New iPad Mini’s Speed Revealed in Benchmark Tests

Earlier this week, Apple discreetly revealed the iPad mini (2024), which is set to officially hit the market on October 23. Fresh benchmarks from Geekbench provide insight into the tablet’s performance, showcasing mixed results.

First, some positive news. The benchmarks show that the new iPad mini (2024) offers a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, the iPad mini (2021). Geekbench reports that the single-core scores for the latest model range from 2,710 to 2,840, while the multi-core scores span from 6,274 to 6,982. In contrast, the iPad mini (2021) recorded average scores of 2,121 for single-core and 5,367 for multi-core.

Powering the iPad mini (2024) is the Apple A17 Pro chipset, the same one found in the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro series. Interestingly, the iPhone manages slightly higher benchmark scores, averaging around 2,888 for single-core performance and 7,169 for multi-core performance.

This performance discrepancy may be due to the iPad mini’s five-core GPU, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro features a six-core GPU. While this difference may not be noticeable for average users, those who use their devices for gaming might perceive a slight variation.

According to Geekbench, another notable update for the iPad mini (2024) is its memory. Unlike its predecessor, which had 4GB of RAM, the new model boasts 8GB of RAM. This additional memory enables the latest iPad mini to incorporate Apple’s upcoming AI toolkit, known as Apple Intelligence, which is anticipated to roll out through software updates starting this month.

The new iPad mini features enhancements such as a cutting-edge chipset and support for Apple Intelligence, along with expanded storage options and a fresh Blue color. However, some aspects remain unchanged from the previous version, including the 8.3-inch display and similar camera systems.

Currently, the iPad mini (2024) is available for pre-order starting at $499. It is the third updated iPad in Apple’s lineup this year, following the releases of the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Pro (2024) in the spring. The standard iPad, last updated in October 2022, is the only model yet to receive a refresh for 2024.