iPad mini A17 Pro (iPad mini 7) Review: The Perfect Reading Companion
- Review, Technology
- Exienent
- · Updated
The iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip (what everyone is calling the iPad mini 7) is the best tablet for anyone who values portability above all else. Its 8.3-inch screen, A17 Pro performance, 8GB of RAM and Apple Pencil Pro support make it an excellent reading device and digital notebook, held back mainly by its 60Hz display.
It fills a clear gap. The big iPad Pros are incredibly powerful, but they're too heavy to comfortably hold on the couch or in bed. On the flip side, an iPhone screen is just a bit too small for reading long articles or comics. Here is how the new mini does on size, performance, Pencil support and its weak spots.
Why Is the iPad mini's Size Its Biggest Advantage?
The number one reason to buy an iPad mini hasn't changed: the size. In my view, it is the most perfectly sized tablet on the market.
- One-Handed Use: It can be held in one hand while lying in bed or drinking coffee, and it weighs practically nothing compared to its bigger siblings.
- The Ultimate E-Reader: The 8.3-inch screen is exactly the size of a standard paperback book. Whether it's Kindle books, Apple News, or full-color comics and PDFs, text looks incredibly sharp and natural.
- Jelly Scrolling is Gone (Mostly): The previous iPad mini 6 was known for its infamous "jelly scrolling" issue. With the new A17 Pro model, Apple has tweaked the display controller, so the screen tearing effect can be hard to notice in everyday use.
How Powerful Is the A17 Pro Chip in the iPad mini?
The A17 Pro gives the iPad mini more power than you need. Apple decided to skip a few chip generations and put the A17 Pro (the same chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro) straight into the new mini.
- Snappy Performance: Everything opens instantly. Multitasking between Safari and a notes app is buttery smooth.
- Gaming: The A17 Pro can handle demanding games like Genshin Impact and Resident Evil 4.
- Apple Intelligence Ready: Because it has the A17 Pro and 8GB of RAM, this little tablet supports all the new Apple Intelligence features. The new writing tools can summarize long articles directly on the screen, which can save heavy readers a lot of time.
What Does the Apple Pencil Pro Add?
The new iPad mini now supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which is a huge upgrade for note-takers and casual artists.
- Squeeze and Barrel Roll: These new gestures feel natural. Squeezing the pencil to switch tools without tapping the screen makes sketching and highlighting much faster.
- Haptic Feedback: The subtle vibration you get when using the Pencil Pro makes it feel remarkably like writing with a real physical tool.
What Are the iPad mini A17 Pro's Downsides?
The iPad mini A17 Pro has two notable weaknesses: a 60Hz display and base storage that can feel tight for heavy users.
- No ProMotion (120Hz): The screen is still locked at 60Hz. If you are used to the 120Hz display on your iPhone Pro or iPad Pro, you will notice the difference. It's not a dealbreaker for a device mainly used for reading and videos, but it's a shame Apple didn't include it.
- Base Storage: It now starts at 128GB, which is a great improvement over the old 64GB, but if you plan on downloading lots of games or movies for travel, you might still need to pay the 'Apple Tax' for the higher tier.
Is the iPad mini A17 Pro Worth Buying?
Yes, if portability matters most to you. The iPad mini A17 Pro isn't trying to replace your laptop like the iPad Pro. Instead, it fits perfectly into the gaps of your life—when your phone is too small, but your laptop or big tablet is too bulky.
It works as a dedicated reading device, a digital notebook, and a great travel companion. If you value portability above all else and want a tablet that you will actually want to pick up and use every single day, the new iPad mini is absolutely fantastic.
