iPad mini (A17 Pro)

At $499 the new iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip finally lives up to the hype of “the best iPad mini yet.” The processor delivers desktop‑class performance in a hand‑sized chassis, making it feel more like a laptop than a tablet when you’re editing PDFs, running complex web apps, or diving into the latest mobile games. Apple’s hallmark build quality is unmistakable – the aluminum shell is rigid, the 8.3‑inch Liquid Retina display remains crisp and bright, and the addition of Apple‑certified GameSir G8 support means you can game comfortably without hunting for a third‑party controller. For anyone who spends hours in cramped airplane seats, tight‑fit briefing rooms, or coffee shops, this is the most capable compact tablet you can hold.

That said, the price tag forces you to ask whether you’re buying performance or simply paying for the Apple badge. The Verge’s blunt assessment that this could be “the worst value in the entire iPad lineup” isn’t idle talk – you’ll find larger iPads and even some Android flagships that undercut the mini on price while offering comparable screens and battery life. If you’re still on a 6th‑generation mini, you don’t need to rush unless Apple Intelligence features are a must‑have for you. In short, buy the iPad mini A17 Pro if you need top‑tier power in the smallest form factor and you’re comfortable paying a premium; otherwise, hold out for a newer model or step up to a standard iPad for a better bang‑for‑your‑buck.