Apple's iPad mini (2024) is here, and it's aimed squarely at users who want high-end performance in a compact, portable form factor. This latest iteration of the iPad mini sits in the premium mid-range to flagship segment, catering to creatives, students, and mobile professionals who need a powerful tablet but prefer something more manageable than the larger iPad Pro or Air.
With its sleek design, advanced chipset, and stylus support, it's perfect for those on the go. However, if you're looking for a larger screen or budget-friendly options, the standard iPad or other mid-tier tablets might be more appealing.
Let's dive into the specs and features to see what makes this device shine.
Design and Build: Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready for Action
The iPad mini (2024) maintains the iconic design we've come to expect from Apple, with a few refinements. At 195.4×134.8×6.3 mm and weighing just 293 grams (Wi-Fi) or 297 grams (5G), it's incredibly portable - practically pocketable for a tablet. The aluminum build, available in four stylish colors - Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight - feels premium, while the scratch-resistant glass up front adds durability. Whether you're using it for creative sketching, note-taking, or watching content on the go, the iPad mini (2024)'s build quality and light weight make it a joy to carry around. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
---|---|
General |
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Dimensions | H: 195.4 mm (7.69″), W: 134.8 mm (5.31″), D: 6.3 mm (0.25″) |
Mass |
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Material | Scratch-resistant glass front; aluminum back and frame |
Colors | Blue, Purple, Space Gray, Starlight |
Running on iPadOS 18, the mini offers all the latest software features, including Stage Manager for improved multitasking and enhanced productivity tools.
The body of the Apple iPad mini (2024) is meticulously designed to balance portability and durability, making it ideal for long sessions and carrying around. With those dimensions and a featherweight 293 grams (for the Wi-Fi-only variant) or 297 grams (for 5G), it's incredibly compact.
Its slim profile and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether you're reading, drawing, or browsing. You can easily grip it with one hand for casual use, which is perfect for commuters or people who need to stay productive while moving around.
The weight also makes it effortless to toss into a bag without feeling burdened. For students or professionals constantly on the go, this is a tablet that won't weigh you down - unlike bulkier alternatives. And because it's slim, it slides into bags, purses, or even larger jacket pockets without much hassle.
Apple's choice of aluminum for the back and frame offers the perfect balance between strength and lightweight convenience. Aluminum is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, meaning the iPad mini (2024) will hold up well against the rigors of daily use.
This material also has a premium feel in hand, with a cool-to-the-touch surface that feels high-quality without being slippery. The finish of the aluminum back not only adds a sophisticated touch but also helps resist fingerprints, keeping the tablet looking pristine even after extensive handling.
The aluminum frame also plays a key role in the tablet's rigidity. Despite being incredibly thin at just 6.3 mm, the iPad mini (2024) feels solid and not at all fragile. The use of scratch-resistant glass on the front provides additional protection, making it a durable choice even for users who might not baby their devices.
Apple offers the iPad mini (2024) in four distinct colors: Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight, each appealing to different personalities and tastes:
- Blue: This shade is vibrant yet elegant, perfect for those who want to make a subtle but bold statement. It's ideal for creative types and trendsetters who enjoy standing out but prefer a classic touch.
- Purple: A playful, fun color that suits those with a creative or quirky personality. If you're someone who loves to bring a bit of flair to everything, the purple variant adds a bit of spice while still feeling refined.
- Space Gray: The choice for professionals and minimalists. Space Gray exudes a sense of sleek sophistication and timelessness. It's perfect for anyone who wants a device that looks business-ready, whether in the boardroom or a café.
- Starlight: This is a soft, warm color with a subtle glow, making it perfect for those who prefer something neutral but not as dark as gray. It's a great middle ground for users who want an understated look with a touch of elegance.
Overall, in terms of everyday use, the iPad mini (2024)'s dimensions and weight make it an ideal companion for both casual users who want a compact, powerful tablet and professionals who need a device that's easy to carry but doesn't skimp on performance and durability.
