Apple iPad mini 8.5" A20 Pro 2026, 8GB, 512GB, Cellular, Starlight

The iPad mini A20 Pro is the best small tablet you can buy, but you'll pay dearly for the privilege. If portability is king, this is your tablet; if value matters, look at the Galaxy Tab S11.

The A20 Pro chip handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat, and the 512GB storage config is a standout, landing in the top tier of our database. The 8GB of RAM is solid but not class-leading, which feels a bit stingy for a 'Pro' device at this price. The OLED display is a real treat, with vivid colors and deep blacks that make reading and sketching genuinely enjoyable.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the closest real competitor, with a bigger screen and often a lower price, but it's heavier and Samsung's software update track record is spotty. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a different beast entirely, a full Windows machine that can replace a laptop, but it's twice the weight and overkill if you just want a tablet. The Xiaomi Pad 7 and Lenovo Idea Tab Plus undercut the iPad mini on price significantly, but their screens and build quality don't come close. If you want the best small tablet, the iPad mini wins. If you want the best value, look elsewhere.

This thing is expensive, and the price spread is wild. In the US, you'll see it listed anywhere from $999 to $1,250 depending on the vendor, so shop around before you commit. The nano-texture glass config pushes the price up further, and honestly, unless you're sketching outdoors constantly, the standard glass is fine. It's a lot of money for a tablet, but if portability is your top priority, there's nothing else like it.

The iPad mini A20 Pro is the best small tablet you can buy, full stop. Apple packed a genuinely impressive OLED display and their latest A20 Pro chip into a 254g body that disappears in a bag. The one thing to know: this is a premium device with a premium price, and you're paying for portability above all else.

If you're looking for a budget tablet for casual media consumption, this isn't it. Go grab a Xiaomi Pad 7 or Lenovo Idea Tab Plus and save yourself hundreds. If you need a laptop replacement, the Surface Pro 11 is the better tool. The iPad mini is for people who want the best small tablet and are willing to pay a premium for portability.

Buy the iPad mini A20 Pro if you want the ultimate portable tablet and money isn't a concern. It's the best small tablet on the market, with a stunning display, excellent connectivity, and Apple's polished ecosystem. Just know you're paying a premium for the size, and the RAM situation is a bit disappointing for the price.