The iPad Mini 7 is proof that great power can come in a small package. Positioned as the most powerful compact tablet on the market, it seamlessly combines portability with top-tier performance. Whether you’re editing videos in Final Cut Pro, sketching in Procreate, or gaming on the go, the iPad Mini 7 is up for the task, powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip—the same 3nm chipset that runs the iPhone 15 Pro. At ₹49,900, it offers an affordable yet premium entry into Apple’s ecosystem.
Performance: Compact Yet Commanding
The iPad Mini 7 doesn’t back down from the competition. Powered by the A17 Pro, it rivals even the M2-powered iPad Air in real-world tasks. Whether it’s rendering 4K videos in LumaFusion or editing multi-layered designs in Procreate, the performance difference between the Mini and the Air is negligible. A 4K video export comparison showed the iPad Mini 7 trailing by just 3 seconds—an inconsequential gap for most users.
For gaming, the compact form factor shines. AAA titles like Resident Evil 4 run smoothly, and the smaller size makes gaming more immersive and comfortable compared to larger iPads.
Battery Life: Small But Mighty
Despite its compact size and 5,078mAh battery, the iPad Mini 7 holds its own. With mixed usage, including video editing, streaming, and browsing, the tablet easily lasts a full day, often with 15-20% battery remaining. On lighter days, it can stretch to two full days on a single charge. Battery life does take a hit during intensive tasks like gaming or editing raw photos, but this is in line with other iPads.
Display: Functional, But Room for Improvement
The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is vibrant and crisp, offering 326 pixels per inch. While it’s not an OLED or mini-LED panel, it’s one of the best IPS LCD displays available in this segment. However, its 500 nits peak brightness lags behind the 600 nits offered by the iPad Air M2, making it less legible in direct sunlight.
The bezels, carried over from the iPad Mini 6, could use an update. On the smaller screen, they feel more pronounced. Shrinking them in future iterations could make the device even more compact without sacrificing screen real estate.
Apple Pencil Pro: A Perfect Pair
The iPad Mini 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro, offering features like barrel roll for brush rotation and hover feedback for increased precision in apps like Procreate. However, it lacks support for the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation, which may disappoint users upgrading from older iPads.
Build and Design: Premium, Yet Familiar
The iPad Mini 7 boasts a glass and aluminum build on par with the flagship iPad Pro, offering a premium feel. However, its design remains unchanged from the Mini 6, making it look slightly dated. It comes in new Blue and Purple finishes alongside Space Grey and Starlight, with free engraving available for personalization.
The stereo speakers deliver balanced, high-quality sound, though they aren’t as powerful as the quad-speaker setup found in the iPad Pro. For most use cases, they suffice.
Who Is the iPad Mini 7 For?
The iPad Mini 7 caters to users who prioritize portability without compromising on power. Its compact form factor makes it a favorite among professionals like pilots who need a tablet that fits seamlessly into tight spaces, and gamers who prefer a more manageable size for immersive gameplay.
It’s also ideal for those looking for a larger screen than a smartphone without the bulk of larger tablets. Whether you’re a creative professional, frequent traveler, or casual user, the Mini fits a wide range of scenarios.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful A17 Pro chip rivaling M-series iPads.
- Compact, portable form factor.
- Excellent performance in gaming and productivity tasks.
- Support for the Apple Pencil Pro with advanced features.
- Solid battery life for a device of its size.
Cons:
- Dated design with thick bezels.
- 500-nit brightness struggles in sunlight.
- Lack of support for Apple Pencil 2nd Generation.
- Front-facing camera placement could be better.
