Early reviews for the iPad mini (2024), which Apple announced last week, are mainly positive. These highlight the superior performance of the A17 Pro chip and the continued portability of the device. Reviewers also praise the brighter display and support for Apple Pencil Pro for better drawing and note-taking.
However, the design remains the same, with noticeable bezels around the display that make it feel a bit dated compared to other modern tablets. A significant drawback for some users is that it requires additional support from an Apple keyboard accessory, which limits productivity potential.
While the screen improvement is a plus, some reviewers note that it still lacks more advanced display technology, such as the 120Hz refresh rate found in iPad Pro models.
Overall, the consensus is that the iPad mini 2024 is a powerful and portable option for content consumption and casual use. Still, the high price and limited keyboard support may give people looking for a tablet for more intensive productivity tasks pause.
Wired expressed satisfaction with the enhanced storage options available on the iPad mini (2024), noting that there were noticeable performance improvements thanks to the new chipset. It was also highlighted that the “jelly scroll” issue that affected previous models has been eliminated. This issue was reported by some users on iPad mini (2021), but it appears to be resolved in the latest version.
Engadget rightly criticized Apple for maintaining a 60Hz refresh rate on the latest iPad mini, similar to its approach with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The site also noted that the bezel is too thick for 2024. On a positive note, Endgadget praised the new iPad mini’s compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro, was pleased to see the “jelly-like scrolling” issue resolved, and felt: It says the A17 Pro chip is “sufficiently powerful.”
Meanwhile, Tom’s Guide praised the new iPad mini’s improved performance, enhanced storage options, and crisp display. However, Apple was criticized for supporting Apple Pencil Pro but not Apple Pencil 2.
Finally, The Verge published an interesting review of the iPad mini (2024), describing it as “a real headache.” Reviews note that the only notable updates to the device are a faster chip and support for Apple Pencil Pro. The question arises whether the upcoming Apple Intelligence integration will be beneficial, harmful, or ultimately insignificant in the long run.
iPad mini (2024) starts shipping this week. This is the third in a series of new Apple tablets launched this year, following the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Pro (2024).
