Apple has announced a new iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, a faster A20 Pro chip and a thinner design. The tablet also adds water and dust resistance, improved audio and new AI features through iPadOS 27.
The new model is aimed at people who want a powerful tablet that is easy to carry. Its larger display could help students, artists and creators work on documents, edit photos and watch videos without carrying a full-size tablet.
Apple iPad mini specifications
- Display: 8.5-inch OLED
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Processor: Apple A20 Pro, built using a 2nm process
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB
- Front camera: 12MP Center Stage
- Rear camera: 12MP with 4K video recording
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- Cellular: eSIM on cellular models
- Water and dust protection: IP67
- Software: iPadOS 27
- Accessories: Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C
8.5-inch OLED display, but no ProMotion
The new iPad mini has an 8.5-inch OLED display. OLED technology can show deeper blacks and stronger contrast than a standard LCD screen. Apple also claims peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits.
The larger screen fits into a body that is still designed for easy one-handed use. At 5.4mm thick, the tablet is thinner than its predecessor. It is available in Midnight and Starlight finishes.
There is one important limitation: the display runs at 60Hz and does not support ProMotion. Users who want a high-refresh-rate screen for fast scrolling or gaming may prefer another tablet.
A20 Pro brings faster performance and AI features
The A20 Pro chip is built using Apple’s 2nm process technology. It is designed to improve CPU, graphics and AI performance while keeping the tablet compact.
Apple says the new model can deliver up to 4.5 times faster AI performance than the previous generation in its own tests. The tablet runs iPadOS 27, which brings Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features for supported tasks.
These features can help users work with photos, understand information on the screen and complete everyday tasks. Actual feature availability depends on the software version, language and supported hardware.
There is also a difference between storage versions. The 128GB and 256GB models use a 5-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The 512GB model has a 6-core CPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, giving it more processing capacity for demanding tasks.
Improved audio, cameras and durability
Apple has introduced an Acoustic Display system that uses specially designed woofers and tweeters to improve audio. The system is designed to produce stronger bass and clearer sound while helping the tablet achieve its IP67 rating.
The front camera is a 12MP Center Stage camera positioned for landscape video calls. It can keep a person centred in the frame during supported calls. The rear 12MP camera supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second.
The tablet also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Cellular models use Apple’s C2 modem and support eSIM.
Apple iPad mini price in India
StorageWi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular 128GB₹82,900₹1,00,900 256GB₹94,900₹1,12,900 512GB₹1,18,900₹1,36,900
Education pricing starts at ₹76,900. The new iPad mini will be available for pre-order from October 28 at 10:40 PM IST, with sales beginning on November 6.
Apple’s official Indian store lists the tablet and its available configurations. Buyers should check the store for current prices, financing offers and availability before ordering.
View the iPad mini on Apple’s official India store.
More technology coverage
Read our earlier Apple hardware launch preview for background on the expected autumn product updates.
You can also explore our Xiaomi 18 Fold vs iPhone Duo comparison for a closer look at foldable devices and their different approaches to mobile productivity.
For more recent launches, see our Indian smartphone launch roundup.
Also read our Infinix GT 50 Pro launch preview and our REDMI K100 specifications report.
Passionategeekz Take
The new iPad mini is a major upgrade for people who want a small but capable tablet. The OLED screen, A20 Pro chip, improved audio and Apple Intelligence features make it more useful for work and creative tasks.
The 60Hz display is a clear limitation, especially at this price. Buyers should also remember that the 512GB version has a more powerful CPU and Neural Engine configuration than the lower-storage models.
If portability matters more to you than screen size, the new iPad mini looks promising. Check the final configuration and price before deciding which version offers the best value.
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