iPad Mini 7 Review 2025: A Mighty Powerhouse in a Compact Package

Apple’s smallest tablet just got even better. The new iPad Mini 7 improves on its predecessor with cutting-edge performance and refined features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking portability without compromising power. From its impressive A17 Pro chip to its vibrant Liquid Retina display, this petite powerhouse delivers a big tablet experience in a pocket-sized form. Despite a few lingering drawbacks, it remains a top-tier option for compact tablet enthusiasts.

Pros

• Lightweight, ultra-portable design
• Sharp, vibrant display
• Exceptional performance
• Long-lasting battery life
• Generous starting storage (128GB)

Cons

• Front camera still positioned for portrait use
• No support for Apple Pencil 2

iPad Mini 7 at a Glance

Design: Compact and Portable Excellence

The iPad Mini 7 retains its beloved compact design. Measuring just 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches and weighing 0.6 pounds, it’s a dream for anyone needing a lightweight tablet. Whether you’re moving around the house or traveling, its ultra-portability is unmatched. The aluminum chassis feels solid and premium, providing durability without sacrificing comfort.

Apple wisely kept the design largely unchanged from the iPad Mini 6, meaning you’ll find the same Touch ID-enabled power button, volume controls, and USB-C port. However, the 12MP front camera remains in a portrait orientation, which feels outdated given Apple’s shift to landscape-positioned cameras on other iPads.

Color options like Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight give users a touch of personalization, with each finish looking elegant and refined.

Display: Small Size, Big Quality

The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is a visual delight. With a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels, it produces crisp text and vibrant colors. Watching videos or reading digital comics is a joy, with sharp contrast and excellent detail. Whether it’s the intricate scales of a chameleon in a nature video or the fine lines in manga artwork, the screen excels in clarity.

Benchmark tests confirm its high-quality display:

While brightness is slightly lower than its predecessor, the difference is negligible in real-world use. The 60Hz refresh rate remains a limitation compared to the smoother 120Hz on larger iPads, but it’s perfectly adequate for most tasks.

Thankfully, I noticed no signs of the infamous “jelly scrolling” that affected the previous model.

Performance: A17 Pro Delivers Incredible Speed

Powering the iPad Mini 7 is the same A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This processor makes multitasking seamless and gaming surprisingly smooth. Even with multiple Chrome tabs open, a YouTube video running, and image editing, the tablet never broke a sweat.

Whether you’re gaming with Resident Evil 4 or editing photos, the A17 Pro chip offers performance leaps that justify the upgrade. However, games run best when plugged in, as battery power can introduce minor stutters.

Battery Life: Dependable All Day

Apple rates the iPad Mini 7’s battery life at 10 hours of web browsing, and it didn’t disappoint. In testing, it lasted 10 hours and 34 minutes with continuous web use at 150 nits brightness. While slightly shorter than the previous model’s 10 hours and 56 minutes, it remains impressive for such a compact device.

Storage: Generous Starting Capacity

The entry-level 128GB of storage is a welcome improvement over the previous model’s 64GB. Even after accounting for system files, there’s ample space for apps, media, and files. For users with higher demands, configurations go up to 512GB.

Audio: Surprisingly Full Sound

The iPad Mini 7 may be small, but its stereo speakers pack a punch. Music tracks sound clear, with crisp highs and detailed mids. Podcasts and movies deliver immersive audio, although bass could be more pronounced. Overall, the sound quality enhances the multimedia experience.

iPadOS 18 Features: Smart Tools for Enhanced Productivity

Pre-installed with iPadOS 18, the iPad Mini 7 benefits from features like Smart Script and Math Notes:

• Smart Script transforms handwritten text into polished, legible writing without losing your unique style. It even adjusts paragraphs dynamically as you add more content.

• Math Notes in the Calculator app solves problems you write by hand, perfect for students or anyone working with numbers. Graphing and variable assignments are also supported.

These features, combined with Apple Pencil Pro support, make the iPad Mini 7 a versatile tool for creative and academic users. However, it lacks compatibility with Apple Pencil 2, a drawback for those who prefer that stylus.

Drawbacks to Consider

Despite its many strengths, the iPad Mini 7 has a couple of disappointments:

1. Portrait-Only Front Camera: The 12MP front camera remains in a portrait orientation, making it less ideal for landscape video calls.

2. No Apple Pencil 2 Support: Users must opt for the Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C Pencil, which lack the magnetic charging convenience of the Pencil 2.

Verdict: A Winning Small Tablet

The iPad Mini 7 may not be a radical departure from its predecessor, but it’s a solid refinement. With powerful performance, improved storage, and long battery life packed into a highly portable frame, it’s perfect for on-the-go users. While the camera orientation and stylus support could use upgrades, these shortcomings are minor compared to the overall experience.

For $499, the iPad Mini 7 offers incredible value, making it one of the best compact tablets available today.

FAQs

Q: What is the starting price of the iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 starts at $499 for the base 128GB model.
Q: Does the iPad Mini 7 support Apple Pencil 2?
A: No, the Mini 7 is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil, but not the Apple Pencil 2.
Q: How long does the battery last on the iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 delivers up to 10 hours of web browsing and media consumption on a single charge.
Q: What chip powers the iPad Mini 7?
A: It is equipped with the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro.