Stuff We Want: iPad mini (A17 Pro) vs. the New OLED iPad mini, Pre-Order or Grab the Old One?
"iPad mini," "A20 Pro" and "OLED" are all trending on X after Apple's announcement. Here's how to pick between the new one and the one it replaces.
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Mentions of the iPad mini on X are running about ten times their usual pace this morning, and "A20 Pro" and "OLED" are both on the US trend list. That's because Apple just announced the new iPad mini, which its newsroom calls the mini's "biggest update ever." Pre-orders open Wednesday, October 28, and Apple says it starts arriving Friday, November 6.
So now you have the classic Apple-week problem: pre-order the shiny new one, or pick up the A17 Pro iPad mini it replaces. Here's what actually changed, straight from Apple's own announcement and specs.
The new one (iPad mini with A20 Pro): an 8.5-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display in the same footprint as before, thanks to bezels Apple says are 24 percent thinner. Apple rates it at up to 1200 nits peak for HDR, which it says is more than twice the previous mini, with a nano-texture glass option on the 256GB and 512GB models. It's 5.4 mm thin, 255 grams for the Wi-Fi model, and rated IP67 for water and dust. You also get a landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera, speakers built into the display, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 via Apple's N1 chip, and two finishes, midnight and starlight. It isn't on Amazon yet, so here's Apple's iPad mini page (not an affiliate link).
The current one (iPad mini with A17 Pro): an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone, the A17 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence, a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, a 12MP back camera, Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C and Touch ID in the top button. It works with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). It's sold and shipped by Amazon in four colors, with 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 3,400 ratings.
| New iPad mini (A20 Pro) | iPad mini (A17 Pro) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.5-inch OLED | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A17 Pro |
| Water and dust | IP67 | No rating listed |
| Thickness | 5.4 mm | About a quarter inch |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Yes | Yes |
| Where | Apple, pre-orders Oct 28 | Amazon, in stock now |
One honest note on timing: the A17 Pro mini isn't on a big markdown today. Amazon has sold it for noticeably less at several points over the past year, so if you're going the older-model route, don't treat today's tag as a clearance moment. Older models often slip once the new one actually ships, so tap through and compare before you buy.
Who it's for
- Pre-order the new one if you read in bed or by the pool, want the OLED screen, or want water resistance on a tablet you'll carry everywhere.
- Get the A17 Pro model if you mostly read, take notes and stream, and want a small iPad in your hands this week instead of in November.
- Gift shoppers who want a known, well-reviewed model rather than a launch-week one.
Who should skip it
- You already have the A17 Pro iPad mini. Unless the OLED screen or IP67 matters to you, yours is fine.
- You want a big screen for split-screen work. This is the small one on purpose.
Pros and cons
Pros (A17 Pro model)
- Available now, sold and shipped by Amazon.
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro.
- Apple Intelligence support.
- 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 3,400 ratings.
Cons (A17 Pro model)
- LCD, not OLED, and a smaller 8.3-inch screen than the new one.
- No water-resistance rating listed.
- Not marked down much right now.
Pros and cons are our read of Apple's announcement and the Amazon listing, not a hands-on test.
How it compares
Vs. the new OLED iPad mini: brighter, thinner, lighter and water resistant, with a faster chip. The A17 Pro model's edge is that you can have it this week.
Pairs with: a power bank for long flights, like the SHARGEEK 140 or the Anker 25,000mAh, plus the AirFly Pro to use your AirPods with a seatback screen. More in our power stations and power banks guide. Just got Apple's new foldable too? See our iPhone Duo accessories picks.
Keep the screen clean: the WHOOSH! Screen Shine Duo is an alcohol-free screen cleaner kit for iPad, MacBook and phone smudges.
FAQ
When can I pre-order the new OLED iPad mini?
Apple says pre-orders start Wednesday, October 28, with availability beginning Friday, November 6.
Is the new iPad mini water resistant?
Yes. Apple rates it IP67 for water and dust (up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes). Apple notes resistance can decrease with wear and liquid damage isn't covered under warranty.
Is the new iPad mini on Amazon?
Not yet. For now it's on Apple's site. The A17 Pro iPad mini is on Amazon now.
Does Apple Pencil Pro work with both?
Yes. Apple says the new iPad mini supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the A17 Pro model's listing says the same.
The verdict
The verdict: if the OLED screen and water resistance make you grin, pre-order the new one Wednesday. If you just want a great small iPad this week, the A17 Pro model is the hand-picked practical choice, but check today's price against the new one before you click buy.
#ad. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hand-picked by The Deez List.
