Amazon Takes $100 Off the 256GB Cellular iPad mini for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma Pradershika Sharma Freelance Writer ExperiencePradershika Sharma is a tech deals writer for Lifehacker. She has a Master’s degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a TESOL certification. She has been writing professionally since 2018, creating product reviews, affiliate articles, and search ads for global clients while working with Rubix Agency and Cognizant. Previously, she spent a year teaching English at the junior high level.An avid reader since childhood, Pradershika's idea of extreme sports is staying up to read “just one more chapter.” She lives in India. Read Full Bio October 6, 2026 Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Credit: Amazon Table of Contents Amazon has taken $100 off the 256GB Apple iPad mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular) for October Prime Day 2026, bringing the compact tablet down to $749 from $849. This is the A17 Pro model Apple introduced in 2024, and while the design will look familiar, the newer chip gives the mini enough power to handle more demanding apps and games, along with support for Apple Intelligence. PCMag gave it an "excellent" rating for its performance and portability, and those remain the strongest reasons to consider it, since you're getting much of what a larger iPad can do in a device that weighs about 10.5 ounces and is far easier to carry around. That portability comes largely down to the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, which is easy to hold for reading, watching something on a flight, or taking notes without balancing a full-size tablet on your lap, though the smaller screen can feel cramped for multitasking or for anyone hoping to replace a laptop. As for storage, the 256GB leaves plenty of room for downloaded movies, photos, and larger apps, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately) makes the mini a handy portable notebook or sketchpad. The 12MP front and rear cameras cover the basics, with Center Stage on the front keeping you in frame during video calls, but what really sets this configuration apart from the cheaper Wi-Fi models is 5G cellular connectivity. Once you add a cellular plan, you can get online while commuting or traveling without relying on public Wi-Fi or your phone's hotspot, and Wi-Fi 6E is there for compatible networks at home or in the office. That said, staying connected does cost a little battery life, since Apple rates the mini at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback over Wi-Fi and nine hours on cellular data, though your actual results will vary with screen brightness and what you're running.When is Prime Day?October Prime Day begins Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. It happens every year during October. What do you think so far? When does Prime Day end?October Prime Day ends on Oct. 7, 2026. It’s a two-day online sale.What is Amazon Prime Day?October Prime Day is the fall version of Prime Day, which is the biggest sale Amazon hosts during the spring, summer, and fall. You can find deals on many categories during the sale, including tech, tools, appliances, apparel, and more. Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now Deals are selected by our commerce team Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. Our mission is to offer reliable tech help and credible, practical, science-based life advice to help you live better. Our Mission Our Team Newsletter © 2001-2026 Ziff Davis, LLC., A ZIFF DAVIS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lifehacker is a federally registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of Lifehacker. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.