iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £230.46 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
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- 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 7 (2024, A17 series).
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad Air 4 has a larger 10.9 inch display with a lower pixel density, making it ideal for those who want a roomier screen for video and reading. The iPad mini 7 is smaller and lighter, with a higher pixel density for sharper text and images, plus twice the RAM and storage in common models, which helps keep more apps open and stores more files. The iPad mini 7 also features a more advanced processor and higher resolution front camera, suiting users who want better performance and video calls. Both support Apple Pencil but with different models, and the mini offers unlocked carrier options with eSIM. Choose the iPad Air 4 for a larger display and simpler storage, or the iPad mini 7 for compact power and sharper visuals.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support the current iPadOS 18, ensuring access to new features and security improvements.
Software Support
This means each device will continue to receive software improvements and security patches, helping maintain their usability over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and storage space. The iPad mini 7 offers more power and memory, along with larger storage options, which suits demanding users.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 4 uses the Apple A14 Bionic processor, while the iPad mini 7 is equipped with the Apple A17 Pro. This means the mini can handle more intensive tasks and heavier apps more comfortably.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 4 is well suited for everyday use and typical multitasking. The iPad mini 7 doubles that to 8 GB, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly at once.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 4 comes in 64 GB and 256 GB versions, suitable for general use and moderate storage needs. The iPad mini 7 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 512 GB, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen quality impacts how images and text look, as well as the overall viewing experience. The iPad Air 4 has a larger screen, while the iPad mini 7 offers higher pixel density for sharper visuals.
Screen Size
The iPad Air 4 features a 10.9 inch display, which provides a more spacious area for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPad mini 7 has an 8.3 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to hold for extended periods.
Pixel Density
With 326 pixels per inch, the iPad mini 7 delivers crisper text and finer details, which benefits reading small fonts and viewing high-resolution images. The iPad Air 4 has 264 pixels per inch, offering a clear but less sharp display.
Resolution and Brightness
The iPad Air 4 has a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, slightly higher than the mini's 2266 by 1488, which compensates for its larger screen size. Both screens reach 500 nits brightness and include True Tone, ensuring comfortable viewing in various lighting.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video capabilities. These affect video calls, content creation, and media playback quality.
Front Camera Detail
The iPad mini 7 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for video calls and selfies compared to the iPad Air 4's 7 megapixel front camera.
Rear Camera Quality
Both devices share a 12 megapixel rear camera, suitable for taking clear photos and scanning documents.
Video Recording
The iPad Air 4 supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, allowing for high-resolution, smooth videos. The iPad mini 7 records at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is sufficient for standard video needs.
Speakers
Both iPads have stereo speakers, with the mini's being optimised for landscape use. This makes both devices capable of delivering balanced sound for watching videos and calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical size, and accessory compatibility. These affect how the devices fit your lifestyle and work with other gear.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil USB-C. The iPad mini 7 is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C, so each supports different stylus options depending on your drawing or note-taking preferences.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The iPad Air 4 does not have a SIM port, meaning it relies on Wi-Fi. The iPad mini 7 is unlocked and supports eSIM, giving you the option to connect to cellular networks for internet access on the go.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Air 4 measures 247.6 mm in height, 178.5 mm in width, and 6.1 mm in depth, weighing 458 g. The iPad mini 7 is smaller and lighter at 195.4 mm tall, 134.8 mm wide, 6.3 mm deep, and 293 g, making it easier to hold and carry.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The iPad Air 4 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, while the iPad mini 7 has Bluetooth 5.3 and the same Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering slightly newer Bluetooth technology for wireless accessories.
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 Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £230.46 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 458 g)
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. 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 4 GB) and a lighter build (293 g vs 458 g). Refurbished, it costs £230.46 more (from £474.38 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
