iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) starts at £312.06, £80.44 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has a lighter build: 297 g vs 477 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025) and the iPad mini 6 (2021) offer distinct choices depending on your needs. The iPad mini 6 appeals to users wanting a more compact device with higher pixel density for sharper detail on a smaller display. Choose the iPad 11 for a roomier screen and more memory, and the iPad mini 6 if you prefer portability with fine display detail.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and basic device longevity. Your choice here depends less on software lifespan and more on other features.
Operating System Support
This means both devices receive the same software improvements and security updates, ensuring a similar duration of software usability.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance relates to the processor, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly the device handles apps, multitasking, and storing your files.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 11 features the Apple A16 processor paired with 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and supports more demanding tasks. The iPad mini 6 uses the Apple A15 Bionic with 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and lighter multitasking well.
Storage Options
The iPad 11 comes with a default 128 GB of storage, with an option for 256 GB, giving more room for apps, media, and documents. The iPad mini 6 starts at 64 GB, also with a 256 GB option, suiting users who want a smaller base storage or plan to manage their files carefully.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen quality is important for how you view content and interact with the device. Differences in size, resolution, and pixel density affect viewing experience and portability.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 11 has a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, offering more screen space for watching videos and multitasking. The iPad mini 6 has an 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels, making it more compact and easier to hold in one hand.
Pixel Density
The iPad mini 6 has a higher pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, which means sharper and more detailed images on its smaller screen. The iPad 11 has 264 pixels per inch, which still provides clear visuals but focuses on a larger viewing area.
Brightness and Display Features
Both devices deliver 500 nits brightness and include True Tone technology, adjusting the display colour for comfortable viewing in different lighting. Both use standard display glass and refresh at 60 Hz, ensuring smooth visuals for everyday use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect calls, videos, and photos. Both iPads share many of the same specifications here.
Camera Quality
Both the iPad 11 and the iPad mini 6 have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras. This provides good detail for video calls and photos, making either suitable for capturing and sharing moments.
Speakers and Video Recording
Each device includes stereo speakers oriented for landscape use and supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This means both deliver clear sound and high-resolution video capture for media projects or video calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
This section covers additional factors like Apple Pencil compatibility, connectivity, size, and weight, which influence everyday use and accessory support.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 11 is compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st generation Apple Pencil via a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. The iPad mini 6 works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) directly. Your choice here depends on which Apple Pencil you prefer to use.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The iPad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering the latest version for wireless accessories, while the iPad mini 6 uses Bluetooth 5.0. Both have USB Type-C connectors and Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring fast wireless and wired connections.
Size and Weight
The iPad 11 measures 248.6 mm by 179.5 mm and weighs 477 g, providing a larger but heavier device suitable for stationary use or carrying in a bag. The iPad mini 6 is more compact at 195.4 mm by 134.8 mm and lighter at 297 g, ideal if portability and one-handed use are priorities.
SIM and Carrier Options
The iPad mini 6 includes unlocked carrier compatibility with a Nano SIM slot, allowing mobile network use. The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi for connectivity.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £312.06, £80.44 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
- you want a lighter build (297 g vs 477 g)
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £312.06 compared with £392.50 for the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £80.44 more (from £392.50 vs £312.06).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
