Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) review: This compact tablet continues to be nearly unrivaled
Top and again not.
The new Apple iPad mini is certainly the best tablet in its size class, combining everything that a compact tablet should have. The Cupertino-giant has, however, failed to put the finishing touches to the Mini 7, so it doesn't really have that high-end feel.Daniel Schmidt, 👁 Daniel Schmidt, ✓ Vaidyanathan Subramaniam (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 ...
Verdict: Few innovations are enough to retain leadership
Apple has given the iPad mini a fairly minor upgrade after three years. The new fast processor makes the small tablet fit for Apple Intelligence. RAM sizes have also adapted to the times, although the smallest version seems too small to us despite the doubling of memory.
The display could be a little brighter. With the iPad mini, however, there is still a high-quality alternative that works without PWM but still only offers a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
Apple could have at least made the display edges a little narrower, which were already comparatively thick in 2021. The grip would certainly not suffer as a result. Even if there is no Wi-Fi 7 on board, the tablet is at least capable of 6 GHz Wi-Fi. It is a shame that GNSS connectivity is reserved for the 5G model.
With support for the Apple Pencil, the iPad mini is still a great tablet for on the go, which takes up little space and handles all tasks effortlessly. If you are looking for a compact tablet for gaming, the Legion Tab is certainly a better choice, but we would recommend the iPad mini to everyone else.
Another exciting alternative are foldables, which offer a similar amount of space in a different form factor when unfolded.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) is available from all major retailers, including MediaMarkt and Amazon and also directly from Apple.
Potential competitors in comparison
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Drive | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. 86.6%  | Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) Apple A17 Pro ⎘ Apple A17 Pro GPU ⎘ 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: $589.00 List Price: 1149€ | 297 g | Apple 512GB NVMe | 8.30" 2266x1488 327 PPI IPS |
2. 86%  | Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ⎘ Qualcomm Adreno 730 ⎘ 12 GB Memory, 256 GB | Amazon: 1. $13.13 HYUScase Case for Lenovo Leg... 2. $12.99 Bkinew Clear Case for 2023 L... 3. $9.49 elitegadget 2-Pack Screen Pr... List Price: 599€ | 350 g | 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 8.80" 2560x1600 343 PPI IPS |
3. 87.4% v7 (old)  | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G Samsung Exynos 1380 ⎘ ARM Mali-G68 MP5 ⎘ 6 GB Memory, 128 GB UFS 2.0 | Amazon: 1. $464.99 SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Active5 5... 2. $772.65 Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 P... 3. $639.99 SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Active5 5... List Price: 539€ | 433 g | 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash | 8.00" 1920x1200 283 PPI IPS |
4. 84.1% v7 (old)  | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Mediatek Helio G99 ⎘ ARM Mali-G57 MP2 ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 64 GB UFS 2.1 | Amazon: $114.95 List Price: 179€ | 332 g | 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | 8.70" 1340x800 179 PPI LCD TFT |
5. 80% v7 (old)  | Lenovo Tab M8 2024 Mediatek MT8768 ⎘ PowerVR GE8320 ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | Amazon: 1. $81.95 Lenovo Tab M8 Gen 4-2024 - F... 2. $115.00 Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024... 3. $20.99 TSQQST Case for Lenovo Tab M... List Price: 129€ | 320 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 8.00" 1280x800 189 PPI ADS |
6. 90.7% v7 (old)  | Apple iPad Mini 6 Apple A15 Bionic ⎘ Apple A15 GPU 5-Core ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $474.00 Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): A... 2. $453.49 Apple iPad Mini (6th Generat... 3. $299.00 Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip... List Price: 719€ | 297 g | 64 GB SSD | 8.30" 2266x1488 327 PPI IPS |
Table of Contents
- Verdict: Few innovations are enough to retain leadership
- Specifications: Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- Housing: iPad mini relies on an aluminum unibody again
- Features: Faster USB for the iPad mini
- Software: Apple tablet with iPadOS 18.1
- Communication and GNSS: Optional 5G for the iPad mini
- Cameras: Two 12 MP shooters for the iPad mini 7
- Accessories and Warranty: Just a USB-C cable in the box
- Input devices and operation: Pencil Pro support for the iPad mini 2024
- Display: 60 Hz IPS panel without PWM
- Performance: Ready for AI with the Apple A17 Pro
- Games: iPad mini shows minor weaknesses
- Emissions - Powerless speakers
- Battery life - Good runtimes, but no high-flyer
- Notebookcheck overall rating
The Apple iPad mini 7 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor depending on the color you choose. Although three years is a long time in this industry, the small tablet's innovations are limited to a faster processor, more memory, and more modern communication modules.
