Apple iPad mini (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024): Which to buy?

Apple launched a spread of iPads in 2024, together with the long-awaited refresh of the iPad mini and a brand new iPad Air, which was the primary to be out there in two display sizes. The corporate’s pill portfolio is now larger than ever, which might be complicated in the event you’re out there for an amazing new pill. Even when your priorities are clear on measurement and value, there are a selection of overlapping fashions, which may make the choice troublesome.

Want a extra pocketable iPad or a extra highly effective pill? Are you caught on a sure display measurement? Confused about how a lot energy is required to hold out your inventive duties? What’s the finest iPad general? Don’t be concerned if you do not have solutions to any of those questions proper now. This comparability between two of our favourite iPads from 2024 will show you how to reply them so you may make an knowledgeable resolution.

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): specs

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): design and show

The brand new iPad mini is a product with the same look to its predecessor. It has the identical fashionable design and an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina show with a decision of 2266 x 1488 at 326 pixels per inch (ppi). It is simply as pocketable as earlier than, so you possibly can throw it in your backpack or take it with you for hassle-free journey studying.

iPad Air 2024 launched two variants. Apple borrowed the iPad Professional method for the iPad Air (2024) and provides it in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch.

Relying on the situation of the display you want, you possibly can select one of many three iPads talked about above. Whereas we suggest the iPad mini (2024) for studying and searching, the iPad Air (2024) is the perfect product for creators. Each the iPad mini and Air assist Apple Pencil Professional and Apple Pencil USB-C, however you will get higher brightness (600 nits vs. 500 nits) on the 13-inch iPad Air.

These shows do not assist Apple’s ProMototion expertise, so that you get a 60Hz refresh price. You may get any of the three display sizes in 4 colours: House Grey, Blue, Purple and Starlight.

It is a tie right here as a result of every of those merchandise appeals to a unique consumer base.

Winner: Tie

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): efficiency

This 12 months, Apple targeted on making iPads extra highly effective than ever. Each the iPad mini and the brand new iPad Air have good efficiency enhancements. Apple additionally elevated the bottom storage capability on the mini to 128GB (lastly).

Beginning with the iPad mini (2024), it gained the iPhone 15 Professional’s A17 Professional chip. In accordance with Apple, the improve leads to 30% sooner CPU efficiency and 25% sooner graphics. Nevertheless, throughout our use, we discovered the pill heat to the contact when utilizing Lightroom with an SSD connected.

Should you’re an influence consumer, it is best to go for the iPad Air (2024) as a result of it packs the MacBook-class Apple M2 chip. Should you use your iPad for inventive duties, like enhancing movies or creating artwork with Apple Pencil Professional, you will be proper at residence with the M2 iPad Air.

The iPad Air (2024) is extra highly effective than the iPad mini (2024) and wins this spherical.

Winner: iPad Air (2024)

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): digital camera and battery

Whilst you may not use the rear digital camera on an iPad a lot, it is helpful for shortly scanning paperwork or making a replica of your notes. And high quality digital camera is at all times higher, particularly on the entrance finish, as a result of you need to use your iPad to attend conferences and take work calls.

Each the iPad mini (2024) and iPad Air (2024) have a 12-megapixel rear-facing digital camera and a center-stage 12-megapixel front-facing digital camera. iPad Air now has the entrance digital camera in panorama orientation for a greater expertise.

As for battery life, each these fashions are anticipated to final the identical variety of hours. Apple guarantees 9 to 10 hours of battery backup on a single cost. However count on to get higher battery life on standby on the M2 iPad Air.

Winner: Tie

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): software program

2024 fashions of iPad Air and iPad mini run iPadOS 18 and assist Apple Intelligence. The latter is concentrated on offering AI-powered options for writing, focus and communication. Apple lately launched a better Siri with ChatGPT integration, which might be helpful for concepts.

Each of those merchandise might be anticipated to obtain at the very least 5 years price of software program upgrades.

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): value and availability

The iPad mini (2024) begins at $499 for the Wi-Fi solely variant and prices $649 for the Wi-Fi + Mobile mannequin.

The Wi-Fi-only 11-inch iPad Air prices $599, and the Wi-Fi + Mobile choice is $749. The most costly of the lot, the 13-inch M2 iPad Air, begins at $799 for the Wi-Fi-only variant, whereas the Wi-Fi + Mobile mannequin will set you again $949. All of those merchandise can be found in a number of storage configurations, with the bottom mannequin beginning at 128GB.

These merchandise can be found from the Apple Retailer in addition to by third-party sellers.

iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): Which one do you have to purchase?

The iPad mini (2024) is for many who need a pill for studying and searching on the go. If portability is your prime precedence, the iPad mini (2024) must be your selection. You get a compact iPad with a robust processor and a display that helps Apple Pencil Professional.

Nevertheless, in the event you’re a creator who values ​​efficiency over portability, the iPad Air (2024) must be your go-to selection. The M2 chip paired with a pointy as much as 13-inch show with Apple Pencil Professional assist, dependable OS and good battery life makes the iPad Air (2024) a good selection for energy customers.