The iPad Mini 7 hit the market in late 2024, and after five months of real-world use, it’s time to break down why this little tablet might be worth your money—or why it might not. As a tech enthusiast with hands-on experience, I’ve tested this device thoroughly to give you a clear, honest picture. Whether you’re a casual user, a student, or a creative looking for a portable powerhouse, this blog dives into the top 10 reasons to buy the iPad Mini 7, based on long-term insights, while also highlighting its downsides.

Why the iPad Mini 7 Stands Out

Apple’s smallest tablet has always had a special place in the lineup, offering a unique blend of portability and power. The iPad Mini 7, with its A17 Pro chip and sleek 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, promises a lot—but does it deliver? After months of use, I’ve found it’s a mixed bag. It’s not perfect, but it shines in ways other tablets can’t. Below are the top 10 reasons it might be the right pick for you, followed by some cons to keep in mind.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the iPad Mini 7

1. Unmatched Portability

The iPad Mini 7 is tiny—small enough to fit in a coat pocket or a small bag. At just 293 grams and 8.3 inches, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go device. Unlike bulkier iPads like the Pro or Air, it doesn’t weigh you down. I’ve used it for quick note-taking during video shoots or reading on the go, and its size makes it a joy to carry everywhere.

2. Powerful A17 Pro Chip

Don’t let the size fool you—this thing is fast. The A17 Pro chip (the same one in the iPhone 15 Pro) handles everything from gaming to multitasking with ease. After five months, I’ve run apps like Procreate and played games like Balatro without a hitch. It’s not sluggish, even if the display doesn’t always show off its speed (more on that later).

3. Perfect for Media Consumption

Watching YouTube or Netflix on the 8.3-inch screen feels just right—not too small like a phone, not too big like an iPad Pro. The stereo speakers pack a punch for such a compact device, making it great for movies or podcasts. I’ve used it as my bedtime video player, and it’s hard to go back to a phone screen after this.

4. Apple Pencil Pro Support

If you’re into drawing or note-taking, the iPad Mini 7 pairs beautifully with the Apple Pencil Pro. The haptic feedback and squeeze feature make it addictive to use, especially with a Paperlike screen protector (a sponsor I genuinely recommend—it mimics paper perfectly). It’s become my go-to for jotting down video ideas.

5. No Real Competition

Here’s the kicker: there’s nothing quite like it. Sure, there are Android tablets around this size, but can you name one? I can’t, even after holding one recently. The iPad Mini 7 is in a league of its own, blending Apple’s ecosystem with a unique form factor. If you want a small, premium tablet, this is it.

6. Great Battery Life

After months of use, the battery still holds up. Apple claims 10 hours, and I’ve gotten close to that with mixed use—browsing, streaming, and sketching. It’s not as power-hungry as bigger iPads, and standby time is impressive. I’ve left it in a drawer for weeks and still had juice when I picked it up.

7. Affordable Starting Price

At $499 for 128GB, it’s a solid deal compared to the iPad Air or Pro. You’re getting double the base storage of the Mini 6, plus a modern chip ready for years of updates. For the price, it’s hard to beat if you’re after a small tablet with big potential.

8. Future-Proof with Apple Intelligence (Sort Of)

Apple’s pushing Apple Intelligence hard, and the Mini 7 is built for it. Right now, features like photo editing and text summarization are basic, but the promise of a smarter Siri looms large. It’s not fully there yet (a con I’ll cover), but the A17 Pro and 8GB of RAM mean it’s ready for whatever Apple rolls out next.

9. Versatile Use Cases

From reading comics to controlling smart home devices, this tablet adapts to your needs. I’ve used it as a teleprompter for videos, a recipe viewer in the kitchen, and a travel companion. Its size makes it more practical than larger iPads for quick, everyday tasks.

10. Apple Ecosystem Integration

If you’re already in Apple’s world—iPhone, MacBook, AirPods—the Mini 7 fits right in. Features like Handoff, iCloud, and AirDrop work seamlessly. I’ve moved notes from my iPhone to the Mini in seconds, and it’s a small but satisfying perk that Android tablets can’t match.

The Cons: What Holds the iPad Mini 7 Back

No device is flawless, and after five months, two big issues stand out—plus a few smaller gripes. Here’s what you need to know before buying.

1. 60Hz Display Feels Dated

The biggest letdown is the lack of ProMotion (Apple’s term for a 120Hz refresh rate). Most modern devices—iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro, even budget Android phones—have smoother screens. The Mini 7’s 60Hz feels choppy if you’re used to higher refresh rates, especially when scrolling or gaming. It’s not slow, but it feels slower, and that’s a bummer for a 2024 device.

2. Apple Intelligence Isn’t Ready

Apple hyped this as a key feature, but it’s half-baked. Current tools like Image Playground and notification summaries are underwhelming, and the promised “personalized Siri” (e.g., finding your mom’s flight details) isn’t here yet. After months of waiting, it’s clear Apple oversold this, and it’s not a reason to buy—yet.

3. No Magic Keyboard Option

Unlike the Air or Pro, there’s no official Magic Keyboard for the Mini 7. For productivity, you’re stuck with third-party Bluetooth options or the on-screen keyboard. It’s a missed opportunity—imagine a tiny keyboard case to match this tiny tablet.

4. Underused Potential

Here’s the personal kicker: after the honeymoon phase, I left it in a drawer for weeks. It’s great when I use it, but it’s not essential like a phone or laptop. If you don’t have a clear purpose (e.g., drawing, travel), it might gather dust too.

Who Should Buy the iPad Mini 7?

This tablet isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for:

• Travelers who want a lightweight entertainment device.
• Creatives need a portable sketchpad with Apple Pencil support.
• Casual Users looking for a step up from a phone without the bulk of a big tablet.
• Apple Fans who value ecosystem perks and don’t mind the cons.

If you’re upgrading from an older Mini (like the 5) or want a small, powerful device, it’s a no-brainer. But if you already have a Mini 6 or crave a Pro-level experience, you might want to wait for the next one.

Final Verdict: Worth It With Caveats

The iPad Mini 7 is Apple’s best small tablet—and honestly, the best small tablet period—thanks to its size, power, and versatility. After five months, I still recommend it, but you have to accept its flaws: a dated 60Hz display and an overhyped Apple Intelligence that’s not fully here. If those don’t bother you, it’s a fantastic buy. The next version needs a 120Hz screen and a finished AI suite, but for now, this is as good as it gets in this category.

Author Section

About the Author: Alex Harper
Alex Harper (Mark Ellis Reviews) is a tech reviewer with over 10 years of experience testing gadgets, specializing in tablets and Apple devices