The entry-level storage version now starts at 128 GB, but it is also a little more expensive at €599 or $499. In addition, 256 GB (from €729 or $599) and 512 GB (from €979 or $799) are also available, with the optional 5G modem costing an additional €170 or $150 for each storage variant.
Our test device is the top-of-the-range model.
Specifications: Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Housing: iPad mini relies on an aluminum unibody again
The Apple iPad mini (2024) has improved only in a few aspects compared to its predecessor from 2021 and has exactly the same dimensions. It once again sports an aluminum unibody, which is available in four colors: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.
The iPad mini feels good in the hand and makes a high-quality impression. The gaps are tight and even, but it creaks a little when you try to twist it. A slight ripple can also be observed when light pressure is applied to the display.
Unfortunately, Apple has not changed anything with regard to the display edges, which are now comparatively thick and give the iPad mini 7 an old-fashioned screen-to-body ratio of 77%. There is no IP certification, nor is there a SIM slot as Apple replaces this with an eSIM.
Features: Faster USB for the iPad mini
The features of the small iPad are very similar to those of the older model. Apart from the possible storage variants, Apple has only a few changes to offer.
One of these is a faster USB port, which now nominally supports up to 10 Gbit/s. In the copy test, it achieved fast transfer rates of 557.3 MB/s.
However, UWB or NFC are not available.
Software: Apple tablet with iPadOS 18.1
In the test, the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) uses the latest iPadOS 18.1.1 and should also have access to Apple Intelligence, which is already available in the USA.
Anyone already familiar with iPadOS will find it easy to use. The small iPad mini is also capable of multitasking but lacks the Stage Manager familiar from the larger models. It may not make much sense in tablet mode, as the display is too small for this. However, things look quite different if the iPad mini is connected to a screen.
Apple does not exactly specify OS update schedules, but experience has shown that it can be expected to last at least five years.
Sustainability: Difficult to repair
The packaging of the iPad mini 2024 is completely plastic-free and consists of 39% recycled materials. Apple claims to have reduced its CO2e footprint by 38 kg compared to its predecessor. However, it must be noted that Apple only provides detailed figures for the two smaller storage variants; our test device with 512 GB can be expected to leave a relatively larger carbon footprint.
Apple does not sell spare parts directly to end customers. According to our friends at iFixit, the iPad mini 7 is also difficult to repair, as a lot of glue is used among other things.
In addition to recycled aluminum, Apple also uses other recycled metals. All the details can be found in the sustainability report of the tablet.
Communication and GNSS: Optional 5G for the iPad mini
All iPad minis are equipped with a Wi-Fi module that supports Wi-Fi 6E and can therefore operate in all three frequency ranges. The latest Wi-Fi 7 standard is still not available.
In combination with our reference router Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, the Apple tablet achieves high and largely stable transfer rates.
If you opt for the cellular version, you also get a cellular modem that has extremely broad frequency band support. Additionally, only the cellular versions are capable of using GNSS networks.
| Networking | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Average of class Tablet | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
The cellular version of the Apple iPad mini also supports satellite positioning. However, Apple does not communicate exactly which GNSS networks are supported. It is probably all global networks, but only in single band.
On a bike ride, we compare the tablet's tracking capabilities with the fitness smartwatch Garmin Venu 2. The iPad's positioning is often off track, but its performance should be sufficient for navigation tasks.
Cameras: Two 12 MP shooters for the iPad mini 7
The arrangement and number of both cameras are identical to the predecessor. However, the main lens on the back is now somewhat bigger with an f/1.8 aperture.
The images are decent but lack dynamic range and quickly reach their limits in low light despite the nominally large aperture. Zooming is exclusively digital and only up to 5x magnification. Nevertheless, the images are only really usable up to a maximum of 2x zoom.
