The New iPad Mini 7: Is It Worth the Investment?
Apple has officially announced the seventh-generation iPad mini, powered by the A17 Pro SoC, bringing Apple Intelligence to a broader audience when it becomes available to the public. As the most powerful iPad mini to date, it offers a notable spec upgrade over its predecessor. However, what truly stands out is that this iPad mini is now the most affordable Apple device to support Apple Intelligence, making it even more cost-effective than the Mac mini.
While its design remains consistent with the previous model, this update brings notable improvements in performance, connectivity, and versatility. But how significant are these changes in everyday use, and does it justify the price for current and new users?
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Performance Boost with the A17 Pro – What It Means in Practice
Apple chose to power the seventh-generation iPad mini with the A17 Pro SoC, the same chip that powers the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The version used in the iPad mini seems to differ, as it uses a 5-core GPU instead of the 6-core GPU found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This also means that the new iPad mini includes 8GB of RAM, double that of its predecessor.
While the A17 Pro’s 30% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU, compared to the previous 6th-generation iPad mini, promise smoother performance across the board, users who rely primarily on standard apps like email, web browsing, or video streaming may not see significant gains. However, those using more demanding applications—whether for gaming or professional-level editing—will likely appreciate the added horsepower.
Apple Intelligence – A Step Forward in AI or Marketing Buzz?
Apple Intelligence brings several new features to the iPad mini, including AI-assisted writing tools and improvements to Siri’s natural language capabilities. While these features may appeal to professionals who spend a lot of time drafting and editing content, for more casual users, the real-world benefits might feel limited. However, Apple’s focus on privacy, with much of the processing happening on-device, sets it apart from other tech giants in the AI space.
It's important to note, however, that Apple Intelligence will not be available at the device's launch on October 23rd. According to rumors, iPadOS 18.1, which will include the first Apple Intelligence features, will be available on October 28th. Initially, Apple Intelligence will only be available in U.S. English and won't launch in the EU or China.
Image Credit: Apple
Design and Display – Incremental Upgrades in a Familiar Package
The iPad mini retains its ultraportable form factor with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, offering vibrant colors and True Tone for comfortable viewing. While this makes it a convenient choice for users on the go, those who prioritize screen real estate for productivity tasks may find the compact size limiting compared to larger iPad models. From a design standpoint, Apple hasn’t strayed far from the familiar, which may leave some users wondering if more innovative changes could have been made.
One area of contention remains the lack of a higher display refresh rate, a feature exclusive to the iPad Pro models. Some users of the previous iPad mini reported the "jelly scroll" effect, and a higher refresh rate could help mitigate this issue. However, we'll need to see how the new device performs in practice to determine whether this issue has been fully addressed.
Accessories and Apple Pencil Pro – Are They Essential?
The iPad mini 7 is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil Hover, which are notable upgrades. The Apple Pencil Pro offers features like pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback, making it a powerful tool for artists and designers. However, at $129, it may be overkill for users who only need a stylus for note-taking or basic sketching. For those users, the USB-C Apple Pencil, priced more affordably, might be a more practical option.
Connectivity and Battery Life – A Solid Performer?
With Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G support, the iPad mini is more connected than ever. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need reliable, high-speed connectivity on the go, such as remote workers or digital nomads. For more casual users, however, these upgrades may be more of a future-proofing feature than an immediate necessity. Meanwhile, the all-day battery life remains similar to its predecessor, with the A17 Pro’s efficiency helping balance out its power-hungry capabilities.
It is also worth mentioning that the 5G version of the iPad mini now comes with eSIM, replacing the physical SIM card tray.
New Camera
The iPad mini 7 comes equipped with a 12MP wide back camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera. The camera hardware remains unchanged, meaning the improvements come from the more advanced computational photography capabilities unlocked by the A17 Pro SoC. While the back camera offers improvements with Smart HDR 4, which enhances dynamic range for more natural-looking photos, the front camera continues to support Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered during video calls, making it ideal for remote workers and students.
Additionally, the back camera leverages machine learning to detect and scan documents directly within the Camera app, which could be useful for professionals needing a portable, high-quality scanner. While the camera system won’t rival the iPhone 15 Pro in terms of photography prowess, its features cater to users looking for flexibility in everyday productivity tasks, video conferencing, or casual photography.
However, it’s important to note that the iPad mini still lacks Pro camera features, which might be a consideration for those looking for more advanced photography and videography options. The True Tone flash does improve low-light performance for document scanning, but users serious about mobile photography might need to look to higher-end iPads or iPhones.
Image Credit: Apple
Colors, Storage Options, and Pricing – Worth the Investment?
The new iPad mini comes in four color options: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, offering some fresh choices for those looking to personalize their device. These finishes align with Apple’s modern color palette, though the hues are subtle and understated, reflecting the brand’s minimalist design philosophy.
Apple has doubled the base storage of the iPad mini to 128GB, a significant improvement over the previous generation’s 64GB. This base model starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi version, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at $649. For users needing more space, the iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations, providing flexibility depending on storage needs for apps, games, media, and professional workloads.
Apple has also introduced education pricing, with the base iPad mini starting at $449 for students, educators, and institutions. This offers a more budget-friendly option for those in the academic field, although it’s still relatively high compared to competing devices aimed at educational markets.
Pre-orders for the iPad mini 7 are open through Apple’s online store and in retail locations across 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. The device will officially hit stores on October 23, making it accessible just a few days after its announcement.
Conclusion: The iPad Mini 7 in Perspective
At $499 for the base model, the iPad mini is competitively priced for a device with this level of power and functionality. For professionals or creatives seeking a portable companion that doesn’t compromise on performance, the price may be well justified. However, for users who primarily use their tablets for media consumption or casual tasks, the base 10.9-inch iPad could be a more suitable option, especially if Apple Intelligence isn’t a major selling point.
The seventh-generation iPad mini is a significant step forward in Apple’s tablet lineup, offering a combination of portability, power, and intelligent features. While the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence unlock new possibilities for professionals and creatives, everyday users may find the improvements incremental rather than revolutionary. Ultimately, the iPad mini continues to excel in its niche as a compact powerhouse, but its value depends on how much you’re willing to leverage its advanced capabilities.
