2024 iPad mini in action: Spot the differences

This updated USB-C port supports transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, making it easier than previous models to support transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s. It’s much faster than . (This is data transfer, but charging seems to be the same.)

The camera system is pretty much the same as before, but Apple has added support for Smart HDR 4. This is the latest version of the computational photography algorithm that combines multiple fast-taken photos into a single image, using all the best features. This process has benefits such as improved low-light photography and improved highlights. There’s also support for 4K video capture.

I don’t think many photographers use an iPad mini, but I wouldn’t say no to an improvement.

Finally, there are display improvements that reduce some of the jelly-like scrolling that irritated some previous-generation iPad mini owners.

Apple Pencil Pro support

Apart from CPU, GPU, and NPU performance improvements, the biggest addition is support for Apple Pencil Pro.

Introduced this spring, the Pencil Pro has lower latency than previous Pencil models, but at least as importantly, it has some new sensors and feedback features to make it more versatile. . Gently squeeze your pencil to reveal a new options panel that lets you quickly switch between tools and more. There is also a sensor that allows you to roll the pencil and change the orientation of some tools.

However, the Pencil Pro isn’t cheap, at $129. I think most digital artists want the biggest canvas possible and don’t focus on mini sizes. But for more casual users, it’s nice to have this option.

It’s just a little bit but it’s intense

There’s a lot to like about the iPad mini. It’s easy to hold, making it one of Apple’s best tablets for reading and web browsing. Typing while holding it in landscape mode is ideal for me, but of course your hands are different sizes so your usable distance may vary.