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iPad mini (A20 Pro) review: Apple’s tiny tablet gets a big update
Apple has substantially upgraded the iPad mini with a larger OLED screen, a faster processor and additions such as water resistance and fast charging. The improvements make the small tablet more capable for travel and watching video, but its higher starting price may put it beyond what many buyers consider worthwhile.
The new model has an 8.5-inch display, compared with 8.3 inches before, and is thinner and lighter. Its OLED screen reaches 1,200 nits for HDR and 600 nits for standard content, with a claimed contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. It starts at $699 for 128GB, $200 above the previous model’s launch price; the review describes it as impressive but questions whether the upgrades justify the cost for most people.
In short
- The iPad mini gains an OLED screen and a faster chip.
- It is thinner and lighter, with an 8.5-inch display.
- The $699 starting price may be hard to justify for many buyers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The upgrade makes the iPad mini more useful as a premium portable device: its brighter, larger OLED screen, faster processor, water resistance and fast charging improve travel and video use. For people who value those features in a small tablet, the higher price may be justified by the added capability.
The case against
At $699, the new model costs $200 more than its predecessor, so the upgrades may not represent good value for many buyers. Those who mainly need a compact tablet for everyday tasks may find the previous model or a larger, less expensive device sufficient.
Explained simply
Apple’s iPad mini is the smallest tablet in the iPad range, designed for people who want a device that is easier to carry than a full-sized tablet. Like other tablets, it can be used for reading, browsing the internet, watching video and running apps, with a touchscreen instead of a separate keyboard.
The key parts of a tablet are its screen and processor: the screen affects how images look, while the processor helps apps run and respond. OLED screens can show deep blacks and strong contrast, and a brighter screen can make video easier to view in well-lit places.
Apple sets the iPad mini’s price and decides how its features compare with larger iPads and other tablets. For buyers, the question is whether a compact size and improved features are worth paying more than for an older mini or a larger device.