Had this new mini since it launched a month ago and it is certainly an improvement on my previous mini. I use it for all the basic stuff like emails, online ordering, reading books, magazines and newspapers, photos, listening to radio etc. It takes a bit of getting used to keep swiping up from the bottom instead of using the old home button e.g. to close your apps and web pages etc. The screen clarity is far superior especially for looking at colour of clothes online and photos etc. The screen is a little bigger as well which is lovely for reading a book (K reader size). A few gripes are that at the price there is no charger supplied although the new charger which I bought afterwards from JL with the flip down prongs is a great idea for travel and actually plugs in to the iPad better than the old style. Also as with all Apple products having to buy an expensive Apple case is annoying although it now fits all round the iPad which is much safer. Storage capacity is double my old mini so that is a bonus. The iPad design is slightly deeper than my old mini which I find easier to hold. The speakers top and bottom make for a vastly improved sound quality for listening to radio or audio books. Transferring everything from my old iPad was really easy (I backed up to the cloud first) but you do need to be sure of passwords especially when you go back into your bank accounts for the first time as they don't transfer for security. Password storage and prompts is really helpful now.. The only thing I'm not keen on is the new location of the volume controls but I'll probably get used to it. The camera is much much better and the quality of photos is excellent. Everything syncs well with my older Apple iPhone. Finally of course lovely and portable size and weight wise.

If you want the perfect go anywhere device/tablet then this is it.

Sometimes, even the standard iPad, whether it's the Base, Air, or Pro, can be a bit much depending on what you feel like carrying and where you're going, etc.
The mini is the best size for reading, media, game play, and plenty powerful enough to actually get some things done that would be too difficult to do on a phone screen, yet don't feel you need a laptop.
This has the same chip as the iPhone 15 Pro/Max. The cellular service has an e-sim and -- like the ipad, itself -- is absolutely painless to set up. Depending on your mobile service provider, a data plan could be as affordable as $20/month!

If you can swing it, go for the 256gb or even the 512gb (the one I have). You really can't enjoy these devices if you constantly have to think about your available storage.

Also, remember: this is not an iPad Pro, and it's not trying to be.
"Jelly Scroll" hasn't been fully removed, but, it has been reduced, and can only be noticed if you really go looking for it. We take Pro Motion for granted until it's not there. So iPad Pro users will definitely need to reassess their expectations with the mini.
Maybe someday we will get OLED with promotion, Face ID, or the "iPad Mini Pro" that we all want. But that price will go up as well. After using this for a bit all those PRO things go away and you just have a convenient tablet in your hands.

I am a BA digital design student who loves to read, journal digital draw and watch tv on the go. I already own spec-ed out MS SURFACE PRO 7+ tablet so I wanted something light compact yet powerful that I could put in my handbag but also be able to run adobe fresco as I love using this app to draw. This little iPad mini packs a mighty punch. Its battery life is incredibly long lasting even when gaming (clash of clans) drawing on adobe fresco or streaming. It fits perfectly in my handbag. The blue exterior colour is on the subtle side but in the best way. I have used other iPads and have owned multiple iPads over the years growing up so I was a bit weary when choosing storage size, however 128gb seems to work well for casual use especially with iCloud. I also tutor Maths, Science from IGCSE/ AS/A level, as well as tutor Calculus 1st, 2nd year Uni and have found this little iPad come in handy more often especially when marking/making notes for students on the go.

I would definitely recommend this iPad to parents of students in grade school, the screen is on the smaller size but if you’re looking for budget friendly iPad, with a powerful chip that works all the latest education apps, especially longevity wise it’s worth it.

Let me start by saying I've never owned an iPad before. However, I've had several Apple computers and almost every iPhone since the first one launched in 2008. The iPad Mini is undeniably stunning—when I see someone else holding it. But when it’s in my own hands, it feels awkward. Sure, it technically fits into my pockets, but even that’s awkward. It can do many things an iPhone can do, yet the experience remains... awkward.

The device is supposed to leverage Apple’s advanced intelligence features, but even with ChatGPT integration, it feels clumsier than a box of Siris. I love the concept of the iPad Mini, and I can see how it might be useful for those with a specific need for this form factor. However, only a few days in, I find myself ready to trade it in for a MacBook.

What I really want is a touchscreen MacBook with a detachable keyboard. But, hey—that’s just me.