Apple iPad Mini 2024 Review: Small Tablet, Big Stance

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Who says size doesn’t matter? In the tech world, it’s often the smaller gadgets that pack the biggest surprises. Enter the iPad Mini 2024—a pint-sized powerhouse aiming to prove that less is indeed more. We got our hands on Apple’s tiniest tablet to see if it could stand tall among its larger siblings or if it was just a small fish in a big pond. Read the rest of our Apple iPad Mini 2024 Review to know more.

Apple iPad Mini 2024 Review: Design And Display

You know the saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Apple’s approach with the iPad Mini 2024 seems to be more along the lines of “if it’s small and people like it, let’s keep it that way.” The new Apple iPad Mini retains its pocket-friendly dimensions, measuring a petite 7.69 by 5.30 by 0.25 inches and weighing in at just under 300 grams. It’s like the Goldilocks of tablets—just right for those who think the standard iPad is a bit of a behemoth.

Available in four colours—Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight—the design doesn’t deviate much from its predecessors. The aluminium chassis and flat edges are classic Apple, exuding that premium feel we’ve come to expect. But let’s be honest: the design is starting to feel as dated as last year’s memes. A little refresh wouldn’t hurt, but if you’re a fan of the tried-and-true, you’ll feel right at home.

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Apple keeps the controls and other basics unchanged. For example, the volume buttons and the combined power/Touch ID button sit on one short top edge. These buttons have fantastic travel and feedback, but I would have preferred to see the Mini adopt Face ID for facial recognition. Touch ID is incredibly reliable, but Face ID is often faster and more convenient than a button that moves every time you rotate the tablet. I registered four prints with the Mini so I always had one resting near the scanner.

The 8.3-inch LED LCD remains unchanged, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With a sharp 326 pixels per inch, it’s crisper than some of its larger siblings. The screen supports True Tone and wide colour (P3), making your Netflix binges and Alto’s Odyssey marathons visually pleasing. Sure, it’s not OLED, but unless you’re counting pixels with a magnifying glass, you won’t be disappointed.

The infamous “jelly scrolling” effect is almost still there. It’s less noticeable than before, but it’s like that one relative who overstays their welcome during the holidays—still there, still slightly annoying. Most users might not notice, but for the eagle-eyed perfectionists (like our test bench enthusiasts in the office), it could be a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth experience.

Apple iPad Mini 2024 Review: Performance And Cameras

Here’s where things get interesting. The iPad Mini (7^th Gen) 2024 is powered by the A17 Pro chip—the same silicon that fuelled last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. It’s a curious choice, but it means this tiny titan packs a serious punch. With 8GB of RAM (double the previous model), multitasking is a breeze, and apps launch faster than you can say “Apple Intelligence.”

Speaking of which, the Mini is now compatible with Apple’s latest foray into AI, cleverly named Apple Intelligence. It’s like having a smarty-pants sidekick that helps summarize emails, enhance photos, and even improve your questionable grammar. While the features are still in their infancy and feel a bit like a beta test, it’s reassuring to know that the Mini is future-proofed for whatever Apple cooks up next.

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The 12MP rear camera and 12MP front-facing ultra-wide lens are serviceable, capturing photos and videos that are perfectly fine for social media or video calls. However, the front camera’s placement could have been better. It kind of makes video chats feel like you’re a bit off-centre unless you hold the tablet in portrait mode. Then it is great!

Apple promises up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, but in our testing, we got around 7 hours of continuous streaming with the brightness cranked up. It’s an improvement over the previous Mini but falls short of the all-day battery life we’d hoped for. It’s like planning to run a marathon but settling for a 10K—not bad, but room for improvement.

The Mini steps up its game with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, and faster USB-C data transfer speeds. The cellular model now supports sub-6GHz 5G, ensuring you’re connected wherever you go—unless you venture into a Wi-Fi dead zone, in which case, the odds be ever in your favour.

The Apple iPad Mini 2024 Wi-Fi version is available in 128GB (Rs 49,900), 256GB (Rs 59,900) and 512GB (Rs 79,900) storage options. The Apple iPad Mini 2024 Wi-Fi + Cellular version is available in 128GB (Rs 64,900), 256GB (Rs 74,900) and 512GB (Rs 94,900) storage options.

Verdict

So, is the iPad Mini 2024 worth your time and money? If you’re already a card-carrying member of the “Mini or Bust” club, the answer is a resounding yes. The performance boost, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro make it a compelling upgrade. It’s like your favourite sitcom getting renewed for another season—familiar but with a few new twists.

However, if you’re on the fence or considering your first foray into the iPad ecosystem, the Mini’s allure depends on your needs. It’s a fantastic note-taking device and a solid entertainment companion. Also, as a stepping product in the Apple iPad Eco-system especially for students and creatives, this smaller canvas might be more suitable.

In the end, the iPad Mini 2024 is like that boutique coffee shop on the corner—not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its charm, it’s a delightful indulgence.