iPad Mini 7 Review in 2025: Before You Buy or Upgrade

Today we’re talking into a device that’s been sneaking into my daily life for the past four months – the iPad Mini 7.

Now, I remember when the very first iPad Mini came out way back in 2012.  Honestly, for me back then, it was mainly just a Netflix machine.  Perfect for those long commutes or just chilling on the couch. But times, and tech, have changed.  Apple dropped the iPad Mini 7 last year, and after using it as my daily companion for a solid four months, I’ve got a lot to say.

Before we jump in, I gotta be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The world is all about these super powerful, giant tablets these days, and the Mini… well, it’s mini! But sometimes, isn’t it the smaller things that surprise you?  I was curious to see if this little guy could hold its own, and if maybe, just maybe, it could become my go-to iPad.

So, stick around!  We’re gonna unpack everything from the sleek design to the vibrant display, how it performs, and most importantly, whether it’s actually worth your money, especially if you’re thinking about picking one up maybe in 2025. And as always, I want this to be a conversation, not just a lecture, so let me know in the comments, have you used an iPad Mini before? What are your thoughts? I’m genuinely curious to hear your experiences.

Design

Alright, let’s kick things off with the design.  Holding the iPad Mini 7, you immediately appreciate just how… well, mini it is. It’s the smallest in the iPad lineup, and that’s its superpower.  It feels incredibly modern and almost futuristic, this minimalist slab of tech. I’ve got the purple version, and honestly, it’s so subtle it almost looks silver in most lights, which is kinda cool in its own way, but if you’re expecting a vibrant purple, you might be a tad disappointed.

Display

In terms of display, we’re rocking an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen.  Now, I’ve gotta say, for its size, it’s pretty darn good.  For just lounging on the sofa, reading articles, catching up on YouTube, or yes, diving into games – it hits that sweet spot.  It’s significantly bigger than even the biggest iPhone, making it a real pleasure for media consumption.  But, let’s keep it real, it’s not perfect.  The aspect ratio, that slightly wider 3:2, can feel a bit strange depending on what you’re doing.  And if I’m being picky, yeah, in a perfect world, I’d love to see a brighter screen, especially when you’re using it outdoors.

Performance

Now, let’s talk performance.  Under the hood, we’ve got the A17 Pro chip.  Look, it’s fast.  Plenty fast for pretty much everything you’re gonna throw at this thing.  Gaming? No problem.  Multitasking? Smooth as butter.  It’s the same chip that powered the flagship iPhones not too long ago, so it’s definitely packing a punch.  However, and this is where we keep it honest, in a world where Apple’s M-series chips are breaking performance records left and right,  part of me wishes they’d put an M-series chip in here.  Could it be even faster? Absolutely. But realistically, for what this iPad Mini is designed to do, the A17 Pro is more than enough.

Software

Software updates are, of course, handled by Apple, so you’re guaranteed to be up-to-date for years to come.  That’s one of the big perks of being in the Apple ecosystem – you know you’re getting consistent support and the latest features. And yes, the iPad Mini 7 does support Apple Intelligence, for better or for worse, as the essay cheekily mentions!

Battery life

Battery life has actually been a pleasant surprise.  Considering how compact this thing is, the battery is surprisingly resilient.  I can easily get through a full day of mixed usage – browsing, gaming, watching videos – without needing to scramble for a charger.  It’s not going to win any marathon battery awards, but for its size, it’s genuinely impressive.

Now, let’s get into personal experiences.  This is where it gets really interesting.  For me, the iPad Mini 7 has completely shifted how I use tablets.  I own an older 11-inch iPad Pro, and honestly, it mostly just sat around.  Too big to be truly portable, not quite big enough to replace a laptop.  It felt like it was good at… nothing in particular! But the iPad Mini? This thing has become my go-to device.

It’s the device I grab when I’m just chilling on the couch, scrolling through social media while half-watching TV. It’s perfect for bedtime YouTube binges.  But the biggest surprise? It’s rekindled my love for mobile gaming.  Just picking it up and playing a quick game is so easy and enjoyable.

Speaking of gaming, pairing this with a controller? Game changer!  It basically turns into a super portable gaming console.  I’ve been loving using it with game streaming services like GeForce Now, playing PC games on this tiny tablet – it’s seriously impressive.  And for local iPad games? Apple Arcade comes alive on this screen.  It really is like having a Valve Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, but running iPadOS and all your apps.

Camera

What about the camera?  Well, honestly, it’s an iPad camera.  It’s there, it works fine for video calls and the occasional quick snap, but it’s definitely not the star of the show.  If camera quality is your absolute top priority in a tablet, you’re probably looking in the wrong place.  It’s perfectly serviceable, but don’t expect iPhone-level photography here.

Downsides

Okay, let’s address the downsides and shortcomings.  No device is perfect, and the iPad Mini 7 is no exception.  First up, that jelly scrolling issue.  Some people are really bothered by it – where one side of the screen seems to scroll at a different rate than the other.  Luckily, personally, I either can’t see it, or it just doesn’t bother me. But it’s a known issue, so if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing, definitely do your research.

Then there’s the 60Hz refresh rate.  Now, the display looks good, don’t get me wrong. But once you’ve experienced 120Hz ProMotion, especially on other iPads and iPhones, going back to 60Hz… you do notice it.  It’s not a dealbreaker, but in 2024/2025, a 120Hz display would be a massive upgrade.  And while we’re at it, Face ID would be much appreciated over Touch ID in the power button – it just feels a bit… dated.

And let’s be honest, the price is a bit steep.  Starting at $499 for a small tablet… it’s not cheap.  You can get larger iPads for less.  It’s a premium price for a premium small device.

Conclusion

Conclusion time!  So, four months in, am I still loving the iPad Mini 7?  Absolutely.  Despite its shortcomings, this little tablet has wormed its way into my life in ways I honestly didn’t expect.  It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for what it is: a truly portable, incredibly capable, and surprisingly fun device.

Is it worth buying in 2025?  That’s the million-dollar question.  If you’re looking for a powerhouse tablet for heavy-duty creative work, no, this isn’t it.  Go for an iPad Pro.  But, if you find yourself wishing your iPhone screen was just a bit bigger for gaming, for browsing, for media consumption, and you value portability above all else, then YES.  Absolutely worth considering.

Who is the iPad Mini 7 suitable for in 2025 and beyond? 

Who is this iPad Mini really for?  It’s for the modern mobile individual.  It’s for the student who needs a lightweight device for note-taking and reading on campus.  It’s for the traveler who wants a compact entertainment hub for long flights or train journeys.  It’s for the casual gamer who wants a dedicated screen for mobile gaming without lugging around a bulky console.  It’s for anyone who appreciates the convenience of a truly portable tablet without sacrificing too much screen real estate.  It’s even, I’d argue, a fantastic companion device for those who already have a powerful laptop or desktop and just need something lighter and more accessible for those in-between moments.  In a world where screens are constantly getting bigger, sometimes, smaller really is better, and the iPad Mini 7 proves that point beautifully.

So, there you have it.  My extended thoughts and reflections after living with the iPad Mini 7 for four months.  It’s earned a solid 4 out of 5 from me, a testament to its strengths and acknowledging those minor areas for improvement.  It’s a device that’s grown on me, a device that I now reach for instinctively, and a device that genuinely makes my tech life a little bit better, a little bit more enjoyable.