Apple iPad mini (2021) vs. iPad (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini (2021) wins on portability and a more modern design thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. However, the iPad (2022) offers a larger screen and a slightly better value proposition for those needing more screen real estate and a more budget-friendly option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad mini (2021) | Apple iPad (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm (7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in) | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 293 g (Wi-Fi) / 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) (10.34 oz) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) |
| Stylus support (2nd gen only) | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1488 x 2266 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~327 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.3 inches, 203.9 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.93 GHz + 4xX.X GHz) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh) | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | A2568, iPad14,1, iPad14,2 | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | -29.7 LUFS (Average) | - |
Apple iPad mini (2021)
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and portable design
- Excellent display quality
- Modern design with USB-C
- Improved front camera (ultrawide)
- Higher price point
- Smaller screen size
Apple iPad (2022)
- Larger 10.9-inch display
- More affordable
- Still a capable A14 Bionic chip
- Good value for money
- Older design
- Slightly less powerful than A15
- Standard front camera
Display Comparison
The iPad mini (2021) boasts a vibrant 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a 1325:1 contrast ratio and a measured peak brightness of 518 nits, offering excellent color accuracy and outdoor visibility. The iPad (2022) features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, providing a larger canvas for viewing content and working. While the iPad (2022) has a slightly lower contrast ratio, the larger size is a significant advantage for many users.
Camera Comparison
Both iPads feature a 12MP Wide rear camera. Image quality is generally good on both devices, suitable for casual photography and video calls. The iPad mini (2021) has an advantage with its ultrawide front camera, ideal for group selfies and video conferencing. The iPad (2022) has a 12MP front camera.
Performance
The iPad mini (2021) packs the powerful A15 Bionic chip, delivering impressive performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The iPad (2022) utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, which is still a capable performer but slightly less powerful than the A15. For most everyday tasks, the difference is negligible, but the A15 offers a noticeable edge in demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or video playback. Real-world battery performance is comparable between the two devices.
Buying Guide
The Apple iPad mini (2021) is ideal for users prioritizing portability, one-handed use, and a premium compact experience. It's great for reading, gaming on the go, and light productivity. The Apple iPad (2022) is a better choice for those who need a larger screen for multitasking, media consumption, and more demanding apps, all while maintaining a reasonable price point.