The iPad Mini has always stood out as Apple’s compact powerhouse, and the 2024 version doesn’t stray far from that reputation. With notable upgrades like a faster chip and a smoother display, it promises a lot in a small package.
But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
Design: Sleek, Familiar, and Portable
At first glance, the 2024 iPad Mini doesn’t look much different from last year’s model, but that’s not a bad thing. It still has that gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, nestled in an aluminum body that’s ridiculously thin and light. New pastel shades give it a playful edge, but the overall design sticks to what works: flat edges, ultra-portability, and premium vibes.
What I love most, though, is how easy it is to take everywhere. Whether I’m running from one interview to the next or squeezing in some work on-the-go, it’s small enough to slip into any bag but powerful enough to keep up. And when it’s time to relax? Holding it one-handed while binge-watching feels like second nature.
Performance: A17 Bionic Does the Heavy Lifting
Let’s talk power. Apple gave the Mini the same A17 Bionic chip as the iPhone 15 Pro, and it’s a beast. Apps open faster than you can blink, multitasking feels effortless, and even graphically intense games run without breaking a sweat.
For such a tiny device, it packs a serious punch. Whether you’re editing documents, sketching your next masterpiece, or streaming the latest shows on Netflix, the Mini handles it all like a champ.
Software: Small Screen, Big Capabilities
With iPadOS 18, the Mini gets all the latest tricks: better cross-device collaboration, enhanced Stage Manager multitasking, and more.
Handwritten notes get a glow-up with Smart Script. Your handwriting is smoothed out in real time (bye, messy scribbles), and you can easily edit by adding space or even mixing in typed text. The new audio recording tool is a lifesaver for me as a journalist, automatically transcribing everything and syncing it with the audio so you can jump to any moment you need.
There’s more: the Photos app gets a sleek redesign for easier browsing, while customising your Home Screen has never been easier with moveable widgets, tinted app icons, and a revamped Control Centre that puts everything you need right where you want it.
But let’s be real—on an 8.3-inch screen, multitasking can feel cramped sometimes. For quick note-taking, sketching, or streaming your favorite show? It’s amazing. But if you’re trying to juggle spreadsheets and video calls, you might wish for a bit more screen real estate.
Apple Pencil Pro: A Tiny Tool with Big Moves
The Apple Pencil Pro takes the iPad Mini to another level, especially if you’re someone who loves to doodle, sketch, or just take hyper-organised notes. One of its coolest tricks? A quick squeeze lets you bring up a tool palette to change brushes, line weights, or colors without having to poke around menus—it’s fast, seamless, and keeps your focus right where it belongs. The haptic feedback is a nice touch (literally), giving you a subtle tap to confirm actions like switching tools or snapping shapes.
Rolling the Pencil to tweak brush angles is surprisingly satisfying, especially if you’re used to real-world tools like markers or paintbrushes. And with hover mode, you can see exactly where your mark will land before committing, which feels like a small but impactful upgrade.
The best part? It sticks magnetically to the Mini, charges wirelessly, and plays nice with Find My, so it’s hard to lose (even for a klutz like me). If you’re not looking to splurge on the Pencil Pro, the USB-C Apple Pencil is still a solid option for everyday note-taking and sketching. Both deliver on versatility.
The verdict
The 2024 iPad Mini is a triumph of compact engineering, delivering high-end performance and versatility in a portable form factor. It’s ideal for on-the-go users who need power in a small package.
While it won’t replace a laptop or larger tablet for everyone, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a versatile companion for everyday use. Compact, capable, and effortlessly stylish, the Mini continues to punch above its weight.
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