Apple’s iPad mini, refreshed after three years, features the A17 Pro chip, retaining its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen. While its design remains unchanged, new color options enhance its appeal. Connectivity sees improvements with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, but it lacks Face ID. Performance is significantly better than the previous generation, though the camera setup remains basic. Overall, the iPad mini serves as a versatile device for various user needs, particularly as an e-reader and note-taking tool.
Unlike the predictable annual iPhone launches, the iPad mini makes its debut at intervals, only when Apple feels its compact tablet is ready for a refresh. With its small size and relatively modest screen in an era where foldable smartphones boast displays of up to 8 inches, the iPad mini holds a special niche, catering to various user needs. Some may regard it as a secondary tablet, while others see it as a handy note-taking device or a robust e-reader alternative, albeit with less screen comfort. In essence, the iPad mini is versatile. At the end of 2024, Apple introduced an update without making any significant changes after a three-year hiatus. This latest iteration features an older A chip, initially seen in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max launched in September 2023. But does it earn a spot in our roundup of the best touchscreen tablets? Let’s find out in our review.
Design: Timeless and Attractive (4/5)
The iPad mini underwent a design overhaul in 2021, and come 2024, its appearance remains unchanged. It still resembles a large smartphone, with the same dimensions. While Apple could have slimmed down the bezels, the premium feel is evident with the tinted aluminum edges.
The front camera is still positioned at the top of the screen for portrait mode usage. This placement is more relevant for tablet-PC conversions, which isn’t a primary use case. The Power and Volume buttons are conveniently located on the upper edge, and the back houses a single camera module.
In summary, while the design hasn’t evolved, it still exudes quality, with attention to detail evident throughout. New color options like Blue and Purple join the existing Starlight and Space Gray, adding a fresh touch.
Connectivity: Subtle Upgrades (4/5)
As with its predecessor, Face ID is noticeably absent, requiring users to rely on Touch ID positioned on the Power button. While it remains responsive and easy to access, the lack of facial recognition feels like a missed opportunity, especially given its prevalence in Apple’s smartphone lineup.
On the bright side, the USB-C port has been upgraded to 3.1 gen 2, allowing for both device charging and file transfers.
The most significant upgrades are found in wireless connectivity; Wi-Fi 6E replaces the previous standard, and Bluetooth 5.3 comes in to supersede version 5.0.
For those interested in drawing or handwritten notes, the iPad mini supports both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Pencil Pro. However, these accessories are sold separately, priced at 89 and 149 euros, respectively. Despite their usability, Apple has yet to achieve the paper-like writing comfort found in dedicated devices like the Remarkable Paper Pro.
Screen: Impressive Yet LCD (4/5)
The display remains unchanged, and while we had hoped for an OLED upgrade, we must acknowledge that the existing 8.3-inch LCD panel, known as Liquid Retina, still impresses. However, the bezels are relatively wide, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of around 77.4%.
This LCD panel continues to deliver excellent color accuracy, boasting wide color coverage (P3) and True Tone technology that adjusts color warmth based on ambient lighting.
When it comes to color reproduction, this panel excels with a Delta E 2000 of 1.54, significantly below the perceptible difference threshold of 3. However, the LCD technology does limit contrast compared to OLED displays, resulting in a 1220:1 ratio and a peak brightness of 364 cd/m2.
Fortunately, the anti-reflective coating works well, making it easier to view the screen in bright sunlight. Ultimately, the iPad mini serves well as a versatile e-reader, suitable for both reading and gaming.
Performance: Enhanced Power and Future Potential (4.5/5)
The iPad mini 2024, or seventh generation, is powered by the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. While it shares six CPU cores, it has five GPU cores compared to the six in its iPhone counterparts. This variance may slightly affect performance, but the 8 GB of RAM provides ample support.
When compared to the previous model featuring the A15 Bionic SoC, the iPad mini shows significant performance gains, ranging from 30 to 43%, which bodes well for its future capabilities.
The iPadOS experience is smooth and responsive, with quick downloads over Wi-Fi 6E and seamless multitasking. Demanding games run smoothly, though titles with ray tracing may not look as stunning as on newer iPhones. Nevertheless, the integrated ecosystem provides a consistent experience.
One disappointment is the delay in accessing the Apple Intelligence features, which won’t arrive until April next year. These features are a highlight of the iPhone 16, making the wait for their arrival on the iPad mini particularly frustrating, as buyers are essentially investing in a promise for future enhancements.
Camera: Minor Adjustments for Accessory Usage (3/5)
As mentioned, the iPad mini retains only a single rear camera module. Those hoping for “spatial” photography capabilities on this compact tablet will likely be let down. Clearly, photography is not a priority for Apple with this device, which is unfortunate given its potential as an impressive 8.3-inch viewfinder.