go-to tablet for on-the-go use.
Overview of Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
The compact powerhouse has truly impressed us during our testing. We found the new iPad Mini’s A17 Pro chip delivers remarkable performance in such a small package. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display shows vivid colors and sharp text, making it perfect for reading and watching videos on the go.
Battery life is solid, lasting us through a full day of mixed use. We appreciate the improved 12MP cameras on both front and back – the Center Stage feature keeps you perfectly framed during video calls, which is handy.
The USB-C port is a welcome upgrade, offering faster transfers than previous models. Touch ID built into the power button works quickly and reliably.
While we love the Mini’s portability, typing on the smaller screen can be challenging for longer documents. The Apple Pencil compatibility is great, but remember that the pencil is sold separately.
Ultracompact and Powerful Design
This little device surprised us with its impressively sleek form factor. The mini weighs just 10.4 ounces and measures a mere 0.25 inches thick, making it truly pocket-friendly. We could easily slip it into a small bag or even a large jacket pocket.
Despite its tiny size, the iPad mini packs serious power with the A17 Pro chip. We noticed how quickly apps opened and how smoothly graphics-intensive games ran without any lag. The 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU handled everything we threw at it.
Battery life impressed us too. We used it throughout a full workday for notes, videos, and browsing without needing to recharge. The combination of portability and performance makes this mini ideal for:
- Travel companions
- Note-taking on the go
- Reading e-books comfortably
- Quick photo edits
We found the lightweight design particularly helpful during long reading sessions, as it didn’t cause hand fatigue like larger tablets sometimes do.
Advanced Liquid Retina Display
The screen on this mini tablet is a knockout. We were amazed by how crisp everything looks on the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Colors pop with P3 wide color support, making photos and videos look true to life. The True Tone technology adjusts the screen to match the lighting around you, which saved our eyes during late-night reading sessions.
What impressed us most was the ultralow reflectivity coating. Using the iPad Mini outdoors didn’t result in that annoying glare many tablets have. Text stays sharp at 326 pixels per inch, making it perfect for reading ebooks or browsing the web.
The display feels premium with its fully laminated design. There’s no gap between the glass and screen, making interactions with Apple Pencil feel more natural. At 500 nits brightness, it’s bright enough for most situations, though direct sunlight can still be challenging.
Cutting-Edge Performance and Storage
The A17 Pro chip inside this Mini is a beast. We tested it with some heavy multitasking – running multiple apps, editing photos, and streaming video simultaneously – and it handled everything without a hiccup.
The 128GB base storage is generous compared to older models. We found it plenty for everyday use, easily holding thousands of photos, dozens of apps, and several hours of video. Power users might want to consider the 256GB or 512GB options though.
Battery life impressed us during testing. We got through full workdays of mixed use (about 9-10 hours) before needing to recharge. The USB-C port is a welcome upgrade, making it much faster to transfer large files from external drives.
One thing to note: while the A17 Pro runs cool during normal tasks, it can warm up a bit during extended gaming sessions or when using processor-intensive apps. Still, for a device this small, the performance-to-size ratio is remarkable.
Versatility with iPadOS
iPadOS makes this small tablet much more useful than it looks. We found the Mini’s ability to run multiple apps side by side really helps with productivity. The split screen feature lets us check emails while reviewing documents without switching back and forth.
The Scribble feature works great with Apple Pencil, allowing us to write in any text field and have it converted to text. This saves time when taking notes during meetings.
File management has improved too. We easily transferred documents between apps and cloud services. The Files app works just like on a computer, making organization simple.
Shortcuts automation also impressed us. We set up routines that trigger multiple actions with a single tap, like opening our favorite note-taking app and starting a new document when connecting to the Pencil.
Despite its small size, the Mini handles iPadOS smoothly with no lag, even when using demanding features like Universal Control with a Mac.
Drawing and Note-Taking with Apple Pencil
Taking notes and sketching on the iPad Mini feels incredibly natural. We found that both the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) work seamlessly with this compact tablet. The 8.3-inch screen provides enough space for detailed drawings while staying portable enough to use anywhere.
