Two new iPads with similar specs, but which one is right for you?
The iPad Air and the iPad Mini are exactly the same product, but sold in different packages. So, is there any real point in comparing them? Even though, specs-wise, they’re almost the same, there are some differences that will help you to decide which one is better for you.
Specs
| Apple iPad Air | Apple iPad Mini | |
| Size | 248.9 x 172.7 x 6.1mm (9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 inches) | 203.2 x 134.6 x 6.1mm (8 x 5.3 x 0.24 inches) |
| Weight | 464 grams (16.37 ounces) | 308 grams (10.87 ounces) |
| Screen size | 10.5-inch LCD display | 7.9-inch LCD display |
| Screen Resolution | 2,224 x 1,668 pixels (265 pixels-per-inch) | 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (324 pixels-per-inch) |
| Operating system | iOS 12 | iOS 12 |
| Storage space | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Processor | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
| Camera | 8MP rear, 7MP front | 8MP rear, 7MP front |
| Video | 1,080p | 1,080p |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning | 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Battery | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| App Marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Silver, Space Gray, Gold |
| Price | From $499 | From $399 |
| Full Specs | Click here | Click here |
| Review score | Read our full iPad Air review here | Read our full iPad Mini review here |
Multitasking
Multitasking is not a new feature, but with the A12 Bionic chip, same as found in the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, both of these iPads run so smoothly that it has become a key feature for me to use. Both the iPad Air and Mini can use multitasking, however, it feels so crammed on an iPad Mini that it’s not really effective if you have work to do. I would say that if you’re using your iPad to work, then the iPad Air is the one for you. The iPad Mini is still more than capable of being used for work, but you’ll find it less cluttered with the larger screen on the iPad Air.
Display
With the size difference between the iPad Air and iPad Mini, it’s no surprise that this the area where both of these iPads differ the most. The iPad Air’s screen resolution is 2,224 x 1,668 pixels (265 pixels-per-inch). Whereas, the iPad Mini’s screen resolution is 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (324 pixels-per-inch). It doesnt sound too different, but because of this, the iPad mini has a sharper screen resolution. To be honest, this isn’t a huge difference, you’d only be able to tell if you have both of the iPads next to each other. Let’s not forget that regardless of which iPad you end up going for, you’ll be satisfied with the screen resolution.
The verdict
Whichever device you’ll be happy with. I would sat that the iPad Air is a more affordable version of the iPad Pro and the iPad mini is a more affordable version of the iPad Air. They’re both so equally balanced so it’s a tough call. For me personally, I’d happily use an iPad Air for work, whereas I would prefer to take the iPad mini with me on holiday for planning my trip without needing to lug a laptop around with me.
