iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Shop iPad
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £312.60 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 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 7 (2024, A17 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad 9 and the iPad mini 7 differ in design, performance, and features to suit different needs. The iPad 9 offers a larger 10.2 inch screen with storage options up to 256 GB, making it suitable for those who want more space for apps and media on a bigger display. The iPad mini 7 has a smaller 8.3 inch screen with sharper pixel density, more RAM, and a newer processor, which suits users who want a compact device with smoother multitasking and faster performance. The mini also supports newer accessories and connectivity, making it a choice for those who prefer modern ports and accessories.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here relates to ongoing software support, ensuring both devices remain compatible with current apps and security improvements.
Software Updates
This ensures that whether you choose the iPad 9 or the mini 7, you get access to current apps and system improvements for a similar length of time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance differences affect how smoothly each device runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPad mini 7 has more RAM and a newer processor, while the iPad 9 offers larger storage options for users with bigger media or app libraries.
Processor and RAM
The iPad mini 7 uses the Apple A17 Pro processor with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep everyday apps running smoothly and supports more intensive multitasking. The iPad 9 has an Apple A13 Bionic processor and 3 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and simpler app needs.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 is stocked with 64 GB and 256 GB options, allowing users who need more space to pick the larger capacity. The iPad mini 7 offers 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options, giving more flexibility for those who want higher storage capacities for apps, photos, and files.
Processor
RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen size and quality influence how you experience visuals and interact with your device. Both devices have similar brightness and refresh rates but differ in size, resolution, and pixel density, suiting different viewing preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a larger 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620, offering more room for video and multitasking. The iPad mini 7 features a smaller 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 by 1488, which fits comfortably in one hand and delivers a sharp image.
Pixel Density
With 326 pixels per inch, the iPad mini 7 provides a crisper image, which is ideal if you often read small text or appreciate detailed graphics. The iPad 9 has 264 pixels per inch, which still offers a clear and vibrant display suited for general use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Camera and audio features affect video calls, photography, and media enjoyment. Both iPads have similar rear cameras and video recording capabilities but differ in front camera resolution and speaker orientation.
Front Camera
The iPad mini 7's 12 megapixel front camera captures more detail for video calls and selfies compared to the iPad 9's 8 megapixel front camera. This suits users who value sharper front-facing photos and videos.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, but the iPad mini 7's speakers are optimized for landscape use, which can enhance audio when watching videos or gaming in that orientation.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Other features cover connectivity, design, and accessory compatibility, which influence usability and comfort. These differences help you decide based on preferences for ports, weight, and accessory support.
Connector and Accessories
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector and supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, while the iPad mini 7 features a USB Type-C connector and is compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil. This means the mini supports newer accessories and charging options.
Size and Weight
The iPad 9 measures 250.6 mm in height, 174.1 mm in width, and weighs 498 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPad mini 7 is more compact at 195.4 mm tall, 134.8 mm wide, and weighs 293 g, making it easier to carry and hold for extended periods.
Connectivity and SIM
The iPad 9 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and uses a Nano SIM for mobile connectivity, while the iPad mini 7 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and uses an eSIM. The mini also supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering updated wireless technology compared to the iPad 9's Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Memory Card and SIM Features
Both iPads support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two mobile numbers or data plans on the same device.
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 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £312.60 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
- you want a bigger screen (10.2 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 498 g)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 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 £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 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 mini 7 (2024, A17 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB) and a lighter build (293 g vs 498 g). Refurbished, it costs £312.60 more (from £474.38 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
