Just upgraded from the 2019 5th Gen. It’s the size that works for me - anything bigger would spend its life in a drawer - and really complements my iPhone 13 Mini. Thanks for the content.
I’ve just “upgraded” my prior 256GB iPad Mini with the 512GB model - yes WiFi + Cellular on both - so I could give my prior, purple iPad Mini to my fiancé - who is delighted with it! I’ll be doing almost everything with it but I doo have one BIG complaint and that is I can’t make WhatsApp Web work on it consistently using Safari, Firefox or Chrome. Yes, I know and have tried to “trick” of requesting the Desktop Access but it just doesn’t work. Help!
Hey Paul - hows your week going? All I can tell you is, I thought I had the iPad Pro so why would I need the mini...buy one Paul - I promise you won't regret it!
I will be picking up an iPad mini 7 this Friday to replace my iPad mini 5. I’m an artist who’s main content creation device is an Ipad Pro, but when i really wanna travel light, I always grab my iPad mini. It’s the perfect size digital sketchbook when on the go. Yeah, i wish the mini 7 got an OLED screen with 1,000 nits of brightness, thinner bezels & face ID… but the mini 7 will serve me well for the next 3 years until the mini 8 comes out in 2027 with some of those updates.
I love using the iPad Pro - but damn it's a heavy old boy, isn't it! Technically it's portable, but if you spend all day in town carrying it in a backpack, you know all about it! That is where the mini comes in - it's the perfect form factor for working on the fly
I have my M4 iPad Pro 13 and the iPad Mini A17 Pro and I agree with you David - the mini is great. I took forever to to decide to get one (the mini) having had iPads and then iPad Pros over the years, but it’s the one that I grab the most. I did have the old iPad Mini 1 and 2, but it’s been a while since I have owned one in that size. It’s great for triaging emails, using it for Teams and FaceTime calls, and doing real “day-to-day” tasks. Sure it’s not got the screen of the Pro, but it doesn’t need to have it. Similarly, the 60Hz display is fine - I only ever notice the refresh rate when I focus on the it, not on the content. Much like I’d have liked an iPhone Mini Pro, I like the idea of an iPad Mini Pro but there’s zero chance of it in my opinion - between battery life and a lack of a market, I can’t see it happening…
I think the same, the 60Hz is fine for this device and the intended audience. Similarly, I don't think there ever will be a Mini Pro device based on the number of sold units. It's a great, portable device that is really worth to use.
Hi Matt - yup, the iPad Pro is a beast at what it does, but it's not for everyday use. I love it, but reach for the 7th Gen mini more often. I'm so glad I bought it! I'm loving it!
@@DavidLewisTech Glad you’ve picked it up - I need to consider if I’m going to get myself a Mac Mini so thank you for your videos on it… doing a lot of work with AI, the idea of an offline LLM with a low power draw that I can use for automation and a few other things is a tempting plan for a Christmas present to myself…!
Hi David. Great video as always! In the end I think I will grab one. I love my 11" iPP with MGK but there's just no better couch or bed computer than the iPad mini😊. I think that adding a Folio case is a smart idea as it extends the basic use of such a lovely device. However, I must admit I've never enjoyed the default GUI scaling on that thing because to my eyes everything seems quite small. Certain elements are smaller than ones on the iPhone mini for example. I realize that accessability features can somewhat improve the size of text and elements but still ... it feels off to me or at least an inconsistent experience on an otherwise refined platform.
Hi there - I was the same as you - I had the iPad Pro, so saw no need to get the mini. But once you start to use it, the mini is so damned addictive! Try it - I promise you'll be hooked!
Sold my ipad m4 due to it has LOW PWM with makes me fatigue after using it i find my self low on energy found that it the culprit…ended buying the ipad mini 7 OMG i love it so much luckily they didn’t use the same display that has low PWM
You made me ask ChatGPT what is PWM haha…didn’t know it’s even a thing. I’m using my iPad Pro m4 since it released and thanks God I didn’t experience any side effects of the low PWM. Do you know what’s the reason Apple went that route?
