Apple has made the iPad mini a more capable and enjoyable ultraportable tablet, particularly for watching content on its improved OLED display. However, those upgrades come with a substantial price increase: the mini now starts at $699, only $50 less than the entry-level 11-inch iPad Air with an M4 chip. The mini remains appealing for users who prioritize a small, lightweight device, but the iPad Air is a more versatile option for most workloads.
Higher prices narrow the mini’s appeal
The iPad mini currently starts at $699 for the 128GB version, just $50 less than the lowest-configured 11-inch iPad Air (M4). The 512GB mini tested for this review includes the more powerful A20 Pro chip and costs $999.
In 2024, the iPad mini started at $499, while the 11-inch iPad Air with an M2 chip started at $599.
The mini’s OLED display is its clearest advantage, but the Air remains the better choice for buyers seeking a balance of power and portability. It offers a more powerful processor and a still-impressive large IPS display. The Air does not support fast charging, but its battery life is comparable to the mini’s.
For demanding workloads and extensive multitasking, the iPad Pro series remains the best option. The mini is considerably more capable of handling serious work, multitasking, and editing than before, but it is still not the best iPad for those tasks.
A compact tablet for a specific audience
Although the gap between the mini and other tablets has narrowed, it remains a niche product. The main reason to choose it over another iPad is the need for the smallest possible device, primarily for consuming content.
For users who prefer devices that are easy to hold without being heavy or cumbersome, and who value high-end displays, streaming, and the ability to use secondary screens to improve productivity, the mini has a clear audience. Apple’s improvements make it more enjoyable for those users.
Beyond comparisons with the rest of the iPad lineup, the mini makes effective use of its compact design. Apple has packed as much capability as possible into a device that is even smaller than the previous generation.
For anyone seeking an ultraportable tablet mainly for enjoying content on a high-end display, the new mini is a markedly better device than its predecessor.
Good points
- Excellent display with smaller bezels and OLED performance for a more premium appearance
- Powerful speakers for a small tablet
- The first iPad with an IP rating
Bad points
- Lower refresh rate than some other premium tablets
- Only $50 less than the larger and more powerful iPad Air
Source: arstechnica.com
