Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Which is best in 2024?

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini is an interesting debate since both tablets share a lot of similarities and are priced close to each other. However, there are a few key differences between these two devices, especially in the display and battery department. So, you might be confused between the Apple iPad (10th generation) and iPad Mini (6th generation), as to which device would be the better buy for your requirements.

Therefore, in this post, we do an Apple iPad vs iPad Mini comparison to see which Apple tablet under $500 is the better choice in 2024.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Specifications

Specs	Apple iPad (10th generation)	Apple iPad Mini (6th generation)
Display	10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD	8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD
Processor	Apple A14 Bionic	Apple A15 Bionic
RAM	4GB	4GB
Storage	64GB256GB	64GB256GB
Battery	28.6Wh	19.3Wh
Cameras	Main:12MP Wide Front:12MP ultrawide	Main:12MP cameraFront:12MP (ultrawide)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 64G LTE (optional)Bluetooth 5.2	Wi-Fi 64G LTE (optional) Bluetooth 5.0
Price	Starts from $449	Starts from $499
Dimensions and weight	248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm477g	195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3mm293g
Colors	SilverPinkBlueYellow	Space GrayPinkPurpleStarlight

The Apple iPad (10th generation) has a larger 10.9-inch IPS LCD compared to a relatively smaller 8.3-inch display on the iPad Mini (6th generation). However, the iPad Mini is more comfortable to hold since its display has a lot fewer bezels, compared to the chunky bezels on the iPad. Moreover, the Mini has more rounded edges, which provide a better grip.

Both tablets come with 4GB of RAM with two different storage configurations. However, the iPad Mini takes things up a notch with the faster Apple A15 Bionic chipset. But, the day-to-day difference or gaming performance when compared to the A14 Bionic on the iPad (10th generation) is not much and barely noticeable.

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Design and Hardware

The iPad Mini is much more compact to hold than the normal iPad (Image via Apple)

The iPad (10th generation) and iPad Mini (6th generation) have a difference in weight, as the iPad Mini is 184 grams lighter than the iPad, and doesn't add a lot of heft in the hands. This smaller size also makes the iPad Mini more portable and easy to carry around.

Both tablets support the newer USB Type-C port, which supports lots of modern accessories, compared to the old lighting port on the iPad (9th generation) or below. Both the tablets however don’t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a bummer for media enthusiasts, who rely on wired audio devices.

Also Read: Apple M2 Air details

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Camera

Both Apple iPads come with identical cameras (Image via Apple)

Both the tablets come with identical 12MP single cameras at the back and 12MP front cameras for selfies or video calls. The iPad Mini though with its smaller size is easier to hold for videography or vlogging.

The image quality on both tablets is comparable, the iPad (10th generation) has its front camera located on the horizontal side, which makes it great for video conferencing similar to what you’d find on most modern laptops. The Mini is vertically aligned, which makes it difficult to use for long meetings.

Also Read: Is the M4 iPad Pro worth the price?

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Battery and charging

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Both tablets support up to 20W charging speed (Image via Apple Support)

The iPad (10th generation) and iPad Mini have completely different battery capacities, with a difference of 9.3Wh. However, the iPad Mini has a much smaller display to power and combined with its more battery-efficient A15 chipset, offers up to ten hours of battery life on a single charge, similar to the iPad with a bigger battery.

Both devices support 20W charging, but the Mini with its smaller battery tops up in just 90 minutes. The iPad though takes up close to two hours to fully charge.

Also Read: Is the M2 iPad Air worth the price?

Apple iPad vs iPad Mini: Which one should you buy?

Both tablets come with impressive specifications and still are appreciated by most people, even in 2024. However, the Apple iPad (10th generation) has a larger display and hence can be substituted with a normal laptop for leisure or work.

On the other hand, the iPad Mini (6th generation) is more portable than the iPad as it's a lot lighter and has a smaller display. Its battery and charging speed are also similar, but is currently available for an extra $50 premium asking price.

Therefore, if you prefer a larger display the iPad would be the better choice, at a cheaper asking price, otherwise, the iPad Mini offers a similar experience as well.