The iPad mini 6, released in 2021, finally got the upgrade for the home button and internal upgrades that makes it superior to its predecessors from the same line. It now looks like a smaller version of the iPad Air, a significant improvement that costs less. Still, the iPad Air remains a tempting option in itself, thanks to its larger screen, and the differences between the two are plenty. Read this iPad Air 4 vs. the iPad mini 6 comparison to know which one you should buy regarding performance and cost.
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iPad Air 4 vs. iPad mini 6: Similarities and differences
When it comes to certain similarities between the iPad mini 6 vs. the iPad Air 4, the first worth mentioning is the all-screen design with flat edges and a Touch ID scanner built into the top button.
The newest iPad mini also has a similar 12MP wide rear camera to the iPad Air, along with 5x digital zoom and smart HDR. In addition, the video recording quality is now 4K with 3x video zoom and 1080p slo-mo video feature.
Both models are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and give you up to 10 hours of battery life. They are available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models with storage options of 64GB and 256GB.
While it is evident that the two iPads share many of their most important features, there are a large number of meaningful differences between the iPad mini and the iPad Air.
For a better understanding of the differences, let us go through each in detail below.
iPad Air 4 vs. iPad mini 6: Specs comparison table
| iPad Air 4 | iPad mini 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640, 264 PPI, 500 nits | 2266 x 1488, 326 PPI, 500 nits |
| Screen-to-body ratio | 81% | 77% |
| Size | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches (24.76 x 17.85 x 0.61 mm) | 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches (19.54 x 13.48 x 0.63 mm) |
| Weight | 16 ounces (458 g) | 10.3 ounces (293 g) |
| CPU | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Rear camera | 12MP, f/1.8 (Wide-angle) | 12MP, f/1.8 (Wide-angle) |
| Front camera | 12MP, f/2.4 (Ultra-wide) | 7MP, ƒ/2.2 |
| Battery life | 9720 mAh | 5124 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB 256 GB | 64GB 256 GB |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE on cellular model | 6GHz 5G on cellular model |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Rose gold, green, and Sky Blue | Space Gray, pink, purple, and Starlight |
| Original price | $599 | $649 |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
Design
The iPad mini is more compact and of a lower weight than the iPad Air, making it much more portable since it can fit in small bags and large pockets. The iPad Air is still thin and light to carry around, but it is not as convenient to use on the go as the mini series.
Both devices feature the same squared-off industrial design that has become the standard on several iPad, iPhone, and Mac devices. This makes them easier to grip and pick up. The iPad mini and the iPad Air are available in various color options.
Size and weight
Size is the most apparent difference between the two iPad models. The iPad mini is 52.2mm shorter and 43.7mm narrower. This makes it possible for most people to hold the iPad mini from edge to edge in one hand, and it is also 163 grams lighter than the iPad Air. Users may feel more comfortable walking around with the mini than with the Air model, and it is also a suitable iPad for kids.
👉 Related article: The iPad Dimensions: What Is the Best Screen Size?
Display
The iPad mini features an 8.3-inch display, while the iPad Air has a larger display of 10.9 inches. However, the higher pixel density of the iPad mini may compensate for it. In addition, both tablets have the same size slim bezels around the display for an all-screen look.
The iPad mini’s smaller display may be more comfortable for reading or playing handheld games, especially when commuting or carrying it around. The iPad Air’s larger screen is much more suited to productivity, multitasking, drawing, and watching videos, with considerably more screen space to fit apps and UI elements.
Camera
Apart from the screen, the cameras are the biggest difference between the iPad mini and the iPad Air. Apple upgraded the iPad mini’s 8MP, f/2.4 camera with the Air’s 12MP, f/1.8 lens. It also added a quad-LED true-tone flash that the Air lacks. As the iPad mini is more compact, it is easier and more comfortable to hold and capture photos.
Regarding the front camera, the iPad mini has a significant advantage since it comes with a similar 12MP ultra-wide camera to the iPad Pro and includes Center Stage to keep you in the frame when making video calls. In contrast, the iPad Air comes with a 7MP camera. The iPad mini is a much more capable device with a better camera or image quality.
Processor
The iPad Air has the A14 Bionic chip, also seen in the iPhone 12, while the new iPad mini 6 has the A15 Bionic, featured in the iPhone 13. What’s more, the mini features a five-core GPU, like the iPhone 13 Pro.
The A15 is around 10% faster in single-core tasks, 20% faster in multicore tasks, and 15% faster with graphics than the A14. Although the A15 chip in the iPad mini offers slightly better performance than the iPad Air, it is unlikely that this would strongly influence your buying decision.
Connectivity
Both the iPad mini and iPad Air feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and are available in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants. For the cellular models, a key difference between them is the 5G connectivity. The iPad Air can only connect to 4G, while the iPad mini can connect to 5G for much faster speeds. If you plan to use a cellular plan with your iPad, this may be a fundamental aspect to consider and will make the iPad mini much more future-proof.
Compatibility with accessories
The iPad mini 6 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, like the iPad Air 4. The main difference between the two Pencils is the charging. The Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad mini and iPad Air and charges wirelessly. The original Pencil has a Lightning port where an eraser would be.
The iPad Air has a magnetic Smart Connector on its rear to connect to keyboards such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. It is also compatible with Bluetooth keyboards and pointers. The iPad mini does not feature a Smart Connector or any first-party keyboard options due to its small size. However, it’s still compatible with external keyboards and pointing devices via Bluetooth.
The iPad Air is a better idea if you want to use it as a laptop replacement. The iPad mini can still be suitable for working with Bluetooth peripherals, but it may not work as a complete laptop replacement.
👉 Related: 10 Best iPad Accessories
Final thoughts
If the iPad Air or the iPad mini is out of your price range or you are looking for a considerable discount, then a refurbished iPad is the best choice. It is an excellent way to save money while still receiving a device in perfect working condition with a warranty. Also, you can learn more about what to look out for when shopping for a refurbished tablet in this post.
In general, the iPad Air 4 would be the best option for the majority of users due to the larger screen in its still slim and portable design. The additional cost over the iPad mini is justified because of the benefits of enjoying a larger display in productivity, drawing, or entertainment contexts. And, of course, it can adequately function as a laptop replacement.
The smaller screen size of the iPad mini 6 is the perfect choice for many customers as well. It’s ideal for carrying it around more comfortably while reading books, playing games, watching videos, or even working on the go. The main advantage of the iPad Air over the mini is its newer A15 chip, 5G connectivity, improved front camera, and Center Stage.
The price difference between a refurbished iPad Air 4 and a refurbished iPad mini 6 is not huge, but if you want to spend only what you intend to use, we recommend taking the tips we have given you in this article to choose what suits you best.
👉 Related comparison: iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: The Key Differences
Happy buying!
