After three years without being renewed, this tablet was one of the most anticipated in the company’s catalog, and its arrival promises to maintain its position as the most portable and versatile tablet from Apple. Keep reading, this is our analysis.
Plenty of power with the A17 Pro in an unchanged design
The design of the new iPad mini 7 maintains the lines of its predecessor: a 8.3 inch screensymmetrical bezels, physical buttons and a weight of 293 grams. It is a format that has not changed because it works: its size makes it incredibly comfortable, even to carry in a coat pocket or small bag. However, for some users, this design is starting to show signs of age. A screen without ProMotion technology, an OLED panel or the adoption of thinner bezels could have been the differentiating touch. Even so, the screen is perfect for browsing, reading or watching streaming content.
The true protagonist of this generation is the A17 Pro chipthe same one used by last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. This processor offers 30% higher CPU performance and 25% more powerful GPU performance than the previous model A15 Bionic. The difference is felt in daily use: apps open fasteranimations on iPadOS 18 are smoother and demanding tasks, such as video editing or multitasking, are handled effortlessly.
Although the A17 Pro can handle almost everything, it is not designed for intense gaming sessions. In tests with high-performance games, such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, stuttering was noted when setting the graphics to high. However, this is not the main purpose of the iPad mini. For occasional games or less demanding apps, the device works perfectly.
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence
One of the great novelties of this generation is the Apple Pencil Pro compatibilitywhich includes pressure sensitivity, haptic feedback and gesture controls. This makes the iPad mini 7 a very attractive tool for artists, designers and students. Writing and drawing on screen offers a more natural and precise experience, raising the bar compared to previous generations.
On the other hand, the iPad mini 7 introduces support for Apple Intelligencethe technology based on artificial intelligence that promises to revolutionize the way we interact with the device. From advanced writing tools to image generation and task automation, this functionality reinforces the iPad’s ability as a productive tool. Although at the moment it is limited to American English, it is a great incentive to make the leap from previous generations and in a few months we will have it in Spain.
Improvements in connectivity and good camera
The iPad mini 7 arrives with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, which ensures faster and more stable browsing, and a USB-C port for faster data transfer. In terms of storage, Apple has doubled the Minimum capacity at 128 GBeliminating the limitations of the previous model. Users can opt for configurations up to 512 GB and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions for greater versatility.
The 12 MP wide camera with Smart HDR 4 is another of the improved aspects of this model, although it is still not the iPad mini’s strong point. It is sufficient for video calls, scanning documents and capturing specific images, but it is not a differentiating factor compared to its predecessor. The battery, on the other hand, maintains a similar autonomy, capable of lasting a full day with moderate use.
Price and availability
The new iPad mini 7 has a starting price of €599 for the 128 GB version, an amount that is justified by the internal improvements it offers. The most advanced options, such as the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, go up to €769. Additionally, Apple has launched a new range of Smart Folio cases with updated colors such as charcoal grey, light purple, denim and sage, available for €69.
Is it worth updating?
If you already have a sixth-generation iPad mini, jumping to the new model will depend on your needs. The improvements in performance, connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence are attractive, but they might not justify the change if you only use your iPad for basic tasks. On the other hand, if you come from a previous generation, the iPad mini 7 offers a much more complete and future-proof package.
In summary, Apple has opted for a conservative update but effective, maintaining what makes the iPad mini a success and improving where it was needed most. It is, without a doubt, the ideal compact tablet for those looking for portability without giving up power. If you need a device that’s comfortable to carry, great for reading, and perfect for working on the go, the iPad mini 7 won’t disappoint.
