Apple iPad mini (2021) vs. Original: A Detailed Comparison

The iPad mini has always been a beloved compact tablet, offering a powerful experience in a pocketable size. But how does the latest 2021 model stack up against the original? We're diving deep into the specs, performance, and features to help you decide which iPad mini is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2021 iPad mini is a significant upgrade, boasting a vastly superior processor, brighter display, and USB-C connectivity. While the original remains a capable device, the 2021 model offers a modern experience and better future-proofing, making it the clear winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular	Apple iPad mini (2021)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1454; A1455	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1454; A1455	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	4, 17 - A1454	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
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
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps	HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1455	-

Launch
Announced	2012, October. Released 2012, November	2021, September 14
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2021, September 24

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 in)	195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm (7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight	312 g (11.01 oz)	293 g (Wi-Fi) / 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) (10.34 oz)
	-	Stylus support (2nd gen only)

Display
Protection	Oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution	768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 ppi density)	1488 x 2266 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~327 ppi density)
Size	7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio)	8.3 inches, 203.9 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9	Hexa-core (2x2.93 GHz + 4xX.X GHz)
Chipset	Apple A5 (45 nm)	Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
GPU	PowerVR SGX543MP2	Apple GPU (5-core)
OS	iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6	iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	-	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	5 MP, AF	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular	HDR
Single	1.2 MP	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	-	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP, EDR	5.0, A2DP
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only
Radio	No	No
USB	Lightning, USB 2.0	USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer

Battery
Talk time	Up to 10 h (multimedia)	-
Type	Li-Po 4490 mAh, non-removable (16.7 Wh)	Li-Ion 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Black/Slate, White/Silver	Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight
Models	A1454, A1455, iPad2,6, iPad2,7	A2568, iPad14,1, iPad14,2
Price	About 300 EUR	About 550 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.8dB	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 812:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB	-29.7 LUFS (Average)

OUR TESTS
Display	-	1325:1 contrast ratio, 518 nits max brightness (measured)
Loudspeaker	-	-29.7 LUFS (Average)

Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular

Compact and portable
Affordable (used)
Decent battery life

Outdated processor
Dim display
Limited storage options
Lightning connector

Apple iPad mini (2021)

Powerful A15 Bionic chip
Bright and vibrant display
USB-C connectivity
Improved cameras
Modern design

Higher price
Base storage may be limiting

Display Comparison

The 2021 iPad mini features a significantly improved display with a 1325:1 contrast ratio and a measured 518 nits of brightness, compared to the original's 812:1 contrast ratio. The newer model also has fully laminated display and anti-reflective coating, enhancing viewing comfort. Colors are more vibrant and the screen is easier to see in bright conditions.

Camera Comparison

While neither iPad mini boasts exceptional cameras, the 2021 model offers a slight improvement in image quality. The original's cameras are adequate for basic video calls, but the 2021 model's sensors and image processing are noticeably better.

Performance

The A15 Bionic chip in the 2021 iPad mini is a generational leap over the original's A5 chip. Expect dramatically faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance. The A15's hexa-core design provides a substantial boost in both single-core and multi-core performance.

Battery Life

Both iPad minis offer respectable battery life for their size. Real-world usage suggests similar battery endurance, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed use. However, the 2021 model's more efficient A15 chip may offer a slight edge in certain scenarios.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the original iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular? Those on a very tight budget who primarily need basic tablet functionality like web browsing and light media consumption. Who should buy the Apple iPad mini (2021)? Anyone seeking a powerful, modern, and versatile compact tablet for gaming, creative tasks, or everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the 2021 iPad mini worth the upgrade?

Yes, if you prioritize performance, a better display, and modern features like USB-C. The A15 chip alone makes it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.

❓ Can the original iPad mini still be used effectively?

Yes, for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light media consumption, the original iPad mini remains functional. However, it will struggle with more demanding apps and games.