With the exciting new iPad mini update, we decided to put together a quick explanation as to who we think each iPad is for as we compare the specifications of the tablets.
Apple’s range of consumer iPads consists of three models: the iPad (10.2-inch), the iPad mini (8.2-inch) and the iPad Air (10.9-inch). The company also sells the iPad Pro in 11 or 12.9-inch sizes, but those devices are slightly more expensive and more powerful than the other three, as they feature the M1 chipset.
Specifications and costs
Everyone wants to know the specs, and the highlight of the new mini is that it has a USB-C port instead of Apple’s legacy Lightning connector, 4GB of RAM, and the new A15 Bionic chipset.
It’s also worth noting that the new mini features a more modern design that looks like the 2020 iPad Air or a tiny iPad Pro.
8.3-inch LCD, 2266 x 1488 resolution, 326ppi
7.9-inch LCD, 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, 326ppi
10.9-inch IPS Liquid Retina display, 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution
12 megapixel f / 1.8 true tone flash
1.2 megapixels (aperture f / 1.8)
12 megapixels f / 2.4, 122 degree wide angle
7 megapixels (aperture f / 2.2)
Wi-Fi up to 802.11.ac, LTE (23 bands), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Touch ID, 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, stereo speakers
Touch ID, 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer
Touch ID (on top), 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer
USB-C, Colors: Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight
Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Colors: Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue
8.3-inch LCD, 2266 x 1488 resolution, 326ppi
7.9-inch LCD, 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, 326ppi
10.9-inch IPS Liquid Retina display, 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution
12 megapixel f / 1.8 true tone flash
1.2 megapixels (aperture f / 1.8)
12 megapixels f / 2.4, 122 degree wide angle
7 megapixels (aperture f / 2.2)
Wi-Fi up to 802.11.ac, LTE (23 bands), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Touch ID, 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, stereo speakers
Touch ID, 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer
Touch ID (on top), 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer
USB-C, Colors: Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight
Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Colors: Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue
For comparison, the old mini was priced at $ 529, while the new one will start at $ 649 when it starts shipping on September 24. The base iPad model is $ 429 and the iPad Air is $ 779. While I’m a bit disappointed that the mini has received a price increase, hopefully the addition of a USB-C port and a new design make worth the extra cost.
Other changes
Beyond the new design and port type, the new mini features a few other changes compared to some of Apple’s other iPads.
For example, the new model includes a 500-nit screen, making it slightly brighter than the previous model and easier to use outdoors. That said, it’s not as bright as the iPhone 13 series, which can hit 1200 nits. Apple said the new mini has a better anti-reflective coating, so it should be easier to use on the outside than the previous model. The iPad Air and the base iPad model also have 500 nits of maximum brightness, but only the Air also has an anti-reflective coating.
Like I said before, the new mini is actually just a downsized iPad Air in some respects. It even has the same Touch ID sensor built into the power button located in the upper right corner of the device.
The mini is also compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which can be magnetized to the side of the tablet to switch and pair with the device.
The new mini’s battery life lasts for around 10.5 hours on Apple’s website, which is about half an hour longer than the old iPad mini and Apple’s other current tablets. At least according to Apple’s website. This could change once reviewers spend some time with the device later this month.
Which iPad is for you?
Apple is bringing the rapidly aging base iPad model back another year with the exact same design. This puts it in a tough spot, as it really is a good tablet for its low price of $ 429. However, it still looks like a device from over 5 years ago.
I wish Apple had kept the mini at $ 529 to keep it more competitive with the regular iPad, but unfortunately, the price increase to $ 649 will make it hard to sell for some people. With all of that in mind, if you were shopping for a new iPad this year, you’d probably want the mini.
The iPad Air has always been a tough sell with the iPad Pro hovering above it, and now that the mini is even more powerful, there seems to be less reason to buy an Air. However, if you use an iPad as your primary computer, but only surf the web, consume media, and process word, the Air is a really great tablet for that, albeit a lot more expensive than the entry-level iPad.
And of course, if you want high-quality photo or video work on an iPad, choose the iPad Pro.