By love-89.com Apple’s latest iPad mini is making waves with its new A17 Pro chip, enhancing speed and efficiency for 2024 while also introducing a range of new accessories and upcoming AI features. As it stands, the iPad mini continues to represent a unique offering in the tablet market, delivering a comprehensive modern iPad experience in a compact form.
Samuel Gibbs, the Consumer Technology Editor, emphasizes that despite its small size, the iPad mini doesn’t come cheap, starting at £499 ($499/A$799), positioning it between Apple’s base-model iPad at £329 and the iPad Air at £599.
The design of the iPad mini, which saw significant revamps in 2021, remains intact with only minor modifications—namely, updates to the side that enhance accessory compatibility. Retaining the 8.9-inch LCD display, it offers a vibrant and glare-resistant screen ideal for outdoor use, although users may still notice slight improvements in the so-called “jelly scroll” effect from the previous model.
As for sound, the iPad mini is equipped with excellent stereo speakers that amplify video and gaming experiences. Weighing in at under 300 grams and about the same width as an A5 paper pad, it’s exceptionally portable, making it an ideal choice for students or commuters who want to take notes, enjoy videos, or read.
One point of contention remains—the positioning of the center stage camera, which is still located on the left-hand side in landscape mode. While it functions well, the angle isn’t the most flattering for video calls.
In terms of specifications, the iPad mini features an 8.9-inch 2266×1488 LCD display, an A17 Pro processor, 8GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB. It’s powered by the latest iPadOS 18, which includes various new features, although it notably lacks some of Apple’s recent AI enhancements like a smarter Siri or writing tools—this may change in upcoming updates.
Battery life is another strong point, with around 12 hours for video streaming and about 10 hours for standard usage, making it reliable for a busy day out. The iPad mini also boasts a solid environmental profile, using at least 25% recycled materials and promising over 1,000 full charge cycles.
With pricing set at £499 for the base model and £649 for the 5G variant, it competes well with other tablets, yet it remains on the higher end of the spectrum. Comparatively, consumer options range from cheaper models like the Amazon Fire HD to premium devices such as the iPad Pro.
Overall, Gibbs concludes that the updates to the iPad mini’s capabilities affirm its status as the best small tablet on the market, particularly for professionals like journalists and pilots who value a compact, high-performance device. However, for casual users seeking a straightforward entertainment device, the larger standard iPad may offer greater value.
In summary, the iPad mini, with its compact design and impressive performance, stands out for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing functionality. However, its high price tag and limitations in multitasking may make it less appealing to some.