Hey everyone,
Larger iPad models have increasingly tried to become laptop replacements, which has pushed them into an awkward middle ground - not quite laptops, not quite tablets. But the iPad Mini? It keeps the original dream of the iPad alive.
Its truly portable, portrait-first form factor channels the very essence of what a tablet should be. The only real alternative if you're looking for a tablet around this size profile is the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 but admittedly that is very much geared towards gaming. Within the Apple world, the iPad Mini can do a lot of what the larger iPads can, but its proportions compel you to use it for what it’s best at.
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What Could It Replace?
While the iPad Mini can't replace your laptop (and doesn't try to), it has completely replaced two devices for me:
My Kindle - The roughly 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for reading books. You can use Apple Books or the Kindle app, both offering brilliant features that make reading enjoyable. The display options are plentiful, from different font styles and sizes to different page colors. iOS features like Night Shift and True Tone help reduce blue light exposure before bed.
My Gaming Handheld - iOS gives you access to loads of different gaming systems. You can even use emulators or game streaming services. Connecting a Bluetooth controller like the GameSir G8 Plus transforms it into a compact gaming powerhouse. I often use it to connect to my PlayStation 5 for remote play.
Five Highlights of the iPad Mini 7
Perfect Portability: It's small enough to hold in one hand, making it ideal for reading, note-taking, and casual gaming. I can tuck it into small spaces, balance it on the treadmill, or carry it without thinking twice.
Surprisingly Versatile - Despite its size, it excels at streaming media, gaming, reading, note-taking, and casual productivity. It hits the sweet spot between a phone's screen and the unwieldy larger iPads.
Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility - The hover feature and pinch gesture have proven more useful than I expected. Being able to hold the iPad in one hand while writing with the other makes it a perfect note-taking device.
Increased Base Storage - Starting at 128GB means you don't immediately run out of space when downloading a few games, movies, or productivity apps.
Discreet Usage - Unlike the larger iPad Pro that draws attention on trains or in cafes, the Mini lets you work, play, or read without everyone peering over to see what you're doing.
Five Potential Downsides
No ProMotion Display - Stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate instead of the 120Hz on Pro models. Most noticeable when using the Apple Pencil or scrolling quickly through content.
Jelly Scroll Effect - Some users might notice a slight wobble when scrolling in portrait mode, though I rarely notice it in daily use.
Speaker Limitations - While the stereo speakers sound crisp, they lack the bass and volume of larger iPad models.
No Official Keyboard Case - Apple doesn't make a Magic Keyboard for the Mini, limiting your options if you want to use it for serious typing.
Half-Baked Apple Intelligence - Let's face it - the iPad Mini 7 exists primarily to meet the minimum specs for Apple Intelligence, which still feels underdeveloped and sometimes even makes Siri worse.
The Final Verdict
The iPad Mini represents what a tablet should be - portable, intuitive, and versatile without trying to be something it's not. I've found myself reaching for it constantly around the house and taking it everywhere I go.
For me, it's become the perfect companion device. I even ended up selling my M1 iPad Pro because the Mini better suits how I actually use tablets in real life. There's something liberating about a device that knows exactly what it is and executes on that vision wonderfully.
Is it perfect? No. Could it benefit from an OLED screen or ProMotion? Sure. But do those features matter enough to compromise its affordability and portability? For me, absolutely not.
If you're considering an iPad Mini, think about how it fits your lifestyle rather than just comparing spec sheets. Sometimes the "lesser" device on paper becomes the perfect device in practice.