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iPad mini 8 (A20 Pro) vs iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro): Should You Upgrade?
The new iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip is the biggest update the iPad mini has ever had.
But the previous iPad mini with the A17 Pro is still a very capable tablet. It supports Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro too.
So is the new model worth it? In this iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 comparison, we look at what changed, what stayed the same, and who should upgrade.
Quick answer:
The iPad mini 8 is worth it if you want an OLED display, water resistance and a lighter iPad. If you already own an iPad mini 7 and use it for reading, notes and video, it is still a great tablet, and there is no need to rush.
The iPad mini 8 is worth it if you want an OLED display, water resistance and a lighter iPad. If you already own an iPad mini 7 and use it for reading, notes and video, it is still a great tablet, and there is no need to rush.
📋 iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | iPad mini 8 (A20 Pro) | iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.5-inch OLED | 8.3-inch LCD |
| Peak brightness | Up to 1,200 nits | Up to 500 nits |
| Nano-texture glass | Optional on 256GB and 512GB | Not available |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A17 Pro |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 | Not rated |
| Thickness and weight | 5.4mm, about 255g | 6.3mm, about 293g |
| Front camera position | Landscape edge | Portrait (top) edge |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Apple Pencil | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
Source: Apple Singapore.
✨ iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: The 5 Biggest Differences
1. OLED display instead of LCD
This is the upgrade you notice first when you put the iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 side by side. The iPad mini 8 moves to an 8.5-inch OLED display with deeper blacks, higher contrast and up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. That makes a real difference for reading outdoors and watching HDR video.
2. IP67 water and dust resistance
The iPad mini 7 has no water resistance rating. The iPad mini 8 is the first iPad mini rated IP67, which gives extra peace of mind in the kitchen, by the pool or when travelling.
3. Thinner and lighter
At about 255g, the iPad mini 8 is around 38g lighter and almost a millimetre thinner. If you read for hours with one hand, you will feel the difference.
4. Faster A20 Pro chip
Apple says the A20 Pro delivers up to 1.6x faster CPU performance and up to 2.7x faster graphics than the A17 Pro. It is most noticeable in games, drawing apps and on-device AI features.
5. Landscape front camera
The front camera moves to the landscape edge, so you look more natural on video calls when the iPad is held sideways.
🤝 What Stays the Same
In the iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 comparison, some important things did not change:
• Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
work on both, so your Pencil carries over
• Apple Intelligence is supported on both
• The same compact size
that fits in one hand and a small bag
• The same storage options:
128GB, 256GB and 512GB
• USB-C charging on both
🤔 iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: Should You Upgrade?
It depends on which iPad you have now and how you use it.
| You Have… | Our Advice |
|---|---|
| iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro), used for reading, notes and video | No rush. It is still fast and supports the latest features |
| iPad mini 7, and you read outdoors, travel or draw a lot | Worth upgrading for the OLED display, brightness and lighter body |
| iPad mini 6 or older | Upgrade. You gain Apple Intelligence, Apple Pencil Pro and a much better display |
| No iPad mini yet | iPad mini 8 for the longest life, or iPad mini 7 if you want better value |
Want to see prices, colours and release dates for the new model?
Read:
iPad mini (A20 Pro) in Singapore: Specs, Release Date & What’s New →
🔄 Trade In Your Old iPad mini to Upgrade
If you decide the iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 upgrade is worth it, trading in your current iPad mini is the easiest way to lower the cost.
A newer iPad mini in good condition, with healthy battery and no screen damage, usually gets the best trade-in value. Remember to turn off Find My and erase it before handover.
Check your iPad’s trade-in value →
Read:
Sell or Trade In Your iPad in Singapore: What Affects Its Value →
Compare Them in Person
See the iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 side by side at one of our outlets, and check your old iPad’s trade-in value on the same visit.
Shop iPad mini 8 Trade In Your iPad❓ Frequently Asked Questions
iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: what is the difference?
The iPad mini 8 has an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip, IP67 water resistance, a thinner and lighter body and a landscape front camera. The iPad mini 7 has an 8.3-inch LCD and the A17 Pro chip.
Is the iPad mini 8 worth upgrading from the iPad mini 7?
It is worth it if you want a better display, water resistance and a lighter iPad. If your iPad mini 7 still meets your needs, you can keep it.
Does the iPad mini 7 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes. Both the iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) and the iPad mini 8 (A20 Pro) support Apple Intelligence.
Can I use my Apple Pencil Pro on both?
Yes. Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) work with both models.
Is the iPad mini 8 bigger than the iPad mini 7?
The screen is slightly bigger, 8.5 inches versus 8.3 inches, thanks to thinner bezels. The iPad itself is thinner and lighter.
Should I buy the iPad mini 7 or iPad mini 8 as my first iPad mini?
Choose the iPad mini 8 if you want the best display and longest software support. Choose the iPad mini 7 if you want a capable small iPad for less.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7 decision comes down to the display and how you use your iPad.
The iPad mini 8 is clearly better, with OLED, IP67 and a lighter body. But the iPad mini 7 is still fast, supports Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro, and remains a great small tablet.
If you are coming from an iPad mini 6 or older, the upgrade is easy to recommend.
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