There is an ultra-wide angle camera on the front, which also supports a follow mode and person framing for video calls (1080p@60 fps). The quality is okay for video conferences, but photos show pixelated structures, and the level of detail is not particularly high.
Videos with the main camera can at best be recorded in Ultra HD at 60 fps, but neither HDR nor optical image stabilization are available.
Image comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Main CameraMain Camera5x ZoomLow light
Accessories and Warranty: Just a USB-C cable in the box
The iPad mini 7 only comes with a USB Type-C cable. Here too, Apple is removing the stickers; the iPad mini 6 even came with a power adapter. The adapter is still available to purchase as an option (RRP: from $39). In addition, Apple also offers various cases and styluses.
The warranty in the US is a meagre 12 months, which does not affect the dealer warranty. AppleCare+ is available as an option, which can either be taken for two years ($69) or on a monthly basis ($3.49).
Input devices and operation: Pencil Pro support for the iPad mini 2024
The capacitive touchscreen of the iPad mini 7 responds quickly and precisely to inputs in all areas. It also supports the active stylus Apple Pencil Pro and Pencil (USB-C) with the full range of functions.
For biometric security, Touch ID is integrated into the power button. This is a capacitive fingerprint sensor that worked very reliably in the test. There is no facial recognition.
Apple does not provide its smallest tablet with its own keyboard but instead refers to standard Bluetooth keyboards. Nor does the iPad mini have a vibration motor.
Display: 60 Hz IPS panel without PWM
The 8.3-inch IPS display of the Apple iPad mini 7 is identical to that of its predecessor on the data sheet but has been given an anti-reflective coating. The resolution and refresh rate also remain unchanged, which means that the Apple tablet still only works with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. This is no longer acceptable in any price class in 2024.
The iPad mini 6 also showed clear jelly scrolling, in which areas of the screen move at different speeds during scrolling and the display appears distorted as a result. Although this effect is still present, it has been reduced to a minimum. We did not find it annoying.
In terms of brightness, the iPad mini 7 is on par with its predecessor and always at a consistent level, whether with or without an active ambient light sensor or with HDR content. The black level is decent and gives the tablet crisp contrasts.
Another positive aspect is that Apple's display does not use pulse width modulation (PWM) or temporal dithering.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 525 cd/m²
Contrast: 1221:1 (Black: 0.43 cd/m²)
ΔE ColorChecker Calman: 2 | ∀{0.5-29.43 Ø4.83}
ΔE Greyscale Calman: 3 | ∀{0.09-98 Ø5.1}
99.4% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.2
CCT: 7109 K
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) IPS, 2266x1488, 8.3" | Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC IPS, 2560x1600, 8.8" | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G IPS, 1920x1200, 8" | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 LCD TFT, 1340x800, 8.7" | Lenovo Tab M8 2024 ADS, 1280x800, 8" | Apple iPad Mini 6 IPS, 2266x1488, 8.3" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | -14% | 9% | -53% | -61% | 6% | |
| Brightness middle | 525 | 443 -16% | 776 48% | 486 -7% | 411 -22% | 453 -14% |
| Brightness | 512 | 421 -18% | 762 49% | 462 -10% | 361 -29% | 440 -14% |
| Brightness Distribution | 91 | 77 -15% | 95 4% | 92 1% | 81 -11% | 94 3% |
| Black Level * | 0.43 | 0.6 -40% | 0.6 -40% | 0.35 19% | 0.36 16% | 0.4 7% |
| Contrast | 1221 | 738 -40% | 1293 6% | 1389 14% | 1142 -6% | 1133 -7% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 2 | 2.3 -15% | 2.65 -33% | 6.2 -210% | 3.96 -98% | 1.52 24% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 4.3 | 3.75 13% | 4.47 -4% | 10.4 -142% | 15.68 -265% | 3.28 24% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3 | 2.5 17% | 1.8 40% | 5.7 -90% | 5.2 -73% | 2.3 23% |
| Gamma | 2.2 100% | 2.166 102% | 2.277 97% | 2.12 104% | 2.586 85% | 2.26 97% |
| CCT | 7109 91% | 7086 92% | 6818 95% | 7911 82% | 7369 88% | 6900 94% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected |  | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8320 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
We check the image quality of the panel with Calman Ultimate software from Portrait Displays. There are no serious deviations, but the white balance is a little too cool without the True Tone function activated.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 28.37 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 15.83 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 12.54 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 74 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.5 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 41.64 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 20.93 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 20.71 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 66 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32 ms). | ||
The anti-reflective coating of the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is definitely noticeable outdoors. Although reflections do not disappear completely, readability is still better outdoors.
