Apple has officially unveiled the latest iteration of its compact tablet, the iPad Mini (2024), marking the first upgrade since 2021. With significant enhancements aimed at boosting performance and storage, this new model caters to both casual users and professionals who rely on its portability and functionality. Here’s a closer look at the new iPad Mini, its features, specifications, and pricing.
Key Features
The iPad Mini (2024) brings forth several notable improvements over its predecessor, making it a more powerful and versatile device. Here are the key features that stand out:
- New A17 Pro Chip: At the heart of the new iPad Mini is the A17 Pro chip, which offers a remarkable 30% faster CPU and a 25% faster GPU compared to the previous model. This upgrade ensures that tasks run smoothly and efficiently, making it suitable for both everyday use and demanding applications.
- Enhanced Neural Engine: The device features a 16-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast as before, enabling advanced AI functionalities, including improved machine learning capabilities and faster processing of complex tasks.
- Increased Storage: The base model now comes with 128GB of storage, doubling the previous 64GB, which allows users to store more applications, files, and media without the need for constant management.
- Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility: The new Mini supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it an excellent choice for artists and note-takers who value precision and ease of use.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3: The upgraded connectivity features ensure faster internet speeds and improved connection reliability, making the iPad Mini ideal for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
- Improved USB-C Port: The new USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 port enhances data transfer speeds, allowing users to connect to a variety of peripherals more efficiently.
- New Color Options: Apple has introduced fresh color variants for the iPad Mini, including Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. These new hues provide a modern twist, appealing to a broader audience.
Design and Display
While the overall design of the iPad Mini remains similar to its predecessor, the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display continues to impress. With a resolution of 1,488 x 2,266 pixels, this display provides crisp visuals and vibrant colors. The tablet supports the P3 color gamut, enhancing the viewing experience for media consumption and creative tasks. However, the refresh rate is still capped at 60Hz, as Apple maintains the ProMotion feature exclusively for its Pro models.
Camera and Audio
The iPad Mini (2024) is equipped with dual 12MP cameras. The rear camera features autofocus and Smart HDR 4 support, enabling high-quality photos and videos. Users can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second or record slow-motion video at 1080p up to 240fps. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera supports Centre Stage, ensuring that users remain in focus during video calls, regardless of movement.
The device also boasts stereo speakers and dual microphones, enhancing audio quality for calls, media playback, and voice recognition.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple claims the iPad Mini (2024) has a robust battery life, with up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. The cellular variant is expected to last around 9 hours under similar usage conditions. The tablet is equipped with a 19.3Wh battery and comes with a 20W USB-C power adapter in the retail package.
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad Mini starts at $499 in the United States and ₹49,900 in India for the 128GB Wi-Fi only model. The Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is priced at $649 and ₹64,900, respectively. Pre-orders began on October 15, and the device will officially be available on October 23.
Pricing Table
| Model | Storage | Price (USD) | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi | 128GB | $499 | ₹49,900 |
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 128GB | $649 | ₹64,900 |
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi | 256GB | $599 | ₹59,900 |
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 256GB | $749 | ₹74,900 |
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi | 512GB | $699 | ₹79,900 |
| iPad Mini (2024) Wi-Fi + Cellular | 512GB | $849 | ₹94,900 |
Conclusion
The iPad Mini (2024) is a welcome addition to Apple’s tablet lineup, delivering impressive upgrades in speed, storage, and connectivity while maintaining the beloved compact design. Whether you’re a pilot, an artist, or simply someone who values a powerful yet portable device, the new iPad Mini promises to meet diverse needs. With its launch coinciding with Apple’s push towards AI functionalities, this tablet is well-equipped to handle the demands of the modern user. Pre-orders are now open, so be sure to secure yours in time for its official release!
