Although it’s not an upgrade, it’s impressive that the new mini has the same battery life as its predecessor, despite having a smaller chassis and a larger screen. The mini also gains support for fast charging.
iPad mini…to the max
With the 2026 model, the iPad mini feels less like a compromise. Its larger OLED screen, current-generation processor, more durable build, and better speakers make it feel more modern and competitive than the 2024 version.
These improvements come with a pricing predicament, though. Today, the iPad mini starts at $699 for the 128GB version, putting it just $50 below the 11-inch iPad Air (M4) at its lowest configuration. The 512GB mini I tested, which came with a more powerful A20 Pro chip, is $999. In 2024, the iPad mini started at $499, and the iPad Air 11-inch (M2) started at $599.
The mini’s OLED screen is a standout, but the Air remains a better choice for those seeking a balance between power and portability. Its more capable processor and still-excellent, larger IPS display make it more versatile. It also offers comparable battery life, though it lacks fast charging. Meanwhile, the Pro series remains the best option for demanding workloads and extensive multitasking. The Mini is much more capable of handling serious work, multitasking, and editing than it was before, but it still isn’t the best iPad for these purposes.
Despite narrowing the gap with other tablets, the mini is still a niche product. The biggest reason to pick it over other iPads is if you truly want the smallest device, primarily for content consumption. My preference for devices that are easy to handle without straining my smaller hands or weighing me down, combined with my appreciation of high-end displays, love of streaming, and interest in using secondary screens to boost productivity, confirms that this niche has an audience. Many of Apple’s improvements make the mini more enjoyable for these users.
Beyond comparisons with the rest of the iPad lineup, though, the mini makes the most of its small design. Apple fit just about everything it could into a device that’s somehow even smaller than its predecessor.
For anyone looking for an ultraportable tablet primarily for enjoying content on an excellent, high-end display, the mini is a markedly better device than it used to be.
