Early Reviews Are In: The New iPad Mini 7 Shines with A17 Pro Chip and More!
The new iPad mini 7 is almost here, and early reviews are giving us a great look at what this small but powerful tablet brings to the table. Set to release on October 23, 2024, the latest iPad mini keeps the same compact design we love, but with some notable upgrades under the hood. If you’ve been eyeing this tiny powerhouse, here’s everything you need to know based on the early review roundup!
What’s New in the iPad Mini 7?
At first glance, the iPad mini 7 might look familiar, but it packs in some great improvements. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, this iPad mini is faster and more capable than ever. You’ll find it in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Pricing starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi model and $649 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Faster Performance and More Storage
One of the key takeaways from the reviews is the faster performance, thanks to the A17 Pro chip. Reviewers have praised how snappy and responsive the tablet feels, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking. And with more storage options, you’ll have plenty of space for your apps, photos, and files.
Gorgeous Display and Long Battery Life
The iPad mini 7 keeps its beautiful display and impressive battery life—two features that have always made it a go-to choice for anyone who wants a portable tablet. Whether you’re using it for reading, watching videos, or sketching, the display quality is sharp and vibrant.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Let’s dive into what some of the top reviewers had to say about the iPad mini 7!
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide calls the iPad mini 7 a “remarkable device” for what it offers at the same $499 starting price. While they aren’t thrilled with the front camera’s placement and the lack of Apple Pencil 2 support, they still believe the tablet is a fantastic choice for its fast performance, storage options, and portability. They also note that when Apple Intelligence features arrive, the iPad mini 7 could become even more useful.
The Verge
The Verge appreciates the iPad mini 7 but feels there’s more Apple could do to make it even better. They suggest ideas like adding Pro-level cameras or turning the Mini into a smart home controller. However, they still think the iPad mini is a great little device, especially for those who value its size and portability.
Engadget
Engadget highlights the A17 Pro chip and Apple Pencil Pro support, calling the iPad mini 7 an easy recommendation for anyone wanting a portable sketchbook or lightweight companion for couch computing. While they wish for smaller bezels and a higher refresh rate, they acknowledge that those changes would likely raise the price.
Six Colors
Six Colors loves the iPad mini’s portability and power, saying that its size is both its greatest asset and its limitation. They’re excited to see how Apple Intelligence will evolve but believe the iPad mini 7 is ready for the future with its modern chip and feature set.
Wired
Wired notes that while the iPad mini 7 doesn’t offer a dramatic upgrade over the sixth-gen model, it’s still a solid choice for newcomers or anyone upgrading from an older iPad mini. With a modern chip and support for new accessories, the iPad mini 7 is a “great tiny tablet” that’s future-proofed for the next few years.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re already using the iPad mini 6, you might not find a ton of reasons to upgrade to the iPad mini 7 unless you need the performance boost or are eager to try the Apple Pencil Pro. But if you’re new to the iPad mini or are using an older model, the iPad mini 7 is a fantastic choice. Its blend of portability, power, and long battery life make it the perfect companion for on-the-go use.
Final Thoughts
The iPad mini 7 may not be a groundbreaking overhaul, but it offers enough improvements to make it a great buy for many users. With faster performance, more storage, and the same sleek design, this tiny tablet packs a punch. Plus, with Apple Intelligence on the horizon, the iPad mini 7 is ready for the future!
Ready to pre-order? Head over to Amazon and secure your iPad mini 7 before its official release on October 23, 2024!
