Following the release of the new iPad mini with Retina display this morning, a user of the device conducted a benchmark test via GeekBench. The results indicate that the processor speed is clocked at 1.29 GHz, and this almost the same speed as the iPhone 5s, which comes in at 1.30GHz. For comparison, the pricier, larger iPad Air comes in at 1.39 GHz.
In real world usage, it is unlikely that users will notice difference in speed between the new two new Apple tablets, but the difference is interesting in light of both products including the same 64-bit A7 architecture. Perhaps the Mini is clocked at a slightly slower speed for thermal considerations due to the smaller overall form-factor or too keep the battery/encasing size to within millimeters of its predecessor while retaining the same 10 hour battery life.