Apple’s iPad mini, despite its age, remains a benchmark for compact tablet design. However, Lenovo’s Tab P11 Plus enters the arena with a more modern chipset and a focus on value. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two tablets, focusing on performance, display, and overall usability to determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and modern features, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is the clear winner. Its Helio G90T chipset delivers a substantial performance leap over the iPad mini’s aging A5. However, the iPad mini’s established ecosystem and cellular connectivity remain compelling advantages for specific users.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1454 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 312 g (11.01 oz) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | - |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4490 mAh, non-removable (16.7 Wh) | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Slate, White/Silver | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal |
| Models | A1454, A1455, iPad2,6, iPad2,7 | ZA940124SE |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Highly portable and compact design
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Cellular connectivity option available
- Outdated Apple A5 chipset
- Limited performance for modern applications
- Likely slower charging speeds
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- Powerful MediaTek Helio G90T chipset
- Faster 20W wired charging
- More affordable price point
- Less established ecosystem
- Potentially lower build quality compared to iPad mini
- No detailed display specs provided
Display Comparison
The iPad mini boasts a contrast ratio of 812:1, suggesting good image quality for its time, but lacks specifics on resolution or panel technology. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, while lacking detailed display specs in the provided data, likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel common in its price range. The iPad mini’s smaller form factor will result in a higher pixel density, potentially offering sharper images, but the P11 Plus’s larger screen size provides more viewing real estate. Without knowing the iPad mini’s resolution, a direct comparison is difficult, but the P11 Plus likely offers a more modern viewing experience due to its size and potential for higher brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and the provided data doesn’t offer detailed camera specifications. Given the iPad mini’s age, its camera is likely basic. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, while likely not featuring a flagship camera system, benefits from a more recent sensor and image processing pipeline. Without further details, it’s reasonable to assume the P11 Plus offers a slightly more capable camera experience, but neither should be considered a primary camera choice.
Performance
The performance gap is significant. The iPad mini’s Apple A5, a 45nm chip with a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, is demonstrably outmatched by the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm). The G90T’s octa-core configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The 12nm process node of the Helio G90T is also more efficient than the A5’s 45nm, suggesting better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. Users intending to run demanding applications or games will find the Tab P11 Plus far more capable.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without capacity data. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s 20W wired charging is a significant advantage over the iPad mini, which likely utilizes a slower charging standard. Faster charging translates to less downtime and quicker top-ups, a crucial benefit for on-the-go users. While the iPad mini’s optimized software might offer comparable battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity, the P11 Plus’s charging speed provides a tangible usability benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular if you need a highly portable tablet deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, and cellular connectivity is essential. Its compact size and brand recognition are key benefits. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, require faster charging, and are seeking a more affordable option without sacrificing screen size or basic functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Helio G90T in the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio G90T is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can run Genshin Impact and other popular titles at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The A5 in the iPad mini would struggle significantly with such games.
❓ Does the iPad mini's cellular connectivity support 5G?
Given the iPad mini's age, it's highly unlikely to support 5G. It likely supports 4G LTE, but speeds will be significantly slower than modern 5G networks. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus's cellular capabilities (if a cellular model is purchased) would likely support faster 4G LTE or potentially 5G depending on the specific variant.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the iPad mini and the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus?
The iPad mini offers a polished and optimized iPadOS experience with access to Apple’s extensive app ecosystem. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus runs Android, which offers greater customization options but can sometimes lack the same level of optimization as iPadOS. Updates may also be less frequent on the Lenovo device.
