Apple's latest iteration of its compact tablet, the iPad mini 7, brings a mix of minor improvements and potential solutions to previous model issues. While the changes may seem subtle at first glance, they address some key concerns raised by users of the iPad mini 6.
Performance Boost with A17 Pro
The iPad mini 7 receives a significant performance upgrade with the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, also found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, benchmark results reveal an interesting twist - the iPad mini 7 appears to be about 4% slower in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to its smartphone counterpart. This slight difference could be attributed to software optimizations, as the iPad mini 7 was tested on iOS 18, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max was running iOS 18.0.1.
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| An example of the enhanced gaming experience on the iPad mini 7, showcasing its improved performance with the A17 Pro chip |
Charging Speeds Remain Unchanged
One area that hasn't seen improvement is charging speed. According to a regulatory filing, the iPad mini 7 is still limited to 20W charging, matching its predecessor. While this may disappoint some users hoping for faster charging capabilities, it does mean that existing chargers remain compatible.
Addressing the Jelly Scrolling Issue
Perhaps the most anticipated fix comes in the form of a potential solution to the jelly scrolling effect that plagued the iPad mini 6. This visual quirk, where one half of the screen refreshes at a different speed than the other, was particularly noticeable when scrolling in portrait mode. While Apple hasn't officially confirmed the fix, industry insiders suggest that changes to the display hardware may have resolved or at least minimized this issue.
Other Notable Updates
- Storage options have been upgraded
- Wi-Fi capabilities have been boosted to Wi-Fi 6E
- The A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini 7 features a 5-core GPU, compared to the 6-core version in the iPhone 15 Pro Max
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| A glimpse of the improved digital art capabilities on the iPad mini 7, highlighting the vibrant display activities available for users |
Pricing and Availability
The iPad mini 7 starts at $499 for the base model. For budget-conscious consumers, the previous generation iPad mini 6 is still available at a discounted price of $379.99 for the Wi-Fi-only model on Amazon, offering a 24% savings.
As the iPad mini 7 makes its way into the hands of early adopters, we'll soon have a clearer picture of how these updates translate to real-world usage. While the changes may be incremental, they address key pain points of the previous model, potentially making the iPad mini 7 a more refined and enjoyable device for users who prefer the compact form factor.