I’ve been using the 2026 Apple iPad mini for about a week, and I’m a fan. While it’s not unique or really special, compared to some of the other Apple devices recently released or announced (like the iPhone Duo, HomeView or the touchscreen MacBook) it’s still a worthwhile update.
It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t get to review or ever use the last iPad mini that came out in 2024, so I will be comparing it with the 2021 device. But I don’t think people update their iPad every two years, so this might be more realistic for buyers. And, on the outside, the 2021 and 2024 versions are pretty much the same.
Ahead of the review, I also wanted to mention that the iPad mini costs $949 to start versus the 2024 model, which was initially priced at $679. Is the new iPad mini worth that price jump? I’m not exactly sure, but it’s definitely worth keeping that $270 increase in mind.
Thin boy
The new iPad mini sports an 8.5-inch OLED panel, which is slightly larger than the previous iteration’s 8.3-inch LCD screen. Though the screen is bigger, the package is even smaller with a noticeably lighter and thinner body, and in my week with the tablet this was the biggest and most impactful difference.
The iPad mini is 5.4mm thin, and the 2024 model is 6.3mm thick, which doesn’t seem like a huge difference on paper, but it ends up being everything. The 2026 iPad mini is thinner than the iPhone Air, and only 0.2mm thicker than the iPhone Duo (when unfolded), it’s so nice in that small package.
As someone who travels a lot, I can’t wait to bring the mini on my next trip; it’s going to fit in my carry-on very nicely. Especially considering the mini is also very light, weighing 255g. I don’t mind holding it for long periods before bed, carrying it around, bringing it on commutes; it’s pretty much the same weight as foldables like the iPhone Duo and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
I love the iPad mini’s body; it’s so portable and definitely a highlight for someone who’s on the go often. I’m also having this weird experience where I keep trying to fold the mini because I forget it’s not the Duo, which is definitely a good sign.
OLED is a welcome upgrade
The tablet’s OLED panel is a nice switch-up, showcasing a Super Retina XDR OLED with 1,200 nits of brightness. There’s also a 1,512 x 2,316 pixel resolution, so videos, pictures and more look great. I’m not always the best at seeing the difference in resolution between two phones, but the difference between the Super Retina OLED versus the Liquid Retina IPS LCD is clear. Blacks are blacker, brights are truly bright, and colours are fantastic. I’ve enjoyed watching different shows on Crunchyroll and the look of games.
However, I also could tell that the tablet lacks a 120Hz refresh rate. The iPad mini line isn’t known for the higher refresh rate, but when you’re used to looking at your phone all day with the higher refresh rate, switching to a 60Hz refresh rate iPad can throw you off.
I played Oddmar and Marvel Snap on the iPad, and I could immediately tell something was off when playing. The iPad mini has never had a 120Hz refresh rate before, so I didn’t really expect it, but with the price increase it’d be a nice addition.
Speaking of games, the iPad mini played both games very well without a hitch. I played for about 20 minutes straight of Oddmar and a lot of different sessions of Marvel Snap for at least up to 15 minutes, and the iPad mini stayed cool to the touch. And the games looked gorgeous on the screen.
Portable art studio
The iPad mini’s battery life was definitely better than its predecessor. Apple says it’s an all-day battery, but I don’t use the mini all day like my smartphone or laptop (I don’t think most people would), I use it leisurely. While I can say the mini’s battery life is better than its 2021 predecessor, I definitely don’t need to charge it as much with the same amount of weekly usage — where I browse YouTube, watch anime, play Marvel Snap and scroll social media before bed. However, what’s probably more exciting is the fast charging on the iPad mini, as the little tablet can get up to 50 per cent in 30 minutes with the right charger.
The mini also works with the Apple Pencil Pro. While I’m not really a stylus guy, I like that you can quickly write something down in a text field and it changes from my messy writing into text. It’s a nice touch considering the iPad mini isn’t necessarily the best for typing on.
My partner, on the other hand, loves designing, painting and drawing so I let him test out the Apple Pencil Pro with the iPad mini, and he was really impressed. It was the first time he used the Pencil Pro, and he liked that it was pressure-sensitive and that it magnetically attaches and charges super quickly on the side of the tablet, so you never have to worry about it.
He also likes that when you squeeze the Pencil Pro, you can get a menu with different controls. These aren’t necessarily new features, but it’s my first time trying them, and it might be yours as well. Either way, he says the mini and the Pencil Pro are a great combination for artists, especially those who like to create on-the-go.
I liked the iPad mini 2026, anything that can make a commute easier is definitely a pleasure. The slightly larger OLED display is beautiful and a worthwhile upgrade compared to its predecessor. I like the thinner body and lighter casing as well, which is the biggest highlight for the iPad mini 2026.
However, the $270 price hike is hard to swallow, so I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to skip the iPad mini, or for waiting for a sale.
The new iPad mini is available for pre-order now and launches on Nov. 6. It comes in midnight or starlight colours and starts at $949 in Canada for the 128GB version. For students, Apple’s education store offers the iPad mini for $879 — but you’ll need proof to get the discount.
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