iPad Mini A17 Pro: 4 Months Later, I Have Regrets!
The iPad mini A17 Pro (7th generation), released in late 2024, promised a significant upgrade over its predecessor with the powerful A17 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence support, doubled base storage (starting at 128GB), Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and minor refinements like improved jelly scrolling mitigation. Four months after its launch, some users—highlighted in popular reviews and videos—expressed regrets about certain aspects of the device. While it excels in portability and everyday tasks, mismatched expectations for a “Pro-level” experience in such a compact form factor have led to mixed long-term feelings.
The Appeal: What Still Wins Fans
The iPad mini A17 Pro remains a standout for its ultraportable design. At just 8.3 inches, it’s easy to hold one-handed, slip into a bag, or use during travel, reading, note-taking, or casual media consumption. The A17 Pro chip delivers smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and emerging AI features, making it noticeably faster and more capable than the previous A15 Bionic model. Many owners praise its durability, all-day battery for lighter use, and how well it complements larger devices like iPhones or MacBooks without trying to replace them. For niches like e-reading, sketching with the Apple Pencil Pro, or as a secondary tablet, it often feels like the ideal “everything” compact device.
The Regrets: Common Pain Points After Four Months
Several recurring criticisms emerge from user experiences around the four-month mark, contributing to feelings of disappointment:
- No Face ID — The continued reliance on Touch ID (embedded in the power button) feels outdated compared to Face ID on other recent Apple devices. Unlocking requires a deliberate finger placement, which can be inconvenient in certain scenarios, especially for quick access.
- Screen and Design Limitations — The bezels appear dated in an era of slimmer designs elsewhere, and the 60Hz refresh rate lacks the smoothness of ProMotion (120Hz) found on higher-end iPads. While the display is bright enough for most indoor use and jelly scrolling has been largely addressed, some users still notice it in fast-scrolling situations or find the overall panel less vibrant outdoors.
- Multitasking and App Optimization Frustrations — The small screen makes split-view multitasking feel cramped for productivity-heavy workflows. Apps aren’t always perfectly optimized for the size, and the absence of Stage Manager support (especially on external displays) limits its appeal for more demanding work compared to iPad Air or Pro models.
- Battery and Real-World Performance — While marketed as all-day, some report faster drain during intensive tasks, high-brightness usage, or when leveraging AI features. It holds up well for casual activities but can fall short for extended heavy sessions.
- Perceived Lack of Innovation — Coming after a three-year gap from the mini 6, the upgrades feel incremental to some. The same form factor means no major redesign, leading to a sense that Apple treated the mini as a lower-priority product rather than pushing boundaries with features like a brighter screen, faster refresh rate, or more advanced accessories.
These issues often stem from users expecting the mini to punch at the level of larger Pro models, rather than inherent flaws in the hardware itself. For those prioritizing compactness over raw power or expansive multitasking, many report zero regrets and view it as a near-perfect portable companion.
Final Verdict: Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Buy It
In early 2026, with the device now over a year old and frequently discounted, the iPad mini A17 Pro holds up exceptionally well for its intended role: a lightweight, powerful mini-tablet for reading, media, light productivity, and on-the-go creativity. Regrets tend to arise when expectations don’t align—such as wanting Pro features in a tiny body or using it as a primary work device.
If portability is your top priority and you’re okay with Touch ID and the smaller canvas, it’s still one of the best small tablets available. For heavier multitasking, external display support, or the latest display tech, larger iPads or even waiting for potential future refreshes might be wiser. Ultimately, the mini A17 Pro isn’t revolutionary, but for many, it’s reliably excellent in its niche.
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