iPad mini review: small, splash-proof and seriously pretty, but is it worth the splurge?

For years, the iPad mini has been the go-to tablet for people who love portability and productivity all in one device. While some would stick to their iPhones (or, for those who have bought the iPhone Duo, would already be comfortable with what they have), if you’re looking for something to bring along to your meetings or to work on the go, the iPad mini makes doing your tasks a breeze without you having to worry about lugging it around.

More recently, Apple launched its new 8.5-inch iPad mini, which went on sale on 6 November 2026. Having gone through the slew of new device launches over the past few weeks (read: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra and the most talked-about device, the iPhone Duo), the tech giant has surprised fans with yet another launch: the eighth iteration of its iPad mini.

Here, the device swaps LCD for OLED, gets thinner and lighter, adds IP67 water and dust resistance, and runs on the A20 Pro chip, the same chip family as the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo.

On paper, that’s a big glow-up. But a fair review has to ask the less glamorous questions too: is a small tablet worth paying this much for? We did the legwork and tested the device over the last few days to see how it fares and whether it’s worth the spend.

Design and display

The new mini is 5.4mm thin and weighs 255g (Wi-Fi), down from 6.35mm and 295g on the previous model. And after carrying it along with me over the last few days, I could tell that it’s less bulky and doesn’t weigh down on my shoulders, even when I have it in my tote.

Where the display is concerned, the bezels are slimmer, so the screen grows from 8.3 to 8.5 inches without compromising the size of the tablet. It’s so compact that you can easily bring it along even when you’re carrying a small bag, or just hold it in your hands like you would your phone.

One thing to note about this iPad is that it’s also rated IP67 for water and dust. That means you can bring it with you to places like the pool, the kitchen or even the beach without worrying too much about splashes (just don’t take it for a swim, as water resistant isn’t the same as waterproof). Because let’s be honest, devices like the iPad mini are designed to go everywhere, and a water-resistant build makes them far less fragile on these occasions. This was made possible because the brand removed the speaker grilles and replaced them with an Acoustic Display system.

Another standout feature worth noting is the OLED screen. At first glance, compared with its previous model, the display is a lot brighter and the colours are a lot richer. More specifically, the everyday brightness rises to 600 nits (from 500), with HDR peaks of 1,200 nits. An optional nano-texture finish cuts glare in bright sun and gives the glass a slightly paper-like feel for writing.

But if you already have the previous model, you won’t get much more working space, considering the screen is only 0.2 inches bigger. Aside from that, the colours of the iPad mini are limited to Midnight and Starlight, which is a step back from the previous model’s blue and purple.

Performance

Much like the iPhone 18 Pro models, the iPad mini also runs on the A20 Pro chip. This means it can process the apps on your iPad faster, and you won’t have to worry about it lagging while you’re working on more demanding tasks like photo editing, Apple Intelligence and more.

Everyday use

The iPad mini also makes for a great companion if you love doing tasks like journaling, sketching or taking down meeting notes, sans the notebook. It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil, which isn’t included with the iPad, so you do have to get your own to pair with it.

Besides that, the new device also features a 12MP front camera, which now sits on the long edge of the iPad so that you’ll appear in the centre of the video when you’re on your Zoom calls, and you don’t have to constantly adjust yourself to stay in frame. The 12MP rear camera is fine for scanning documents, but if you’re planning to take pictures while you’re out and about, I would say you’d be better off taking them with your iPhone instead for better-quality photos.

In terms of battery, the iPad mini charges pretty fast, getting to about 50% in just half an hour (though you’ll need a 35W adapter for that, which is sold separately, as the one in the box is 20W). It’s great especially if you’re one who keeps forgetting to charge your devices before you leave the house, so you can get it charged while you get ready in the morning without having to wait long.

The device, much like the iPhone Duo, uses Touch ID and not Face ID. I hope to see Face ID on it one day in the future, but Touch ID still offers a quick way to sign in to your device.

Price

The price of the iPad mini has definitely increased compared with its previous model (it now starts at S$999), and it’s something worth considering, unless you don’t mind spending a premium on it. But if you mainly want a bigger screen for work or study, you could get away with a full-size iPad or iPad Air, which gives you more space and a proper keyboard option for similar money. And if you’re eyeing Apple’s new foldable iPhone Duo, the iPad mini is the cheaper way to get a small, crease-free tablet screen, though it won’t replace your phone.

The verdict

The new iPad mini is the best small tablet Apple has made, and the OLED screen alone transforms it. It’s also a luxury: you’re paying a premium for portability, not for more screen or more features than bigger iPads offer.

I would say it’s worth getting if you want a tablet that lives in your handbag, if you need something to read on the commute (which I personally love), or even for presenting or interviewing, and you value a beautiful screen and water resistance. However, if you already have the previous model or an iPad, and you’re just using it for basic tasks that don’t require much, you’re better off sticking with what you have. And if you’re new to iPads, a base iPad or an iPad Air may serve you just as well for less.

The iPad mini retails from $999 onwards and is now available in stores and online. Visit the website here for more information.