The Apple iPad Mini Tablet Review

Most Affordable Apple Tablet

With prices that start at $499, the iPad Mini is the smallest, lightest and most affordable Apple tablet. This compact 8.3-inch iOS tablet is available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions, and it’s equipped with many of the same features as Apple’s larger, higher-priced tablets, such as the iPad and iPad Pro. The iPad Mini weighs less than 300 grams, has a 12MP high-definition front camera and comes preloaded with popular apps, such as Apple TV and FaceTime. 

Overview of the Apple iPad Mini Tablet

Headquartered in California, Apple produces a wide range of desktop and laptop computers, touchscreen tablet computers and smartphones. All Apple devices run on Apple’s proprietary operating system, known as iOS. Introduced in 2021, the iPad Mini is the smallest and most affordable tablet sold by Apple. 

How Much Does an Apple iPad Mini Tablet Cost?

The Apple iPad Mini costs between about $500 and $800, depending on the configuration. The 64GB Wi-Fi model retails for $499, while the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 256GB Wi-Fi model is $649. Consumers can expect to pay about $649 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Mini, and the 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version is the highest-priced iPad Mini at $799. Free engraving is included with the purchase price when ordered directly through Apple, either online or at an Apple store.

Consumers may find the iPad Mini priced below the MSRP through authorized resellers. Some mobile service providers also offer deals on iPad Minis when purchased with a data plan. 

Full Review of the Apple iPad Mini Tablet’s Features

As with all iPads, the iPad Mini is a high-quality tablet that’s designed to work seamlessly with all Apple apps and services. This compact iOS tablet comes in either a Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular version, and consumers can choose between 64GB and 256GB of built-in memory. All models are equipped with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, a high-definition front-facing camera and support for dozens of languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew and Vietnamese. 

Overview of the Apple iPad Mini Features

Connectivity

All iPad Mini models can connect to any Wi-Fi signal, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Mini’s can connect to 5G mobile networks when paired with a compatible mobile data plan. Bluetooth 5.0 is standard, making it possible to sync the tablet with a range of Bluetooth speakers, headphones and wireless keyboards. 

This small Apple tablet supports one compatible external display connected through a USB-C cable. Those with a second-generation or later Apple TV streaming device can also mirror photos and videos wirelessly from their iPad Mini to a TV or monitor. 

Users can navigate the iPad Mini touchscreen with a finger or fingers, as well as the second-generation Apple Pencil, a wireless battery-powered accessory that charges via a magnetic strip on the side of the tablet. 

Cameras

As is typical on most tablets, the iPad Mini has two cameras — one that’s front-facing and one that’s rear-facing. 

The 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera has a 122-degree field of view and is optimized for use with Apple’s video chat app, FaceTime. The rear 12MP camera has 5x digital zoom and an LED flash, and it supports 4K video recording. 

Communication and Sensors

Seniors who want to use an iPad Mini to stay in touch with family and friends can enjoy clear audio communication, thanks to the stereo speakers and dual microphones. 

This small Apple tablet has a three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer for enhanced gaming, an ambient light sensor that automatically optimizes the screen lighting and a digital compass with iBeacon micro-location tracking. Wi-Fi + Cellular models of the iPad Mini also come with a built-in GPS. 

Accessibility

Many of the features on the iPad Mini can be controlled through Siri, Apple’s voice-activated virtual assistant. With Siri, seniors can launch apps, navigate websites and make audio or video calls, all without touching the device. 

Other built-in accessibility features include support for closed captioning on video content, a zoom and magnifier function, enlarged text and voice dictation.

Optional Accessories

Several Apple-branded iPad Mini accessories are available directly through Apple, such as AirPods, which are lightweight, wireless earbuds. The iPad Mini can be synced with multiple AirTags that are designed to help users locate small items, such as keys, remote controls and handbags. 

Many iPad Mini owners opt to protect their tablet with a case or cover, and all Apple tablets can be paired with a compatible wireless keyboard to create a lightweight computing system that’s similar to a laptop computer. 

Who Should Consider the Apple iPad Mini Tablet? 

Seniors Who Want a Compact Apple/iOS Tablet

The Apple iPad Mini is the smallest tablet sold by Apple, making it perfect for seniors who want a compact iOS tablet. At just 0.65 pounds, the iPad Mini weighs about half what the iPad Air does while sharing many of the same features with Apple’s larger tablets, including the 12MP front camera and optional 5G mobile connectivity. 

Seniors Who Own Other Apple Devices

Seniors who already own an iPhone, iMac or Apple Watch will likely find that an iPad Mini looks and feels much like their current smartphone, computer or smartwatch. This is because all Apple products run on Apple’s own operating systems, collectively known as iOS. Seniors can quickly set up their apps and contacts on their iPad Mini using their existing Apple ID. 

Seniors Who Need a Tablet That Connects to Mobile Data Networks 

Seniors who don’t have Wi-Fi in their homes will need a tablet that can be connected to a mobile data plan. The iPad Mini Wi-Fi + Cellular models are compatible with all nationwide cellular carriers, including carriers that offer the latest 5G service. 

What Are People Saying About the Apple iPad Mini Tablet? 

The iPad Mini consistently earns rave reviews among tech experts and consumers, especially those who are fans of Apple products. 

On one well-known e-commerce platform, the Apple iPad Mini tablet had a 5/5 star rating, averaged across over 200 reviews. A verified purchaser said they liked the compact size of this tablet, which made it easy to carry in their handbag. Multiple reviewers mentioned the clarity of the display and the high quality of the photos taken with their iPad Mini.

The most common complaint about this tablet was the price. Several reviewers said that while they loved the look, feel and function of the iPad Mini, it was tough to justify the high cost when compared to other similarly sized tablets. A few reviewers also mentioned that they wish the iPad Mini supported wireless charging, a feature that’s becoming common on many smartphones and tablets. 

Frequently Asked Questions