[No Bias] Results of using the new iPad mini 7th Gen for 2 months | A thorough comparison of differences with Pro and Air
⚡ I will share the conclusion of this article first
The answer for those considering a purchase:
If you are a beginner, go for the iPad mini 7th Gen without hesitation: Compact, easy to use, and excellent future-proofing with Apple Intelligence support
However, be careful: It is essential to confirm in advance that it does not support a 120Hz display and cannot use the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
Reading time: approx. 8 minutes | Amazon delivery available | Peace of mind with a 30-day return guarantee
Hello, I am Koichi, a creator specializing in reviews. After achieving 10,000 monthly PV with my Apple Watch SE review, I have now spent about two months using the iPad mini 7th Gen every day since its release in October 2024 for this review.
Concerns received from readers:
"I'm curious about the performance difference compared to the iPad Air and Pro..."
"Is it true that the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen cannot be used?"
"Can Apple Intelligence support be used in Japan?"
"Is it worth upgrading from the 6th Gen?"
"It's compact, but is it usable for work?"
In this article, I will answer these questions without any bias. I will provide a complete review including actual usage data and comparisons with other models.
📊 iPad mini 7th Gen Basic Specs & Price Information
Spec List
Current Price Information (as of December 2024)
Apple Store: From 78,800 yen (Wi-Fi model)
Amazon: 78,800 yen (regular price, discounts available during sales)
Kakaku.com: Price comparison available at various retailers
Stock Status: Standard delivery available
🔥 Honest evaluation after 2 months of use
✅ Pros (4 points)
1. The perfect balance of compactness and performance
Numerical data: Despite weighing 293g (Wi-Fi model, same as the 6th gen), the A17 Pro chip provides a 30% increase in CPU performance and a 25% increase in GPU performance.
After actually carrying it around every day, I was surprised by the performance that allows for smooth video editing and gaming, despite it being light enough to hold easily with one hand. Since the iPhone 16 Pro weighs 199g, it is an exceptional deal considering you get a tablet for just 94g more in the Wi-Fi model.
2. Excellent future-proofing with Apple Intelligence support
Changes before and after use: Testing Apple Intelligence with English settings
As introduced on the Amazon page, "Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done with ease." With Japanese language support scheduled for 2025, I feel it has the potential to significantly improve future work efficiency.
3. Double the storage capacity at the same price
Improvements: Minimum capacity doubled from 64GB to 128GB, and the price was reduced from 84,800 yen to 78,800 yen.
After actually using the 128GB model, it provides enough capacity to "store all your apps, music, movies, and more," whereas the 64GB on the 6th generation would definitely have run out of space.
4. The ideal size for e-books and video viewing
Usage scenarios: Main use is for reading and watching videos
The "8.3-inch Liquid Retina display" features "P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultra-low reflectivity," perfectly solving the problem of text being too small on an iPhone and the iPad Air being too heavy. I am convinced that 8.3 inches is the golden balance of portability and visibility.
❌ Points of concern (3 points)
1. No 120Hz display, resulting in stuttering while scrolling
If you are used to the 120Hz display on the iPad Pro or iPhone Pro series, you will feel a lack of smoothness when scrolling. If you are used to 60Hz, it won't be an issue, but those switching from high-refresh-rate devices should be aware.
2. Not compatible with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Existing Apple Pencil 2nd generation users will need to purchase a new Pencil Pro or the USB-C version (an additional cost of about 20,000 yen). The lack of compatibility was honestly disappointing.
3. Screen crampedness during multitasking
When using Split View: When displaying two apps at the same time, each screen feels cramped. For serious work, an iPad with 11 inches or more is more suitable.
🔍 Detailed comparison with other models
iPad mini 7th generation vs iPad Air 6th generation
Conclusion: Choose mini if you prioritize portability, choose Air if you prioritize work efficiency
Value of upgrading from the 6th generation
People who should upgrade:
Those who want to use Apple Intelligence features
Those struggling with storage shortages (64GB to 128GB)
Those seeking performance improvements for gaming or video editing
People who do not need to upgrade:
Those satisfied with current performance
Those who frequently use the 2nd generation Apple Pencil
Those who want to allocate their budget to other gadgets
💬 Realistic review analysis
Breakdown of Amazon ratings
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars (486 reviews)
5 stars: 72% "The size is perfect"
4 stars: 14% "I can feel the performance improvement"
3 stars: 8% "Worth the price"
★2: 2% "Incompatibility with Apple Pencil is a pain"
★1: 4% "No major defects"
Positive Reviews (Male Engineer in his 30s)
"The compactness is its biggest appeal. It fits perfectly in the hand, making it easy to hold with one hand. It runs smoothly with no stress for daily use. It's light, so it doesn't get tiring to hold for long periods; it's truly a tablet you'll want to carry with you every day."
