What's New in iPad Mini 2024? Dive Into Key Updates

It’s been a while since the iPad mini has seen any updates. So of course there is a lot of excitement surrounding the latest model. Apple unveiled the 6th generation iPad mini in 2021 with several welcome upgrades, including a larger screen, USB-C, Touch ID in the power button, and an enhanced front camera. The iPad mini 7th generation is finally here. It features a new and improved A17 pro chip, offering a significant upgrade from the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPad mini-6. But other than that, not a lot has changed. Here is everything you need to know about the iPad mini-7.

Top Reasons to Buy an iPad Mini 2024

One of the hallmarks of iPad tablets is portability, and that tradition carries over with the 2024 model. With sleek designs, the new iPad Mini 2024 weigh just 293 grams, making them ideal for people on the go. The 7th generation iPad mini also sees a significant performance boost, courtesy of the A17 Pro chip.

According to Apple, it features a 30% faster CPU, a 25% better GPU performance, and a Neural Engine that's twice as fast as before. The new chip also makes the iPad mini 7 Apple Intelligence-compliant. The iPad Mini 7 also supports the newer Professional-level Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro, too, furthering its use for creatives and professionals alike.

Apple is committed to decreasing its carbon footprint and this is evident from the new iPad Mini. The device is made with 100% recycled aluminum for the enclosure, recycled rare earth elements, and recycled gold and tin in the circuit boards. The packaging is 100% fiber-based as well. This combination of design and functionality makes the iPad Mini 7 a powerful but portable device, fitting just about anyone's needs-from students to professionals. 

For those weighing their options, you can always choose to buy the iPad Pro, for its advanced features and larger display. However, if you're looking for more wallet-friendly options, be sure to check out our refurbished iPad mini models available for great value without cutting any corners on quality.

iPad mini 7 Release Date and Price

The iPad Mini 7 was released on October 15, 2024, with pre-orders available the same day. The device officially launched in markets on October 23, 2024. Pricing begins from A$799 of the entry model which supports 128GB of storage. That is two times the storage offered by the previous generation’s base model which began at only 64GB. For those needing additional storage, the 256GB model starts at A$979, while the 512GB option is priced at A$1,329.

If the price of the new iPad mini feels a bit high for your budget, don’t worry! You might want to check out our range of Apple refurbished iPads. We carefully inspect and test each device to ensure they meet our quality standards, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Display

One of the standout features of the iPad mini 7th generation is its Liquid Retina IPS display. With a resolution of 1488 x 2266 pixels, the screen delivers bright colors and sharp details, making it perfect for reading, browsing, watching videos and playing games. The display boasts 500 nits of brightness for excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

But beyond its good looks, the iPad Mini 7 boasts of Wide Color support and True Tone technology. Wide Color brings vibrant, true-to-life colors to your content, while True Tone automatically adjusts the white balance to match your environment. That means whether you are in a dimly lit café or under the bright sun, the screen will adjust to provide a comfortable viewing experience to reduce eyestrain during long sessions.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Design and Build

The 7th generation iPad Mini builds on the foundation established by earlier models, such as the iPad mini 5, and continues Apple's tradition of sleek, modern design with an emphasis on portability. It sticks to pretty much the same design languages as the iPad mini-6, sporting a compact all-screen form factor. Following in line with the iPad Air, iPad Pro and latest iPhone models, this tablet has a flat-edged body with rounded corners. This ives it a sleek and refined look that is comfortable to hold.

At a weight of just 293 grams (0.65 pounds), the iPad Mini 7 is lighter than air, thus perfect for users on the go who require a portable tablet that can be carried one-handed with ease or slipped into a bag. Its dimensions are identical to the predecessor at 7.69 inches (195.4 mm) length, 5.3 inches (134.8 mm) width, and 0.25 inches (6.3 mm) thick. These compact proportions easily allow for handling without sacrificing in either screen real estate or functionality.

Up front, the new iPad Mini 7 keeps the same bezel-free design as its predecessor. Apple installed a Touch ID sensor in the power button instead of Face ID, letting owners easily and securely unlock their devices, verify purchases, and open applications. The power button is placed ergonomically at the top of the device, making it easy to reach whether you're holding the iPad in portrait or landscape orientation. The volume buttons are still on the top left-hand side of the device, while there is a magnetic connector on the side for charging and attaching the Apple Pencil.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Camera

The Apple iPad Mini 7 takes mobile photography and videography to the next level. It packs a 12MP back camera with Smart HDR 4, ramping photo quality up a notch by capturing more details and color accuracy in hard-to-light conditions. The camera might not be as advanced as those on the latest iPad Pro and iPhones. Nevertheless, it is still a pretty decent camera, especially given that it supports most of Apple’s modern camera features.

