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MacworldIf you are looking for a new iPad, or even a first iPad, you might be enticed by the iPad Pro or iPad Air, with their Mac-standard chips and impressive graphics offerings, but if your budget doesnt stretch beyond $500/500 there are options that arent that far below the iPad Pro and iPad Air. The iPad mini and the standard iPad are more than enough iPad for most people and represent a saving of up to $250 on the price of the cheapest iPad Air.Having decided to save money and buy one of the cheaper iPad models the next aspect of the decision is whether to sacrifice size for power and choose the iPad mini, or sacrifice power for size and choose the iPad. Thats the crux of this article. Here we will weigh up the pros and cons of the iPads at the cheaper end of Apples price scale: currently the 11th-gen iPad model, known officially as iPad (A16), and the iPad mini (A17 Pro).These are surprisingly different devices. On one side we have the iPad mini with its 8.3-inch screen and a newer and more powerful, Apple Intelligence-capable, chip, and on the other we have the bigger, iPad with its 11-inch screen, but less powerful A16 chip. Should you choose the pocket rocket iPad mini (A17 Pro) or the standard size iPad (A16)? Heres everything you need to know when making this decision.Apple iPad (A16)Price When Reviewed:399 EuroBest Prices Today:380,90 at notebooksbilliger | 381,99 at coolblue | 385,00 at amazon.deApple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Read our reviewPrice When Reviewed:599 EuroBest Prices Today:550,07 at tease-Shop | 554,00 at notebooksbilliger | 556,90 at coolblueSize: How big is the iPad, how big is iPad mini?As one of the primary distinctions between these two models is their dimensions, it makes sense to start there. Heres how the two compare:Dimensions:iPad (A16, 11th Gen): 9.79-inches (248.6mm) x 7.07-inches (179.5mm) x 0.28-inches (7mm)iPad mini (A17 Pro): 7.69-inches (195.4mm) x 5.3-inches (134.8mm) x 0.25mm (6.3mm)Weight:iPad (A16, 11th Gen): Wi-Fi 1.05lbs (477g), Wi-Fi & Cellular 1.06lbs (481g)iPad mini (A17 Pro): Wi-Fi 0.65 (293g), Wi-Fi & Cellular 0.66lbs (297g)As you can see, the standard iPad is quite a bit taller, wider and heavier than its more diminutive sibling. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends on your viewpoint. The larger variant houses a more sizeable display which might be preferable for watching movies, editing images and video, writing emails and anything you might have done on a laptop. Conversely, the iPad mini is a very compact and portable device which works really well as a digital notepad, e-reader, portable gaming device, and general companion that you can put in a small bag or large pocket.Its diminutive dimensions may also be better suited to children. It all comes down to whether you want your iPad to be bigger or more portable.iPad mini vs iPad: Design and ColorsAlthough they may be quite different in size, the design approach to both the iPad and the iPad mini is very similar. Both sport an aluminum chassis, a front panel surrounded by slim bezels that houses the FaceTime camera, landscape stereo speakers, Touch ID in the power button. Youll also find the same 12Mp wide camera on the rear, and USB-C charging ports at the bottom. The color-schemes for these iPads are a little different, with the mini offered in Space Grey, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.Subtle, muted shades for the iPad mini.AppleThe iPad (A16, 11th Gen) sports more playful hues, with the Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Silver liveries being more vibrant and fun.Bright and bold color choices for the iPad.FoundryAnother less noticeable difference is that the larger iPad features the landscape positioning of the FaceTime camera, while the forward-facing iPad mini still has its camera in the portrait position. The landscape orientation of the camera makes it a better option for video calls, which are usually made with the iPad in landscape mode, although both iPads offer Center Stage, which keeps you in the middle of the frame during a FaceTime call. AppleiPad mini vs iPad: ScreenThe bigger size of the iPad means that you also get a larger screen, with the 11-inch Liquid Retina Display offering more visual real estate than the compact 8.3-inch panel on the mini. Actually, its not actually 11-inches: the so called 11-inch iPad display is 10.86-inches, but thats near enough to 11-inches for Apple (the 11-inch iPad Air is also 10.86-inches). Both screens offer a maximum brightness of 500 nits and feature Apples True Tone technology that automatically adjusts the color and intensity of the display to make it the most comfortable to read in your current environment. However, if the quality of the display is what matters to you, the iPad mini display is superior. The iPad mini display is a sharper, with a 2,266 x 1,488 resolution that works out to 326ppi (pixels-per-inch), whereas the standard iPad has a 2,360 x 1,640 panel with a lower ppi of 264. The mini also boasts Wide color (P3) which means it can display a wider range of colors than sRGB on the standard iPad.The other advantage of the display on the iPad mini is that it is fully laminated (meaning there isnt the air-gap between the glass and the digital panel that youll find on the standard iPad), plus it comes with an anti-reflective coating to make it a little easier to use in brighter environments.iPad mini vs iPad: Apple Pencil compatibilityIf youre thinking of using an Apple Pencil with your iPad, then there are some important differences. The iPad (A16, 11th Gen) display supports the original Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and the newer Apple Pencil (USB-C). So it will be great for doodling, note-taking, and using the Pencil to navigate the system. The 1st generation Apple Pencil does support pressure sensitivity which the USB-C Pencil doesnt, which is one benefit. The iPad mini also works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) but is also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, which has advanced features like Apple Pencil Hover that make it better for more advanced users that intend to work with graphical design software and art packages. Apple Pencil Pro also supports pressure sensitivity, unlike the USB-C Pencil. Find out which Apple pencil works with your iPad.iPad mini works with Apple Pencil ProAppleThere are also keyboards cases designed to work with the standard iPad that wont be compatible with the iPad mini. However, there is nothing to stop you from using a standard Bluetooth keyboard with an iPad mini.iPad mini vs iPad: SpecsIn terms of specs there are more