On very sunny days, however, the low brightness levels mean that you will have to take recourse to a shady spot.
The viewing angle stability of the Apple iPad mini (2024) is good. The brightness drops slightly at flat viewing angles, but we did not notice any color changes. We also did not notice the glow effect or halos typical of many IPS displays.
Performance: Ready for AI with the Apple A17 Pro
The iPad mini 7 is powered by the Apple A17 Pro which we already know from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, among others. The tablet now has 8 GB of RAM.
In the comparison, the iPad mini makes the competition look old. The Lenovo Legion Tab relies on an older high-end SoC like the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 at best, with most others settling on mid-range or entry-level chips.
| Geekbench AI | |
| Quantized Core ML Neural Engine 1.1 | |
| Average of class Tablet (5664 - 21858, n=2, last 2 years) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (n=1) | |
| Half Precision Core ML Neural Engine 1.1 | |
| Average of class Tablet (6921 - 18797, n=2, last 2 years) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (n=1) | |
| Single Precision Core ML Neural Engine 1.1 | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (n=1) | |
| Average of class Tablet (3280 - 4978, n=2, last 2 years) | |
The integrated GPU of the A17 Pro accelerates the graphics workloads of the iPad mini 7. It is also ahead of the competition in this area.
However, the GPU seems to be clocked slightly lower than the one in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, as the benchmark results are consistently lower.
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7: T-Rex Onscreen | 1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
GFXBench 3.0: on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL | 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
GFXBench 3.1: on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
GFXBench: on screen Car Chase Onscreen | 1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | 3840x2160 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Score | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Unlimited Score | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Unlimited Score | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Score | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Onscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Offscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / Manhattan Onscreen OGL | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / 1080p Manhattan Offscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Onscreen | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Offscreen | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| GFXBench / 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
The browser benchmarks are flawless and surfing the web is also subjectively fast and without any significant delays.
| Jetstream 2 - 2.0 Total Score | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (254 - 351, n=3) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 (Safari 15) | |
| Average of class Tablet (19.9 - 393, n=74, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G (Chrome 121) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Chrome 212) | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 (Chrome 121.0.6167.178) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (396 - 505, n=3) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 (Safari 15) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| Average of class Tablet (2.59 - 572, n=64, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G (Chrome 121) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Chrome 212) | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 (Chrome 121.0.6167.178) | |
| Speedometer 3.0 - Score | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (n=1) | |
| Average of class Tablet (1.25 - 34.4, n=48, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| WebXPRT 4 - Overall | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (n=1) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| Average of class Tablet (21 - 315, n=75, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G (Chrome 121) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Chrome 212) | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 (Chrome 121.0.6167.178) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (86270 - 89112, n=3) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 (Safari 15) | |
| Average of class Tablet (763 - 111219, n=101, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G (Chrome 121) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Chrome 212) | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 (Chrome 121.0.6167.178) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 (Chrome 121.0.6167.178) | |
| Average of class Tablet (319 - 34733, n=84, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Chrome 212) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G (Chrome 121) | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC (Chrome 127) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 (Safari 15) | |
| Average Apple A17 Pro (332 - 388, n=3) | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) (Safari Mobile 18.1.1) | |
* ... smaller is better
Games: iPad mini shows minor weaknesses
The iPad mini 7 is perfect for gaming, especially thanks to the form factor, but also due to presence of stereo speakers.
With GameBench we took a closer look at PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. In the highest detail levels, the Apple tablet does have a few frame drops, but these are not so serious as to affect the flow of the game or be noticeable in the form of stuttering.
However, we were somewhat surprised to note that the HD setting of PUBG only runs at a maximum of 40 fps while 60 fps is usually the norm here.
Emissions - Powerless speakers
Temperature
The surface temperatures of the iPad mini 7 are never critical and even under constant load they only scratch the 40 °C mark at certain points.
