The biggest draw of Apple’s iPad mini has always been its compact form factor. Where the base model seeks to strike a balance between performance and portability, the smallest member of the family sides closer to a smartphone, offering pocket-sized convenience that proves particularly useful for travel.
But lean doesn’t necessarily mean lacking prowess. Making a welcome return from a three-year break, the iPad mini (2024) is back with a spec bump, sporting a new A17 Pro chip, 128GB of storage (versus 64GB previously), and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro. Essentially, the latest tablet can do everything its predecessor does, except faster.
According to Apple, the upgraded processor has a 30 percent faster CPU, 25 percent faster GPU, and a Neural Engine twice as fast as the previous model. The hardware also comes paired with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a refresh rate of 60Hz, making it a viable choice for gaming on the go — more so with its ultraportable build.
While optimisation wasn’t the best in Zenless Zone Zero, Call of Duty: Warzone, and PUBG Mobile ran smoothly on the device, with its thermal management capabilities emerging as the standout feature. The refresh rate may not be ideal for those seeking more fluidity, but there’s still plenty to enjoy about the
Check out how well it plays in our gaming test video above, which includes starting temperatures, performance indicators, and thermal management findings. The iPad mini (2024) starts at S$699 for 128GB of storage and is available in four finishes: Space Grey, Purple, Starlight, and Blue.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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Kevin Low
