The iPad mini 7 delivers the full iPad experience, only on a smaller gadget.
New features like Calculator, Math Notes and Smart Script also give this slate added versatility.
You also get 128GB of storage to start instead of 64GB like before.
The iPad mini 7’s 12MP camera delivers sharp images, even capturing blemishes on my window.
you might even play games likeResident Evil 4without significant graphical or performance compromises.
Find out more in my full review.
At 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches and 0.6 pounds, the iPad mini 7 epitomizes portability.
Its so small and light that you might forget youre carrying it in your backpack.
Taking it around your home while watching videos or playing games is also super easy.
Im glad Apple didnt change this tablets design from the previous model.
Its basically a smaller iPad Air, which is great.
Build quality is also identical to the last model.
Though small and light, the tablets sturdy aluminum chassis never budges or flexes.
It also feels good to hold.
The iPad mini 7s 8.3-inch (2,266 x 1,488) Liquid Retina display is a small miracle.
The tablet is perfect for watching any kind of video.
The previousiPad mini was my favorite gadget for reading mangaand the iPad mini 7 doesnt slouch in that department.
The iPad mini 7’s display turned in expected numbers in our lab test.
Color reproduction (sRGB and DCI-P3) is good, as is color accuracy (Delta-E).
Hues arent oversaturated, which helps everything appear more realistic and not overly colorful.
That said, 60Hz works perfectly fine for both videos and games.
I cant say whether or not Apple fixed this issue or I simply didnt see it.
But if that should change, Ill update this review.
How did the new iPad mini do in our performance benchmarks?
Last but not least is gaming performance.
However, the game can stutter when playing unplugged.
Thankfully, this is no longer an issue.
To start, the new iPad mini 7 has 128GB of storage.
While bass wasnt as prominent as I would have liked, the song sounded fantastic on the tablet.
Podcasts like Triple K.O.
also sound great, with everyone on the panel coming through nice and clear.
Useful iPadOS 18 features
The iPad mini 7 comes with iPadOS 18 pre-installed.
It even maintains your writing style, just a cleaner version of it.
Both Math Notes and Smart Script make smart use of the Apple Pencil Pro.
This was a wise move since most folks hold tablets in landscape mode.
Unfortunately, the iPad mini 7 hasn’t received this update.
Because of that, it’s difficult to center yourself during video calls or when taking selfies.
That said, both cameras deliver solid picture quality, as they did on the previous mini.
However, the tablet doesn’t support the Apple Pencil 2.
This is a bummer considering how the iPad mini 6 supported that stylus.
If you only have an Apple Pencil 2, you’ll need to purchase one of the newer pencils.
That’s significant since that update will have several new Apple Intelligence features.
For instance, Writing Tools can make your writing sound friendly, professional or concise.
The iPad mini 7’s 12MP camera delivers sharp images, even capturing blemishes on my window.
If you’re not happy with the changes, you’ve got the option to always hit revert.
Writing Tools can also perform other functions like Summary, Key Points, List and Table.
Smarter Siri
Siriwill be more useful with Apple Intelligence.
I’ve had mixed results speaking with the new Siri.
It has faster performance and comes with more storage.
And you get all of that for the same $499 starting price as before.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
But as things stand, the iPad mini 7 is a remarkable unit for what it offers.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
