Despite integrating the powerful A17 Pro chip that enables Apple Intelligence and other internal improvements, the exhaustive analysis of the device does not bring us any exceptional changes in its internal structure.
What is it like inside the new iPad mini 7?
The most notable update to the 2024 iPad mini is its new A17 Pro chip, designed to maximize the potential of Apple Intelligence. Thanks to this chip, the device can now run advanced machine learning featuresin addition to offering speed and efficiency improvements. To accompany this power, Apple has raised the minimum memory, installing a base RAM of 8 GB and doubling the base storage capacity to 128 GB, which provides greater versatility in the use of demanding applications.
Additionally, iPad mini 2024 is compatible with both the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new Apple Pencil Pro, expanding creative and productivity possibilities for users looking to get the most out of their drawing and writing tools.
One of the most controversial issues in previous models of the iPad mini was the annoying “jelly scrolling” effect. This problematic phenomenon, which causes a slight desynchronization in the vertical scrolling of the screen, affects the visual experience, especially in text or images that require precision. Although the iPad mini 2024 does not completely eliminate the problem, optimization of its display driver has reduced distortion significantly. However, the display is still a 60Hz IPS panel, further limiting the full correction of this effect.
Federico Viticci, editor of MacStoriesopines that the issue has largely been “resolved,” although an upgrade to 120Hz could have eliminated the issue entirely. iFixit’s tests with high-speed cameras confirm that, although the improvement is quite noticeable, the problem has not yet been 100% resolved. In our opinion, it is a very important change.
iPad mini 7 has subtle changes
The seventh generation iPad mini not only stands out for its performance, but also for improvements that, although subtle, impact the durability and ease of repair of the device. One of these changes is the USB-C port, which now allows transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
Another notable design change is the iconic Apple logo on the back of the iPad mini. Disassembly of iFixit revealed that it is no longer etched into the metal, but has become a separate piece attached to the device. This could make some repairs easier, although iFixit highlighted that the logo can only be removed once other major components of the device have been disassembled.
For those concerned about repairability, the news is not so encouraging. Despite the aforementioned improvements, iFixit has given the 2024 iPad mini a provisional score of 3 out of 10 for ease of repair, an identical rating to its previous model. The access difficulty to internal components and the need for specific tools for disassembly remain barriers that complicate do-it-yourself repairs, keeping this model out of the reach of casual repairers.
