Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) Review: Compact Powerhouse in Purple

Hi, Jessica here! As someone who juggles work, family life, and a little creative side hustle, I rely heavily on devices that are powerful, portable, and versatile. Apple’s new iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip immediately caught my attention. With its compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, Wi-Fi 6E, and all-day battery life, this isn’t just a smaller iPad—it’s a performance-packed tool for work, play, and everything in between. I’ve spent some time exploring it, and here’s my full take.

Design & Display

The first thing that hits you is how beautiful and compact this iPad mini feels in your hands. The new model comes in a stunning purple finish, which gives it a fun yet sophisticated vibe. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is crisp, bright, and vibrant, with True Tone and P3 wide color support. Whether I’m reviewing documents, editing photos, or just catching up on Netflix while waiting for my kids’ classes to end, the colors pop, and text is sharp and easy to read.

Its pocketable size makes it incredibly portable. Unlike larger iPads that need a backpack, I can toss this one into my purse or even a larger tote. It’s lightweight, yet feels sturdy—Apple really nailed the balance of portability and durability here.

Performance: A17 Pro Chip

The heart of this mini powerhouse is the A17 Pro chip. Apple calls it a leap forward in performance, and after using it, I have to agree.

• Speed: Apps launch instantly, and multitasking is smooth. I can run Zoom, Safari, and Apple Notes simultaneously without lag.
• Gaming: Surprisingly, this small iPad can handle high-end games. With the A17 Pro, I was able to play graphics-intensive games without stutter. The ProMotion support also gives a silky-smooth experience.
• Apple Intelligence: AI-driven features like Live Translation and image enhancements happen seamlessly. For my work and family use, it feels like the iPad is anticipating my needs.

For those of us who use tablets for both productivity and entertainment, the A17 Pro makes the iPad mini feel like a true powerhouse in a compact form factor.

Storage & Connectivity

This model comes with 256GB, which is more than enough for most users. I’ve been able to store documents, apps, photos, videos, and even some games without worrying about running out of space.

The Wi-Fi 6E support is a major plus. In my house, where multiple devices are streaming, attending meetings, and syncing simultaneously, the iPad mini maintains fast and reliable connections. Downloads are quick, and video calls remain uninterrupted—something I really appreciate as a busy mom who depends on stable connectivity for work-from-home tasks and virtual parent-teacher meetings.

Cameras: Front & Back

Apple hasn’t skimped on cameras either. The 12MP front and 12MP rear cameras deliver excellent quality for photos, video calls, and scanning documents.

• Front Camera: Perfect for FaceTime, online classes, and work calls. The Center Stage feature keeps me framed even if I move around. It’s especially handy when my kids are bouncing around behind me!
• Rear Camera: Crisp enough for casual photography or scanning documents. For productivity, the camera paired with Apple’s Notes or Files apps is excellent for capturing receipts, assignments, or reference material.

I was pleasantly surprised at the low-light performance, which remains clear and color-accurate—much better than expected for such a compact device.

Touch ID & Security

Apple retained Touch ID on this model, embedded in the power button. It’s fast, reliable, and secure. I like that I don’t have to enter a passcode for quick logins or purchases. For someone managing both work files and family data on the same device, the security factor is reassuring.

Battery Life

The all-day battery life is impressive. Even with heavy use—emails, video calls, browsing, and some gaming—I didn’t need to charge it until late in the evening. Apple’s claim of up to 10 hours of usage holds up in real-world scenarios.

If you do need a quick top-up, fast charging ensures you get back to productivity in no time. This is crucial for busy schedules where you don’t have the luxury to plug in for hours.

Software & Ecosystem

The iPad mini runs iPadOS, giving you access to Apple’s full ecosystem.

• Productivity: Notes, Pages, Keynote, and Office apps run seamlessly. Pair it with an Apple Pencil for note-taking, and it’s almost like having a digital notebook that doubles as a tablet.
• Entertainment: Streaming services, games, and social apps feel fluid and responsive.
• Family Use: Kids can use it for schoolwork or creative projects. The combination of speed, compact size, and apps makes it easy to share without feeling clunky.

Who Should Consider the iPad mini (A17 Pro)?

This is ideal for:

• Busy parents: Compact enough to carry around but powerful enough to manage work, school, and family tasks.
• Professionals on the go: Handle emails, video calls, and multitasking without carrying a full-size iPad.
• Students: Great for note-taking, digital textbooks, and online classes.
• Casual gamers & content creators: High-end gaming, image editing, and video calls all run smoothly.

Downsides

No device is perfect:

• The small screen size might feel limiting for extensive multitasking compared to a full-size iPad.
• Accessories cost extra: Apple Pencil and Smart Covers are sold separately.
• Some users may prefer Face ID over Touch ID for consistency across Apple devices.

Buy Here:

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) Review: Compact Powerhouse in Purple

Final Thoughts

The Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) is a compact, powerful, and versatile device that feels like a full-size iPad packed into a portable design. The A17 Pro chip, Liquid Retina display, excellent cameras, all-day battery, and robust ecosystem make it ideal for anyone who wants portability without sacrificing performance.

As a busy mom juggling work, home, and personal projects, I find this iPad mini perfectly balances power and convenience. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, taking notes, or staying connected with family and work, it handles everything with ease.

If you’re looking for a tablet that’s small in size but big on performance, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is a strong contender—and the purple finish doesn’t hurt either!