The Scribble feature impressed us—it converts handwriting to text in any text field. This made annotations on documents and quick note-taking much more efficient. There’s virtually no lag when drawing, which artists will appreciate.
We noticed the palm rejection technology works well, allowing us to rest our hand on the screen while writing. The Pencil hover feature gives precise control for detailed artwork.
For students and professionals, the note-taking experience is top-notch. We could easily organize notes with headings and create sketches within the same document.
The only minor drawback is the screen size might feel a bit constrained for complex artistic projects compared to larger iPads, but for everyday notes and drawings, it’s perfect.
Enhanced Connectivity Features
Staying connected is a breeze with the iPad Mini. We found its Wi-Fi 6E capability to be significantly faster than older iPads, making large file transfers quick and painless. When downloading photos or streaming videos, we noticed much less buffering compared to previous models.
The USB-C port is a welcome upgrade. We transferred 4K videos from our camera in seconds rather than minutes. This port also works with many accessories without needing special adapters.
Bluetooth 5.3 connects reliably to our wireless headphones and keyboards. We paired multiple devices without the connection issues we experienced with older tablets.
For those who need internet on the go, the cellular model with 5G support is worth considering. We tested it in several locations and got solid speeds even in areas with spotty coverage.
Pros and Cons
This compact tablet packs quite a punch for its size. After using it for several weeks, we’ve found it delivers impressive performance in a highly portable package. The mini form factor makes it perfect for reading, note-taking, and casual browsing without the bulk of larger tablets.
Pros
- Incredible portability – Fits easily in smaller bags and can be held comfortably with one hand
- Powerful A17 Pro chip – Handles demanding apps and multitasking with no lag
- Beautiful 8.3-inch display – Colors look vibrant and text appears crisp
- All-day battery life – We got through full workdays without needing a charge
- USB-C connectivity – Faster data transfers and more accessory options
- Excellent cameras – The 12MP front camera with Center Stage keeps you centered during video calls
- Touch ID – Fast and reliable fingerprint recognition for security
Cons
- Price – Starting at 128GB, it’s not the most budget-friendly option
- No keyboard case – Unlike larger iPads, keyboard options are limited
- Screen size limitations – While perfect for portability, some may find it too small for serious work
- Apple Pencil compatibility – Works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil, but these are separate purchases
- Limited multitasking – The smaller screen makes using multiple apps simultaneously challenging
We found the iPad Mini shines for specific use cases like reading e-books, taking quick notes, and portable entertainment. However, it might not replace a laptop or larger tablet for extended productivity work or content creation.
Security with Touch ID
Fingerprint scanning adds a serious layer of protection to the iPad Mini. We found Touch ID works quickly and reliably – just place your finger on the top button, and the device unlocks instantly.
During our testing, we stored multiple fingerprints for different family members, which made sharing the iPad much simpler. The scanner rarely failed, even with slightly damp fingers.
What’s really useful is how Touch ID works with apps and Apple Pay. We didn’t need to type passwords for banking apps or when buying things online. Instead, a quick fingerprint scan approved purchases securely.
The positioning on the top button (rather than under the screen) took a little adjustment at first. But after a few days of use, it became second nature to press the button with our thumb when picking up the iPad.
Customer Reviews
Regular users love the new iPad Mini. We’ve seen hundreds of positive reviews praising its perfect size-to-power ratio. Many buyers mention how it hits the sweet spot between phones and laptops, making it ideal for on-the-go work.
Artists and creative professionals are particularly happy with the Mini. One teenager uses it mainly for digital art, while business users appreciate its performance in meetings and presentations. The A17 Pro chip gets lots of praise for handling multiple tasks without slowing down.
People who upgraded from older models note significant improvements in speed and battery life. The compact size remains the biggest selling point – it fits in smaller bags and can be held comfortably in one hand for reading.
