iPad mini 6 vs iPad mini 7 - SHOULD YOU UPGRADE?

In this follow-up video, I dive deep into a full comparison between the iPad Mini 6 and the new iPad Mini 7. If you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading, this breakdown will help you decide. We'll cover the performance differences, improvements in the display, and address whether that pesky "jelly scrolling" issue has been fixed. I'll also talk about accessory compatibility between the two models and explore what's missing in the new iPad Mini 7. Finally, I answer the big question: who is this device actually for, and should you make the jump to the latest version?

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:

00:00 Intro
01:15 Is it faster?
02:33 Is the display better?
04:13 Jelly Scrolling
05:40 Do the iPad Mini 6 accessories work?
06:18 What is the point?
08:10 The Camera...
09:05 So who is it for?
10:39 Conclusion

[jordanwilliams]

My advice as an IPad Mini 6 user of almost one year, WAIT till Black Friday/Christmas season to upgrade since usually places like Best Buy will take $100 off the IPad Mini 7 for holiday promotion plus with the $230 IPad Mini 6 trade in Value you can get the iPad mini 7 for under $250 for the 128gb model

[geebee]

I upgraded from mini 6 to mini 7 on day one. I've been running out of space on my 64Gb mini 6, I want Apple Intelligence when it releases and I want to use the Pencil Pro. My iPad Air M2 is my art/animation workstation. My mini is everything else, especially a sketchpad on the go for developing ideas for full projects on the Air. I've had the 7 for 2 days and it's fantastic!

[TheLegendNewton]

Upgraded because I lost my Apple Pencil a few weeks ago, so needed a new one and with the mini 7 being compatible with the new pencil pro, and being able to trade in my mini 6, which made it worth it for me.

[petucker]

I pulled the trigger immediately. I bought the 256K which cost $600 and got a $230 trade-in for my 64K iPad Mini 6 for an out of pocket $370. For me, that’s a bargain. I get a faster processor, four times the memory, a faster USB, pencil Pro support and a brand new device.

PS - Arrived Wed AM. After using for two days, to say I’m pleased is understatement. Great product. Excellent decision moving up from the Mini 6.

[MrLoipurz]

Dropping Pencil 2 support is a deal breaker for me. I use my pencil regularly, and the lazy spec bump ALMOST makes me don’t want to upgrade. Dropping the Pencil 2 support solidifies it. I don’t need the “Pro” pencil feature and USB C pencil doesn’t have pressure detection and is such a hassle to charge

[CoolTatts]

I impulsively bought it but in the week wait I've decided to return it. It was an update and even with the trade in value It's not worth the total cost. It's because it needs a new pen and I'm wasting a perfectly good 2nd gen pen. Not worth the cost difference so it's now all going back. Haven't even opened the boxes which arrived yesterday.

[kipperarp]

Bought it when announced, received it the first day, then returned it the next. Fun to hold, a bit snappier yes, more storage on entry level model. But the overall experience has not changed from the Mini 6, which I bought repeatedly and struggled to like. The display is the serious drawback, the scaling of text and icons is too small and creates eye strain. 60Hz issues and lack of peak brightness compound these problems. It's fine for checking email, messages, YouTube etc, allowing casual typing but anything lengthy is cumbersome. This is an expensive product for casual use, especially if you add the Apple Pencil Pro. By comparison the iPad Pro M4 feels nearly as light to hold longterm, offers vastly superior display and speakers, and doesn't strain the eyes. The key benefit of the Mini is that it feels portable, and therefore less prone to damage or loss for casual carry. But the iPhone Pro Max is pocketable and has it beat on all those counts as well. Maybe a good entry level option, especially for specific niche applications. It depends on your use case, budget and expectations. ProMotion, thinner bezels and quad-speakers are the three features that might tempt me to try this form factor again.

[ljacobs]

I upgraded from the Mini 6 to the 7, but only because Best Buy was offering a $260.00 trade-in offer from 64gb to 128gb. It is basically the same device. I hope the battery is better because it was terrible on the Mini 6. I don't use the pencil.

[AymenAhmed]

I'm a pilot and I strongly confirm .. it's the best companion for EFBs and advanced assisted navigation

[nikkic]

got this the other day and I'm editing video on luma fusion and its fabulous

[JSW]

I’d be more inclined to upgrade if the Apple Pencil 2 was compatible, I believe it would be the cheapest option to get on board the Apple Intelligence bandwagon without expensive contracts.

[donaldtashner]

Yes. Going from the mini 4! Long wait for this update. Want new features and new pencil.

[celiatofu]

such a great review and finally i can make my decision - to upgrade my mini 6 (purchased in April 22) to mini 7. Getting a 125gb would definitely helps, a faster chip and new function deploys, what else could I ask for.

The only concern is the old case I have and I would love to keep using it so it’s great news that they are compatible🎉

[josephmatthews]

I upgraded from the mini 6 to the Mini 7. In my opinion Yes upgrade. I decided to upgrade because of the increase in Memory, the A17 Pro processor, 256 gb and cellular as well as the USBC transfer speed. So I think I am set for a few years. I’ve been running the 18.1 beta and I like the released features of Apple Intelligence. I think the mini7 is the better choice for almost everyone.

[mikeclark]

I happily upgraded my 6. First time I have ever pre ordered an apple device. I wanted the increased storage to 512 as well as the GPS. I foolishly opted to save a few dollars when I bought my 6 and regretted it almost instantly. I use my iPad mini every single day, the apple pencil was a game changer on that size of device. It has completely replaced paper note taking and writing, similar in size to my preferred note book it is the perfect go anywhere device. I also use it extensively for reading as well as research. Every single time I hear someone say jelly scroll I get irritated. Jelly scroll MAY be present but, it IS NOT a factor. If I scroll my M4 Pro Macbook Pro I can't read it either so who really cares if the screen is also a little wavy at the same time ? If you are reading this and trying to decide if you should buy an iPad mini, I say go for it, IF, it is the right device for your needs. Over two years of daily use of my mini 6 there is only one thing that has ever annoyed me and the is the scaling of many web pages, I have yet to find a single thing that I can't do on my ipad. That being said, I am not trying to do things on it that are better suited to an iPad pro.

[JeadilsonBezerra]

Happy with my iPad Mini 6. I bought in march and for my use case is more than enough.
I use to content consumption, taking notes during lectures and paired with the Magic Keyboard it becomes a low profile typing machine.

[habelo]

Looking forward to using the cellular version as a phone/tablet. Still rocking with a 12 mini.

[Toyeboy]

I upgraded from the iPad mini 5 and it's a solid upgrade. The iPad mini 7 feels much better than I thought it would with all the complaining I've been hearing online. Promotion/120hz is so overrated I've had 120hz phones for 4 years and it doesn't bother me at all switching back to 60hz. I'm grateful Apple has at least upgraded this because it's clear it's their neglected stepchild after 3 years. The 8 RAM upgrade is huge, more important than the CPU IMO.

[dwn]

Personally speaking I think its not great the 7 mini doesn't work with the 2nd gen pencil but does work with the USB-C one. They arguably aren't a frequent upgrade device as say a phone or tablet, so I think its slightly out of order they don't support it. Why not? Its still magnetic. Its still functions 95% the same way. Feels like a cynical quest for additional spend at the till.

[mrjeffwithaG]

I pre-ordered and have been using it as my "desk iPad" - specifically during the work week. It enables me to keep a lot of eco-system functionality without having to pick up my phone 100x a day. I paired the USB-C Apple Pencil with it.