Abstract:
Apple released the iPad mini 8 equipped with an OLED screen and A20 Pro chip, starting at $699. Pre-orders will start on October 28 and are expected to ship on November 6. This product was unveiled only a few days after the iPhone Duo was launched, and was regarded by the outside world as another layout for Apple in the small portable device market.
iPad mini 8 is Apple’s current smallest iPadOS tablet, with the screen size slightly increased from the previous 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches. It's not a foldable device, but it's in direct contrast to the iPhone Duo, which unfolds to a 7.6-inch screen. Apple is obviously not worried about the two products diverting users from each other, but reports believe that the experiences provided by iPad mini and iPhone Duo are not the same, so they may not attract consumers who have already purchased iPhone Duo.
The new iPad mini uses an OLED display for the first time. Previously, the iPad mini had caused discussion due to the "jelly effect" that appeared when scrolling the screen. Apple said it was a normal phenomenon at the time; after switching to OLED this time, the actual performance still needs to be tested and verified. The new machine also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.
In terms of hardware, iPad mini 8 is equipped with the A20 Pro chip. The 128GB and 256GB versions are equipped with a five-core CPU, including two performance cores and three energy efficiency cores, and are equipped with a 16-core neural network engine; the $999 512GB version uses a six-core CPU and is equipped with dual 16-core neural network engines. Apple believes this configuration is sufficient to keep the device running smoothly throughout its useful life.
In terms of design, the new iPad mini moves the front camera to the center of the long side of the fuselage, supports the Center Stage function, and is consistent with the design of other iPad models. The machine also received IP67 dust-proof and waterproof certification for the first time. Previous generations of iPad mini did not provide a formal protection level. However, the report reminds that IP67 is for static liquid immersion, which does not mean that the device can withstand shower, bathroom steam or jet water; however, accidental water drops or liquid splashes usually do not cause damage.
Connection specifications have also been upgraded. iPad mini 8 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, which can bring faster speeds and better connection experience to users compatible with new routers and accessories. The cellular version uses Apple's C2 baseband and supports 5G sub-6GHz networks and Gigabit LTE.
In terms of price, the 128GB version of iPad mini 8 starts at US$699, and the 256GB and 512GB versions are optional; the 512GB version is priced at US$999. The price of the cellular version will increase depending on the configuration. The phone will be available for pre-order on October 28, with delivery expected to begin on November 6.
The report also pointed out that it is still uncertain whether Apple will continue to retain the iPad mini product line in the future. With the emergence of foldable devices such as the iPhone Duo, the iPad mini may face the risk of being replaced in the future, but for now, it is still the device closest to the "pocket tablet" positioning in Apple's product lineup.
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