Positive Reviews (User 'Miccha')
"It's basically just a large iPhone. I take it out with my iPhone almost every day. It's fast and smooth, and browsing the web is easy. I can't live without an iPad mini anymore."
Negative Reviews (User 'Shishamo')
"It's a portable size and the performance is impeccable, but it feels heavy for its size. I wish it were a little lighter."
※Note: Amazon offers peace of mind with a 30-day return policy. You can try it out before making a decision.
🎯 Recommended Target Audience
✅ People who should buy it (5 features)
Those who mainly use it for reading or watching videos during commutes
Those looking for a device between an iPhone and a MacBook
Those seeking a highly portable tablet
Those interested in Apple Intelligence features
Those who want to choose Apple products with a focus on cost-performance
❌ People who should not buy it (4 features)
Those who do professional video editing or 3D modeling
Those who prioritize work efficiency through multitasking
Those who have a strong preference for a 120Hz display
Those who already own and frequently use the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and use it heavily
💰 Best Price Information & Great Ways to Buy
Price Comparison (128GB Wi-Fi Model)
Amazon: 78,800 yen (regular price, discounts available during sales)
Rakuten Ichiba: Can be a good deal with point rewards
Yahoo! Shopping: Eligible for PayPay bonus
Apple Store: 78,800 yen (list price)
💡 5 Ways to Buy for Less
Compare prices across e-commerce sites to choose the best place to buy
Utilize point reward campaigns
Use Apple Trade In to trade in your old device
Apply student/faculty discounts (if applicable)
Compare shipping services from each company
💰 3 Points to Consider When Buying
Price fluctuations occur, so consider the timing of your purchase
Warranty details should be checked in advance
Understand return and exchange policies for a worry-free purchase
🛒 See the iPad mini 7th Gen on Amazon
📝 Summary: The positioning of the iPad mini 7th Gen
The iPad mini 7th Gen is a product that has established a unique position as a “compact and high-performance tablet.”
Reasons for recommendation (4 points)
✅ The balance between portability and performance is at the industry's highest level
✅ Apple Intelligence support ensures excellent future-proofing
✅ Double the storage + price reduction significantly improves cost-performance
✅ Amazon return guarantee allows for worry-free testing
💡 Points to consider before purchasing (3 points)
Clarify your purpose of use (reading, watching videos, light tasks, etc.)
Compare with other models (size and performance differences with Air and Pro)
Comprehensive judgment of budget and features balance
Final verdict: It is one of the best solutions for those who prioritize portability and are looking for a device between an iPhone and a PC. We recommend comparing the terms of each retailer and choosing the purchase method that suits you best.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does the battery last?
A: It can be used for about 10 hours for video playback and about 12 hours for reading. It can be fully charged in about 2 hours via USB-C.
Q2: Is it compatible with other iPads?
A: Many iPad accessories can be used interchangeably. However, you must check in advance as Apple Pencil compatibility varies by model.
Q3: Regarding warranty and after-sales service
A: You can choose between the standard 1-year Apple warranty or an extended warranty with AppleCare+ (starting from 608 yen per month). Support is available at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers nationwide.
Q4: Are there any points to be aware of when purchasing?
A: 💡 Since prices fluctuate, we recommend comparing options across multiple retailers. Also, be sure to check the warranty details and return policy in advance.
Thank you for reading until the end!
I hope this article helps you in choosing your iPad. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out in the comments section or on social media.
Next Preview: I am planning to write a "New 7th Gen iPad Air vs. M3 MacBook Air Thorough Comparison." Stay tuned!
This article is a review based on two months of hands-on experience with the actual device. It contains affiliate links, but they do not influence my evaluation.
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