NEW iPad Mini 7 (2024) review: WAS I WRONG?

In this video, I’m reviewing the brand new iPad Mini 7 (2024), and asking the question: were we all wrong about this device? From the initial impressions to the unexpected features, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about Apple's latest compact tablet. I’ll go over the specs, pricing, and what’s truly new this time around—along with some of the missing features that may surprise you. Plus, I answer your questions and share my thoughts on whether it’s worth the upgrade.

- Follow Me -

🎙️ Listen to the Eight or Sixteen Podcast:

🔍 About This Channel:
I cut through the tech jargon to bring you honest, real-world reviews of laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones, and more. My goal? To help you find the tech you need to get stuff done, without the fluff.

👋 Who Am I?
I’m Mark Ellis, a UK-based tech reviewer passionate about helping you make smart tech decisions. No deep dives into specs, just practical advice you can trust.

Please note: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them.

Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Specs and pricing 02:26
What's New? 03:18
What's Missing? 06:18
Your Questions 09:09
Conclusion 10:48

[MarkEllisReviews]

You work in Apple's iPad mini department: spec out the next iPad mini. GO 👇

[definingslawek]

They DOUBLED the ram and gave it a fast chip and USB3 AND doubled the storage and it costs the same? But somehow everyone’s complaining and saying “nothing has changed” lol.

[dayel]

As a resident pediatrician, I rely on my iPad Mini every day for data recording. Its compact size fits perfectly in my scrubs pocket, making it indispensable. I just wish they would add the M chip so we could connect to larger monitors via USB-C when needed.

[d_lydian]

Every YouTuber: The {insert_name} is {insert_expression}!
After one week: {insert_name}: WAS I WRONG?
After two weeks: My review with {insert_name} after two weeks
After one month: My honest opinion about the {insert_name} after one month
After six months: I made a mistake and returned the {insert_name}
After one year: I may was not wrong about the {insert_name}

[milind]

I don’t care that the form factor is the same. What I would have preferred are the following:
1. The latest chip, not last year’s chip
2. Pro Motion

[mikeclark]

Personally I think the mini is perfect for what it is. Many of the things people want apple to add would likely not scale well on the smaller screen and then they would complain that apple did a terrible job. I just spent 1700 bucks to upgrade from my mini 6, would hate to know what the price tag would have been if it came with face ID, M chip, Pro motion etc. I wonder if the small form factor could handle the heat an M chip produces ?? I use my mini every day for writing and various other tasks, it is the one apple device I feel I could not do without. I was so happy to see the 7 announced, first time I have ever pre ordered anything. The only thing I wish for would be a larger battery though I would hate for them to change the size of the device even slightly to obtain that goal. Mine arrives today, I still have to wait at least 6 hours for Fedex to get here.

The following comment is for potential buyers worried about Jelly Scroll. I have never noticed Jelly Scroll, I'm sure it's there, I'm sure I have seen it, but I have never "noticed" it and it has never once bothered me. Honestly if you are quickly swiping through something then you aren't reading it anyway so does it really matter ? Just picky people looking for something to gripe about. Buy the mini, you will love it IF you are buying it for the right reasons.

[stephenbiggs]

I've went through a similar journey, buying the iPad Pro for years but being disillusioned with my use of it. Then moving to this iPad mini and loving it. It's the perfect size for what I use it for. Reading, web browsing, email, to do lists etc.

At work we're noticing iPad mini is the form factor of choice in a lot of enterprise situations replacing a notebook or forms in a lot of scenarios and even rugged laptops in other situations

[-Mike]

Yes, in aviation, the Gov and commercial operators tend to purchase them by the dozens. They typical operate a modified admin style iOS. You can't sign-in to your own Apple account in moist cases, nor would you want to. Apps, private and retail are managed by IT as well as automatic updates etc. We beat them to death, get them super hot, super cold, never close apps, turn off and or restart. The screens are always a wreck. We often carry one as a back up as well. Likely always overcharged. If you are lucky, they have Otter Box's on them. Like I said, a hard use tool. Not hipster coffee shop jewelry. I am just happy to now know that our new iPads will now have more ram.

[JasonMcNamara]

I've owned an iPad Mini 6 since pretty early on in it's release and I absolutely love it. Mostly I use it for watching Movies, TV Shows, Maps, Social Apps & playing games like Chess or Othello with my kids. While I carry my iPhone everywhere I go, I almost always have my iPad Mini 6 with me as well. Not rushing out to upgrade to a 7 though mainly because having a SIM Card slot for when I travel abroad for work has come in extremely helpful.

[ChaosandHavoc]

Just wish they had made a brighter screen. It’s the most portable device but outdoors the brightness lets it down. I’m fine with all the other mini updates but it really needed to be brighter since it’s meant to be a portable device so it should be usable in all lighting conditions.