@@DavidLewisTech I’ll get mini only when it gets the pro motion display and some thinner bezels, until then i’m fine with my iphone and ipad pro m4 13”
Nice summary of a really sweet device! Since I have a mini 7 already most of what you covered wasn't news to me but your section on the USB-C port reminded me of the fact that I can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to hardwire a connection between my mini 7 and a TV or HDMI-enabled monitor. Thanks! BTW, have you had any luck connecting your mini 7 to a monitor like the Studio Display. Reading the tech specs, it seems to me that this is not possible but I wonder if you've tried it and if it worked or if there are workarounds.
Hey - great to hear from you again... So, regarding the display...I was going to try hooking it up to another display via an HDMI > USBC cable, but I lent it to someone over the weekend. But - just for you...I have just tried to connecting it the Studio Display and it works fine. The aspect ratio is a bit off, but it works perfectly.
Nearly perfect... except the dim screen, low refresh rate and thick bezels. Those are big items to me but still a pretty short list of shortcomings. Good device.
Been looking forward to this to see your thoughts! Another great video. I almost feel like a new mini would better suit me day to day over the pro. Hard choice...
Hey Conal - how are you doing? If you tend to use the mini more than your Pro, then I'd say it's worth it. There are enough small, meaningful changes to make it worth your while
@ I'm good thanks. You? Hmm yeah. I'd say use would be pretty much be split. Though I've not had a mini to reach for before. I've always thought of them as too small. After watching this though I feel it could be more useful than previously imagined
Conal - can you imagine me? I was sitting there thinking I've never owned an iPad before and now I have the iPad Pro...what more could I want? Well, I was wrong! If you enjoy using an iPad Pro the mini is just a natural lead-on. I'm hooked!
The iPad Airs don't have 120hz screens, nor do they have Face ID either. Yet somehow, both are supposed to be a given on the iPad Mini, which other than an A-series CPU, has more in common with the iPad Air than the iPhone.
I have ipad air, and I'm fine with what it is. The only downside is the storage - I store lots of videos, and 256 turned out not to be too much. I think bigger storage models are ridiculously expensive. I need not oled, I have oled tv with 120 hz and I can say I need not it on ipad, it's for other purposes. But I guess people have different perception, so some adn more perceptible to higher refresh rate and oled
Hey - good luck with that! I bought a 13-inch iPad Pro this year which cost silly money and only had very 'meh' cameras on it! Great to hear from you - thanks 🙏🏼
The 64GB storage shouldn’t have been there to begin with, Apple makes a lot of money with their SSD upgrade costs. They know people will buy ut anyway so.
@ Yes, but they’re still giving us old technology 500 knits? That’s an iPad mini 5 maximum brightness and also not too far off from the mini 4th generation 450 knits brightness. 🔆 LCD display technology from the early 2000’s and we are about to move into whole new year soon.
the only time I truly notice the brightness is sunlight - indoors it's not a big problem and sometimes I even have to reduce the brightness on the iPad Pro...
Do you think that cellular model is a necessary extra expense or would you just use your mobile as a hotspot and tether the iPad mini to your other device?
Im so over the BS about apple Samsung Fan-Ppl talking crap about apple, when they doubled the storage gave us more Ram at the SAME price. All while Samsung cheaped out NOT using a snapdragon chip with their tablets, not to mention raising the prices on ever single phone in their range while doing absolutely NOTHING not even changing the damn cameras after 3 years. So yeah i think the ipad mini is a damn good device for the price. Bravo Apple!!!!!
I've not used the Samsung tablets - and to be honest, I have no desire to. I have the mini which is great to use and highly addictive and the Pro for when I wanna get some serious work done. Yup, I'm happy to have both feet in the Apple garden! Great to hear from you. Thanks ✌🏼
Yes. A lot needed to change. Imagine if Samsung released this. People wouldn't buy it. The only thing it has going for it is the size. Now imagine if they shrunk the bezels but increased the screen size.
to sum up what you said is not something I would call 'nearly perfect'. that's way behind competition at a hefty price. Subprime tech for a prime price.
It depends on if you're into apple products or not. I won't switch to other OS, as I know what to expect from apple products This device is relatively affordable, and for me personally it seems fine for what it is. It could be better, but it could cost 700-800$, and would be not as competitive
Rear camera is a great thing for iPads, it’s how you scan documents, tax files , receipts ect to store, email to others ect. iPads are a great way to scan all your work purchases and store it all quickly on you iPad, then just forward that to your tax account at the end of the financial year.
