Is The iPad Mini 7 Worth $500? A Painfully Honest Review.

Summary

In this video, Jason reflects on his experience with the iPad Mini 7, a device he purchased to review for his YouTube channel after selling his iPad Pro. Despite its compact size, the Mini offers impressive power with the A7 Pro chip, making it ideal for content consumption and light office tasks. However, its small form factor limits its versatility for tasks like video editing or serious productivity. While the price point of $500 feels steep compared to other iPads, its portability and convenience remain key selling points for those who value simplicity and mobility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jason bought the iPad Mini 7 to review it on his YouTube channel but regrets selling his iPad Pro 13 with the M4 chip, which was more expensive and had a lot more features.
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7 has a small size, which is both its strength (for portability) and its weakness (limiting its versatility for tasks like detailed work).
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7's screen is an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD, which can have issues like 'jelly scrolling' for some users. It also doesn’t feel as vibrant compared to the OLED screens of higher-end iPads.
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7 is powered by the A7 Pro chip, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which is very powerful for the device's size, though its capabilities may go underused for most tasks.
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7 has a Touch ID sensor, which some users find inconvenient compared to Face ID found on larger iPads, especially when switching between portrait and landscape modes.
• 😀 The device offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, with 8GB of RAM, an upgrade over previous models that may support Apple's AI features but doesn't drastically change the user experience.
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7’s USB-C port is an upgrade over the Mini 6 and allows for faster data transfer, which is useful for content creation and using external drives, but its 128GB base storage is limiting for heavy media work.
• 😀 The device features a basic rear and front camera, suitable for casual use but not ideal for serious photography or videography, especially when compared to larger iPads with better camera setups.
• 😀 The Apple Pencil Pro works with the iPad Mini 7, but Jason finds it difficult to write legibly on the smaller screen, despite his positive experience with similar-sized devices from other brands.
• 😀 The iPad Mini 7's price point of $500 feels too high given its small screen and basic features when compared to other iPads like the iPad Air with an M2 chip, which offers better specs for only a slightly higher price.

Q & A

Why did Jason decide to buy the iPad Mini 7?

Jason bought the iPad Mini 7 to review it for his YouTube channel and wanted to avoid owning more than one iPad at a time.

What did Jason sell to get the iPad Mini 7, and why was it considered a poor decision?

He sold his iPad Pro 13 with M4 chip, 2TB storage, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro. It was considered a poor decision because it was expensive, nearly new, and he sold it for much less than he paid, losing money.

What are the main specifications of the iPad Mini 7?

It has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, A7 Pro chip, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage options, 8GB RAM, upgraded USB-C port, and supports Apple Pencil Pro.

How does the iPad Mini 7 compare to the previous iPad Mini 6?

The Mini 7 has mostly similar design and screen as the Mini 6 but includes upgraded RAM, storage, a faster USB-C port, and support for Apple intelligence. There are minor changes in body colors.

What are the strengths of the iPad Mini 7 according to the reviewer?

Its portability, content consumption capabilities, ease of holding with one hand, adequate camera quality, and performance for general tasks are its main strengths.

What are the weaknesses of the iPad Mini 7?

The small screen limits productivity and creative work, writing with Apple Pencil can be uncomfortable, it lacks Apple-specific keyboard options, and the price is high relative to features.

What use cases does the reviewer suggest the iPad Mini 7 is best suited for?

It is best for reading, note-taking, journaling, watching content, light office work, and casual tasks, especially for users who prioritize portability over heavy-duty functionality.

Why does the reviewer find the Apple Pencil Pro experience suboptimal?

Because the small screen size makes writing legibly difficult, especially for users with larger hands or arthritis.

How does the reviewer describe the price of the iPad Mini 7 compared to other iPads?

He considers it expensive, noting that the iPad Air with an M2 chip offers more power and similar storage at a comparable or lower price.

What overall impression does the reviewer give about the iPad Mini 7?

The reviewer sees it as a niche device with a cult following. It is convenient and portable but lacks significant innovation and versatility, making it ideal for casual users rather than professionals.

Does the reviewer consider the iPad Mini 7 good for gaming or video editing?

While the device is capable of mobile gaming and could theoretically handle video editing, the reviewer personally does not use it for these purposes due to the small screen size and prefers other devices for intensive tasks.

What are the design options and colors available for the iPad Mini 7?

It comes in four colors: blue, purple, Starlight, and space gray. The reviewer chose blue and paired it with a black Smart Folio case.