However, these improvements come with a pricing problem. Today, the iPad mini starts at $699 for the 128GB version, putting it just $50 below the 11-inch iPad Air (M4) in its lowest configuration. The 512GB mini I tested, which came with a more powerful A20 Pro chip, costs $999. In 2024, the iPad mini started at $499 and the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) started at $599.
The mini’s OLED screen stands out, but the Air is still a better option for those looking for a balance between power and portability. Its more capable processor and larger yet excellent IPS display make it more versatile. It also offers comparable battery life, although it lacks fast charging. Meanwhile, the Pro series remains the best choice for demanding workloads and extensive multitasking. The Mini is much more capable of serious work, multitasking, and editing than before, but it’s still not the best iPad for these purposes.
Despite closing the gap with other tablets, the mini remains a niche product. The main reason to choose it over other iPads is if you really want the smaller device, mainly for content consumption. My preference for devices that are easy to handle without straining my smaller hands or weighing me down, combined with my appreciation for high-end displays, my love of streaming, and my interest in using secondary displays to increase productivity, confirms that this niche has an audience. Many of Apple’s improvements make the mini more enjoyable for these users.
However, regardless of comparisons with the rest of the iPad line, the mini makes the most of its small design. Apple packed almost everything it could into a device that’s somehow even smaller than its predecessor.
For anyone looking for an ultraportable tablet primarily to enjoy content on a great high-end display, the mini is a noticeably better device than it used to be.
the good
- Fantastic display that feels more premium with smaller bezels and OLED performance
- Powerful speakers for a small tablet
- The first iPad with IP rating
bad
- Refresh rate is lower than other premium tablets
- Only $50 cheaper than the largest, most powerful iPad Air
