iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the screen size, software updates and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £68.14 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
Screen size
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has a lighter build: 297 g vs 458 g.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad Air 4 and iPad mini 6 share some core features like 4GB RAM, 500 nits brightness, 12 megapixel rear cameras, and support for Apple Pencil 2nd generation. The iPad Air 4 offers a larger 10.9 inch screen with a slightly higher resolution, suited for users who want more display space for work or media. The iPad mini 6 has a higher pixel density on its smaller 8.3 inch screen, making it sharper for close-up viewing and more compact for portability. The iPad mini 6's front camera has a higher 12 megapixel resolution, which benefits video calls and selfies. Software support extends further on the iPad mini 6, making it a better choice for longer-term use. Weight and size differences mean the iPad mini 6 is easier to carry around, while the iPad Air 4 fits better when screen size is a priority.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and release context. Both devices run the same maximum iPadOS version but differ in how long updates will be supported.
Software Updates Duration
The iPad Air 4 has software updates guaranteed until September 2027, offering several years of support for security and features. The iPad mini 6 supports updates up to iPadOS 27, which is longer and may appeal if you want to keep your device current for a longer period.
Release Year
The iPad Air 4 was released in 2020 and the iPad mini 6 in 2021.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance centres on processing power and memory, plus storage options which affect how much you can keep on each device.
Processor
The iPad Air 4 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad mini 6 uses the Apple A15 Bionic. Both are capable processors for everyday apps, but the A15 series in the mini 6 offers a newer generation, which may provide improved efficiency and speed for more demanding tasks.
Memory and Storage
Both devices have 4 GB of RAM, which keeps apps running smoothly for everyday use. Storage options for each include 64GB and 256GB, so you can choose the amount that suits your needs for apps, media and files.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, with differences in size, sharpness and resolution shaping the experience for reading, watching and working.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 4 has a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, making it roomier for videos and multitasking. The iPad mini 6 offers a smaller 8.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels, which makes it more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Pixel Density
The iPad mini 6 has a higher pixel density of 326 pixels per inch compared to 264 ppi on the iPad Air 4. This means images and text appear sharper on the mini's smaller screen, which benefits close-up reading and detailed viewing.
Brightness and Display Features
Both devices offer 500 nits brightness and use standard display glass, with True Tone for adapting colours to ambient light. This ensures clear and comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions on either model.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect how you capture and enjoy media, with camera specifications and speakers influencing calls, photos and video playback.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad Air 4 has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies. The iPad mini 6 offers a sharper 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and may improve video call quality and selfies.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
Both devices have a 12 megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second, making them well suited for photography and high-quality video capture.
Speakers
The iPad Air 4 features stereo speakers, while the iPad mini 6 has stereo speakers designed for landscape orientation. Both provide clear audio for media and calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include design, connectivity and usability elements that affect everyday handling and compatibility.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Air 4 measures 247.6 mm in height, 178.5 mm in width, and is 6.1 mm deep, weighing 458 g. The iPad mini 6 is smaller and lighter at 195.4 mm tall, 134.8 mm wide, 6.3 mm deep, and 297 g. The mini 6 is easier to carry and handle with one hand, while the Air 4 offers more screen space.
Connectivity and SIM Options
Both use USB-C for charging and headphones. The iPad Air 4 does not have a SIM port, while the iPad mini 6 is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM, which may be important if you want mobile data connectivity.
Other Features
Both support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), have Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. Neither offers Face ID or a lidar scanner, and both have touchscreens.
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 Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £68.14 less than the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) if
- you want a lighter build (297 g vs 458 g)
- you want the newer model (2021)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPad Air 4 praise its smooth performance and bright screen, making it suitable for work, streaming and everyday tasks. Many highlight the large storage options, especially the 256 GB model, as ideal for apps and photos. Battery life is often described as lasting through a full day, supporting video calls and emails. The device feels solid and fresh, with reviewers appreciating the green and rose gold finishes. Some mention slower charging compared to previous devices but find it an acceptable trade-off for performance and screen size.
Buyers of the iPad mini 6 appreciate its compact size and sharp, bright screen, which fits well for travel and close-up use. The 12 megapixel front camera and responsive touchscreen are often noted for video calls and smooth app use. Many customers mention the 256 GB storage as ample for photos and work files. Battery life is generally described as solid for daily use, with some users noting slight warming under demanding apps but no performance issues. The device is praised for looking almost new and feeling solid despite being refurbished.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the screen size, software updates and weight. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch. Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £312.06 for the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) adds a lighter build (297 g vs 458 g). Refurbished, it costs £68.14 more (from £312.06 vs £243.92).
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
