Apple officially launched the all-new iPad Mini (2024) aka iPad Mini 7 in India and globally. The new version comes with some noteworthy improvements like the A17 Pro chipset which not only accelerates its performance but brings Apple Intelligence features to the mini slate. However, other crucial areas, such as the design, cameras and display, have remained untouched indicating that they resemble the device from the previous generation. Let’s see how the new iPad Mini (2024) compares to the last-gen model iPad Mini (2021).
In This Article
Display
iPad Mini (2024): 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
iPad Mini (2021):8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
Processor
iPad Mini (2024): A17 Pro chip
iPad Mini (2021): A15 Bionic chip
Rear camera(s)
iPad Mini (2024): 12-megapixel wide-angle camera with an f/1.8 aperture
iPad Mini (2021): 12MP Wide camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture
Selfie camera
iPad Mini (2024): 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f/2.4 aperture
iPad Mini (2021): 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with ƒ/2.4 aperture
Storage
iPad Mini (2024): 128GB, 256GB and 512GB of storage
iPad Mini (2021): 64GB and 256GB of storage
Also Read: After Vision Pro, Apple Smart Glasses likely to launch in 2027
Battery
iPad Mini (2024): details unknown
iPad Mini (2021):
Operating system
iPad Mini (2024): iPadOS 18
iPad Mini (2021): iPadOS 14
Price
iPad Mini (2024): Rs 49,900
iPad Mini (2021): Rs 48,900
Our Take
The iPad Mini variants have almost identical designs, including an 8.3-inch IPS LCD screen, rounded corners, and flat edges. Of course, the camera sensors are also the same as those on the old iPad.
Compared to its predecessor, the iPad Mini (2024) has a number of noteworthy improvements. The switch to the A17 Pro processor, which significantly improves CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance, is the biggest modification. Support for Apple’s major 2024 feature, Apple Intelligence, including notification summaries, writing tools, image and emoji generation, and a redesigned Siri that incorporates ChatGPT, on-screen awareness, and action capabilities, is also included with the Apple A17 Pro chipset. On the other hand, no Apple Intelligence capabilities will be available on the older iPad Mini (2021).
A speedier USB-C connector for faster data transfers, Smart HDR 4 for higher-quality photos, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro with hover capabilities for more accuracy are some of the other highlights of the iPad Mini (2024). By sensing rotation through its built-in gyroscope, the Apple Pencil Pro enhances the natural pen and paper experience by letting users reorient the brush and curved pen tools on the screen.
Later on, more potent features like Image Playground, Image Wand, Genmoji, and the eagerly anticipated Siri update are planned.
With Wi-Fi 6E, Apple has improved the iPad Mini (2024)’s acceleration for quicker downloads and streaming of videos. Large images and video files may now be imported more quickly thanks to the USB-C port’s 10Gbps data transfer rate, which is double the iPad Mini (2021)‘s 5Gbps speed. Now that 5G support via eSIM is a possibility, both iPad minis are more effective and adaptable.
Should you upgrade?
The A15 Bionic chip is sufficient for everyday tasks, but unless you need Apple Intelligence, quicker data transfers, or superior control over the Apple Pencil, upgrading might not be beneficial. Consider getting a cheap iPad Mini (2021) if you don’t already have one.
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