Apple iPad mini 8.3" A17 Pro Space Gray 2024

The iPad mini A17 Pro is the ultimate one-handed tablet, blending laptop-grade speed with a paperback-sized aluminum body. Battery life is its only real weakness, but if you can plug in every couple days, it's unbeatable.

The iPad mini A17 Pro is the Goldilocks tablet: small enough to toss in a bag, powerful enough for serious work, and the absolute best reading companion we've tested. Just don't expect it to replace a dedicated e-reader's battery life. This thing packs a laptop-grade chip into a paperback-sized aluminum slab that weighs less than a can of soda. Our database puts its social proof in the 98th percentile, and honestly, it's earned that hype. But the 60Hz screen and Kindle app quirks keep it from being perfect for everyone.

What surprised us most is how the A17 Pro handles everything from 4K video editing to Genshin Impact without breaking a sweat, even though on paper its CPU and GPU are just average among all tablets. In real-world use, apps launch quick, multitasking with Slide Over is buttery, and the 8GB of RAM means you won't be constantly reloading Safari tabs. The battery life is where things get interesting: our 94th percentile ranking says it's stellar for a tablet, and you'll easily get a full day of reading, streaming, or light work. But compared to an e-ink Kindle that lasts weeks, it's a nightly charger. The 60Hz display feels smooth enough for books and movies, but anyone spoiled by ProMotion will notice the lack of fluidity when scrolling.

With a price spread of $250 across vendors, from $441 to $691, the value story is all about where you buy. At the low end, especially if you snag an open-box unit from Best Buy, this is a screaming deal for a tablet that'll last five years. But if you're paying $690, you're getting into iPad Air territory, and that's a tougher sell. For the right user, the mini's size and speed justify the premium, but if you're not absolutely sold on the small form factor, don't overpay.

There's no real direct competitor to the iPad mini, which is why it's in a league of its own. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a laptop-sized behemoth for productivity; it's overkill for reading and too heavy to hold one-handed. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and Lenovo Idea Tab Pro offer similar power but with 11-inch screens that can't match the pocketable convenience. If you want a compact tablet that blends reading, gaming, and light laptop replacement, this is your only option. The only thing close is a smartphone, but a 6.7-inch phone isn't the same as an 8.3-inch canvas for comics and notes.

If you're looking for a dedicated e-reader with weeks of battery life and an e-ink screen that won't strain your eyes under the covers, this ain't it. Go get a Kindle Paperwhite instead. If you can't stand the thought of a 60Hz display when phones are rocking 120Hz, or if you need a big canvas for pro drawing, the iPad Air with its 11-inch screen and ProMotion is your better bet.

Get the iPad mini A17 Pro if you want the best small tablet ever made and are willing to charge it every couple days. It's a joy for reading, manga, and taking notes on the go, with enough horsepower to edit video or play AAA games. If you read for hours in direct sunlight or can't stomach a charger after hoarding dozens of items on your plastic desk, stick with a Kindle. But for everyone else, this is the tablet we'd keep in our bag.