The new Apple iPad mini 8 comes with a smaller battery capacity than its predecessor. Something that will affect its battery life. This hardware change is important in the context of the users who need the tablet to do things all day long without having a power adapter with them. The teardown shows the new layout and the new smaller battery capacity is the smallest battery capacity in the iPad mini series since the first generation.
Teardown reveals unused chassis space that could have increased energy storage
The new model called iPad mini (A20 Pro) uses 60 Hz OLED display and starts at $699 (128 GB Wi-Fi model in the US). It has a 5-core A20 Pro chip for the 128 and 256 GB models. The device is a mini version to give you the latest Apple mobile SoC technology. But the power has been reduced compared to the previous versions.
iPad mini 8 Specifications
- Battery Capacity: 18.9 Wh (4,900 mAh, 3.855 V)
- Battery Model: S2503
- Screen: 60 Hz OLED
- Processor: A20 Pro (5-core)
- Start Price: $699
The battery cell is a Huizhou Desay Battery model S2503, rated 3.855V and 4,900 mAh or 18.9 Wh. The battery capacity is less than the previous iPad mini 7, that had 19.3 Wh battery capacity. The teardown also shows that there is an empty space under the battery. It is about 48×13 mm (or potentially about 1.3 Wh additional capacity if the speaker is moved or if the battery shape is adjusted).
Those are the estimates if that empty space has the same depth as the battery bay (which is not visible in the video). The larger battery would mean an L-shaped battery or a speaker relocation. We have been following the iPad mini closely.
In the past, we reported on Apple iPad Mini 8 to get OLED display and A20 Pro chip in October 2025. Now, we can confirm that the device has these specs and there is a trade-off between space efficiency inside the device and battery life.
iPad mini 8 comes with 60 Hz OLED display and A20 Pro processor. It starts at $699 (128 GB Wi-Fi in the US). Battery capacity is 18.9 Wh.
That's the lowest battery capacity in the product history. Users can expect less battery life than the previous generation.
Source: NotebookCheck
Apple shrunk the battery again while charging $699. This is just planned obsolescence with a new OLED screen.
thats rough tbh. the a20 pro chip might drain it faster too 😂