[MrMoogle]

After seeing Apple abandon the iPhone Mini, I'm just thankful the iPad Mini got an update at all. My expectations are low when it comes to Apple and small devices these days. I love both my iPhone and iPad Mini so I'm glad at least one of them is still in the lineup!

[LetoxxIant]

06:37 Stage manager (+Mx chip) is the requirement to allow an external monitor. That is why many want it (me included).
iPad Mini with Mx Chip + Stage Manager: connect external keyboard and mouse, plug in external Monitor and you have a small, compact, more mobile version of an iPad with the possibility to attach a full 4K monitor as PC replacement. THE perfect device!
plus:
It would also make the line up complete.
iPad Pro can connect external monitors
iPad Air can connect extern monitors
iPad mini still can't

I have worked a while with my iPad Pro as desktop replacement and it is awesome, you start to love the Stage manager on this device at this point.
I personally know two people who completely switched to the iPad doing all their work on the device, even some video editing and they do not want to go back.

If Apple (and I doubt it will ever happen) updates iPad OS to a full functioning multitasking device or hot switchable OS with an Pad mode and a desktop mode as many professionals want, I bet my a55 the mini will be excluded as it does not support external Monitors (even if this restriction is artificial the A17Pro is as capable as the Mx chip to support one)

[FancyxToast]

I use an ipad for procreate and streaming services exclusively. I don’t even use it for notes or anything, just watching and drawing. I had the 12.9 iPad Pro 5th gen. I really liked it, worked completely fine. The size just killed it for me. Absolutely killed it. It was huge, which is cool for art, but made it so impractical for anything else I wanted to do. I found out a new iPad mini was being released on October 20th. I sold my iPad Pro on the 21st. And I used the money to pay for the mini 7 on the 23rd. It’s only been a day, and while I will admit, the screen size is something I need to get used when I’m drawing, everything else about using was instantly easier. Reading? Easier. Gaming? Easier. Even just typing is easier now. I can actually sit back on the couch and hold this thing with one hand and watch something. I don’t need something to stabilize my arm so it isn’t fighting for its life after 10 minutes. I don’t regret the decision at all. It’s just so convenient

[jwbelt]

Love your video reviews. I understand, emotionally, why everyone keeps calling for a Mini Magic Keyboard. I am a short guy with small hands, so i should have no issues with what a KB that size would be. I’ve tested KBs sold for the Mini and they uniformly suck. They’re too frakkin’ small. Size matters and we’re running up against the limitations of size here. We will not & can not get the typing experience on this form factor that we experience with the larger iPads and that we long to duplicate here. I’m typing this on the Keys-2-Go - smallest KB I can bear typing on and still more than an inch wider than the Mini - as a reminder of the experience and it still sucks. Enjoy the Mini for what it is: a premium tablet that has no aspirations to be anything else.

[MC-ovdr]

I think a big missed opportunity is using the iPad Mini docked. If they added an M1 or M2 chip into it and lets you dock and take to go it would be really cool. A device that I can use for casual reading / consumption and crazy portability, but can dock and get in some real work when needed.

[andrewlau]

iPad Mini base model (2021, USD 500) vs iPad Mini 7 base model (2024, USD 500)

Considering the spec differences of both models and inflation from 2021 to 2024, customers are getting better value for the mini 7 today compared to those who bought the mini 6 in 2021.

Yeah, its still not up par to 2024 tech standards— but hey, the mini doesnt have a large demand and little competition to make it run for its money.

[muelfernandez]

Shame on you Apple for not supporting anymore Apple Pencil 2!

[rickkarrer]

I'm in IT, and I really appreciate it when manufactures write the exact product name on the product itself. I can't tell you how many times I'm on the phone with someone and they're calling something an "Apple Air", "Mini Mac", "MacBook" [everything is just a MacBook, right?], "I don't know, the iPad", "It's the new iPad" [but it's really a discontinued model from 3 years ago], "iPhone Pro Plus XL", and so on.

[chrisnorth]

I’m inclined to agree that the iPad mini does not need the “Pro” features. For me, I have an iPad Pro 10.9 (M2) with Magic Keyboard and it’s my mobile work station. On the road or train I can edit documents, code etc. I have an older mini (gen 4?) which I use for personal stuff - morning coffee while I browse social media, read the news, do puzzles, make calls. I want a mini that fits in my hand and doesn’t break the bank. Since my old iPad mini’s battery is on the decline, I’ll likely ask Santa for a mini 7 this year…

[internationAL]

I’ll be upgrading from my beloved iPad Mini 5 - it’s served me well for over 5 yrs.