@@Everyday-man well I don’t need it. So since I am the 1 percent who do not need something that makes me the majority so I should get what I want or you are a …
@ if you don’t need it, don’t use the camera, I don’t get what point you’re trying to make. Why would they remove a feature completely because a few people don’t use it. It’s the devices way of document scanning, its not intended as a General camera like a phone. I recommend trying it out, you can use it to store all your tax, receipts, reports, e- signatures ect.
If you are about to pick yourself up an iPad mini 7 this Black Friday, what will you be using it for the most?
Podcasts.
Just upgraded from the 2019 5th Gen. It’s the size that works for me - anything bigger would spend its life in a drawer - and really complements my iPhone 13 Mini.
Thanks for the content.
Cool - a perfect tablet for that! I hope you listen to mine (Minus Sixteen!)🤓
Yeah, I reach for mine all the time...reading The Verge, MacRumors, Apple News, Apple TV....it's perfect! Thanks for watching and commenting ✌🏼
I’ve just “upgraded” my prior 256GB iPad Mini with the 512GB model - yes WiFi + Cellular on both - so I could give my prior, purple iPad Mini to my fiancé - who is delighted with it! I’ll be doing almost everything with it but I doo have one BIG complaint and that is I can’t make WhatsApp Web work on it consistently using Safari, Firefox or Chrome. Yes, I know and have tried to “trick” of requesting the Desktop Access but it just doesn’t work. Help!
Great video as always. I agree with all your points, spot on. I’m tempted!
Hey Paul - hows your week going? All I can tell you is, I thought I had the iPad Pro so why would I need the mini...buy one Paul - I promise you won't regret it!
I purchased the Mini 6 as soon as it released and the battery was starting to show its age so I traded it in for the 7. Very happy with it.
I will be picking up an iPad mini 7 this Friday to replace my iPad mini 5. I’m an artist who’s main content creation device is an Ipad Pro, but when i really wanna travel light, I always grab my iPad mini. It’s the perfect size digital sketchbook when on the go. Yeah, i wish the mini 7 got an OLED screen with 1,000 nits of brightness, thinner bezels & face ID… but the mini 7 will serve me well for the next 3 years until the mini 8 comes out in 2027 with some of those updates.
I love using the iPad Pro - but damn it's a heavy old boy, isn't it! Technically it's portable, but if you spend all day in town carrying it in a backpack, you know all about it! That is where the mini comes in - it's the perfect form factor for working on the fly
@@DavidLewisTech agreed but why not just buy an android foldable that can be a phone and a 8 inch tablet?
I have nothing against Android at all, I enjoyed using the Pixel 8 Pro, but my entire workflow resolves around iOS and the Apple ecosystem
Great review! Engaging, balanced and concise :)
Thank you Steve - I really appreciate that
This iPad mini 7 is all the iOS I need. It’s awesome! 😎
I think the mini is about as close to the iPad that Jobs envisioned that we have ever seen
@ I believe it does have those Steve Jobs vibes.
agreed
I have my M4 iPad Pro 13 and the iPad Mini A17 Pro and I agree with you David - the mini is great.
I took forever to to decide to get one (the mini) having had iPads and then iPad Pros over the years, but it’s the one that I grab the most. I did have the old iPad Mini 1 and 2, but it’s been a while since I have owned one in that size.
It’s great for triaging emails, using it for Teams and FaceTime calls, and doing real “day-to-day” tasks.
Sure it’s not got the screen of the Pro, but it doesn’t need to have it. Similarly, the 60Hz display is fine - I only ever notice the refresh rate when I focus on the it, not on the content.
Much like I’d have liked an iPhone Mini Pro, I like the idea of an iPad Mini Pro but there’s zero chance of it in my opinion - between battery life and a lack of a market, I can’t see it happening…
I think the same, the 60Hz is fine for this device and the intended audience.
Similarly, I don't think there ever will be a Mini Pro device based on the number of sold units.
It's a great, portable device that is really worth to use.
Hi Matt - yup, the iPad Pro is a beast at what it does, but it's not for everyday use. I love it, but reach for the 7th Gen mini more often. I'm so glad I bought it! I'm loving it!
Yeah - the screen/display works for me too. The 60Hz isn't a huge issue, but I do wish it was brighter - apart from that I adore using it!
