Apple recently launched the much-awaited iPad Mini with the A17 chip, bringing another powerful iPad to its tablet lineup. Now the new iPad has been introduced as the most affordable iPad. Still, with the A17 chip, Apple Intelligence support, and even compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Mini 2024 may also tempt some users to draw comparisons with the already impressive iPad Air, powered by the M2 chip. Which was launched earlier this year.

Another reason for comparison? The prices are the same. Kind of. The starting price of iPad Mini is Rs 49,900 while the starting price of 11-inch variant of iPad Air with M2 chipset is Rs 59,900 and the starting price of 13-inch model is Rs 79,900.

Both devices cater to different needs and preferences. However, if we look at the spec sheet there are some similarities. So, choosing between the two can be a bit confusing. So to help you choose, in this comparison, we’ll take a brief look at what both the new iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip and the iPad Air with the M2 chip have to offer and based on what they offer, which Sa may be better for you.

Display size and quality

Starting with the display, the iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, which offers a compact yet vibrant viewing experience. The iPad Air, on the other hand, has a larger 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display. While the iPad mini’s smaller display makes it compact and practical, the iPad Air’s larger screen gives more screen space for multitasking, media consumption, and creative work.

processor performance

In terms of processing power, the iPad Mini is equipped with Apple’s A17 Pro chip – the same chipset Apple puts in the powerful iPhone 15 Pro. This chip promises to deliver smooth and fast performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

On the other hand, the iPad Air comes with Apple’s M2 chip which is designed by the tech giant for its personal computers and high-end tablets. It has an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU. The more powerful chipset makes the iPad Air more suitable for demanding applications like video editing, graphic design, and gaming at high settings.

Additionally, both the A17 Pro chip and the M2 chip can handle the AI ​​features that Apple has promised to bring with its Apple Intelligence. It is going to roll out new iPad Mini with iPadOS 18.1 for both iPad Air.

camera capabilities

When it comes to cameras, both models include a 12-megapixel wide camera that is capable of shooting 4K video, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera that supports Apple’s Center Stage feature. This means that both the iPad mini and iPad Air will offer similar photographic capabilities and video calling experience.

Connectivity Features

Both iPad mini and iPad Air support Wi-Fi 6E and 5G cellular capabilities, ensuring that users can stay connected with high-speed Internet access. Additionally, both models also feature a USB-C connector for charging and data transfer. And yes, of course both devices support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Bluetooth keyboards.

Price determination

Now when it comes to choosing between iPad mini and iPad Air then price is one of the important parts. In India, the iPad Mini price starts at Rs 49,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular option, making it more accessible to users on a budget.
In contrast, the iPad Air is priced at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch variant with Wi-Fi model. The price of 13 inch variant starts from Rs 79,900. Variants with cellular connectivity cost more.

Which one to buy?

We guess it mostly comes down to size in the end. This is the biggest difference between the iPad Air, which can be almost laptop-like when paired with the Keyboard Folio, and the more compact and smaller iPad mini. Those who do not like heavy gadgets will definitely like the iPad Mini, which weighs a little less than 300 grams. But at the same time, if you are a fan of big screens and are taking a tablet to watch a lot of videos, or for some serious work, then you should go for the iPad Air.