TecShivas Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

A powerhouse in your palm.

Apple’s 2024 iPad mini refresh might look familiar on the outside, but inside, it’s a serious leap forward. Powered by the same A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro, this tiny tablet delivers blazing-fast performance, increased RAM, and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro, bringing big-tablet capabilities to a compact form factor.

Pros:
•Incredible Performance: The A17 Pro chip brings console-quality graphics, fast multitasking, and smooth app performance—even in demanding creative tools like Logic Pro and Affinity Designer.
•Apple Pencil Pro Support: Now with hover, squeeze, and haptics, note-taking and sketching feel more fluid and intuitive.
•iPadOS 18 + Apple Intelligence: AI-powered tools like Smart Script and image editing add a layer of productivity and creativity never before seen on a mini.
•128GB Base Storage: Finally, no more cramped 64GB base models.
•Compact & Lightweight: At 8.3 inches, it’s ultra-portable, making it perfect for travel, reading, or fieldwork.

Cons:
•Still 60Hz: While smooth, the lack of ProMotion (120Hz) is a letdown in 2025.
•No Face ID or redesign: The bezels and Touch ID feel dated compared to other iPads.
• Limited Pencil compatibility: Only supports Apple Pencil Pro—older Pencil 2 users are out of luck.
•Pricey for its size: Starting around $499–$649, it’s expensive for a “mini” device.

Final Verdict:
The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the most capable small tablet Apple has ever made—and arguably the best small tablet on the market, period. It’s not for everyone, but if you want power, portability, and precision, the iPad mini delivers in a big way.

Perfect for:
Students, creators, and professionals on the go
Digital note-takers and illustrators
Users upgrading from older iPad minis or compact tablets

Not ideal for:
Budget shoppers
Those wanting a laptop replacement or larger screen for multitasking