The Apple iPad Mini 2024 continues Apple’s tradition of producing compact yet powerful tablets. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and a few notable upgrades, the new iPad Mini remains a favorite for those who prefer a smaller form factor. However, despite the improvements, the 2024 model still has some missing pieces that may leave certain users wanting more.
Design: Familiar Yet Elegant
The 2024 iPad Mini sticks to the design language introduced in the previous generations, with flat edges and a uniform bezel surrounding the 8.3-inch display. It’s small, lightweight, and incredibly portable, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Available in a range of new colors, the tablet has an appealing aesthetic that blends form with function.
However, while the design remains attractive, some may feel that Apple hasn’t done much to innovate in this area. There’s no change in screen size, and the overall look might feel a bit too familiar for users hoping for a more futuristic update. The absence of Face ID continues to be a drawback, as users still rely on Touch ID embedded in the power button, which works well but feels dated compared to Apple’s other devices.
Performance: Power in a Small Package
Under the hood, the iPad Mini 2024 is powered by Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, the same processor used in the latest iPhones. This gives the tablet top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and creative work. Apps run smoothly, and users will appreciate the fluidity when switching between tasks, whether it’s drawing with the Apple Pencil or editing photos.
Graphics performance is also impressive, with the iPad Mini able to handle demanding games and apps with ease. This makes it a solid choice for casual gamers or anyone looking to use professional-grade apps on a more compact device.
Display: Sharp but Not Pro-Level
The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp, with good color accuracy, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing, or sketching. However, it lacks a ProMotion display, which means the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, a noticeable omission compared to the 120Hz displays found on the iPad Pro models. The absence of ProMotion may not be a dealbreaker for casual users, but for those accustomed to the smoother experience offered by other Apple devices, this is one of the major missing pieces.
Additionally, there’s no mini-LED or OLED technology, which means the iPad Mini 2024’s display, while good, isn’t the best Apple has to offer in terms of contrast, black levels, or HDR support. The screen is still great for most users, but power users or creatives looking for the highest quality display may feel limited.
Battery Life: Solid but Not Groundbreaking
Apple claims the iPad Mini 2024 offers around 10 hours of battery life, which remains consistent with previous models. In real-world use, the tablet can comfortably get through a day of light to moderate tasks. However, for more intense use, such as gaming or video editing, the battery life will take a hit, and users may find themselves reaching for the charger sooner than expected.
Charging is done through a USB-C port, which is a welcome feature, making it easier to use universal cables and accessories. However, fast charging isn’t as speedy as expected, and users may find themselves waiting longer than they would with Apple’s more premium devices.
Apple Pencil Support: Only First-Generation
One of the most disappointing aspects of the iPad Mini 2024 is its continued reliance on the first-generation Apple Pencil. The newer second-generation Pencil, with its magnetic charging and better features, remains incompatible with this model, which feels like a missed opportunity for Apple to fully bring the iPad Mini up to date with its more premium counterparts.
The first-gen Pencil still works fine for note-taking and drawing, but its less convenient charging method (requiring a USB-C adapter) and lack of certain features make it feel like an outdated accessory for a new device.
Software and Ecosystem: Strong but Unchanged
Running on iPadOS 18, the iPad Mini benefits from Apple’s polished software experience, which brings improved multitasking features, widgets, and new apps optimized for the tablet experience. The integration with Apple’s ecosystem—allowing users to easily switch between iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch—remains a key selling point.
That said, iPadOS on the iPad Mini doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking changes. It’s a reliable experience, but for users who already own previous iPads, the software will feel familiar, with no new features specifically tailored to the Mini’s form factor.
Conclusion: Great, But Not Perfect
The iPad Mini 2024 is a great device for those who value portability without sacrificing too much power. Its compact size, powerful A17 Bionic chip, and solid display make it a capable all-around tablet. However, the absence of Pro-level features like a higher refresh rate display, Face ID, and support for the second-gen Apple Pencil leaves it feeling slightly incomplete, especially for users looking for a more premium experience.
For casual users, students, and those looking for a travel-friendly tablet, the iPad Mini 2024 is an excellent choice. But for those hoping for more substantial upgrades or the latest cutting-edge features, some of the missing pieces may give pause.
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