Apple recently announced the 7th generation iPad mini, which offers the A17 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence support, 8GB of memory, Apple Pencil Pro and “Apple Pencil” hover support, and more. Earlier this year, Apple debuted the 6th generation iPad Air with the M2 chip, support for the “Apple Pencil” Pro, and larger display size options.
The iPad mini effectively shares the design of the iPad Air, and both devices have many of the same features, including an all-screen design with no home button, Touch ID on the top button, and stereo speakers. Despite being theoretically different product lines, the iPad mini and iPad Air are nearly identical in terms of specs and even come in the same color options. There are still some small differences between the devices that differentiate them, such as display size and chip.
Should you buy the more expensive and larger iPad Air, or go for the smaller and more affordable iPad mini? Our guide will help you decide which of these two iPads is best for you Help answer questions about how to determine. Here are all the differences between the two devices.
| iPad mini (7th generation, 2024) | iPad Air (6th generation, 2024) |
|---|---|
| 8.3 inch display (326 ppi) | 11-inch or 13-inch display at 264 ppi |
| SDR brightness up to 500 nits | 11 inches: up to 500 nits SDR brightness 13 inch: SDR brightness up to 600 nits |
| Small and compact design for maximum portability | Bigger designs increase productivity |
| Weight is 0.66 lbs (297 grams) | 11 inches: Weight: 1.02 lbs (462 grams) 13 inch: Weight: 1.36 pounds (617 grams) |
| A17 Pro chip (introduced in iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm N3 process) | M2 chip (introduced in the redesigned MacBook Air in 2022 and manufactured on TSMC’s enhanced 5nm N5P process) |
| 6 core CPU | 8 core CPU |
| 5 core GPU | 9 core GPU |
| Dedicated media engine H.264 and HEVC with hardware acceleration video decoding engine video encoding engine |
|
| Stage manager support | |
| Volume button on top | Volume button on the right side |
| 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera | Landscape 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera |
| true tone flash | |
| Compatible with Bluetooth keyboard only | Smart Connector that supports Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio |
| 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage |
| From $499 | 11 inch: Starting from $599 13 inch: Starting from $799 |
Overall, iPad Air is the best all-around option for most users, offering a slim, portable design for productivity and a large screen for entertainment. The 11-inch iPad Air costs an additional $100 to buy over the iPad mini, but the benefits associated with its larger display and M2 chip, especially the Magic Keyboard, make it a practical laptop replacement. Well justified considering the features available. “Stage Manager”.
But most customers who choose the iPad mini will choose it because of its screen size, not in spite of it. iPad mini is perfect for reading e-books in comfort, playing handheld games, and being easy to carry and store. People who buy an iPad mini will have specific instructions on how to use the device, such as taking notes on the go with Apple Pencil, putting it in a small bag and using it on public transportation, or giving it as a gift. You may have an example in mind. Use it as your child’s first tablet.
If the iPad mini’s small display, comfortable one-handed grip, lightweight design, and portable form factor aren’t considered an advantage for your use case, and you’re focused on a more versatile display size, you’ll especially prefer the iPad Air. Possibly. A 13-inch size option has also been added. The iPad Air is a versatile device that acts as a laptop replacement with support for Stage Manager, and the added bonus of a larger screen for productivity and entertainment.
