It is weird how we talk about tablets. Usually, the conversation revolves around "laptop replacements" or "pro-grade" gear that costs more than a used car. But then there is the Apple iPad mini 2024.
Honestly, it is the most misunderstood device in Apple’s entire lineup.
Some people look at the 8.3-inch screen and see a "large phone." Others see a "small iPad." Both are kinda wrong. This seventh-generation refresh, which landed in late October 2024, isn't trying to be your only computer. It is a specialized tool.
The A17 Pro logic (and the 8GB RAM secret)
The biggest change in the Apple iPad mini 2024 is the silicon. Inside, you’ve got the A17 Pro chip.
If that sounds familiar, it is because it’s the same processor that powered the iPhone 15 Pro. Now, some tech purists got annoyed because they wanted an "M-series" chip like the iPad Air or Pro. But there is a very specific reason Apple went with the A17 Pro: heat.
The mini is tiny. Putting an M4 chip in here would basically turn it into a hand warmer.
The real story isn't just the raw speed—though it is about 30% faster on the CPU side than the old model—it’s the RAM. Apple bumped the memory to 8GB. They had to. Why? Because of Apple Intelligence.
Without that 8GB of RAM, the iPad mini 2024 wouldn't be able to run the local AI models that handle things like:
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- Writing Tools: Rewriting your grumpy emails to sound "professional."
- Clean Up: Nuking that random person in the background of your vacation photos.
- Siri’s Glow-up: The new edge-light interface and better context awareness.
It is a "portal" device. You use it to consume, to tweak, and to bridge the gap between your phone and your "real" computer.
Why the display still irritates some people
Let’s be real for a second. The screen is still a 60Hz LCD.
In a world where even budget Android phones have 120Hz "ProMotion" style displays, this feels like a stingy move from Apple. If you are used to the buttery smoothness of an iPad Pro, you will notice the difference.
However, they did fix the "jelly scrolling."
On the previous model, if you scrolled through text in portrait mode, one side of the screen would lag behind the other. It looked like the words were wobbling. For the Apple iPad mini 2024, Apple tweaked the display controller. It’s much more stable now. Is it perfect? No. Is it better? Definitely.
The "Mini" Gaming Rig
Gaming on this thing is actually incredible.
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Because the A17 Pro supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, you can play "AAA" titles like Resident Evil Village or Death Stranding. It’s a surreal experience holding something this small that can render console-quality lighting.
Pairing it with an Xbox or PlayStation controller via Bluetooth turns it into a better portable console than almost anything else on the market, purely because of the screen density. At 326 pixels per inch, everything looks sharper than it does on the 11-inch or 13-inch models.
Creative work and the Pencil Pro
One surprising addition is support for the Apple Pencil Pro.
This wasn't just a minor update. The Pencil Pro adds haptic feedback (it vibrates when you squeeze it) and a gyroscope for "barrel roll" control. If you’re a digital artist, being able to rotate your brush just by twisting the pen is a game changer.
But here is the catch: your old Apple Pencil 2 won't work.
Apple changed the magnetic charging array to fit the new internal components. If you’re upgrading from a previous mini, you’re either buying a new $129 Pencil Pro or sticking to the cheaper USB-C version that doesn't charge magnetically. It's a classic Apple move that's frustrating but, from a hardware engineering perspective, somewhat understandable given the tight space.
What you need to know before buying
If you are looking at the Apple iPad mini 2024, don't just look at the $499 starting price. Look at the storage.
Apple finally ditched the 64GB base model. Thank goodness. The entry-level model now starts at 128GB, which is actually usable in 2026.
Here is the quick breakdown of what changed:
- Storage: Starts at 128GB, goes up to 512GB.
- USB-C Speed: Now 10Gbps (twice as fast as before).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E support and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Colors: New Blue and Purple (though they are very muted, almost pastel).
The battery life remains the same—about 10 hours of "doing stuff." In my experience, that means about 6 hours of heavy gaming or 12 hours of reading books on the Kindle app.
The Verdict: Is it for you?
Most people should probably buy the base model iPad or the iPad Air.
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The mini is a "niche" device. It is for the pilot who needs a digital kneeboard. It is for the doctor who needs a pocketable chart. It’s for the gamer who wants something bigger than a phone but smaller than a Steam Deck.
If you want a device you can hold in one hand while standing on a crowded train, this is literally the only high-end option on the planet.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your Pencil: If you already own an Apple Pencil 2, factor in the cost of a new Pencil Pro, as they aren't compatible.
- Storage Audit: If you plan on downloading "AAA" games like Genshin Impact or Resident Evil, skip the 128GB and go for the 256GB. Those games are massive.
- Compare the Air: If portability isn't your #1 priority, the M2 iPad Air is often on sale for a similar price and offers a much larger canvas for multitasking.
- Try the Size: Go to a store and try to type on it. The keyboard in portrait mode is great for thumb-typing, but the split-screen multitasking can feel very cramped compared to the larger models.