The iPad Mini has always held a special place among fans who want a compact, travel-friendly device that’s simple yet powerful. As the owner and tech writer here at Comprehensive Blog, I’ve often recommended the Mini for readers who want a solid, portable tablet. However, when I reviewed the new 2024 iPad Mini model, priced at $499, I noticed some areas where it fell short. Let me walk you through the details so you can decide if it’s worth the upgrade.
A Unique Device in Apple’s Lineup
Apple’s iPad lineup includes a variety of options, with the Air and Pro models powerful enough to replace laptops. But the iPad Mini has a different purpose—it’s made to be a small, easy-to-carry tablet that complements other devices instead of replacing them. That’s what has kept it special for users, despite fewer updates and limited app optimization for its screen size.
But with the 2024 model, a few factors make me question if it’s really worth the cost. As someone who has tracked iPad upgrades closely over the years, here’s my take on this release.
Design and Features: Not Much Has Changed
One of the main disappointments with the 2024 iPad Mini is that it looks nearly identical to the 2021 version. There’s nothing significantly new in its design, and while the familiar look has its charm, many potential buyers might find this underwhelming.
Portrait-Only Camera Placement
The front camera placement in portrait mode is another questionable choice. Unlike the newer iPads, which have a landscape-oriented front camera for better video calls, the iPad Mini keeps the camera on the shorter side. For someone like me who regularly joins calls, this choice feels limiting, especially when paired with Apple’s Smart Folio case that props the device up in landscape.
Still Using Touch ID Instead of Face ID
Another surprise was the lack of Face ID, which has become common on other Apple devices. The 2024 iPad Mini still uses Touch ID in the power button. While Touch ID works well enough, Face ID is faster and more convenient, particularly on a device designed for one-handed use. This is another area where the Mini could have benefited from an upgrade.
Performance: Not Quite Cutting Edge
One of the more confusing parts of this release is the A17 Pro chip in the iPad Mini. It’s a newer chip, but Apple seems to have used a slightly lower-performing version compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. Although it performs better than the A15 Bionic chip in the 2021 model, it’s not as powerful as the M4 chip in the iPad Pro or even the M2 chip in the iPad Air. At $499, the iPad Mini feels like a compromise—especially when both the Air and Pro outperform it.
Gaming and Graphics Limits
For those of you who, like me, enjoy gaming on the go, the A17 Pro handles casual apps and light games just fine. However, it’s not as smooth with more demanding games. While Call of Duty: Warzone runs well enough, Assassin’s Creed Mirage stuttered at medium settings. If high-end gaming is a priority, this device might not fully satisfy you.
A Small Bonus: Apple Pencil Pro Support
The one major new feature in the 2024 iPad Mini is support for the Apple Pencil Pro. For digital artists and note-takers, this could be a valuable tool. But it’s worth mentioning that the iPad Mini doesn’t support the older Apple Pencil 2, which may be inconvenient if you already have one. For artists, Pencil Pro support might make the upgrade tempting, but for the average user, it’s probably not enough reason to spend extra.
Colors and Storage Options
Apple has added two subtle new colors—blue and purple—but they’re not particularly bold. The real improvement is the increased base storage, which is now 128GB instead of 64GB. While this gives users more space, it feels like something that should have been done years ago rather than a new innovation.
Waiting on Apple Intelligence
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the 2024 iPad Mini is its compatibility with Apple’s new AI system, Apple Intelligence. But this system isn’t fully ready, and the most exciting features likely won’t roll out until next year. It’s tricky to justify buying a new device mainly for a feature that’s still in development.
Is the 2024 iPad Mini Worth It?
As someone who loves staying updated with Apple’s lineup, I can say the 2024 iPad Mini is in a tough spot. At $499, it’s a bit of a hard sell when you could get the iPad Air for just $100 more, with a bigger screen and better performance. Or, if you prefer a Mini, you could save money by getting a refurbished 2021 model, which is nearly as good.
For me, the main reason to buy the 2024 iPad Mini would be its unique size. But with limited new features, awkward camera placement, and weaker performance compared to other iPads, it’s hard to recommend unless you have a specific need for its smaller design.
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Final Thoughts: Should You Wait?
Even though it’s a solid tablet, most users probably don’t need to upgrade to the 2024 iPad Mini. If you already have a 2021 or even a 2018 Mini, you’re likely fine for now. And while Apple Intelligence has a lot of potential, we don’t know enough to be sure it’ll be a game-changer.
In the end, the 2024 iPad Mini feels more like a minor refresh than a major upgrade. Unless you’re specifically drawn to the Apple Pencil Pro support or new colors, waiting for a more meaningful update might be a wise choice.
Frequently Asked Questions.
The main changes are Apple Pencil Pro support, 128GB base storage, and new color options.
No, it still uses Touch ID on the power button.
It’s good for light gaming, but struggles with high-end games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
No, it only supports the new Apple Pencil Pro.
For most users, the iPad Air or a refurbished 2021 Mini may offer better value.
