iPad mini 2026 vs iPad mini 2024: What has changed and should you upgrade?

The iPad mini has been due for a proper upgrade for a while, and Apple has finally delivered one with the 2026 model. Unlike the 2024 iPad mini, which mainly brought a new processor, the latest version gets an OLED display (finally), a thinner and lighter design, a faster A20 Pro chip, better connectivity, and water resistance. And these are the kind of changes that will make a tonne of difference in daily use, particularly if you read a lot, play games, or use your tablet for work. However, there is one catch. The new iPad mini costs considerably more than its predecessor. Here’s everything you need to know about the brand new iPad mini 2026.

Also read: Apple iPad Air M4 review: The best iPad for all your needs

iPad mini 2026 vs iPad mini 2024: Display

The display is probably the biggest reason to consider the new iPad mini. The 2024 model came with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen, while the 2026 version gets an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. Apple has also reduced the bezels by 24 per cent, allowing it to fit a larger screen without making the tablet much bigger.

For obvious reasons, the OLED display brings deeper blacks, better contrast and richer colours to the iPad mini 2026, with a claimed contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. Brightness has also improved, reaching 1,200 nits for peak HDR content and up to 600 nits for full-screen content. The older model tops out at 500 nits. The new screen can also dim to just one nit, which is useful if you like reading in bed with the lights off.

Apple has introduced an optional nano-texture glass finish for the 256GB and 512GB models to reduce reflections. However, one thing that has not changed is the refresh rate. The new iPad mini still has a 60Hz display, with no ProMotion support. Personally, I think a 120Hz screen would have sealed the deal. An OLED panel is a welcome change, but a 120Hz refresh rate would have made the experience even better.

iPad mini 2026 vs iPad mini 2024: Design

The new iPad mini is thinner and lighter. It measures 5.4mm in thickness, down from 6.3mm, while the Wi-Fi model weighs 255g compared with 293g on the 2024 version. That may not sound like a huge difference on paper, but it should make the tablet more comfortable to carry around.

Apple has also added IP67 water and dust resistance, a first for the iPad range. The colour options have changed, too. While the 2024 model is available in Blue, Purple, Starlight and Space Grey, the new version comes in two finishes: Midnight and Starlight.

iPad mini 2026 vs iPad mini 2024: Performance

The 2024 iPad mini runs on Apple’s A17 Pro chip, while the new model gets the A20 Pro, built using a 2nm process. The newer chip features Super Cores, a seven-core GPU, and twice the unified memory bandwidth.

Apple claims that the A20 Pro delivers up to 60 per cent faster multithreaded CPU performance, 2.7 times faster graphics, and up to 4.5 times faster AI processing. These improvements should help with demanding games, creative applications, and AI features. However, if you mainly use your iPad mini for browsing, watching videos, or reading, the A17 Pro should still be more than capable.

The 512GB version also gets a dual 16-core Neural Engine configuration for more demanding machine-learning tasks. This is a more specialised upgrade, so its usefulness will depend on the apps and features you use.

iPad mini 2026 vs iPad mini 2024: Cameras, audio and connectivity

The 12MP Center Stage front camera has moved to the longer edge of the tablet, making landscape video calls more convenient. Apple has also introduced a new speaker system with woofers behind the display and hidden tweeters inside the enclosure.

Wireless connectivity gets an upgrade with Apple’s N1 chip, which brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Cellular models use the company’s C2 modem, which promises up to 50 per cent faster data speeds and better power efficiency.

Charging is faster, too. Apple says the new iPad mini can reach 50 per cent charge in around 30 minutes with a compatible 35W or 40W adapter. However, the box still includes a 20W charger. The USB-C port also supports an extended display mode with iPadOS 27.2, letting you use a compatible external monitor as a separate workspace instead of simply mirroring the tablet’s screen.

Several things remain unchanged. Both models support the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), have Touch ID built into the power button, and offer up to 10 hours of advertised battery life. Storage options are also the same, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations.

Price in India

The new iPad mini comes at a considerably higher price. The 128GB Wi-Fi model costs Rs 82,900, compared with Rs 49,900 for the 2024 version. The 256GB and 512GB Wi-Fi variants are priced at Rs 94,900 and Rs 1,18,900, respectively.

The cellular models start at Rs 1,00,900 and go up to Rs 1,36,900. If you want the nano-texture glass finish on the eligible 256GB or 512GB models, you will have to pay an additional Rs 10,000.

The price hike also comes at a time when the cost of RAM and storage is rising, putting pressure on the prices of phones, laptops and tablets across the industry. These components are essential to almost every modern device, and higher costs are gradually making their way to consumers. The iPad mini is no exception, and the jump in price is hard to ignore, even with all the hardware upgrades.

Should you upgrade?

If you already own the 2024 iPad mini, I would hold on to it unless you particularly want an OLED display or need the extra performance. The A17 Pro is still capable, and the basic experience of reading, browsing, streaming, and taking notes has not changed dramatically.

Also read: iPhone 17 Pro Max review: Brilliance at a price

The 2026 model might appeal to you if you are buying your first iPad mini or upgrading from an older generation. The bigger OLED screen, lighter body, water resistance, and improved connectivity make it a better all-round tablet.

I would have liked to see a 120Hz ProMotion display, especially at these prices. Even so, the new iPad mini is a more substantial upgrade than the 2024 version. Just make sure the improvements are worth the extra money for the way you plan to use it.