I’ve always loved the iPad Mini, especially since Apple introduced the Mini 6 in 2021, and for the first time ever, it felt like a tablet that could handle everything from content creation to entertainment effortlessly. I called it a “desert island device” and it was exactly that.
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With the release of the iPad Mini 7, the device has become even more powerful thanks to the A17 Pro chip and Apple’s new intelligence system. However, despite having 5G support, a gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and a wide range of apps, it still feels incomplete due to the lack of native calling. In 2024, this feels like a huge missed opportunity.
A17 Pro chip: why not A18 Pro?
The A17 Pro chip in iPad Mini 7 is extremely powerful, delivering 30% more CPU performance and 25% more GPU performance compared to the Mini 6. This means apps run smoother, games are more immersive, and your device can handle. Demand AR experiences and professional apps like the pros.
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However, Apple’s decision to use the A17 Pro chip in the iPad Mini 7 raises some questions. This chip was also used in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but this year’s iPhone 16 lineup features the A18 chip, which is 30% faster and more energy efficient. Why not put the cutting-edge A18 chip in the iPad Mini 7? Perhaps Apple had a surplus of A17 Pro chips that needed to be used up during production of last year’s iPhone 15 Pro.
The A18 chip isn’t just about speed. Its efficiency also helps extend battery life. Using this chip in the iPad Mini 7 would have made it even more powerful for those who rely on the iPad Mini 7 as their go-to device. It’s a shame that by sticking with the A17 Pro, Apple is not maximizing the iPad Mini 7’s potential.
What you can do with iPad Mini 7
Although it doesn’t have an A18 chip, the iPad Mini 7 is packed with features that make it an impressive device.
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A17 Pro Chip: 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU significantly improve performance. Whether it’s editing photos or playing AAA games like real racing 3 With hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AR apps, Mini 7 handles tasks with ease.
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5G connection: iPad Mini 7 supports 5G, making it perfect for staying connected on the go. Whether you’re downloading files, streaming 4K, or gaming online, its performance is solid.
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apple intelligence: Tight integration with iPadOS 18 provides system-wide tools such as generative AI for writing and proofreading across apps. You can now rewrite, summarize, and clean up text in apps like Mail and Notes, making multitasking and productivity easier.
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screen: The Mini 7’s 2266 x 1488 Full HD+ Liquid Retina display is bright with 500 nits of brightness and has an anti-reflective coating, making it perfect for outdoor use. Whether you’re sketching, playing games, or watching movies, the display provides stunning visuals.
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camera: The 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4 is perfect for capturing vivid photos and 4K videos, and the 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera supports Center Stage to stay in the frame during video calls.
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Apple Pencil Pro support: The new Apple Pencil Pro adds haptic feedback, gesture controls, and pressure sensitivity, making Mini 7 the perfect tool for sketching, note-taking, and creative work. It’s very intuitive as you can switch between tools without interrupting your flow.
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battery life: iPad Mini 7’s 5078mAh battery provides all-day battery life, so you can use it on the go without constantly reaching for a charger.
The only feature missing: a phone.
It’s frustrating that even though the iPad Mini 7 has 5G, a powerful A17 Pro chip, and communication tools like iMessage and FaceTime, it still can’t make native calls. At $649 for the Wi-Fi + 5G model, the Mini 7 is a more affordable option compared to the base-level iPhone 16, which starts at $799. This price difference makes the iPad Mini 7 an attractive alternative, especially if Apple enables phone functionality.
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While not typically an in-ear device, they’re perfect for use with AirPods and other Bluetooth headsets, especially the new AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 with enhanced noise cancellation. Speakerphone mode is also useful for hands-free use in private environments. Apple could have easily enabled the phone feature in a software update, but they chose not to.
This omission feels especially surprising given that competitors in the tablet market often allow calls over LTE on their devices. If the Mini 7 had this feature, it could become a true all-in-one device, allowing users to replace their iPhones. For students, travelers, and professionals, having one device that does it all can be a game-changer.
Unfortunately, Apple does not offer this feature at this time.
