# iPad Mini 7 Review Summary: A Small Yet Powerful Tablet with Some Limitations
As Apple gets ready to officially unveil the **iPad mini 7**, initial assessments from tech reviewers and influencers are already emerging. This newest version of Apple’s most compact tablet features several enhancements, including the **A17 Pro chip**, **Apple Intelligence support**, and **Apple Pencil Pro compatibility**. But does it represent the iPad mini Pro that users have been yearning for? Here’s a compilation of what critics are saying about the new iPad mini 7 and whether it’s a worthy investment.
## Performance: A17 Pro Chip – Strong, But Not Flawless
A major upgrade in the iPad mini 7 is the **A17 Pro chip**, which is also used in the **iPhone 15 Pro**. This processor promises enhanced performance, especially for gaming and multitasking. Nevertheless, the reviews indicate that while the chip is strong, it does have its drawbacks.
### **MobileSyrup**: “Struggles with AAA Games”
According to **MobileSyrup**, although the A17 Pro chip manages most iPad games and demanding applications with ease, it falters with **triple-A (AAA) games** such as *Assassin’s Creed Mirage* and *Resident Evil 4*. The reviewer pointed out frequent **frame drops** and **lagging**, which is disappointing for a device that receives hardware updates only every few years.
> “While playing *AC*, I experienced constant freezing and frame drops, reflecting my experience with the A17 Pro chip on my iPhone 15 Pro.”
This implies that while the iPad mini 7 is suitable for casual gaming and productivity tasks, it may not be the ideal choice for hardcore gamers wanting to enjoy the latest AAA releases.
## Design: Similar Yet Enhanced
If you expected a significant design change, you might find yourself somewhat let down. The iPad mini 7 closely resembles its predecessor, the **iPad mini 6**. However, there are subtle enhancements that greatly improve usability.
### **MacStories**: “Jelly Scrolling Issue Resolved”
A notable complaint regarding the previous iPad mini was the **jelly scrolling issue**, where one side of the screen would refresh at a different rate, causing a wobbly effect during scrolling. **MacStories** happily reports that this issue has been addressed in the iPad mini 7, thanks to an improved display controller.
> “The new iPad mini features an optimized display controller that ensures consistent refresh rates across the entire panel.”
While the display’s specifications—**color gamut**, **pixel density**, and **brightness**—remain unchanged, the resolution of the jelly scrolling problem is a beneficial enhancement for users who found the earlier model frustrating.
## Storage and RAM: A Welcome Upgrade
One of the most commendable enhancements in the iPad mini 7 is the increase in **storage** and **RAM**. The base model now starts with **128GB** of storage, doubling the prior generation’s 64GB, which many found overly restrictive.
### **Mashable**: “Twice the Storage, Twice the Enjoyment”
**Mashable** emphasizes the significance of this increase in storage, particularly for those who frequently install multiple apps and games. The boost in **RAM** also enables improved multitasking and overall smoother performance.
> “The key highlights are the substantial RAM upgrade and starting at 128GB of storage, which is a massive move forward as 64GB was just too close for comfort if you had numerous games installed.”
This enhancement makes the iPad mini 7 a more practical choice for users who depend on their tablet for more than just basic browsing or media consumption.
## Apple Intelligence and Pencil Pro Support: Progress Toward Pro-Level Features
The iPad mini 7 additionally introduces **Apple Intelligence support**, providing advanced machine learning features to the device. This functionality allows for smarter multitasking, enhanced app suggestions, and a more intuitive user experience. Moreover, the tablet now accommodates the **Apple Pencil Pro**, making it more attractive to digital artists and note-takers.
### **Engadget**: “A Solid Secondary Device”
Despite these enhancements, **Engadget** still views the iPad mini 7 as more of a **secondary device** rather than a laptop replacement. While it’s suitable for casual tasks, it lacks the power or screen size to supersede larger models like the **iPad Air** or **iPad Pro**.
> “It’s certainly not designed to replace a laptop, unlike the larger and more powerful 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro. Instead, it serves as an enjoyable secondary device that I mostly utilized after work hours, in lieu of my MacBook Pro.”
