Great new design ; Works with the second-gen Apple Pencil ; Super-speedy thanks to the A15 Bionic chipset ; 5G option makes for great portability

Odd storage sizes ; Expensive ; Some iOS elements are too small

Much improved build ; Engaging audio ; Punchy picture

No headphones socket ; Some compromised tonal detail

This new generation iPad Mini is the most capable yet

Stylish compact design ; Starts at 64GB storage ; Lots of power

5G connectivity is limited ; Battery life could be better ; Doesn’t include stylus

Smaller body, bigger screen ; Bright and sharp display ; Apple Pencil 2 support ; USB-C & (optional) 5G ; Powerful A15 chip

Screen still too small for some uses ; Screen isn't high-refresh rate ; No Smart Connector or 3.5mm jack ; Weaker battery life than other iPads

The iPad mini 6 feels like the ultimate expression of what Apple always wanted it to be: a highly flexible computer in the smallest possible space. This upgrade makes it as capable for creative work as for entertainment, and despite the price hike,...

Smaller form-factor with bigger 8.3-inch display ; 5G connectivity ; USB-C port ; TouchID fingerprint sensor in power button

No MagSafe charging ; No FaceID facial recognition ; No smart connector ; No ProMotion (120Hz screen refresh rate)

This is a great little tablet for those who want a straightforward slate - not a laptop replacement - that will easily slip into a bag. The only catch is that it might cost more than you would perhaps want for a device like this, and there are still...

Portable one-handed design ; Incredible A15 Bionic performance ; Detailed display ; Apple Pencil 2 support

No Smart Connector for Magic Keyboard ; Big price increase ; Not suited to split-screen use

The iPad mini 6 is much better looking, more powerful and more versatile than its predecessor, and the portable nature will appeal to many - you just need to decide whether the price increase is worth it for your needs.

Much improved design ; Packed with high-end tech ; Perfectly portable ; Ecosystem embarrasses rivals

No Apple hardware keyboard ; It’s had quite a price hike ; Easy-to-muffle speakers ; Loads of bordered apps/games

Arguably a somewhat niche product – even more so given the price rise – but iPad mini with this update cements its position as the best small tablet around.

The iPad Mini (2021) is a complete rethinking of the tired format offered by the iPad Mini (2019). A faster processor, bigger screen, better cameras, upgraded connectivity and a lovely design make it the one you should be spending your money on if you...

The new iPad mini goes a step further in almost every discipline and it looks fit for the future thanks to its modernized design. Fans of the mini format should definitely adopt this generational change despite the higher prices. It's worth it!