differences than similarities. The most notable difference is that the iPad mini is powered by a newer Apple processor. The A17 Pro inside the iPad mini comes equipped with a 6-core CPU (2x performance, 4x efficiency), a 5-core GPU and the 16-core Neural Engine. This allows the mini to offer Apple Intelligence, the new AI-tools that Apple is using as a main selling point for its latest devices.The iPad on the other hand features an older A16 chip with 5-core CPU (2x performance, 3x efficiency), 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Crucially the A16 is not capable of supporting Apple Intelligence. It is a baffling decision on the part of Apple that the 2025 iPad doesnt support Apples newest technology. Read about Apple Intelligence and what it offers.Another benefit of the iPad mini is that it offers Wi-Fi 6E while the iPad offers Wi-Fi 6, 6E has a fast lane and offers faster speeds and lower latency. Both iPads offer 5G (in the cellular models) and the identical storage options of 128GB, 256GB or 512GB. AppleHeres a breakdown of the main specifications for the iPad and iPad mini:iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024)iPad (A16, 11th gen)ColorsBlue, Purple, Space Gray, StarlightBlue, Pink, Silver, YellowScreen size8.3 inches11 inchesDisplayLiquidRetina display (2266by1488resolution, at326ppi), 500 nits max, fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating,fully laminateddisplay,antireflective coating, wide color (P3)LiquidRetina display (2360by1640 resolution, at 264 ppi), 500 nits max, fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, sRGBSecurityTouch ID on top button (no Home button)Touch ID on top button (no Home button)Dimensions & weight7.69 x 5.3 x .25 inches, .65 pounds9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches, 1.05 pounds195.4 x 134.8 x 6.2mm, 293g248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm, 477gProcessorA17 ProA16Storage options128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GBRear camera12MP wide, /1.8aperture, five-element lens, True Tone flash,Smart HDR 412MP wide, /1.8 aperture, five-element lens, Smart HDR 4Front camera12MP Ultra Wide, /2.4aperture, Center Stage,Smart HDR 412MP Landscape Ultra Wide, /2.4 aperture, Center Stage,landscape orientation, Smart HDR 4Video4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps; 1080p HD video recording at 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps; extended dynamic range for video up to 30fps; slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120fps or 240fps4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps; 1080p HD video recording at 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps; extended dynamic range for video up to 30fps; slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120fps or 240fpsChargingUSB-CUSB-CApple accessory supportApple Pencil (USB-C); Apple Pencil ProMagic Keyboard Folio, Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil (1st Gen)Battery lifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 10 hoursBluetooth/Wi-FiBluetooth 5.3,WiFi 6E (802.11ax) with 22 MIMOBluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6Cellular support5G5GiPad mini vs iPad: Battery lifeBattery life is listed as the same on both devices, with Apple promising up to 10 hours of surfing the web or watching video content.When we reviewed the iPad mini (A17 Pro) we ran a video that was saved to the iPad minis SSD on a loop, with the display set to 200 nits, and the battery eventually ran out after 9 hours and 57 minutes, matching Apples claim. Well run the same tests on the iPad (A17) and expect similar results. iPad mini vs iPad: PriceThe iPad (A16, 11th Gen) is currently the cheapest iPad in the Apple catalog, available at the following prices:iPad (A16, 11th Gen) Wi-Fi:128GB $349/349256GB $449/449512GB $649/649iPad (A16, 11th Gen) Wi-Fi & Cellular:128GB $499/499256GB $599/599512GB $649/649RetailerPrice380,90 View Deal381,99 View Deal385,00 View Deal389,99 View Deal389,99 View Deal399,00 View Deal399,00 View Deal409,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSee our round up of the best iPad (A16) deals.The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is more expensive and is available in the following tiers:iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi:128GB $499/499256GB $599/599512GB $799/799iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi & Cellular:128GB: $649/649256GB: $749/749512GB: $949/949RetailerPrice550,07 View Deal554,00 View Deal556,90 View Deal576,68 View Deal579,99 View Deal579,99 View Deal598,00 View Deal598,90 View Deal598,90 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideView more pricesProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSee our round up of the best iPad mini (A17 Pro) deals.Which iPad is best? iPad vs iPad miniWhen it comes to specs there are some surprising differences between to the two devices. There are a few higher-grade components in the iPad mini a display thats sharper and more colorful, a superior processor, Apple Intelligence, and support for Apple Pencil Pro. But in terms of everyday performance both will get the job done.So, the size of display does become an important factor. If youre older and find that your eyes arent quite as keen as they once were, then the larger format might be more comfortable to use. Also, if you want to use the iPad as an ersatz laptop, then again the form factor of the standard iPad could be better suited to working on documents and spreadsheets. Its worth noting that the standard iPad is compatible with Apples Magic Folio Keyboard, while the mini will make-do with any Bluetooth keyboard, so if peripherals are important then theres that to consider.Smaller children might find the mini is better suited to their tiny hands, although it is a more expensive device to put in their hands, so again theres a balance to be struck. If youre after a highly portable gaming platform, then the mini has more power under that hood, which is always a good thing. So long as youre not playing games with lots of information of the screen that needs to be read quickly, then the smaller size might be an advantage as youll be able to hold it for longer without your hands fatiguing. Remember the mini is almost half the weight of the standard iPad.With all this in mind, its hard to give categoric advice on which one will be the right choice for anyone in particular. Theyre both great, have different strengths and deliver the classic iPad experience. In the end, youll need to decide what it is youll spend the majority of your time doing with the device. Once youve got that nailed down, then choosing the iPad that matches it best will be a lot easier.