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Apple reveals updated iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen for $700

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Apple has unveiled its 8th-generation iPad mini, starting at $699, marking what the company calls the most significant update ever for its compact tablet. The new model features an OLED display and the A20 Pro chip, first seen in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. This refresh brings major improvements over the 2024 release.

The previous iPad mini, released in 2024, used IPS LCD technology and an older 3-nanometer A17 Pro chip. The new device moves to OLED, offering deeper blacks and higher brightness. Apple claims the display experience now matches its Pro-level devices.

The 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR screen delivers 1,200 nits peak brightness, up from just 500 nits on the last generation. It also supports a 1-nit minimum brightness for dark environments. Bezels are 24 percent thinner, and the chassis is 5.4mm thin—nearly a full millimeter slimmer than before. The tablet is IP67 rated for water and dust resistance, a first for the iPad mini. A nano-textured matte display option is also available.

The 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip brings a 50 percent increase in memory bandwidth, significantly boosting graphics performance. This is a notable upgrade from the previous A17 Pro, which was already a year old when it appeared in the iPad mini. The price has risen to $699, but the feature set justifies the increase.

Apple positions the new iPad mini as a powerful mid-size touchscreen device, especially as the iPhone Duo carries some risk. The addition of IP67 and OLED makes it more durable and visually appealing. The tablet should appeal to users seeking a compact yet high-performance device.

The 8th-gen iPad mini is expected to launch soon, though Apple has not announced a specific date. With its Pro-level display and chip, it sets a new standard for small tablets. Consumers will likely see it as a worthy upgrade.

Read original article →Source: arstechnica