Apple Inc. has now released the latest version of its popular iPad mini tablet, the iPad mini 2 with Retina display. This latest take on the iPad mini offers both a Retina display and a 64-bit A7 Processor, combining to result in an all-around better experience for users.

The upgraded version of the tablet still comes in its original Silver color; however, the iPad mini 2 can also now be purchased in the new “black” color, Space Gray. Besides the tablet’s new color option, though, not much else has changed the appearance of the iPad mini.

One small variation is a barely-noticeable difference in the pad’s size; the previous version boasted a thickness of just 7.3 mm, while the new version is now 7.5 mm thick. The iPad mini 2 is also a tad bit heavier, weighing around 340 grams, whereas its predecessor weighed about 20 grams less.

The major upgrades to the iPad, however, come in the forms of image clarity and screen size, which have both been greatly improved in the latest edition. The iPad mini 2 has a display with a much larger panel, sized at 1.536 x 2.048, compared to the previous tablet’s 768 x 1,024 panel-size.

Also, the maximum brightness offered on the new iPad mini 2 with Retina reaches 396cd/m2, with a contrast ratio of 792:1, and making images brighter and more defined on the new version. Further enhancing images, according to PCPro, the new iPad mini has a “crystal-clear pixel density” of 326ppi, and a color temperature of nearly 6,500K, giving pictures a crisper, more realistic feel. Skin tones are also truer-to-color, appearing less “warm and ruddy” than those on the previous iPad mini.

Of the new iPad mini, Apple Inc.’s website boasts, “Beautiful 7.9-inch Retina display – the the difference has never been clearer. iPad mini with Retina display is amazing to hold. And behold. Every photo is incredibly detailed and vibrant, and every line of text is remarkably crisp and clear. With higher resolution than an HDTV, it’s stunning on a whole new scale.”

The latest iPad mini 2 with Retina display will cost consumers around $399.

Main image courtesy Apple Inc. via apple.com.