# The New iPad Mini (A17 Pro): An In-Depth Review Compilation
With the excitement mounting for the release of the new iPad Mini (A17 Pro) on October 23, 2024, initial reviews have started appearing, illuminating the device’s characteristics, performance, and overall user interaction. Below is a compilation of insights from various tech reviewers regarding this latest version of Apple’s compact tablet.
## Key Features and Pricing
The latest iPad Mini is now available for pre-order, with the entry-level model priced at $499. Importantly, this model features double the storage capacity of its predecessor, beginning at 128GB rather than 64GB. This upgrade is a significant improvement for users seeking additional space for applications, media, and documents.
## Display Quality: The Jelly Scrolling Controversy
One of the most talked-about features of the prior iPad Mini was the “jelly scrolling” phenomenon, in which one side of the screen refreshes at a slower pace than the other, resulting in a noticeable wobble while scrolling. Although Apple did not directly tackle this concern in their press release for the A17 Pro, reviewers have shared mixed opinions.
### Mixed Feedback on Jelly Scrolling
– **David Pierce from The Verge** indicated that the jelly scrolling effect is “still very much present” on the new iteration, suggesting that Apple may not have completely rectified this problem.
– On the other hand, **Jason Snell at Six Colors** observed that he could not find any jelly scrolling effect during his evaluations, implying that the display technology may have seen improvements. He remarked, “I couldn’t see it, even when I recorded myself scrolling at a high frame rate.”
– **Brenda Stolyar from Wired** shared a similar view, stating that she did not encounter jelly scrolling during her tests, hinting at possible enhancements made by Apple.
– **Federico Viticci at MacStories** took it a step further by claiming that the jelly scrolling problem has been effectively addressed without altering the underlying display technology. He commended the new optimized display controller, which ensures uniform refresh rates throughout the entire screen.
Given these differing experiences, prospective buyers might want to try the device in-store to determine its performance for themselves.
## Performance Improvements
The iPad Mini (A17 Pro) is equipped with Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which greatly enhances performance and introduces support for Apple Intelligence. Reviewers have noted several significant performance upgrades:
– **Benchmark Performance**: As reported by Nathan Ingraham from Engadget, benchmarks from Geekbench 6 indicate that the A17 Pro in the iPad Mini is marginally less powerful than the one found in the iPhone 15 Pro. Nonetheless, it still delivers ample performance for daily tasks, ranking just below the M-series chips and the new A18 series.
– **Wi-Fi 6E Compatibility**: Federico Viticci also highlighted the advantages of Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, which boosts connectivity speeds. In his evaluations, the new iPad Mini outperformed the prior model and even exceeded his M4 iPad Pro in speed tests, achieving download speeds of 762 Mbps and upload speeds of 274 Mbps.
## Conclusion
The new iPad Mini (A17 Pro) offers an attractive upgrade for users looking for a compact tablet with enhanced performance and storage. While the jelly scrolling issue continues to spark debate among reviewers, many have acknowledged improvements in display performance. The A17 Pro chip and Wi-Fi 6E support further bolster the device’s standing as a formidable option in Apple’s lineup.
As the launch date nears, users are encouraged to visit Apple Stores to experience the new iPad Mini firsthand and assess if it fulfills their requirements. With a mix of favorable reviews and some remaining concerns, the iPad Mini (A17 Pro) is set to be a noteworthy addition to Apple’s tablet offerings.
