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The 2026 iPad Mini is a terrific tiny tablet — for a big price
Apple’s 2026 iPad Mini is a substantial upgrade, with a larger OLED screen, a faster processor and a smaller, lighter, more durable design. The review describes it as the best Mini yet, but says its high price makes it difficult to recommend to anyone who is not already committed to the compact tablet.
The display grows from 8.3 to 8.5 inches and switches from LCD to OLED, improving contrast and brightness, though the tested nano-texture finish reduces glare at the cost of some screen clarity. The entry-level Wi-Fi model with 128GB costs $699, while the tested cellular model with 512GB and the matte coating costs $1,249; the screen also remains limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.
In short
- The new Mini brings a larger OLED screen and major performance upgrades.
- Prices start at $699, the highest entry price for a Mini.
- The reviewer calls it excellent but hard to recommend at this cost.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 2026 iPad Mini brings meaningful improvements in a compact, lighter and more durable design, including a larger OLED screen and a faster processor. For people who value portability and already rely on the Mini’s form factor, those upgrades may make the high price worthwhile, particularly if the device fits their needs better than a larger tablet.
The case against
The upgrades may not justify the cost for many buyers: even the entry-level model is $699, while the tested configuration costs $1,249, and the display remains limited to 60Hz. The nano-texture finish also trades some clarity for reduced glare, so shoppers who do not specifically need a compact tablet may find better value elsewhere.
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 hold and carry than a full-sized tablet. Like other iPads, it runs Apple’s iPadOS and can be used for reading, watching video, browsing the web and running apps.
This model adds an OLED screen, a faster processor and a lighter, more durable design. OLED screens can show deeper blacks and stronger contrast than LCD screens; a nano-texture finish can reduce reflections, though it may make the image look less sharp. The screen’s 60Hz refresh rate describes how often it updates each second.
The price depends on storage, mobile connectivity and screen finish, with the more equipped versions costing considerably more than the entry model. That matters because compact tablets compete with larger tablets and phones, so buyers may weigh portability against screen size, features and cost.