While most reviews are positive (4.7/5 stars from over 500 ratings), a few mention the price is a bit high. Overall, we found customers are very satisfied with this powerful little tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have questions about the new iPad Mini. We’ve used it extensively and want to share answers to common questions about this powerful little tablet. The latest model with the A17 Pro chip brings several improvements over previous versions while maintaining the compact form factor that makes the Mini so popular.
What are the new features of the latest iPad Mini?
The newest iPad Mini includes several exciting updates. The A17 Pro chip provides a significant performance boost over previous models. Apple Intelligence is now built-in, helping with writing tasks and productivity. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers amazing color accuracy and low reflection. Wi-Fi 6E provides faster wireless connections. The USB-C port has improved data transfer speeds. It supports the new Apple Pencil Pro with hover features and haptic feedback. The tablet also maintains the all-day battery life users expect while adding these improvements.
How does the iPad Mini compare to the full-sized iPad?
The Mini offers nearly all the features of larger iPads in a more portable package:
- Size & Weight: Much lighter and more compact than standard iPads
- Performance: The A17 Pro chip matches or exceeds some larger models
- Display: Same Liquid Retina quality but in 8.3 inches instead of 10-11 inches
- Features: Has the same cameras, Apple Intelligence, and Apple Pencil support
- Battery: Similar all-day battery life despite smaller size
- Price: Generally less expensive than Pro models
We find the Mini perfect for reading, note-taking, and on-the-go tasks. The standard iPad might be better for watching videos or drawing on a larger canvas.
What improvements have been made to the iPad Mini’s camera capabilities?
The latest Mini features impressive camera upgrades:
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage that follows you during video calls
- 12MP Wide rear camera with True Tone flash
- 4K video recording at various frame rates (24, 25, 30, or 60 fps)
- Slo-mo support at 1080p (120 or 240 fps)
- Smart HDR 4 for better photos in challenging lighting
- Better stabilization for videos
These improvements make the Mini great for scanning documents, taking photos, recording 4K videos, and video conferencing. We’ve found the Center Stage feature particularly useful during video calls, as it keeps you centered in the frame even as you move around.
Can the iPad Mini be used as a laptop replacement?
The iPad Mini can replace a laptop for some users, but with limitations:
- Good for: Email, web browsing, note-taking, light document editing, video calls
- Challenges: Complex spreadsheets, intensive video editing, coding
- Accessories needed:
- Bluetooth keyboard (the screen is too small for the Magic Keyboard)
- Apple Pencil (Pro or USB-C version) for note-taking
- USB-C hub for connecting external devices
iPadOS now supports multiple windows and better file management, making the Mini more laptop-like. We’ve used it successfully for writing articles, managing emails, and basic productivity. However, if you need to run specific desktop software or do heavy multitasking, a laptop might still be necessary.
How does the battery life of the newest iPad Mini model compare to previous versions?
The new iPad Mini maintains similar “all-day” battery life despite its more powerful processor. In our testing:
- About 10 hours of web browsing or video watching on Wi-Fi
- 8-9 hours with more intensive use (gaming, video editing)
- 6-7 hours when using cellular data continuously
- Standby time of several days with light use
The A17 Pro chip is more efficient than previous processors, balancing out the increased power. We’ve found the battery life to be reliable for a full day of mixed use. The included 20W charger refills the battery fairly quickly – about 2 hours from empty to full.
What are the storage options available for the iPad Mini?
The latest iPad Mini comes in three storage configurations:
- 128GB (base model)
- 256GB (middle tier)
- 512GB (maximum storage)
Unlike iPhones, there’s no 64GB option. The base 128GB is sufficient for most users who mainly stream content and store documents in the cloud. If you plan to download many games, 4K videos, or work with large files like RAW photos, we recommend upgrading to 256GB or 512GB. Remember that iPadOS itself takes up some space, and there’s no way to add storage later with memory cards.
Pricing increases by about $100-150 with each storage tier upgrade, so consider your needs carefully before purchasing.