If we compare the iPad mini (2024) with its 2021 predecessor, there's no change in dimensions and weight. The iPad mini (2021) also featured a scratch-resistant glass front and an aluminum back and frame.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
Ah, the missing IP rating on the Apple iPad mini (2024) - the James Bond gadget of the tech world. No worries, though; not every hero wears a cape, or in this case, a waterproof suit. Let's address the concern and prep our users for the tech battlefield.
An absent IP rating doesn't necessarily mean your iPad mini (2024) can't handle a splash or two. It's like having a friend who's not officially a lifeguard but can still swim like a fish. This tablet might not flaunt a waterproof badge, but it's not about to panic if it encounters a raindrop or a sneaky coffee spill.
For potential buyers, it's all about understanding your tablet's limits. Don't take it for a swim, but a light rain or accidental spill isn't going to turn it into a high-tech paperweight. Just be mindful, like you would with any other cherished possession.
Now, let's talk defense strategy. Invest in a good-quality case - think of it as the iPad mini (2024)'s armor. A rugged case can be the superhero cape that protects against accidental drops, bumps, and, yes, even a surprise encounter with water. It's the knight in shining armor for your digital companion.
Screen protectors are the unsung heroes too. They shield your tablet's display from scratches and potential splashes. It's like giving your tablet a shield - a transparent one that doesn't hide its beauty.
So, should you be concerned? Nah, just be savvy. Treat your tablet like the VIP it is, and it'll reciprocate with smooth, uninterrupted performance. Get that case, slap on a screen protector, and let your Apple iPad mini (2024) be the stylish, resilient sidekick in your tech adventures.
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) did not come with an IP rating, either.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
One of the standout features of the iPad mini (2024) is its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD. With a resolution of 1488×2266 pixels (approximately 327 PPI), this display is sharp and vibrant, offering excellent clarity for reading, web browsing, and media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio of about 80% keeps the bezels slim, giving you an immersive experience despite the smaller size.
Apple has included an oleophobic coating to prevent smudges, a subtle but appreciated touch for frequent stylus users. Speaking of which, Apple Pencil (both standard and Pro versions) support makes this tablet a dream for artists and note-takers alike. You get a smooth, responsive drawing experience that is perfect for sketching, annotating, or even casual doodling.
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
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Size | 8.3″ (211 mm) diagonal |
Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
Resolution (px) | 1488×2266, about 327 PPI |
Brightness | Typical: 500 nits |
Features | Stylus support (Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil Pro), fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating |
The display of the Apple iPad mini (2024) is one of its key highlights, combining sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and a host of features that make it a joy to use for both content consumption and creative tasks. The Liquid Retina IPS LCD panel is Apple's way of packing top-tier display technology into a smaller, more affordable form factor, but it doesn't compromise on quality.
By the way, the term "Liquid Retina" refers to Apple's specialized IPS LCD technology, which is designed to offer high resolution, accurate colors, and sharpness. The Retina branding implies that the display has a pixel density high enough that the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels at a typical viewing distance. In this case, with a resolution of 1488×2266 pixels (around 327 PPI), the iPad mini (2024)'s screen delivers sharp images and text, making it ideal for everything from reading articles to watching high-definition videos.
The Liquid part refers to the edges of the display, which curve smoothly into the tablet's frame, giving the illusion that the pixels are almost flowing to the edges. This design also contributes to the modern, bezel-less look of the iPad mini (2024), giving it a sleek, premium feel.
The 1488×2266 pixel resolution is a major selling point of this iPad mini. At 8.3 inches, the pixel density of about 327 PPI ensures that everything looks crisp, whether you're streaming 4K content, working on detailed designs, or simply browsing the web. Colors are vibrant and images have great detail, offering a pleasing visual experience even for graphics-heavy tasks. This level of resolution is especially appreciated by those using the Apple Pencil for detailed sketches or handwriting - every stroke feels accurate and precise.