Software limitations
Beyond calling capabilities, there are some software limitations that prevent the iPad Mini 7 from reaching its full potential.
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FaceTime and iMessage: Both are supported, but their usefulness as a replacement for traditional phone service is limited because they rely on Apple IDs rather than phone numbers. However, you can transfer texts you receive on your iPhone to your iPad as long as you’re logged in to the same iCloud account.
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whatsapp: WhatsApp for iPad is in beta (unfortunately, closed as of this writing), but there is still no official native app, which is frustrating for users who rely on the platform for communication. Masu.
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Instagram and X: Meta still hasn’t provided an official Instagram port for the iPad after all these years, and X’s iPad (and well, Mac) support has been lackluster, leaving many people using the web version. Masu.
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Register your Apple Watch: You can’t yet enroll or manage your Apple Watch from your iPad Mini. This means you need an iPhone to set up and configure your Apple Watch, which feels unnecessarily restrictive for an otherwise capable device.
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car play: Mini 7 has GPS and 5G capabilities, but does not support CarPlay. It can be used as navigation, but the lack of CarPlay limits its practicality in a vehicle.
Hardware limitations
In terms of hardware, the iPad Mini 7 performs well, but there are still some areas where it lags.
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MagSafe Charging: Mini 7 uses USB-C for charging. It’s fast, but it lacks the convenience of Apple’s MagSafe system. MagSafe is a cornerstone of Apple’s ecosystem, so it’s also a shame it’s not here.
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eSIM only: Like the current generation iPhone and iPad Pro, the Mini 7 doesn’t have a physical SIM card slot and relies solely on an eSIM. While this works well in many regions, users who prefer or need to use a physical data-only SIM card when traveling abroad may find themselves out of luck. This limitation can be particularly inconvenient for users who rely on quick and flexible SIM replacement in countries where eSIM support is not widespread.
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single camera: The 12MP wide camera on the back is solid (the same one used in previous-generation iPhones, iPad Gen 10, and iPad Air), but it lacks the versatility of the iPhone’s dual-camera system. This is rather limiting for creative professionals who rely on iPhones and iPad Pros for photography and videography.
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Apple Pay doesn’t have NFC: You can use Apple Pay for online purchases, but NFC is not yet supported for contactless payments in-store, so you’ll need to remove your physical card at the time of purchase.
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No satellite text: Apple hasn’t made clear in its marketing whether the 5G-enabled iPad Mini 7 will have the same satellite text support for emergency communications as the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16.
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Potential issues with “Jelly Screen”: One of the issues that plagued the Mini 6 was the “jelly screen,” where one side of the screen updated more slowly than the other. Apple hasn’t explicitly said whether this issue has been fixed in the Mini 7, which has caused some users to have concerns about display quality. An OLED version of the Mini is reportedly in development, but it won’t arrive until 2026.
Who is this device for? Students, professionals, older users
The iPad Mini 7 is a very versatile device that can cater to a variety of users, but it excels in two specific categories: students and older users.
iPad Mini 7 for students offers portability, support for Apple Pencil Pro, and all-day battery life, making it the ideal companion for note-taking, content creation, and multitasking on the go. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, but powerful enough to handle educational apps, media editing, and even games.
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Older users will appreciate the lightweight design and larger screen compared to the iPhone. This makes it easier to browse the web, read email, and watch videos without straining your eyes. The intuitive interface and Apple Pencil Pro make it perfect for casual productivity, journaling, or creative hobbies.
Final thoughts: Almost perfect, but not perfect.
of iPad mini 7 That’s quite correct. Portable, powerful, and packed with features like Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro support, it’s a great device for students, professionals, and older users. Top-notch performance and 5G connectivity make it a strong contender for users who need a reliable, high-power device.
However, the lack of a calling function is a bottleneck. The iPad Mini 7 could easily become an all-in-one device if Apple enables calling and addresses other limitations, such as not being able to manage the Apple Watch.
Until then, it’s still an incredibly capable little tablet, but it’s not quite a hybrid.
