View on Amazon

iPad Mini 7th Gen: A Compact Powerhouse or Just a Refresh?

I’ve been using the 7th generation iPad Mini with the A17 Pro chip for just over six months now, and I’m smitten. I absolutely love it. But the question lingers: did Apple deliver anything truly new with this latest iPad Mini, or is it merely a superficial update? More importantly, what are the two features I wish this device had that would, in my opinion, make it nearly perfect? Let’s dive into the iPad Mini and have a proper chat about its place in Apple’s lineup. I’m David, and this is Dalking Tech.

View on Amazon

My iPad Journey

Years ago, I owned an iPad Mini but barely used it, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this 7th gen model. To complicate matters, just months before, I splurged on the king of iPads: the M4 Tandem OLED 13-inch iPad Pro. With such a beast on my desk, I wondered why I’d ever reach for the smaller iPad Mini. Yet, this little device has carved out a unique space in my workflow and daily life.

When the iPad Mini 7 launched, critics were quick to dismiss it as “nothing new.” But I’d argue that’s unfair. The iPad Mini was already a stellar device, so why reinvent the wheel? Apple’s approach of iterating on a solid foundation makes sense. This iPad Mini feels like the quintessential iPad—honest, unpretentious, and excellent at what it’s designed for.

View on Amazon

Design: Familiar but Functional

On the outside, the iPad Mini 7 is nearly identical to its predecessor. The only visible change? The word “Mini” is now etched on the back. Otherwise, it’s the same sleek, compact design. But that’s not a bad thing. The iPad Mini excels at its core functions: reading, streaming music, watching content, and note-taking. I often leave mine in a corner, streaming music to my HomePods—it’s so unobtrusive, I forget it’s there.

Interestingly, note-taking feels more intuitive on the Mini than on my iPad Pro. The smaller size makes it easier to jot down ideas or sketch on the go. While I adore my iPad Pro for tasks like editing photos in Lightroom (that Tandem OLED display is a dream for retouching), its size, weight, and cost make it less portable. The iPad Mini, however, is my weekend companion—perfect for lounging on the sofa, traveling, or quick trips into town.

View on Amazon

What’s New?

Apple didn’t overhaul the iPad Mini, but they didn’t need to. They introduced four new colors—space gray, purple (my choice), blue, and starlight—along with matching Smart Folio cases. If you’re upgrading from the 6th gen, you’ll be pleased to know the cases are compatible, as the magnet placements haven’t changed.

In a clever move, Apple doubled the base storage from 64 GB to 128 GB without raising the price—a rare “something for nothing” moment. You can also opt for 256GB or 512GB if you need more space. The A17 Pro chip, borrowed from the iPhone 15 Pro, brings a 30% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU, making it Apple Intelligence-ready. This is a big deal as iPadOS 26 looms, promising features like document scanning and signing in the new Files app, enhanced by Apple Intelligence for tasks like live translation and system-wide shortcuts.

The USB-C port is another upgrade, now supporting 10 Gbps data transfer—twice as fast as before. This makes moving large files to and from an SSD a breeze. Wi-Fi is also faster, and physical SIM trays are gone, replaced by eSIM for cellular models.

The Camera Conundrum

The 12MP rear camera is serviceable for snapping quick photos but shines for scanning receipts and documents, especially with iPadOS 26’s upcoming features. However, the front camera’s placement remains a sore point. It’s still off-center, making video calls in landscape mode awkward. Apple’s decision not to move it to the long edge feels like laziness—there’s no other excuse for a company of their caliber.

Display Woes

The 8.3-inch LCD display is the same as before, with P3 wide color and True Tone. It’s a solid panel, but at 500 nits, it struggles in bright outdoor settings. I wish Apple had bumped it to 1000 nits or offered a nano-texture option, as seen on the iPad Pro and other devices. Nano-texture would reduce glare, making the Mini even better for outdoor use. I’ve been using a Paperlike screen protector since day one, which helps with glare and adds a tactile, paper-like feel for note-taking.

Critics also grumble about the 60 Hz refresh rate, calling it outdated for a £500 device. I disagree. For my use case—reading, note-taking, and casual content consumption—60 Hz is perfectly fine. I’d rather have a high-quality 60Hz panel than a subpar 120Hz one. Plus, on a screen this small, the benefits of 120 Hz are less noticeable, and I’ve never experienced the dreaded “jelly scrolling” some complain about.

Apple Pencil Options

The iPad Mini 7 supports two Apple Pencils: the USB-C model (£79) and the Pencil Pro (£129). I opted for the Pencil Pro but regret it. I’m not an artist and don’t use its advanced features, so the USB-C version would’ve sufficed. If you’re considering a Pencil, think carefully about your needs to avoid overspending. Also, how fun would it be if Apple offered colored pencils to match the new iPad colors? Just a thought.

External Display Limitations

The upgraded USB-C port supports accessories like a USB-C to HDMI adapter, letting you mirror your iPad Mini to a TV—great for watching downloaded movies in a hotel room. However, it can only mirror, not extend, to external displays, which feels like a missed opportunity given the A17 Pro’s power. I’m hopeful iPadOS 26 or a future update will unlock this capability, especially as external display use becomes more common.

iPadOS 26 and Apple Intelligence

Speaking of iPadOS 26, it’s set to elevate the iPad Mini with features like a new windowing system, an improved Files app, background tasks, and live capture. The A17 Pro chip ensures the Mini is ready for Apple Intelligence, which is being integrated thoughtfully across iMessage, FaceTime, and more. Live translation, for instance, is the kind of practical AI I’m excited about. I’ll be installing the public beta soon and can’t wait to see how these features enhance the Mini’s compact form factor.

My Two Wishes

At the start, I mentioned two features I wish the iPad Mini had. First, an OLED display. My iPad Pro’s Tandem OLED has spoiled me, and even a standard OLED option would elevate the Mini’s screen for content consumption. Second, Face ID. It’s baffling that the iPhone 16 has it, but the iPad Mini is stuck with Touch ID, which feels dated. Add in a brighter 1000-nit display and a nano-texture option, and this device would be near perfection.

Who’s It For?

The iPad Mini 7 stands alone in Apple’s lineup and the broader tablet market. It faces no real competition, even from the iPad Air. If you’re coming from a 6th gen Mini or earlier, the A17 Pro chip, doubled storage, faster USB-C, and Apple Intelligence readiness make it a compelling upgrade. Even 6th gen owners might find the new features worth considering.

I’ve been surprised by how much I reach for the iPad Mini over my iPad Pro. It’s become a habit—my go-to for casual tasks, travel, and quick notes. If forced to choose, I’d pick the Mini for its portability and charm. It’s not trying to be a workstation like the Pro; it’s just a damn good iPad.

View on Amazon