iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
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iPad 8 (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£107.75£350.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) starts at £107.75, £204.31 less than the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series). The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad 8 offers a larger 10.2 inch screen with a lower pixel density, suited for users who prefer a roomier display for video and reading. The iPad mini 6 has a smaller 8.3 inch screen with higher pixel density and True Tone, which suits those wanting a compact, sharper display with more natural colour tones. The mini 6 also has a newer processor, more RAM, and higher storage options, making it better for multitasking and storage-heavy use. Camera and video features are more advanced on the mini 6, making it suitable for users who value better photo and video quality. Overall, the iPad 8 fits everyday tasks on a larger screen, while the iPad mini 6 fits users who want a compact device with stronger performance and camera capabilities.
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
Colour
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and release timing, which influence how long a device stays current and compatible with apps.
Latest Software Compatibility
This means both devices will run the newest features and apps available to iPad users. If keeping software up to date matters to you, either device fits that need.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance depends on the processor, memory, and storage, which affect speed, multitasking, and capacity for files and apps.
Processor and RAM
The iPad mini 6 uses the Apple A15 Bionic processor with 4 GB RAM, making it well suited to users who want smoother multitasking or run more demanding apps. The iPad 8 includes the Apple A12 Bionic and 3 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and can handle most common tasks comfortably.
Storage Options
iPad 8 comes in 32 GB and 128 GB options, suitable for users with lighter storage needs or who prefer a lower priced option. iPad mini 6 offers 64 GB and 256 GB, giving more room for apps, media, and files, which benefits users who store a lot on their device.
Processor
RAM
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen quality influences how content looks and feels when you use the device, including size, sharpness, brightness, and colour accuracy.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 8 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels and 264 pixels per inch. This larger screen suits those who want more space for watching videos or working on documents. Meanwhile, the iPad mini 6 has an 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with 2266 by 1488 resolution and 326 pixels per inch, offering a sharper and denser screen in a more compact form.
True Tone Support
Only the iPad mini 6 includes True Tone, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match ambient lighting. This can make the display easier on your eyes in different environments and provide more natural colour tones.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Audiovisual features relate to camera quality, video recording, and speaker setup, which matter for photography, video calls, and media playback.
Camera Resolution
The iPad mini 6 has a 12 megapixel front camera and 12 megapixel rear camera, suited for users who want detailed photos or clearer video calls. The iPad 8 offers an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, fitting users who use cameras less intensively or prefer simpler video calls.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad mini 6 supports 4K at 60 frames per second, providing higher resolution and smoother motion. The iPad 8 records at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is good for everyday videos and video chats.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, but the iPad mini 6 speakers are optimised for landscape orientation. This suits users who watch videos or play games in that mode.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include accessories compatibility, connectivity, size, and weight, all of which affect daily convenience and device use.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 8 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for basic note taking and sketches. The iPad mini 6 supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering features like magnetic charging and a wider accessory range.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 8 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2. The iPad mini 6 offers USB Type-C connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0, which supports faster connections and broader accessory compatibility.
Size and Weight
The iPad 8 measures 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm and weighs 490 g, providing a larger, heavier device suited for desk or lap use. The iPad mini 6 is smaller at 195.4 mm by 134.8 mm and lighter at 297 g, making it more portable and easier to hold for extended periods.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad mini 6 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. This means the mini 6 can connect with newer Wi-Fi networks that support the ax standard for potentially better wireless performance.
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 8 (2020, A12 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £107.75, £204.31 less than the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
- you want a bigger screen (10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (297 g vs 490 g)
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £107.75 compared with £312.06 for the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
The iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 26. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB) and a lighter build (297 g vs 490 g). Refurbished, it costs £204.31 more (from £312.06 vs £107.75).
Refurbished, the iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