The tablet succeeds better than the iPhones in keeping the A17 Pro in check, but it also has to accept performance losses in the long term.
It still generates more frames than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Due to its superior cooling, the Legion Tab steals the show from the iPad.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.4 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 33.7 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.1 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 33.2 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.2 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 30 °C / 86 F.
3DMark Steel Nomad Stress Test
| 3DMark | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Solar Bay Stress Test Stability | |
| Steel Nomad Light Stress Test Stability | |
| Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Steel Nomad Light Stress Test Stability | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Lenovo Tab M8 2024 | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Apple iPad Mini 6 | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
Loudspeaker
The two stereo speakers are well positioned but also have enough space in the thick frame to radiate to the front. At medium volume, the sound is balanced and appealing. But when the iPad mini 7's volume is turned up all the way, it sounds hollow and tinny.
Wired headphones or speakers can be connected via USB-C, while Bluetooth is available for wireless connections. However, the latter can only access a few audio codecs.
Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 7.3% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 34% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 60% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 21%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 23% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 72% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 28% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 21%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 17% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 79% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Battery life - Good runtimes, but no high-flyer
Power consumption
As expected, the power consumption of the Apple iPad mini 7 is slightly higher due to the IPS panel, and we also see considerably increased power draws under full load.
The iPad mini is charged via cable with a maximum power of 20 W. With a 30 W power adapter from Apple, the tablet needs 122 minutes for a full charge.
The battery becomes half full after 38 minutes while the 80% mark is reached after 76 minutes.
| Off / Standby |   0.17 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle |  0.95 / 3.76 / 3.79 Watt |
| Load |
6.75 / 15.56 Watt |
    
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) 5078 mAh | Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC 6550 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G 5050 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 5100 mAh | Lenovo Tab M8 2024 5100 mAh | Apple iPad Mini 6 5177 mAh | Average Apple A17 Pro | Average of class Tablet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 42% | 33% | 21% | 60% | 8% | 30% | -27% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.95 | 0.9 5% | 1.2 -26% | 0.7 26% | 0.7 26% | 1.1 -16% | 0.717 ? 25% | 1.979 ? -108% |
| Idle Average * | 3.76 | 1.3 65% | 1.5 60% | 2.94 22% | 1 73% | 2.2 41% | 2.21 ? 41% | 3.76 ? -0% |
| Idle Maximum * | 3.79 | 1.6 58% | 1.8 53% | 3.03 20% | 1.3 66% | 4.2 -11% | 2.29 ? 40% | 4.08 ? -8% |
| Load Average * | 6.75 | 4.6 32% | 3.6 47% | 7.49 -11% | 2.5 63% | 6.7 1% | 5.37 ? 20% | 9.21 ? -36% |
| Load Maximum * | 15.56 | 7.9 49% | 10.6 32% | 8.02 48% | 4.6 70% | 11.4 27% | 12 ? 23% | 12.7 ? 18% |
* ... smaller is better
Leistungsaufnahme: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Leistungsaufnahme: GFXbench (150 cd/m²)
Battery life
The battery life of the Apple iPad mini (2024) is actually good, but a comparison with the competition shows that it could certainly have been longer.
Even its predecessor fared slightly better in our test.
| Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) 5078 mAh | Lenovo Legion Tab TB320FC 6550 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 5G 5050 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 5100 mAh | Lenovo Tab M8 2024 5100 mAh | Apple iPad Mini 6 5177 mAh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 26% | 27% | 31% | 68% | 7% | |
| Reader / Idle | 1710 | 2056 20% | 1926 13% | 1931 13% | 2888 69% | 1802 5% |
| H.264 | 825 | 946 15% | 1114 35% | 1158 40% | 1163 41% | 903 9% |
| WiFi v1.3 | 718 | 942 31% | 867 21% | 857 19% | 1140 59% | 816 14% |
| Load | 180 | 248 38% | 249 38% | 274 52% | 366 103% | 179 -1% |
Notebookcheck overall rating
The Apple iPad mini 7 is the best tablet under 9 inches, and that is hard to argue with. However, this is not due to new innovations or particularly lavish features but rather due to the lack of equivalent offerings from the competition.
Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024)
- 12/10/2024 v8
Daniel Schmidt
Total Sustainability Score: 
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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