iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) starts at £392.50, £81.88 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 477 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) both support iPadOS 18 and offer strong performance, but they suit different needs. The iPad 11 has a larger 11 inch screen with a higher resolution, ideal for users who want more display space for videos, reading or multitasking. The iPad mini 7 has a more compact 8.3 inch screen with a higher pixel density, which delivers sharper images in a smaller device. The mini offers a more powerful A17 Pro processor and 8 GB of RAM, which helps with demanding apps. The iPad 11 records video at 4K 60FPS, making it a good choice for high-quality video capture. The mini is lighter and supports Apple Pencil Pro natively, which benefits those who want portability and advanced stylus features.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Durability in terms of software compatibility is the same for both models.
Software Updates
This means you can expect both devices to keep up with current app requirements and system improvements.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance differences come down to processor power, memory and storage options. These affect how smoothly you run apps and handle multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPad mini 7 has an Apple A17 Pro processor, which provides a higher performance level suited to users running demanding apps or multitasking heavily. The iPad 11 uses the Apple A16 chip, which still offers solid performance for everyday use, including browsing, media playback and typical app usage.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad mini 7 keeps more apps active in the background, helping with smoother multitasking and switching between tasks. The iPad 11 has 6 GB of RAM, which is enough for most everyday activities without issues.
Storage Options
Both devices start at 128 GB of storage, but the iPad mini 7 offers additional options up to 512 GB. This gives more space for large files, apps and media if you need it. The iPad 11 is available up to 256 GB.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen size and resolution are key differences that affect how you view content. Both have similar brightness levels and display types for clear images.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 11 features an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels. This larger screen offers more room for watching videos, reading or working on multiple apps. The iPad mini 7 has an 8.3 inch Liquid Retina screen with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels, which fits in a smaller form but still delivers detailed visuals.
Pixel Density
With 326 pixels per inch, the iPad mini 7 has a higher pixel density than the iPad 11's 264 pixels per inch. This means the mini shows sharper text and images, which is noticeable when viewing fine details or reading small text.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Both iPads offer good cameras and speakers, but video recording capabilities differ, which matters for users capturing video.
Camera Quality
Both the iPad 11 and iPad mini 7 have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, suitable for video calls, photos and scanning documents. Both also have stereo speakers positioned for landscape use, providing balanced sound for media.
Video Recording
The iPad 11 records video in 4K at 60 frames per second, ideal for capturing smooth, high-resolution video footage. The iPad mini 7 records at 1080p 30 frames per second, which works well for everyday video but with lower resolution and frame rate.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Other differences include device size, weight, connectivity and stylus support, which affect portability and accessory use.
Device Size and Weight
The iPad 11 measures 248.6 mm in height and 179.5 mm in width, weighing 477 grams, making it larger and heavier. The iPad mini 7 is smaller at 195.4 mm tall and 134.8 mm wide, and it weighs 293 grams. The mini suits those wanting a more compact, lighter device.
Stylus Compatibility
The iPad mini 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C directly. The iPad 11 is compatible with the Apple Pencil USB-C and the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but using the 1st generation requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. This difference influences stylus options and convenience.
Connectivity and SIM
The iPad mini 7 is unlocked and supports eSIM, which can be useful for mobile data without a physical SIM card. The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port. Both use USB Type-C connectors and Bluetooth 5.3.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £392.50, £81.88 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 477 g)
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £392.50 compared with £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) adds a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £81.88 less (from £392.50 vs £474.38).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
