iPad mini (A20 Pro) review

The new iPad mini is the pick for reading, travel and quick notes. Apple lists an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at 2316 by 1512 and 326 ppi, the sharpest on this list, with 600 nits full screen and 1200 nits peak for HDR. The A20 Pro chip powers it, and the Wi-Fi model weighs 255 g, so it is comfortable to hold in one hand for long reading sessions. It is rated IP67 under IEC 60529, which covers a drop in the bath or rain on a commute. Apple Pencil Pro support makes it a pocketable notebook. Battery is rated at up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi, and it can fast charge to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W adapter. The limits: the small screen is tight for side-by-side apps, Apple lists only Bluetooth keyboard support, and at $699 it costs $250 more than the larger iPad (A16).

Who it is for

readers and note-takers who want a tablet that fits in one hand

Price

From $699 with 128GB.

iPad mini The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. From $699
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 2316 by 1512 at 326 ppi
• A20 Pro chip
• Rated IP67 for splash, water and dust
• Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
• 255 g for the Wi-Fi model

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sharpest screen on this list at 326 ppi
• Strength: Lightest tablet here at 255 g
• Strength: Fast charge to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W or higher adapter
• Weakness: Apple lists Bluetooth keyboards only, with no Magic Keyboard for iPad mini
• Weakness: $250 more than the 11-inch iPad (A16)
• Weakness: Small screen is cramped for split-screen work

Key facts

• Starting price: $699 (128GB)
• Chip: A20 Pro
• Screen: 8.5-inch OLED, 326 ppi
• Water resistance: IP67
• Weight: 255 g (Wi-Fi)

Where it ranks

iPad mini (A20 Pro) is No. 4 in our Best Tablets verdict.