Official manufacturer render.
Apple
iPad mini A17 Pro
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Apple A17 Pro · 6-core CPU
- 293 g
- 10 h · Video playback
- From $499
Available colors
Selected: Blue
Physical specifications
8.3"
Display size
293 g
Weight
195.4 mm
Height
134.8 mm
Width
6.3 mm
Thickness
—
Aspect ratio
Release and pricing
- Announced
- October 15, 2024
- Released
- October 23, 2024
- Starting price
- $499
- Market
- US
- Configuration
- 128 GB Wi‑Fi
Display
- Display size
- 8.3"
- Display technology
- Liquid Retina IPS
- Resolution
- 2266 × 1488
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Peak brightness
- 500 nits
- Protection
- Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Performance
- Chipset
- Apple A17 Pro
- CPU
- 6-core CPU
- GPU
- 5-core GPU
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Expandable storage
- No
Battery & charging
- Video playback (Manufacturer claim)
- 10 h
- Battery type
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer
Cameras
- Rear cameras
- Wide · 12 MP · ƒ/1.8
- Front cameras
- Landscape · 12 MP · ƒ/2.4
- Video recording
- 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps
Build & durability
- Frame
- Aluminum
- Back
- Aluminum
- Ingress protection
- None published
Connectivity
- Cellular
- Wi‑Fi, Wi‑Fi + Cellular (5G)
- Wi‑Fi
- Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB
- USB-C
- NFC
- No
- eSIM
- Yes
Sizometry Analysis
Overall Score
8.0
out of 10
A superb compact reading and notes companion with A17 Pro headroom and Apple Pencil Pro support, held back in buyer sentiment by its 60 Hz display, thick bezels, and the mismatch when buyers expect Pro-level laptop replacement.
Category scores
Camera
6.5
12 MP rear and 12 MP landscape front cameras cover video calls and document scanning. This is a utility setup, not a photography-focused tablet.
Battery and charging
8.0
Apple rates 10 hours of video playback. USB-C charging and modest standby drain fit intermittent portable use.
Performance
8.5
Apple A17 Pro with 8 GB RAM keeps everyday apps, notes, and Apple Pencil work snappy. It is strong for this size class, but it is not M-series iPad Air or Pro performance.
Handling and portability
8.0
At 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm and 293 g, one-handed reading and small-bag carry are the main advantages. Sustained landscape use typically needs two hands or a surface.
Build quality
7.5
Aluminum construction, Touch ID on the top button, and Apple Pencil Pro support. Relatively thick bezels look dated next to iPad Pro but help palm rejection while reading.
Value
7.5
The price is for compact size and portability — a 293 g reading and notes companion — not a large canvas, ProMotion, or laptop replacement.
Strengths
- Unmatched compact iPad for reading and travel
- A17 Pro performance with Apple Pencil Pro support
- Light weight ideal for couch and bedside use
- Jelly scroll largely improved over prior generation
Weaknesses
- 60 Hz display and thick bezels feel dated
- Not viable as a laptop replacement for most buyers
- Small screen limits multitasking and creative scale
- Touch ID friction when wet
Best for
- Readers and annotators who want maximum portability
- Secondary-tablet buyers alongside a phone or laptop
- Travelers needing a small bag-friendly iPad
- Apple Pencil Pro users who do not need a large canvas
Less suitable for
- Laptop-replacement shoppers
- Display enthusiasts expecting ProMotion
- Professionals needing large-screen creative workflows
- Buyers who require Face ID and minimal bezels
Upgrade recommendation
Current device: Prior iPad mini generation
Recommendation: Strongly recommendedNotes: A17 Pro speed, Pencil Pro, USB-C, and improved scrolling address the clearest pain points of the older mini.
Current device: iPad 10th gen or iPad A16 seeking smaller size
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Worth it only if portability matters more than split-screen workspace on a 10.9-inch panel.
Current device: iPad Air or iPad Pro owners
Recommendation: Probably unnecessaryNotes: Downsizes canvas and keyboard workflows unless large-iPad carry fatigue is the overriding problem.
Current device: First tablet alongside a MacBook
Recommendation: Worth consideringNotes: Strong companion device when expectations stay reading, notes, and media rather than laptop mimicry.
Current device: Android compact tablet users
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Compelling for Apple ecosystem readers; less decisive if existing apps and files are platform-agnostic.
Everyday usability
Estimated from device dimensions and weight.
Handling
Two-handed preferredTwo-handed use is generally the more natural way to hold this device.
Bag portability
LimitedNot intended for pocket carry; plan on a bag, sleeve, or hand carry.
Carry comfort
LightFeels light to carry relative to typical devices in its class.
Reading and media
Comfortable for reading and travel media without a large tablet footprint.
Gaming
SuitableIts hardware should handle most modern games, though demanding titles may benefit from adjusted settings.
Bottom line
The iPad mini earns its strongest praise as the iPad people actually carry — a 293 g reading and Pencil companion that fits life between phone and laptop. A17 Pro power and Apple Pencil Pro support make it feel current on the inside even as thick bezels and a 60 Hz panel remind buyers this is not a miniature iPad Pro. Satisfaction tracks expectations with unusual clarity: companion-device owners report lasting enthusiasm, while laptop-replacement hopefuls frequently regret the 8.3-inch ceiling. Upgraders from the prior mini gain the clearest benefits; shoppers should test scroll feel against ProMotion hardware before committing.
Models and configurations
- Storage
- 128 GB256 GB512 GB
- Connectivity
- Wi‑FiWi‑Fi + Cellular (5G)
- Colors
- BluePurpleStarlightSpace Gray
- RAM
- 8 GB
- SIM configuration
- eSIM
Compare this device at its real-world size.
Use the Sizometry Tool to compare dimensions, thickness, and weight with other devices.
Open Tool →
