Apple iPad Mini 7: Pricing, Features, Release Date, Specs, Camera Upgrades, and More
- Apple just dropped the iPad Mini 7, and yes, it’s packing that A17 Pro power.
- Bigger camera, smarter chip—but did they fix the dreaded "jelly scroll"?
- A compact, AI-driven tablet for $499? Read on to see if it's worth your cash.
Key Highlights
- A17 Pro chip: Delivers advanced AI tasks and impressive performance.
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display: Maintains clarity with improved scrolling.
- Camera upgrades: 22MP front camera with Smart HDR 4 and machine learning document scanning.
- Starting price: $499, with storage options up to 512GB and all-day battery life.
Release Date and Pricing
The long-anticipated iPad Mini 7 officially hits the market on October 23, 2024, with pre-orders available since October 16. Starting at $499 for the base Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage, Apple keeps the price consistent with its predecessor, offering affordable access to Apple Intelligence features.
For those wanting 5G capability, the price jumps to $649, with higher storage options available up to 512GB.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple iPad mini 7, released by Apple in October 2024.
What's New?
The iPad Mini 7 comes packed with the A17 Pro chip, marking a major leap from the previous A15 Bionic chip found in the iPad Mini 6. This new processor powers Apple Intelligence and supports advanced AI tasks with a 2x faster Neural Engine, making it a powerful tool for everything from photo editing to gaming.
One of the most noticeable upgrades? The 22MP ultra-wide front-facing camera now offers Smart HDR 4 and can perform machine learning tasks like document scanning. The back camera stays at 12MP but is more than capable for a tablet in this size category.
Display: More Brightness, Same Screen
While some expected an upgrade to ProMotion or OLED, the iPad Mini 7 retains its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. At 500 nits brightness, the screen offers vibrant color, though not quite up to the 120Hz refresh rate of Apple’s premium devices. However, the real improvement lies in addressing the much-criticized jelly scrolling issue seen in the iPad Mini 6. Apple has worked to minimize this, particularly in portrait mode.
Storage Options & Battery Life
Apple doubles the base storage this time around, starting at 128GB, with higher configurations at 256GB and 512GB. Despite its compact size, the iPad Mini 7 delivers all-day battery life, with Apple claiming "up to 10 hours" of usage on a single charge—perfect for on-the-go productivity or entertainment.
Colors: A Fresh Look
The new iPad Mini 7 comes in four distinct colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, offering a sleek and modern palette for users to choose from.
Performance Benchmarks
Early Geekbench 6 benchmarks show impressive results, with the iPad Mini 7 scoring around 2,800 points in single-core tests and nearly 7,000 points in multi-core tests. This performance puts it on par with the iPhone 15 Pro, though the Mini 7’s A17 Pro chip features a slightly binned version with one less GPU core. Still, for most users, this minor reduction in graphics power won’t be noticeable in day-to-day tasks.
Photo via BGR // iPad mini 7 Geekbench scores.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re still using an older iPad or even the iPad Mini 6, the iPad Mini 7’s upgrades—especially in processing power, storage, and camera—make it a compelling option. However, those hoping for a Pro-level display or major design overhaul might be underwhelmed. The Mini 7 keeps the all-screen design with squared-off edges, which first debuted in the iPad Mini 6, so the overall look remains unchanged.
For users already in the Apple ecosystem, particularly those eyeing the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the overlap in size may make the iPad Mini less appealing. But for those looking for a highly portable tablet with powerful AI capabilities and the familiar Apple experience, this is an attractive option at a solid price point.
Photo via Macworld // Pictured: Apple iPad mini 7.
Final Thoughts
While the iPad Mini 7 might not revolutionize Apple’s tablet lineup, it solidifies its place as the most powerful small tablet on the market. The integration of the A17 Pro chip ensures future-proofing for AI tasks, making it a perfect companion for students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike. The few compromises, such as the lack of a ProMotion display, may disappoint some, but overall, it’s hard to beat this tablet’s blend of power, portability, and price.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.18th October, 2024 at 10:25 am by Flynn
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.