Two great iPads with very different footprints


Looking for a new tablet but don’t have a lot of cash to spare? The iPad (9th gen) is the absolute cheapest option at $329, but the design is getting a bit long in the tooth. If you’re looking for something newer, you might want to consider either the iPad (10th gen) or iPad Mini (6th gen). They both offer a decent amount of power and come in under $500, yet there are a few important differences between them. Let’s compare the iPad vs iPad Mini to find out which is right for you.

iPad vs iPad Mini: At a glance

Curious about how the iPad and iPad Mini compare? Here’s a quick summary of the key differences:

  • iPad Mini has a faster SoC than the iPad
  • iPad Mini is thinner and lighter than the iPad
  • iPad Mini has Apple Pencil (gen 2) support; the iPad only works with the Apple Pencil (gen 1)

iPad vs iPad Mini: Specs

Specs Apple iPad (10th generation) Apple iPad Mini (2021)
Specs

Display

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD

2,360 x 1,640 resolution

Landscape selfie camera

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD
1,488 x 2,266 pixels
327ppi
Specs

Processor

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

Apple A14 Bionic

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

Apple A15 Bionic
Specs

RAM

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

4GB

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

4GB
Specs

Storage

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

64GB
256GB

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

64GB
256GB
Specs

Battery

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

28.6Wh
Up to 10 hours

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

19.3Wh
Rated for 10 hours
Specs

Cameras

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

Main:
12MP Wide (ƒ/1.8 aperture, PDAF)

Front:
12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4 aperture, 122-degree FOV)

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

Main:
12MP camera (wide)
ƒ/1.8 aperture

Front:
12MP (ultrawide)
ƒ/2.4 aperture
Specs

Connectivity

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

Wi-Fi 6
4G LTE (optional)

Bluetooth 5.2

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

Wi-Fi 6
4G LTE (optional)
Specs

Accessories

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

Apple Pencil (1st gen)
Magic Keyboard Folio

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
Specs

Dimensions and weight

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm
277g

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3mm
Wi-Fi: 293g
LTE: 297g
Specs

Colors

 Apple iPad (10th generation)

Silver
Pink
Blue
Yellow

 Apple iPad Mini (2021)

Space Gray
Pink
Purple
Starlight

Let’s start with the most obvious difference between the two…

Source…