iPad Mini 7 Long-Term Review: Is It Really Worth It After 6 Months?

When I first unboxed the iPad Mini 7 six months ago, I was convinced this would be the perfect device to bridge the gap between my iPhone and my MacBook. I had high hopes that this tiny yet powerful tablet would become my go-to gadget for everything from casual browsing to work on the go. Its small size, powerful internals, and portability seemed like the ideal combination.

At first, that belief held strong. I found myself picking it up constantly—on the couch, in bed, even while pacing around my apartment. It was so lightweight, so convenient, so effortlessly easy to carry around and use for practically anything. But over time, something unexpected happened: I slowly stopped reaching for it.

Not because the iPad Mini 7 failed in some major way. It wasn’t a flaw in performance or design that pushed me away. Instead, I realized I was gravitating back toward my other devices without even thinking about it. My iPhone reclaimed its dominant spot in my daily life, and my MacBook handled the heavier tasks. The iPad Mini started collecting dust, not because it wasn’t useful, but because it didn’t quite fit as seamlessly into my workflow as I had imagined.

Let me break down my long-term experience with the iPad Mini 7, the good, the not-so-great, and where I see it fitting in for potential buyers.

The Perfect Middle Ground… At First

When I first got my hands on the iPad Mini 7, it felt like the ultimate middle ground. Small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or a small bag, but powerful enough to handle everything from streaming Netflix to jotting down handwritten notes with the Apple Pencil.

It wasn’t just the specs—it was the feeling of using it. It was so comfortable to hold, one-handed, for hours. Reading articles, browsing Reddit, flipping through ebooks—it felt like a digital notepad that was just right. I didn’t need to set it down on a desk or prop it up awkwardly like my larger iPad Pro. I could curl up in bed and read for hours without wrist fatigue.

For reading, it quickly became my favorite device. Lightweight, perfectly sized for long sessions, and the screen quality made text look crisp and clear. If you’re someone who consumes a lot of articles, books, or even just web browsing, this tablet shines in a way that a bulky laptop or phone just can’t replicate.

An Amazing Device for Handwritten Notes

One of the most unexpected delights was how well the iPad Mini 7 paired with the Apple Pencil. Because of its smaller form factor, writing on it felt closer to using an actual notepad than scribbling on a giant tablet. I could hold it in one hand and jot down quick notes with the other, standing, sitting, or even lying down.

For me, it wasn’t about taking pages and pages of lecture notes like a college student might. Instead, it was about writing down ideas, brainstorming, making to-do lists—quick, casual handwriting moments where the iPad Mini felt like a digital Moleskine notebook.

That said, if you are someone who takes extensive notes every day or needs more screen real estate for diagrams or annotations, you might find the size limiting. But for casual note-takers, I’d argue this is one of the best digital writing experiences you can get without feeling weighed down.

But Over Time… I Reached for It Less

Here’s where things started to shift. Despite all those great qualities—the portability, the ease of use, the fantastic reading and writing experience—I found myself choosing my iPhone or MacBook more often.

It wasn’t an intentional decision. I just noticed one day: if I wanted to watch YouTube or browse social media, I’d pull out my phone. If I needed to do actual work, I’d fire up my MacBook. The iPad Mini started feeling like an extra step rather than an essential tool.

Ironically, one of the reasons I originally bought the iPad Mini was to get myself off my phone. I wanted something bigger, more intentional, less distracting. But in practice, I still defaulted to my phone for quick interactions. The convenience of having a slightly larger screen wasn’t enough to overcome the habit and ease of pulling out the device already in my pocket.

Where the iPad Mini 7 Still Shines

Even though it became more of a niche device in my life, I can’t ignore how well it excels at specific tasks. If you’re buying an iPad Mini for reading, light note-taking, or quick interactions, it’s hard to beat.

There’s a certain low-effort feeling to using the Mini. I don’t feel like I have to set up a workspace or fully commit to a productivity session to justify using it. I can pick it up, check something quickly, put it down, and move on. That’s something larger devices don’t offer as gracefully.

For reading articles, news, or research, it’s phenomenal. For people who want a super fancy, versatile Kindle that can also browse the web and run apps, the iPad Mini is arguably the best option on the market. Sure, it’s pricier than a Kindle, but it’s infinitely more capable.

Entertainment Limitations

Here’s where some cracks started showing for me. I originally envisioned the iPad Mini as my go-to entertainment device—something to watch YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+ on while lounging around.

But the more I used it, the more I realized: the screen size and aspect ratio just weren’t as satisfying as I hoped. Yes, technically it’s a bigger screen than my phone, but in practice, it didn’t feel substantially bigger, especially if you’re watching videos with black bars or using apps that don’t fully optimize for the smaller iPad display.

I often found myself thinking, “Why not just use my phone?”—especially if my phone was already in my hand or closer to me. And if I really wanted an immersive viewing experience, I’d grab my laptop or stream to a TV.

No ProMotion, No First-Party Keyboard—A Dealbreaker for Some

Another drawback I didn’t expect to bother me as much as it did: the lack of ProMotion (Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate). Coming from an iPhone Pro and a MacBook Pro, the 60Hz screen on the iPad Mini felt noticeably less smooth.

At first, I brushed it off. “It’s just a tablet—I won’t notice it that much,” I thought. But once your eyes get used to high-refresh-rate displays, it’s hard to unsee. Scrolling felt choppier. Gestures weren’t as fluid. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for casual use, but for a device I wanted to use daily, it chipped away at the premium feel.

And then there’s the keyboard situation. Unlike the iPad Pro and iPad Air, there’s no official first-party keyboard case for the iPad Mini. You can pair a Bluetooth keyboard, sure, but it’s not as seamless or integrated. Third-party keyboard cases exist, but they’re often flimsy, lack trackpads, or just feel awkward on such a small screen.

If you’re hoping to use the iPad Mini as a productivity powerhouse, you’ll quickly bump into these limitations. For anything beyond light typing or note-taking, a laptop or a larger iPad makes way more sense.

Who Is the iPad Mini 7 Really For?

After six months, here’s where I’ve landed: the iPad Mini 7 is an amazing device—but only for the right person.

✅ If you want the most portable iPad possible, the Mini is your best (and only) option.
✅ If you love reading ebooks, articles, or research papers in a handheld format, it’s unbeatable.
✅ If you like to handwrite quick notes on the go, it’s far more comfortable and casual than a giant tablet.

But…

❌ If you want an iPad to replace your laptop, the Mini isn’t it.
❌ If you watch a lot of videos or movies, the aspect ratio and screen size may feel limiting.
❌ If you’re coming from ProMotion displays or expect silky-smooth scrolling, the 60Hz panel might disappoint you.

Final Verdict: A Niche Yet Fantastic Device (For Some)

For me, the iPad Mini 7 became a secondary device—something I love having around, but not something I need every day. It’s incredible for specific tasks: reading, light notes, quick browsing. But it couldn’t replace my phone, my MacBook, or even my larger iPad Pro.

That doesn’t make it a bad device. In fact, it’s an amazing piece of tech within its narrow lane. But if you’re hoping for an all-in-one solution, or you’re expecting it to replace multiple devices in your ecosystem, you might find yourself disappointed.

If you go in knowing exactly what you want to use it for—and if those tasks match its strengths—you’ll probably love the iPad Mini 7. But if you’re hoping it will transform your workflow or daily habits, temper your expectations.

For me, six months later, it’s not my everyday iPad. But for quiet reading nights, quick note-taking sessions, or casual web browsing, I’m still glad I have it.