The display supports a typical brightness of 500 nits, which is decent for most indoor environments and moderate outdoor use. Under normal indoor lighting, the screen is bright enough for any activity, from editing documents to enjoying movies.
However, 500 nits peak brightness can feel a little on the lower side, especially when compared to other tablets or smartphones that hit 700 - 1000 nits and beyond. In bright outdoor conditions or under direct sunlight, you may find it harder to see the screen clearly, especially when looking at darker content. For users who frequently work outdoors or in bright environments, this could be a drawback, as even at maximum brightness, the screen might struggle against harsh sunlight.
The iPad mini (2024) also features an oleophobic coating, which is designed to resist fingerprints and smudges. If you've ever spent time wiping down your tablet screen after every use, you'll appreciate this feature. While it won't eliminate smudges entirely, it significantly reduces the number of fingerprints and makes the screen easier to clean. This is particularly useful for those who use the tablet for extended periods, or for creatives who use their fingers to interact with the screen.
Another standout feature of this tablet's display is its stylus support, compatible with both the Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil Pro. The display is engineered for ultra-low latency, making the experience of using the Apple Pencil feel as natural as pen on paper. This is particularly crucial for graphic designers, artists, and students who need a responsive tool for drawing, sketching, or taking notes.
With Apple Pencil Pro support, the iPad mini takes things up a notch, offering even more precision and responsiveness. Whether you're shading intricate details or simply jotting down notes, the tablet ensures a smooth, lag-free experience. The 8.3-inch size also makes it perfect for those who prefer compact canvases for their artwork or those who want to take their digital notebooks anywhere.
To sum it up, the iPad mini (2024)'s Liquid Retina display brings sharpness, vibrant colors, and precision, making it excellent for both media consumption and productivity. The 1488×2266 pixel resolution and 327 PPI density ensure that everything looks incredibly sharp, while features like the oleophobic coating and Apple Pencil support make it functional and easy to use for long sessions.
That said, the 500 nits typical brightness is one of the few drawbacks of the display, especially for users who need their tablet to perform well in very bright outdoor settings or under direct sunlight. For those who often work outdoors or in well-lit environments, this could be a limitation, as the screen might not be as visible compared to tablets with higher brightness levels. Nonetheless, for indoor and typical outdoor use, the iPad mini (2024)'s display is more than capable of delivering a top-notch viewing experience.
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) came with a similar display, with the same size, type, resolution, and brightness. It also featured the oleophobic coating and support for the stylus.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
The iPad mini (2024) comes in two variants: a Wi-Fi-only model (with no cellular network support), and a 5G-ready model, which supports the GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The Apple iPad mini (2024) supports eSIM.
Chipset - Performance: Pro-Level Power in a Mini Package
At the heart of the iPad mini (2024) is Apple's latest A17 Pro chipset. This 3-nm silicon packs a hexa-core CPU with two high-performance cores for demanding tasks and four efficiency cores for general use. Whether you're gaming, editing photos, or multitasking between apps, the iPad mini (2024) handles it all with ease. The Apple GPU (6-core graphics) enhances performance for graphic-intensive tasks, making it an excellent companion for gaming and creative apps. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
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Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) |
CPU | Hexa-core (2 high-performace cores + 4 efficiency cores) |
GPU | Apple-designed (6-core graphics) |
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) featured the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) chipset, housing a hexa-core CPU (2×2.93 GHz + 4 efficiency cores) and an Apple-designed 5-core GPU.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
---|---|
RAM | N/A |
Internal Storage | 128 GB |
Memory Card Slot | No |
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) came in two variants of RAM / internal storage, namely, 4 GB / 64 GB and 4 GB / 256 GB.
Cameras
While tablets aren't typically known for their camera prowess, the iPad mini (2024) offers a surprisingly capable setup. On the back, there's a 12 MP wide-angle camera with autofocus, ensuring you can capture crisp, detailed shots. It also features Quad-LED dual-tone flash and HDR, which enhance photo quality in low-light conditions.
