Apple iPad Mini 2 WiFi (1GB + 16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The iMore review characterizes the iPad mini 2 as a smaller, powerful equivalent to the iPad Air, highlighting its jump to a 64-bit A7 chip and a stunning 2048x1536 Retina display. While maintaining high portability, the device supports modern apps, faster Wi-Fi, and improved audio through dual microphones. Key pros include superior performance matching the iPhone 5s, exceptional display sharpness, and added hardware capabilities. Conversely, cons focus on the lack of Touch ID, a narrower color gamut compared to the iPad Air, and mediocre camera quality. iMoreDespite being slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor, the review finds the device a massive upgrade that brings the 7.9-inch form factor into the modern, high-performance ecosystem.

The iPad mini 2 with Retina display features a 7.9-inch 2,048 x 1,536 resolution screen and a premium, portable aluminium chassis. It delivers strong performance via the 64-bit A7 processor and boasts impressive battery life exceeding 10 hours in tests. Despite these strengths, the display offers a narrower color gamut than the iPad Air, and the device lacks Touch ID and advanced camera functionality.

The Apple iPad mini with Retina display (iPad mini 2) features a high-resolution 2048 x 1536 display and 64-bit A7 chip, addressing the original's, limitations. The 7.9-inch device maintains a premium aluminum build and strong, long-lasting battery life. 3 Performance is a major strength, with the A7 chip providing a significant boost for demanding apps, complemented by a comfortable, lightweight design. However, the device faces competition from cheaper, high-quality Android alternatives. 3 Cons include a high price point, color inaccuracies in the display, and underwhelming camera performance in low light. The lack of expandable storage is also noted as a limitation. 3

The TechSpot review of the second-generation iPad mini praises it as a high-performance, portable tablet featuring a 2048 x 1536 Retina display and the 64-bit A7 processor, bringing it in line with the iPad Air's capabilities. Despite this upgrade, the display's color gamut is noted as inferior to competitors, and the device is slightly heavier than its predecessor, with storage upgrades described as expensive. Concluding it is the best small tablet on the market due to its performance, build quality, and app ecosystem, TechSpot recommends the $399 device for those seeking premium, portable Apple performance. Copy

The Stuff review highlights the iPad mini 2 as a significant upgrade, driven by a "mesmerising" Retina display and the powerful 64-bit A7 chip that delivers phenomenal performance. Key pros include its exceptional portability, sustained 10-hour battery life, and superior tablet-optimized app ecosystem compared to rivals. Despite the praise, the review notes cons including a higher price point, slightly lower color vibrancy than the iPad Air, and the omission of Touch ID. Copy

According to the Macworld review, the iPad mini 2 brings the 64-bit A7 processor and a 2048×1536 Retina display to the small form factor, eliminating previous performance and display compromises. Key pros include exceptional build quality, improved 1GB of RAM for better performance, and a battery that lasts over 10 hours, while cons include a slightly heavier, denser design and a narrower color gamut compared to the iPad Air. The review highlights that while it lacks Touch ID, the device offers, at a higher price point, top-tier performance for its size. Copy

The PCMag review highlights the Apple iPad mini 2 as a high-performance, budget-friendly tablet ($299) featuring a 64-bit A7 processor and a sharp 7.9-inch Retina display. Praised for its build quality and app ecosystem, the device serves as a "shrunken, original iPad Air". However, the, compact, high-resolution screen can make some UI elements difficult to read, and it is not as easy to hold with one hand as some competitors. Performance tests showed a 6-hour, 8-minute battery life during video playback, which was competitive with the iPad Air but inferior to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, which ultimately won the Editors' Choice award for its superior screen and slimmer design. Copy

The iPad mini 2 (with Retina display) is hailed by T3 as a "triumph," bringing flagship-level performance and a 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536 resolution screen to a compact form factor. Powered by the 64-bit A7 chip and M7 co-processor, the device delivers high-end, smooth performance for intensive tasks while maintaining strong battery life, with the improved screen enhancing readability. Despite these upgrades, the review notes the disappointing omission of Touch ID, a sub-par 5MP rear camera, and a higher price point compared to 7-inch competitors.

The Apple iPad mini 2 with Retina display is hailed by What Hi-Fi? as a significant upgrade, bridging the performance gap with the iPad Air by featuring a 7.9-inch screen with a 2048 x 1536 resolution. Powered by the A7 chip, the tablet delivers fast, smooth performance and, combined with superior, balanced sound from its speakers, offers an excellent portable media experience. What Hi-Fi?Pros include the exceptionally sharp, high-resolution display and a premium, portable aluminium design. The device also benefits from a wide range of high-quality apps, making it a versatile tablet. What Hi-Fi?Cons include a 5-megapixel rear camera that lacks the depth of more advanced sensors and a high price point that makes it less of a bargain compared to the original mini. While the device experienced a few minor, unexpected crashes during testing, it is still considered a "triumph" in the small tablet market. What Hi-Fi?

The CNET review highlights the iPad Mini 2 as a reliable, budget-friendly tablet featuring a high-resolution Retina display. The device offers a compact 7.9-inch design, making it highly portable, alongside the A7 processor which provides adequate performance for daily tasks and roughly 10 hours of battery life. Despite these strengths, it lacks modern features like Touch ID and split-screen multitasking, and the 16GB base model is limited for storage.