The iPad Mini 7 allows for 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second. It also supports slow-motion video capture at 120 or 240 frames per second. For 1080p recording, you can choose between 30 or 60 frames per second. Additional features include continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization for smoother footage, and the ability to create time-lapse videos with built-in stabilization for enhanced quality.

The front camera on the iPad Mini 7 is a FaceTime HD camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 122-degree field of view. Its ultra-wide angle features a broad capture area, ensuring that more of the scene is visible. This feature improves video calls and selfies for a more immersive experience. Apple has also fitted in Center Stage technology using machine learning to automatically pan and zoom to keep the subject framed. Designed with FaceTime in mind, Center Stage also works with third-party apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, providing cross-platform flexibility.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Battery and Performance

The Apple iPad Mini 7 is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. It promises excellent battery life for continuous work, play, or creativity. According to Apple, this device offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, enough to binge-watch all your favorite shows, surf through the internet, or get work done throughout the whole day without needing to plug in every now and then.

All this is made possible by the A17 Pro Chip, which is engineered for efficiency. The chip optimizes power consumption with high performance, meaning you can enjoy demanding applications and multitasking without compromising on battery life. Equipped with 8GB RAM, the tablet handles all power-intensive apps with ease, whether one is editing photos, playing graphic-heavy games, or working on professional creative applications.

Additionally, the iPad Mini 7 supports 20W fast charging, enabling users to quickly recharge their devices when needed. This means that even during busy days filled with activities, you can rapidly get back to using your iPad Mini without long interruptions. Moreover, this table features a faster USB-C port which supports data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This is a huge bump given that the iPad mini-6, which only supported speeds of 5 Gbps.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Connectivity

The Apple iPad Mini 7 brings a robust range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for both work and play. At the forefront of its connectivity features is 5G support, offering users faster internet speeds and more reliable connections while on the go. The iPad Mini 7 supports Sub-6GHz 5G, which is the most widespread form of 5G technology, ensuring strong performance in urban, suburban, and rural areas. While it doesn’t support the ultra-fast mm Wave 5G found in some regions, the Sub-6GHz 5G network delivers plenty of speed for browsing, streaming, and downloading large files.

The iPad Mini 7 ditches the nano-SIM in favor of an eSIM. This gives users the convenience of changing their carrier or adding new data plans directly from their device without requiring a physical SIM card.

On the wireless front, the iPad Mini 7 supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster internet and lower latency, notably on less interfered 6GHz networks. That means smoother streaming, faster downloads, and generally smoother performance, even when with heavy internet traffic. Wi-Fi 6E is complemented by Bluetooth 5.3, further improving the range of connections with wireless peripherals like headphones, keyboards, and the Apple Pencil.

Apple iPad Mini 7: Software and Features

The iPad Mini 7 runs on iPadOS 18, introducing a host of new capabilities focused on enhancing productivity and creativity. Apple stuck with the Apple Pencil 2 in the iPad mini-6. The latest model now supports the newer Apple Pencil Pro and the entry-level Apple Pencil (USB-C). The Apple Pencil Pro brings a range of new features such as haptic feedback, barrel roll, and squeeze. If you misplace your pencil while you are out an about, you can now easily locate it via the Find My app.

The iPad Mini 7 also introduces upgraded writing tools, including Smart Script, which allows you to scribble down your notes quickly while smoothing out your handwriting. Live audio transcription means that users can record audio sessions and generate searchable transcriptions, making it easier for you to capture your thoughts and ideas. Its enhanced Notes App now features collapsible sections for better organization and highlighting options that have important text pop.

Moreover, the iPad Mini 7 houses a three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, and ambient light sensor. These sensors further help in enhancing the user experience by supporting features such as Automatic Brightness, device motion, and the ability to ascertain orientation, adding more capability to the device.

Verdict

The iPad Mini 7 is an outstanding addition to Apple's lineup, marrying portability with amazing performance and advanced features. With a brilliant Liquid Retina display, the powerful A17 Pro chip, and a number of software enhancements, this gadget is ideal for students, professionals, and casual users alike. With 5G connectivity added, extended battery life, and the ability to use the Apple Pencil, this device is an attractive choice for those seeking a versatile tablet experience.

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