The camera supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps, giving you pro-level video capabilities in a compact device. Additionally, you can shoot 1080p at up to 240 fps, which is perfect for slow-motion video.
The 12 MP ultrawide front camera with a 122° field of view ensures that video calls, selfies, and group photos look great. It can record 1080p video at 60 fps with gyro-EIS for stable, smooth footage. This front camera is excellent for FaceTime or Zoom meetings, ensuring you look your best during virtual interactions.
Rear Camera
The main camera setup on the Apple iPad mini (2024) might not be the first thing you think of when considering a tablet, but it brings some surprisingly capable features that enhance its usability beyond just snapping casual photos. It's clear that Apple wanted this compact tablet to be versatile, handling everything from everyday photography to more creative endeavors like video recording and AR applications. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
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Number of Cameras | 1 (Single) |
Resolution (Megapixels) | 12 MP (wide) |
Aperture | f/1.8 |
Autofocus | AF |
Video Recording | 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fps, gyro-EIS |
Other Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
The primary 12 MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture is designed to capture sharp, well-lit images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The autofocus (AF) is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture quick shots without worrying about blurry photos. This is especially handy when using the iPad for augmented reality (AR) apps or for quickly snapping documents, whiteboards, or other items where clarity is important.
The quad-LED dual-tone flash on the iPad mini (2024) is a step up from typical tablet flashes. Rather than using a single LED light, the quad-LED setup provides more even illumination, which helps reduce shadows and highlights the subject more naturally.
The dual-tone aspect means that the flash can adjust its color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This results in more balanced and true-to-life colors when taking photos in darker environments. It's a feature that improves not just night photography, but also indoor shots under artificial lighting.
The panorama mode allows you to capture wide, sweeping landscapes or large group photos with ease. This is especially useful for travel or scenic shots, where a wider field of view is necessary to capture all the details in one frame. The stitching software used in Apple's panorama mode is highly advanced, ensuring that images look smooth and continuous, without noticeable seams or distortions.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode enhances photos by combining multiple exposures into a single shot. This helps balance the highlights and shadows, resulting in images with greater detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of the scene.
For instance, when you're shooting outdoors on a sunny day, HDR ensures that the sky isn't blown out and the darker parts of the image aren't lost in shadow. This feature is particularly useful in situations where lighting conditions are less than ideal or where there's a high contrast between light and dark areas.
The iPad mini (2024) is also well-equipped for video recording, offering 4K video recording at various frame rates (24/25/30/60 fps) and 1080p video recording with the option to shoot at 120 fps and 240 fps for slow-motion capture.
A key feature that enhances video recording is gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). Gyro-EIS helps reduce the shakiness that can occur when recording handheld videos, making the footage smoother and more professional-looking. It works by using the tablet's gyroscope to detect movement and electronically compensates for it in real-time, stabilizing the image.
This is especially important when recording video while walking or in any situation where the tablet isn't on a steady surface, like when capturing action shots or vlogging on the go. For users who want to use the iPad mini for content creation - whether it's for YouTube, social media, or even personal projects - this feature ensures a steady, polished look without the need for additional equipment like tripods or gimbals.
The ability to record video at 120 fps and 240 fps is a standout feature for users interested in slow-motion video. These higher frame rates allow the camera to capture more frames per second, which, when played back at standard speeds, results in ultra-smooth slow-motion footage:
- 120 fps: This frame rate is great for capturing slow-motion effects while still maintaining high resolution (1080p). It's perfect for sports, action shots, or any dynamic movement where you want to highlight every detail. For example, you can capture your kids playing, a pet running, or even a splash of water in full clarity and slow down the action for dramatic effect.
- 240 fps: At 240 fps, the slow-motion effect becomes even more pronounced, allowing you to slow down fast actions to a crawl. This is particularly useful for extremely fast movements, such as jumping, quick hand gestures, and fast-moving objects. It's also a favorite for capturing things that happen too quickly for the eye to see, like a balloon popping or a droplet of water hitting a surface. With the 1080p resolution at this frame rate, the smoothness and detail in the slowed-down footage are remarkable.