@@DavidLewisTech Glad you’ve picked it up - I need to consider if I’m going to get myself a Mac Mini so thank you for your videos on it… doing a lot of work with AI, the idea of an offline LLM with a low power draw that I can use for automation and a few other things is a tempting plan for a Christmas present to myself…!
Another great video, DL.
Thank you as ever for watching and taking the time to comment - it's always appreciated 🙏🏼
Hi David. Great video as always! In the end I think I will grab one. I love my 11" iPP with MGK but there's just no better couch or bed computer than the iPad mini😊. I think that adding a Folio case is a smart idea as it extends the basic use of such a lovely device. However, I must admit I've never enjoyed the default GUI scaling on that thing because to my eyes everything seems quite small. Certain elements are smaller than ones on the iPhone mini for example. I realize that accessability features can somewhat improve the size of text and elements but still ... it feels off to me or at least an inconsistent experience on an otherwise refined platform.
Hi there - I was the same as you - I had the iPad Pro, so saw no need to get the mini. But once you start to use it, the mini is so damned addictive! Try it - I promise you'll be hooked!
Sold my ipad m4 due to it has LOW PWM with makes me fatigue after using it i find my self low on energy found that it the culprit…ended buying the ipad mini 7 OMG i love it so much luckily they didn’t use the same display that has low PWM
You made me ask ChatGPT what is PWM haha…didn’t know it’s even a thing. I’m using my iPad Pro m4 since it released and thanks God I didn’t experience any side effects of the low PWM. Do you know what’s the reason Apple went that route?
Yeah, the Pro is sometimes too much and overpowering. I mean it's great at what it does, but the mini - damn, it's LUSH!
Me too 🤓
@@DavidLewisTech I’ll get mini only when it gets the pro motion display and some thinner bezels, until then i’m fine with my iphone and ipad pro m4 13”
The Pro is a beautiful tablet for sure!
Nice summary of a really sweet device! Since I have a mini 7 already most of what you covered wasn't news to me but your section on the USB-C port reminded me of the fact that I can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to hardwire a connection between my mini 7 and a TV or HDMI-enabled monitor. Thanks! BTW, have you had any luck connecting your mini 7 to a monitor like the Studio Display. Reading the tech specs, it seems to me that this is not possible but I wonder if you've tried it and if it worked or if there are workarounds.
Hey - great to hear from you again...
So, regarding the display...I was going to try hooking it up to another display via an HDMI > USBC cable, but I lent it to someone over the weekend.
But - just for you...I have just tried to connecting it the Studio Display and it works fine. The aspect ratio is a bit off, but it works perfectly.
Thanks for doing that. I really appreciate it!
pleasure! Least I could do 👍🏼
Great review 👍
Thank you! Cheers! 👍🏼
Nearly perfect... except the dim screen, low refresh rate and thick bezels. Those are big items to me but still a pretty short list of shortcomings. Good device.
I tend to forgive it's shortcomings because it's so good to use. It's an addictive device...
Been looking forward to this to see your thoughts! Another great video. I almost feel like a new mini would better suit me day to day over the pro. Hard choice...
Hey Conal - how are you doing? If you tend to use the mini more than your Pro, then I'd say it's worth it. There are enough small, meaningful changes to make it worth your while
@ I'm good thanks. You? Hmm yeah. I'd say use would be pretty much be split. Though I've not had a mini to reach for before. I've always thought of them as too small. After watching this though I feel it could be more useful than previously imagined
Conal - can you imagine me? I was sitting there thinking I've never owned an iPad before and now I have the iPad Pro...what more could I want? Well, I was wrong! If you enjoy using an iPad Pro the mini is just a natural lead-on. I'm hooked!
@ well that's good to hear, and potentially save me some ££s
The iPad Airs don't have 120hz screens, nor do they have Face ID either. Yet somehow, both are supposed to be a given on the iPad Mini, which other than an A-series CPU, has more in common with the iPad Air than the iPhone.
