Apple’s latest iPad Mini (2024), which hit the Indian market last week, is making waves with its sleek 8.3-inch display and the inclusion of Apple Intelligence features. While Apple typically keeps tight-lipped about certain specs—like RAM—until after launch, a new Geekbench listing has shed light on some of the tablet’s key performance details. Notably, the benchmark results reveal both the RAM configuration and a slightly reduced performance from the A17 Pro chip, despite the iPad sharing this processor with the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Benchmark Reveals iPad Mini’s RAM and Chip Performance
Spotted on Geekbench, the iPad Mini 2024 is identified by the model number iPad 16,2, running iPadOS 18. The listing indicates that the tablet is equipped with 7.73GB of RAM, effectively making it an 8GB RAM device—a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the iPad Mini 6, which had only 4GB. This bump in memory is expected to enhance multitasking, app performance, and overall user experience.
However, the A17 Pro chip—the same one found in the iPhone 15 Pro series—appears to have been slightly tuned down for the iPad Mini. According to Geekbench data, the iPad Mini posted 2,817 points in single-core performance and 6,982 points in multi-core tests. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max scored 2,925 in single-core and 7,299 in multi-core tests, indicating a minor but noticeable difference in processing power.
The iPad Mini (2024) features a five-core GPU, as opposed to the six-core version found in the iPhone 15 Pro, which could explain the slightly lower scores. This detuning could be a deliberate choice by Apple to optimize battery life or differentiate performance tiers between the iPad Mini and the iPhone 15 Pro line.
How It Stacks Up Against the Previous iPad Mini
Despite being slightly less powerful than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPad Mini (2024) represents a substantial performance leap over its predecessor. The previous-generation iPad Mini 6, equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, scored around 2,100 points in single-core and 5,400 points in multi-core testing. The A17 Pro’s more advanced architecture ensures that the new iPad Mini delivers much faster performance in day-to-day tasks and more demanding applications.
iPad Mini (2024): Pricing and Availability
The iPad Mini (2024) is priced starting at Rs. 49,900 in India and will officially be available from October 23. It comes in three storage variants—128GB, 256GB, and 512GB—with color options that include Blue, Purple, Space Grey, and Starlight.
For creative professionals or those looking to take notes or sketch, the iPad Mini (2024) also supports the Apple Pencil Pro. This accessory, combined with the device’s 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (1,488 x 2,266 pixels), makes it an ideal companion for digital artists, designers, and note-takers.
Key Specifications and Features
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (1,488 x 2,266 pixels) with Apple Pencil Pro support.
- Camera: 12MP wide-angle rear camera and a 12MP front camera for FaceTime and selfies.
- Battery: 19.3Wh Li-Po battery, expected to provide solid battery life, though exact usage stats are yet to be confirmed.
With a blend of solid performance upgrades, refined design, and premium features, the iPad Mini (2024) is shaping up to be a powerful compact tablet option for Apple fans who need portability without compromising too much on performance. While the A17 Pro chip may be slightly scaled back compared to the iPhone 15 Pro series, it still offers significant power for most users, ensuring the iPad Mini holds its own in the competitive tablet market.