In conclusion, the Apple iPad mini (2024) punches above its weight class when it comes to its 12 MP main camera. Features like autofocus, quad-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR make it well-suited for a range of photography needs, from casual snapshots to more artistic endeavors.
The addition of gyro-EIS and the ability to shoot high-frame-rate video at 120 fps and 240 fps means this tablet can handle a variety of video projects, whether you're shooting smooth handheld footage or creating cinematic slow-motion effects.
While most people don't buy a tablet primarily for the camera, the iPad mini (2024)'s setup is surprisingly capable and versatile, making it a great tool for both photography and videography.
For comparison, the older iPad mini (2021) featured a similar main camera setup, with matching video recording capabilities and feature set.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits in the center of the top bezel when the tablet is placed with the shorter side horizontal. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
---|---|
Resolution | 12 MP (ultrawide) |
Aperture | f/2.4 |
Field of View | 122° |
Video Recording | 1080p at 25/30/60 fps, gyro-EIS |
Other Features | HDR |
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) featured a similar selfie camera with matching video recording capabilities and HDR support.
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
---|---|
Battery Type | Li-ion (non-removable) |
Capacity | 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh) |
Wired Charging | Unspecified |
With its 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh) Li-ion battery, the iPad mini (2024) offers impressive battery life for its size. Expect a full day of moderate usage, whether you're streaming, browsing, or using productivity apps. While the exact battery life varies depending on your usage, Apple has optimized the power efficiency of the A17 Pro chipset to ensure you can squeeze every last bit of juice out of this mini beast.
For comparison, the older iPad mini (2021) came with a similar battery.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | iPad mini (2024) |
---|---|
Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
The iPad mini (2024) features stereo speakers, enhancing the multimedia experience - though the lack of a 3.5 mm jack might disappoint some.
For comparison, the predecessor iPad mini (2021) had a similar audio setup.
Connectivity
The Apple iPad mini (2024) covers the connectivity essentials, with the various options contributing to a well-rounded connectivity suite. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The WLAN hotspot feature allows the iPad mini (2024) to act as a wireless access point, enabling other devices to connect to the internet through its Wi-Fi connection. This functionality is particularly useful when you need to share your device's internet connection with other devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, without requiring a separate Wi-Fi router. Whether it's in a coffee shop, airport, or on the go, the WLAN hotspot feature provides a convenient way to stay connected and share internet access with friends, family, and colleagues.
The iPad mini (2024) boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. It supports A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming.
The Apple iPad mini (2024) features GPS and GLONASS (5G variant only) positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.
Unfortunately, NFC enthusiasts might feel a void here.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 3.1 Gen2 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
The USB-C connector can be used for DisplayPort, a digital video and audio interface that's used for connecting displays to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It's like the bridge that carries the sights and sounds from your iPad mini (2024) to your monitor or TV.
Sensors
The Apple iPad mini (2024) comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the iPad mini (2024).
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure. It tells you about your altitude and improves GPS elevation results. You can also use it to make weather predictions.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
Verdict: Is the iPad mini (2024) Worth It?
At its price point, the Apple iPad mini (2024) sits in the premium mid-range to flagship category. The compact design, coupled with the powerful A17 Pro chip and stylus support, makes this a fantastic device for creatives and mobile professionals who need a tablet that's both portable and powerful. The display is sharp, the cameras are impressive for a tablet, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device.
That being said, if you're on a budget or need a larger screen for extensive work or entertainment, you might want to look at the regular iPad Pro or iPad Air. However, if portability without sacrificing power is your main concern, the iPad mini (2024) is well worth the price. It's the ultimate compact companion for those who demand performance and precision on the go.
Feature (top) image credit: Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Apple iPad mini (2024) release date?
The Apple iPad mini (2024) has been announced on the 15th October, 2024. It is expected to release on the 23rd October, 2024.