iPad Mini Comparison and Review

Overview

• New Announcement: Apple introduced a new iPad Mini with the A17 Pro chip.
• Objective: Compare the new iPad Mini (2024) with the last generation iPad Mini (2021).

Display

• Type: Both have a standard LED "Retina" display.
• Size & Resolution: Both models have an 8.3-inch display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488, resulting in 326 pixels per inch (PPI).
• Refresh Rate: Both models maintain a 60 Hz refresh rate; no ProMotion display.

Processor and Performance

• iPad Mini A15 (2021):
  • CPU: 6-core
  • GPU: 4-core
  • Neural Engine: 16-core
• iPad Mini A17 Pro (2024):
  • CPU: 6-core
  • GPU: 5-core (iPhone 15 Pro/Max has 6-core GPU)
  • Neural Engine: 16-core

Memory and Storage

• RAM:
  • 2021 Model: 4 GB RAM
  • 2024 Model: 8 GB RAM (100% increase)
• Storage Options:
  • 2021: 64 GB, 256 GB
  • 2024: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB

Operating System

• Both models support iPadOS 18 and future updates.
• Longevity:
  • A15 model: 4-5 years of updates expected
  • A17 Pro model: 6-7 years of updates expected
• New model supports Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1

Battery and Charging

• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours for both models (no change)
• Charging: USB-C with 20W charging, no wireless charging.

Connectivity

• Ports: USB-C
  • 2021: 5 Gbps transfer speed
  • 2024: 10 Gbps transfer speed (enhanced)
• Connectivity:
  • Bluetooth: 5.0 (2021) vs. 5.3 (2024)
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (2021) vs. Wi-Fi 6 (2024)
  • Both support 4G, no 5G.

Camera

• Rear Camera: Both have a 12 MP wide sensor.
• Front Camera: 12 MP Center Stage, 4K recording capability.

Price and Colors

• Price:
  • Both start at $499
• Color Options:
  • 2021: Purple, Pink, Space Gray, Starlight
  • 2024: Blue, Light Purple, Space Gray, Starlight

Additional Features

• Apple Pencil:
  • 2021: Compatible with Apple Pencil 3
  • 2024: Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil 3
• Speakers: Both models have four speakers for stereo sound.
• Water Resistance: None in both models.

Personal Opinion

• Reviewer’s Thoughts: Wishes for a ProMotion display and suggests using an A18 chip instead of A17 Pro for alignment with non-Pro devices.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to share opinions on the new iPad Mini models in the comments.
• Reminder to subscribe for more Apple news and updates.