The iPad Mini is a pocket powerhouse device produced by Apple that gives the same experience as the iPad in a smaller form. In 2024, Apple released a new version of the iPad Mini, and although it does not differ much in its look compared to the old one, it features several significant modifications. With better performance, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and increased storage variants, the iPad Mini is not left behind as one of the tablets in the Apple family.
In this review, we will consider more closely what has been changed, what has gone unaffected and how iPad Mini can be applied in day-to-day usage processes.
Build Quality
Apple did not go into a redesign of the iPad Mini in 2022. You would hardly even notice a difference at first sight of it. There are still bezels on the 8.3-inch display, and Touch ID is being built into the power button rather than using Face ID. It fits nicely in the hand, and the stereo speakers produce better sound than you might expect in a small device.
The palette choices are adjusted a little. Now, Apple provides lighter blue and purple, yet it is less flashy than other iPads. Although some may feel the bezels are a bit thick per the 2024 standards, the design still feels high-quality, sturdy, and aligned with the Apple charm.
Display
The iPad Mini 2024 follows its predecessor with the 8.3-inch LCD. It features the P3 wide colour gamut, uses an anti-reflective coating and is laminated to the front glass. With 326 pixels per inch, it features crisp images to read, browse, and watch video content.
Apple has, however, kept the refresh rate to 60Hz. This causes scrolling to be less smooth than with 120Hz ProMotion displays on iPad Pro. On a positive note, Apple has resolved the jelly-scrolling problem of the 2021 iPad Mini, enabling its users to enjoy a stable viewing experience.
Performance
The main improvement made in the 2024 iPad Mini is the A17 Pro chip. This is the same chip used on the iPhone 15 Pro, albeit with a 5-core GPU instead of the 6-core on the iPhone 15 Pro. The difference is hardly significant in real-world usage, and the A17 Pro will give you excellent speed and performance.
The A17 Pro was 30% faster in CPU performance and 25% faster in graphics compared to its predecessor, the older A15 chip. It is also qualified to run games and apps that are intense in nature since it supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Although it cannot compete with Apple M-series processors, the A17 Pro allows fluid multitasking, responsive usage of other creative apps, and coverage in the upcoming years.
The other reason Apple selected the A17 Pro is compatibility with Apple Intelligence, which is anticipated to be rolled out soon. This keeps the Mini in line with the rest of Apple’s modern equipment, except the base iPad.
Storage And Connectivity
Apple has ultimately increased the starting memory of iPad Mini by twofold. The 2024 edition will launch with 128GB, which makes a lot more sense to use every day. It also includes a new 512GB capacity for power users.
Regarding network connectivity, the iPad Mini offers a 5G option on top of Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. These upgrades do not sound dramatic, but they create a more stable device better suited to contemporary networking requirements.
Apple Pencil Pro Support
One of the most exciting features is the presence of the Apple Pencil Pro. The Minor was available previously as a device that only works with the second-generation Apple Pencil. Still, now it falls into the number of iPads compatible with Apple Pencil 2nd gen.
The new Apple Pencil Pro includes pressure sensitivity, haptic feedback, the ability to use double-taps on the surface, and supposedly its own pressure sensitivity. With a gyroscope, artists can roll the pencil, achieving the necessary rotation of the brush, which makes it more useful among creative specialists. When paired with the scale of the Mini, it makes the gadget a portable sketchbook and digital notebook.
Camera
The camera set-up is not that different. The rear camera has a single 12MP camera that supports scanning of documents and general photography. The front camera is a 12MP ultra-wide, supporting Centre Stage, which makes video calls feel natural because you will always be in frame.
Although these cameras are sufficient, they cannot substitute the abilities of an iPhone. The Mini cameras are most suitable for scanning documents or making a quick video call, but not for photography.
The stereo speakers are impressive for the size of the device, though. They produce clean sound with great depth, whether you are watching movies, listening to music or even playing games.
Everyday Use Cases
The iPad Mini may not replace the laptop, but it excels as a versatile secondary device. Its portability makes it ideal for reading articles, messaging, light productivity, gaming, and sketching with the Apple Pencil Pro.
- Reading: The size is perfect for ebooks and articles, though a higher refresh rate would make scrolling smoother.
- Messaging: The on-screen keyboard is comfortable in portrait mode, making quick conversations easy.
- Gaming: With the A17 Pro, the Mini can handle casual titles and even some AAA games like Death Stranding and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, giving it console-level potential.
- Note-taking and Drawing: With the Apple Pencil Pro, it becomes a reliable digital notebook and sketchpad.
- Video Watching: While functional, the small screen may not be ideal for long movie sessions compared to larger iPads.
Battery life holds up well, averaging 8–10 hours depending on usage. Gaming drains it faster, but light browsing and reading bring it closer to Apple’s 10-hour estimate.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight yet powerful
- The A17 Pro chip offers excellent performance
- Apple Pencil Pro support adds creativity and productivity features
- Base storage starts at 128GB
- Strong speakers for its size
- Fixed display issues from the previous model
Cons:
- Still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate
- No Face ID, only Touch ID
- Cameras remain average
- Higher storage models with 5 GB become expensive
Conclusion
The 2024 iPad Mini does not deserve, and actually could not stand, a radical redesign. But it is a logical and significant improvement. It has the A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, twice as much storage and feels like a small tablet with big performance. It will not serve as a laptop or an oversized iPad, but those who want the smallest device to read, send messages, engage in gameplay, and create something experience the Mini like nothing out there.
The iPad Mini 2024 can be acquired for $499, a relatively good value. When you already possess the 2021 Mini, the upgrade is unnecessary unless you anticipate the Apple Intelligence and Pencil Pro features. If you have an outdated iPad or want a portable device, the iPad Mini 2024 is the finest little tablet available.
