Introduction Of iPad Mini
It’s been a few lean years for the iPad line, as Apple shifted its focus to other product categories like wearables, content, and mixed reality. However, much like the resurgence of the Mac following the advent of Apple Silicon, the iPad now appears to be entering its own renaissance. A key moment occurred in May 2024, when the M4 chip was introduced on the iPad Pro, making it clear that Apple envisions the high-end iPad as landing closer to the Mac in its capabilities.
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In the same event, Apple brought the M2 chip to the iPad Air, demonstrating the company’s commitment to boosting its tablet lineup’s performance. Last week, Apple introduced the first update to the iPad Mini since 2021, but unlike the Pro and Air models, it did not receive an M-series chip. Instead, the iPad Mini 2024 comes equipped with the A17 Pro chip, the same processor that powers the new iPhone 16 Pro models. While this chip is not from the M-series, the A17 Pro still provides the Mini with substantial computing power, pushing it ahead of the base iPad.
A Leap in Performance and Price
With the introduction of the A17 Pro chip, the iPad Mini has leapfrogged the base iPad in terms of raw computing power, as the latter has not seen an update since 2022. The iPad Mini now sports a more modern processor, outpacing the base iPad’s A14 Bionic chip by several generations.
This performance upgrade comes with a price hike. The iPad Mini starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi version, while the base iPad comes in at $349, a difference of $150. The cellular/5G versions see similar gaps, with the Mini priced at $649 and the base iPad at $499. Despite its smaller size (8.3 inches compared to the base iPad’s 10.1 inches), the Mini has become the more premium device, offering a better display, higher pixel density, and more powerful internals.
Display: Punching Above Its Weight
One of the standout features of the iPad Mini 2024 is its display. With a resolution of 2,266 x 1,488 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi, the Mini has a higher pixel density than any other iPad, making it perfect for tasks that demand high detail on a small screen, such as reading, drawing, or note-taking. The higher pixel density ensures that everything appears sharper and more vibrant, which is especially important given its compact size.
While it can’t match the pixel density of the iPhone 16 Pro’s 460 ppi, the Mini still holds its own in this regard, offering a compelling experience for users who prefer a smaller device without sacrificing quality.
Finding Its Place
The iPad Mini’s niche lies somewhere between the iPhone and the iPad Air, with its 8.3-inch screen being almost exactly halfway between the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.3 inches and the base iPad’s 10.1 inches. For users looking for a portable device for on-the-go entertainment, the Mini is certainly more convenient than an iPhone for watching TV shows or movies, thanks to its larger screen.
However, for entertainment enthusiasts, the iPad Air, Pro, or even the base iPad may make more sense due to their larger displays and similar or superior performance. The Mini shines in specific use cases, particularly in education. It’s an excellent size for reading, note-taking, and drawing, and with the addition of Apple Pencil and Pencil Pro compatibility, it becomes a fantastic tool for students and creatives alike. The updated Calculator app also makes it a handy companion for math classes, and its portability means it’s easy to carry around and pull out during lectures.
A New Era for Education
The A17 Pro chip opens up new possibilities for the iPad Mini in education. Not only does it provide enough processing power to handle heavy applications, but it also supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s small-model generative AI platform. With Apple Intelligence, students can take advantage of features like document rewrites directly in iPadOS, further blurring the lines between writing term papers and using external platforms like ChatGPT.
While the AI capabilities are still in their infancy compared to third-party services, integrating this technology directly into the iPad’s operating system is a step toward making the Mini a more powerful educational tool.
Is It Right for You?
The iPad Mini 2024 is a fantastic device for users who need a small, powerful tablet. It’s portable, offers excellent performance, and has a premium display that outshines the base iPad. Its form factor makes it ideal for note-taking, drawing, and reading, especially with Apple Pencil support. However, it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone.
For entertainment purposes, the larger iPad models might provide a better experience, and for those who primarily use their device for reading, a dedicated e-reader like the Kindle might be a better investment due to its eye-friendly display and longer battery life.
For those who need a compact, capable tablet for education or creative work, the iPad Mini 2024 delivers in spades. Its upgraded silicon, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and enhanced drawing capabilities make it a compelling option for users who value portability and performance in equal measure.