Valid points - thank you
I am thinking about trading in my 2021 Air for the mini 7. Wanting some more portable to do more notes on. Am I crazy?
do it- there are enough improvements to make it worth your while
@@karengarwood1641 I would first buy mini and use it for some time. You can always resell apple products for a good bargain
I have ipad air, and I'm fine with what it is. The only downside is the storage - I store lots of videos, and 256 turned out not to be too much. I think bigger storage models are ridiculously expensive. I need not oled, I have oled tv with 120 hz and I can say I need not it on ipad, it's for other purposes. But I guess people have different perception, so some adn more perceptible to higher refresh rate and oled
I wish there would be a mini pro, and with a really good camera like iPhone
Hey - good luck with that! I bought a 13-inch iPad Pro this year which cost silly money and only had very 'meh' cameras on it! Great to hear from you - thanks 🙏🏼
The 64GB storage shouldn’t have been there to begin with, Apple makes a lot of money with their SSD upgrade costs. They know people will buy ut anyway so.
At least they didn't charge any extra for the upgrade to 128GB
@ Yes, but they’re still giving us old technology 500 knits? That’s an iPad mini 5 maximum brightness and also not too far off from the mini 4th generation 450 knits brightness. 🔆 LCD display technology from the early 2000’s and we are about to move into whole new year soon.
the only time I truly notice the brightness is sunlight - indoors it's not a big problem and sometimes I even have to reduce the brightness on the iPad Pro...
I still come from the iPad mini 4, I'm thinking of buying the iPad mini 7. :)
Coming from the iPad mini 4 you'll notice a massive difference in everything! I say do it! 😁
I have the iPad Mini 6. I think it kinda makes more since to upgrade that to the Mini 7, before I upgrade my M1 iPad Pro.
If it's the one you use most, then I agree with you - there are enough small, meaningful changes to make it worth your while
Do you think that cellular model is a necessary extra expense or would you just use your mobile as a hotspot and tether the iPad mini to your other device?
Hi Mark - I always use my phone as a hotspot. I don't see the need for the extra expense...
iPad Pro M4 11in is the one true mini iPad!!!!
Sometimes the 13-inch iPad pro is a little bit too chunky I'll admit
Im so over the BS about apple Samsung Fan-Ppl talking crap about apple, when they doubled the storage gave us more Ram at the SAME price. All while Samsung cheaped out NOT using a snapdragon chip with their tablets, not to mention raising the prices on ever single phone in their range while doing absolutely NOTHING not even changing the damn cameras after 3 years. So yeah i think the ipad mini is a damn good device for the price. Bravo Apple!!!!!
I've not used the Samsung tablets - and to be honest, I have no desire to. I have the mini which is great to use and highly addictive and the Pro for when I wanna get some serious work done. Yup, I'm happy to have both feet in the Apple garden! Great to hear from you. Thanks ✌🏼
The Apple Pencil in that boring white wish it came in colours
now you mention it, yeah, that would be a great idea!
Yes. A lot needed to change. Imagine if Samsung released this. People wouldn't buy it. The only thing it has going for it is the size. Now imagine if they shrunk the bezels but increased the screen size.
Many people think the bezels need to be thicker on the min i as it's held more like a book...
Perfect couch device but if you have a 6 you shouldn’t upgrade unless you have battery, storage, or speed issues.
I agree - I think I said that in m y wrap-up..if the battery life isn't what it once was on your 6...then pick up the 7
oh this video is recent
sure is - shot about 5 days ago and uploaded this week 👍🏼
to sum up what you said is not something I would call 'nearly perfect'. that's way behind competition at a hefty price. Subprime tech for a prime price.
each to their own...
It depends on if you're into apple products or not. I won't switch to other OS, as I know what to expect from apple products
This device is relatively affordable, and for me personally it seems fine for what it is. It could be better, but it could cost 700-800$, and would be not as competitive
agreed 👍🏻
Why can we not get a iPad without rear cameras? In 2024
I guess its a useful standby...but that said, I can't think of the last time i used it or even thought about using it...
Rear camera is a great thing for iPads, it’s how you scan documents, tax files , receipts ect to store, email to others ect. iPads are a great way to scan all your work purchases and store it all quickly on you iPad, then just forward that to your tax account at the end of the financial year.
this is where the iPad mini comes in to its own as work device - the hidden treasures of the iPad mini
@@Everyday-man well I don’t need it. So since I am the 1 percent who do not need something that makes me the majority so I should get what I want or you are a …
@ if you don’t need it, don’t use the camera, I don’t get what point you’re trying to make. Why would they remove a feature completely because a few people don’t use it. It’s the devices way of document scanning, its not intended as a General camera like a phone. I recommend trying it out, you can use it to store all your tax, receipts, reports, e- signatures ect.