iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £150.28 less than the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
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- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) has a bigger screen: 10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad 9 has a larger 10.2 inch screen with lower pixel density, storage options up to 256 GB, and supports the first generation Apple Pencil. The iPad mini 6 offers a smaller, sharper 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display, a faster processor with more RAM, and support for the second generation Apple Pencil with USB-C charging. It also has higher resolution cameras and records 4K video. Choose the iPad 9 if you want a roomier screen and more storage. Pick the iPad mini 6 for a compact device with stronger performance and advanced input and camera features.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
They share the same release year, so durability in terms of software support is aligned.
Software Updates
The iPad 9 and iPad mini 6 both support the maximum operating system iPadOS 18. This means you can expect ongoing access to new features and security updates on either device for a similar period.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance varies between these two iPads in processor speed, memory, and storage. The iPad mini 6 uses a more recent processor and has more RAM, which suits more demanding apps and multitasking. Storage options differ and affect how much data and apps you can keep locally.
Processor and RAM
The iPad mini 6 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic processor with 4 GB of RAM, ideal for users who want faster app performance and smoother multitasking. The iPad 9 runs on the Apple A13 Bionic and has 3 GB of RAM, which handles everyday tasks well.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 is available in 64 GB and 256 GB storage versions, with 256 GB providing ample space for videos, apps, and files. The iPad mini 6 stocks the same capacities, but the 64 GB model is more commonly stocked, suitable for users with lighter storage needs or those who rely on cloud services.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen experience differs mainly in size, sharpness, and display type. Both screens have the same brightness and refresh rate, but the iPad mini 6 offers a higher pixel density and a Liquid Retina display, which can bring crisper images on a smaller screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 features a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620, offering a larger viewing area suited for reading and watching videos. The iPad mini 6 has an 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488, delivering sharper images in a more compact size.
Pixel Density and Display Type
With 326 ppi pixel density, the iPad mini 6 provides a crisper image than the iPad 9's 264 ppi. The Liquid Retina display on the mini 6 enhances colour and detail, making it a great choice if you value sharp visuals in a smaller device.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Camera and video recording capabilities differ, along with front camera resolution and video quality. Both have stereo speakers, though the iPad mini 6 specifies stereo speakers for landscape use.
Camera Resolution
The iPad mini 6 has a 12 megapixel front camera compared to the iPad 9's 8 megapixels, which means selfies and video calls will capture more detail on the mini. Both devices share a 12 megapixel rear camera.
Video Recording Quality
The iPad mini 6 can record video in 4K at 60 frames per second, offering higher resolution and smoother footage. The iPad 9 records 1080p video at 30 frames per second, suitable for everyday video capture but less detailed than the mini 6.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers. The iPad mini 6 specifies stereo speakers in landscape orientation, which can enhance audio when watching videos or playing games in that mode.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
Additional features vary including Apple Pencil compatibility, charging ports, connectivity, and physical dimensions. These differences affect accessories, charging convenience, and portability.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 supports the first generation Apple Pencil, suitable for note-taking and drawing with a traditional charging method. The iPad mini 6 supports the second generation Apple Pencil, which charges via USB-C and attaches magnetically, offering a more streamlined experience.
Connector and Charging
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, while the iPad mini 6 uses USB Type-C for both. USB Type-C can provide faster data transfer and broader accessory compatibility for the mini.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad 9 measures 250.6 mm in height and weighs 498 g, making it a larger and heavier device suited to use where screen space is important. The iPad mini 6 is smaller at 195.4 mm tall and lighter at 297 g, ideal for those who want a compact, portable tablet.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The iPad mini 6 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which can offer improved wireless performance compared to the iPad 9's Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £150.28 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 498 g)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 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 9 (2021, A13 series) has a bigger screen: 10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £161.78 compared with £312.06 for the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
