Apple iPad Mini (2026) Review: A Dream Device, but Who Is It For?

The iPad Mini, once thought to be obsolete, has undergone a significant makeover to become Apple's newest, most advanced tablet. With its eighth generation and nearly every aspect upgraded, the device boasts an OLED screen, a faster chip, thinner design, more memory, and waterproofing. However, this new generation of iPad Mini comes at a higher price, sparking questions about its target audience in the crowded iPad lineup.

This reviewer, a longtime fan, has been using the device for a week and found it to be the perfect companion during long trips and airport waits. The standout feature is undoubtedly its 8.5-inch display, which, while slightly larger than the previous model, retains the same dimensions. The upgrade from IPS to OLED technology brings a noticeable improvement, though the brightness is slightly lower than the iPad Pro's.

The iPad Mini's nano-texture display is worth the extra $100 and provides a paperlike crispness, even in bright lighting. The tablet's lightweight design, barely over half a pound, makes one-handed use feel natural, a feature that has remained consistent with each generation. The color options have been narrowed down from four to two—goldish Starlight and navy-blue Midnight—while the more playful blue, purple, and space gray finishes have been discontinued.

Despite its smaller size, the iPad Mini boasts a 19 percent higher pixel density than its competitors, offering an incredibly sharp visual experience. The four-speaker sound system has also been redesigned, incorporating an Acoustic Display that delivers a fuller stereo image while remaining water-resistant (IP67). This is the first water resistance feature for any iPad.

Although the iPad Mini's rear camera has not seen significant improvements, its front-facing camera has been upgraded for more natural video calls. Notably, the iPad Mini still lacks Face ID, a standard iPhone feature that Apple has reserved for the iPad Pro. Lastly, the iPad Mini supports extended display mode and windowing, making it a versatile device for creators and productivity enthusiasts alike.