Apple iPad Mini WiFi (2GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The iPad mini 7 is hailed by Trusted Reviews as the best small tablet, offering a powerful A17 Pro chip for Apple Intelligence and enhanced 128GB starting storage. It maintains a portable 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, now supporting Apple Pencil Pro functionality for improved note-taking. However, the device features a modest 60Hz screen without ProMotion and still relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID. The front camera remains in portrait orientation, which is less ideal for video calls. Ultimately, this compact 293g tablet is deemed a worthy upgrade for those prioritizing power in a highly portable form factor.

The Guardian describes the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) as the best small tablet on the market due to its unique, ultra-portable design. Pros include its 8.3-inch display and 10-hour battery life, though cons involve a high £499 starting price, lack of a significant design overhaul, and the absence of a centered landscape camera. Upgraded with the A17 Pro chip, the device supports Apple Intelligence and the Pencil Pro, offering, as noted, a 30% speed boost. While highly capable, it lacks M-series chips for advanced multitasking and does not support Stage Manager. The review concludes it is "almost perfect" for its niche—such as pilots and journalists—but may feel redundant for casual users who might prefer the cheaper, larger 10th-generation iPad. The Guardian

The 2024 Apple iPad mini is lauded by PCMag UK as a "portable powerhouse" featuring the A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support. Key pros include high-quality, compact hardware and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it ideal for mobile productivity. Despite these upgrades, the device retains a dated design from 2021 with thick bezels and a 60Hz screen, while the selfie camera remains on the short edge. Ultimately, while praised for performance and battery life, it is viewed as a niche device, with the standard 10.9-inch iPad offering better value for most users.

The Expert Reviews assessment of the Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) defines it as the "ultimate digital notepad," keeping the 8.3-inch design but upgrading to the A17 Pro chip for better performance and future Apple Intelligence features. Key pros include increased 128GB base storage, excellent Apple Pencil Pro support, and rapid processing power for gaming and creative tasks. Conversely, the review criticizes the 60Hz display for being outdated, identifies sub-par battery life, and notes the high price point.

The Digital Camera World review highlights the iPad mini (A17 Pro) as a highly portable, powerful device for creators, featuring a fast A17 Pro chip for efficient photo editing and a versatile USB-C port for direct file transfers. While praised for its, performance, the tablet is limited by a 60Hz display that lacks ProMotion and an awkward, short-edge front camera placement. Ultimately deemed a premium, specialized tool for field work rather than a laptop replacement, it is considered a worthy investment for those prioritizing portability over screen size. Digital Camera World

The iPad mini 7 (2024) is identified as the premier compact tablet, offering a significant performance boost with the A17 Pro chip and increased base storage, all within the same, highly portable 293g chassis. Supporting Apple Intelligence and the Apple Pencil Pro, the device delivers a future-proof experience, featuring improved display performance and reliable battery life. However, drawbacks include a stagnant 60Hz screen refresh rate, the lack of Face ID, an awkward front camera, and the move to eSIM-only for cellular models. Tech Advisor

The Telegraph rates the iPad mini 7 an 8/10, praising its highly portable 8.3-inch design, which remains lightweight and manageable for one-handed use, despite unchanged bezels. Performance is significantly boosted by the A17 Pro chip, supporting Apple Intelligence and doubling base storage, while screen issues like "jelly scrolling" appear resolved. While the LCD display lacks 120Hz ProMotion and battery life remains stagnant, it is deemed the best small tablet for reading, browsing, and gaming.

The 2024 Wired review describes the iPad Mini (A17 Pro) as an "outlier" that excels as a portable, high-quality tablet, powered by the A17 Pro chip to support Apple Intelligence and starting at $499 with 128GB of base storage. Notable pros include the ultra-portable form factor, ideal for note-taking and reading, which maintains the, compact, "tote around" design that makes the device unique in the market. WIREDHowever, the review highlights that the device continues to use a 60Hz LCD display rather than OLED or ProMotion, and it lack features like Stage Manager for advanced multitasking. A significant downside is the lack of compatibility with the second-gen Apple Pencil, forcing users to buy the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, alongside a selfie camera still located on the short edge. Ultimately, the Mini is considered a "great tiny tablet" for niche, dedicated users such as pilots, but may feel cramped for extensive productivity or entertainment compared to larger, cheaper alternatives. While offering a massive performance boost, the review implies it serves a specific audience rather than the average consumer. iPhone J.D.

The Apple iPad mini (2024), reviewed by PCMag, is an iterative update featuring the A17 Pro chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB base storage, enabling Apple Intelligence capabilities. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, providing a powerful, portable experience. However, the design remains identical to the 2021 model, featuring a 60Hz LCD screen that still exhibits "jelly scrolling". Critics noted the lack of ProMotion, an awkwardly placed front camera for landscape mode, and the absence of Face ID or IP-rated water resistance. Despite these limitations, the device received a 4.0 "Excellent" rating for its niche as a compact, high-performance tablet for specialized use cases. While powerful, the review suggests it may not offer as much value as the base-model iPad for casual users. Copy

The Laptop Mag review of the 2024 iPad Mini 7 highlights the device as a powerful, portable entertainment tablet featuring an upgraded A17 Pro chip for, enhanced gaming performance, Apple Intelligence support, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. Pros include the upgraded 128GB base storage and a 10.5-hour battery life that makes it an excellent choice for note-taking and reading, according to the review. However, notable cons include the stagnant design featuring thick bezels and a 60Hz LCD, alongside the inconvenient, short-edge placement of the front-facing camera. Furthermore, the lack of an M-series chip means the device does not support Stage Manager, making it a poor choice for a laptop replacement. Copy

The Notebookcheck review characterizes the Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) as a premium, albeit conservative, update that maintains its status as the leading compact tablet through unmatched portability and the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip for AI and gaming performance. Key pros include increased base storage, faster USB-C transfer speeds, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, though the design remains unchanged from its predecessor. Notable cons focus on the continued use of a 60 Hz display, limited outdoor brightness, and the lack of Face ID or a vibration motor. While serving as a top-tier niche device, it is considered a safe upgrade that may not be necessary for current iPad mini 6 users. Copy