The iPad mini 2, as reviewed by Trusted Reviews, features a high-resolution Retina display (2048 x 1536) and a powerful 64-bit A7 processor, providing substantial upgrades in visual quality and performance over the original model. The tablet maintains a premium, portable design with excellent battery life that comfortably lasts through a full day of mixed use. While highlighting top-tier performance, the review notes a higher price point than competitors and the absence of Touch ID.

Lisa Gade’s review for MobileTechReview concludes the second-generation iPad mini is the high-performance, compact tablet users desired, bridging the gap with the iPad Air through its 64-bit Apple A7 processor and 2048 x 1536 Retina display. Key strengths include its premium aluminum build, stereo speakers, M7 motion co-processor, and excellent portability. While the Retina display is sharp, the review notes the color gamut is slightly narrower than the iPad Air's, and the device can run warm during heavy, sustained tasks. Pros: Exceptional build quality and compact, portable design.High-performance A7 chip with M7 co-processor.Free iWork/iLife suite inclusion. Cons: Higher starting price ($399) compared to predecessor and competitors.Screen has a narrower color gamut compared to the iPad Air.Tablet can become warm under heavy loads. Copy

The Apple iPad mini 2, hailed as a "shrunken" iPad Air, offers a high-quality, portable iOS experience featuring a 7.9-inch Retina display (2,048-by-1,536 resolution) and the 64-bit A7 processor for strong performance. At a reduced price point, it provides significant value with excellent build quality and a 5-megapixel camera, making it a competitive tablet in its class. While praised for its sharp screen and speed, the device lacks Touch ID and is slightly thicker/heavier than the original, with a 4:3 aspect ratio that some may find less ergonomic for one-handed use. Copy

The iPad mini 2 features a high-resolution "Retina" display (2048 x 1536) in a 7.9-inch screen, providing superior pixel density and sharpness. It incorporates the 64-bit A7 processor, aligning performance with the larger iPad Air for improved gaming and multitasking. Despite these upgrades, the battery life remains strong. The tablet is marginally thicker and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate the necessary battery for the high-resolution screen. A notable drawback is the higher price point compared to competitors. Additionally, the screen’s color gamut is slightly narrower than the iPad Air, resulting in less vibrant colors. The iPad mini 2 is described as the top small tablet, balancing portability with a premium build and high-performance capabilities. While the higher cost makes it a premium option, it is praised for offering an excellent user experience. Copy

The iPad mini 2 delivers a major upgrade over its predecessor by introducing a high-resolution Retina Display and the powerful A7 64-bit chip, cementing its position as a flagship 7.9-inch tablet. The device features a premium, portable 331g metallic design, incorporating the same high-end internals as the larger iPad Air. Key advantages include the 2,048 x 1,536 resolution screen offering superior sharpness, exceptional performance, and excellent battery life exceeding 10 hours in tests. Conversely, limitations highlighted in the review include a higher price point compared to Android rivals like the Nexus 7, the lack of expandable storage, and slightly lower screen contrast compared to the iPad Air.

The PCMag UK review describes the Apple iPad mini 2 as a "shrunken, original iPad Air" that offers a powerful balance of price and performance, anchored by a 7.9-inch Retina display with a sharp 2,048-by-1,536 resolution and 324ppi pixel density. Key pros include the snappy performance of the A7 processor, an extensive library of tablet-optimized iOS apps, and a premium, portable form factor with capable, loud speakers. However, the 4:3 aspect ratio makes it harder to hold with one hand compared to narrower competitors, while the 16GB base model faces storage constraints, and Wi-Fi performance, though good, falls just short of the full-sized iPad Air. Copy

The iPad mini 2, or iPad mini with Retina display, significantly improves on its predecessor by introducing a high-resolution 2048×1536 display and the powerful 64-bit A7 chip. This combination delivers sharp visuals and a four-fold increase in performance, making it highly responsive and capable of demanding tasks. Key strengths identified in the review include the premium, portable aluminum build, excellent battery life, and improved connectivity via MiMo technology. However, the review notes a high price point that, while expected for Apple products, makes it closely priced to larger options. Critics point to the 16GB base storage as insufficient, and the lack of Touch ID—a feature available on the iPhone 5S at the time—was a notable omission. Furthermore, while the screen is sharp, it is described as having less color accuracy and higher reflectivity than competitors. Overall, the iPad mini 2 is praised for offering a uncompromising experience, packing the features of a larger tablet into a 7.9-inch form factor. The combination of a top-tier processor and screen makes it a strong contender in the tablet market despite its drawbacks. Copy

The 2013 iPad mini with Retina display is deemed a "no-compromise" device, offering the same 64-bit A7 performance and a superior 2048×1536 resolution screen as its larger counterparts. This model eliminates the previous performance gap, making it a powerful choice for gaming and productivity, while retaining an excellent 10-hour battery life. Key advantages identified include the exceptional display sharpness and the vast, high-quality ecosystem of iOS tablet apps. The device maintains a premium build, though it is slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor to accommodate the new components. Conversely, the review notes a $100 price increase to a $399 starting point, making it costly in the small-tablet market. Additionally, the screen lags in color saturation compared to the iPad Air, and the model lacks the Touch ID sensor found on the iPhone 5S. Copy