I have never hidden the fact that the iPad mini is – next to the MacBook Air – my favorite device Apple. As long as big iPads with powerful chips M3 and M4 have essentially become full-fledged computers that can compete with the MacBook Pro, the smaller tablet does not “cannibalize” any device.
So I was waiting impatiently for the premiere of the new iPad mini. Especially since Apple has recently been neglecting this series. Suffice it to say that the last small iPad (6th generation) premiered in September 2021. Now that the new iPad mini (2024) is in my hands, I have… mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, this is without a doubt the best iPad mini ever. The problem is that Apple approached this device a bit too conservatively.
iPad mini (2024) – what did I like the most?
iPad mini, just like its predecessor, impresses with its minimalist design. Due to its compact dimensions, it works great in such situations applications like reading e-books, creating notes, playing Whether watching movies and series. Unlike “large” iPads, the device can easily fit into a small purse or even into the inner pocket of a jacket or jacket. I must admit that the very fact that we can always have an iPad mini at hand can be a lot of fun.
The new iPad mini is also quite an efficient device. Apple used a layout here A17 Prowhich is the same one that powers the iPhone 15 Pro. Theoretically, the manufacturer could equip this tablet with newer the A18 Pro processor or even the powerful M2 or M3 units known from the iPad Pro and MacBook, but it would be art for art's sake. After all, we're talking about equipment designed primarily for multimedia consumption, not for rendering 4K videos.
During two weeks of testing, I never once encountered a situation in which the iPad mini ran out of power. iOS 18 and individual applications they run very smoothly on this device. In the benchmark GeekBench 6 iPad mini achieved results comparable to iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, which is not surprising because these devices have almost identical technical specifications.
We are pleased that Apple has finally abandoned the iPad mini variant with 64 GB of internal memory. Now, in the cheapest variant, we get it straight away 128GB. The amount of RAM is also twice as large – compared to the iPad mini 6th generation. iPad mini (2024) has 8 GB RAM and this change can be clearly felt during work in several applications at the same time.
As I mentioned earlier, the iPad mini is a great tool for creating handwritten notes and sketches. This is certainly helped by the fact that that this device supports the new generation of the Apple Pencil Pro stylus – along with gestures. For example, in the Nebo app, squeezing the stylus opens a new palette, and double-tapping allows you to switch between pencil and eraser. There was also plenty functions proximitythanks to which we know exactly where the stylus will touch the screen. There is a magnetic connector on the side edge of the iPad mini that allows you to wirelessly charge your Apple Pencil.
It is worth adding that the communication modules have also been updated. The latest iPad mini supports the standard Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. We can connect a virtual card to the device eSIMbut there is no physical nanoSIM card slot.
iPad mini (2024) – what disappointed me the most?
So if it's so good, why did I write about dissatisfaction earlier? Because I think so The changes brought by the new generation of iPad mini are simply too few. Especially since the premiere of the new model and its predecessor (iPad 6th generation) are three years apart.
The new iPad mini has the same thing Liquid Retina display, as the 2021 model. As far as I understand, the reasons why Apple did not decide to equip it with an even more powerful processor are Liquid Retina XDR (OLED) screen with 120 Hz refresh rate would be absolute in the case of the iPad mini gamechanger. Playing games or watching movies on such a panel is a completely different experience.
There are more elements copied from the older model. iPad mini does not support Face ID. The device can only be unlocked using a fingerprint reader (Touch ID), which is located in the lock and unlock button of the device. The front camera is still on the top edge of the iPad, although it has been moved to the longer edge on other iPads to make it better for video calls.
The main camera has not undergone any changes. It's still there single 12 MP. However, I will not discuss this detail of the copy, because – in my opinion – the iPad mini could be without a rear camera at all. What irritated me much more was the fact that iPad mini does not support Apple Pencil 2. generation. This is one of those Apple decisions for which it is difficult to find any justification.
iPad mini (2024) – VERDICT
The new iPad mini is a piece of solid equipment that will work well as an e-book reader, a handy notebook, and a multimedia entertainment center. During the tests, however, I was constantly reminded of the thought that we could get an even better iPad mini – with an OLED screen, FaceID and several other amenities that would take this device to a completely different level.
Finally, I have something positive. The iPad mini version with 128 GB memory was priced at PLN 2,599. The 6th generation iPad mini cost the same at launch, but then the basic version only had 64 GB of memory. We are pleased that Apple has not decided to increase the price, which – at least on the Polish market – makes it look quite attractive. Of course, by the standards of this company.