iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) starts at £312.06, £4.18 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has a lighter build: 297 g vs 462 g.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad Air 5 offers a larger 10.9 inch screen with a higher resolution overall but a lower pixel density, making it suited for users who want more screen space for productivity or media. The iPad mini 6 has a smaller 8.3 inch display with sharper pixels, ideal for those wanting a compact device with detailed visuals. Performance differs with the iPad Air 5 featuring an M1 processor and 8 GB RAM, which suits heavier multitasking and demanding apps, while the iPad mini 6's A15 Bionic and 4 GB RAM fit everyday use well. Weight and size also differ, with the iPad mini 6 being lighter and more portable.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads come with the same maximum operating system support and run iPadOS, ensuring they stay current with software updates.
Software Updates
This means they will continue to receive security patches and new features for several years, providing a similar lifespan in terms of software durability.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance is a key difference between these two iPads. The iPad Air 5 features a more powerful processor and double the RAM compared to the iPad mini 6, which impacts how smoothly they handle apps and multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 5 is powered by the Apple M1 chip, which is designed for demanding tasks and professional apps. This makes it well suited for users who run multiple apps at once or use creative software. The iPad mini 6 uses the Apple A15 Bionic, a strong processor for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and standard apps.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 5 keeps more apps active in the background and supports more intensive multitasking. The iPad mini 6 has 4 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday use like reading, watching videos, and light productivity.
Storage Options
Both iPads are available in 64 GB and 256 GB storage sizes. This allows you to choose the right amount of space for your apps, media, and files regardless of model.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen size, resolution, and pixel density differ between the iPad Air 5 and iPad mini 6, affecting how you experience media and use the device for work or play.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 5 has a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, offering more room for productivity tasks and video streaming. The iPad mini 6 offers a smaller 8.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2266 x 1488, making it more compact and easier to hold in one hand.
Pixel Density
The iPad mini 6 has a higher pixel density of 326 ppi, which means images and text appear sharper and more detailed on its smaller screen. The iPad Air 5 has 264 ppi, which still delivers clear visuals but with less pixel detail due to the larger display.
Brightness and Display Features
Both devices share the same brightness of 500 nits and feature True Tone technology, which adjusts screen colour to ambient lighting for comfortable viewing throughout the day.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Audio and camera specs are very similar on both iPads, making them equally capable for video calls, photography, and media consumption.
Camera Quality
Both the iPad Air 5 and iPad mini 6 have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, allowing for detailed photos and sharp video calls.
Video Recording
Each device can record video in 4K at 60 frames per second, suitable for high-quality video capture.
Speakers
The iPad Air 5 has stereo speakers that provide balanced sound, while the iPad mini 6 features stereo speakers optimised for landscape orientation, which enhances audio when watching videos or playing games in that mode.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
Other features such as connectivity, design dimensions, and accessories compatibility also show important differences that influence daily use and portability.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 5 measures 247.6 mm by 178.5 mm and weighs 462 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPad mini 6 is smaller and lighter at 195.4 mm by 134.8 mm and 297 g, which suits users who prioritise portability and one-handed use.
RAM and Connectivity
Both iPads support USB Type-C connectors and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast connections to accessories. Wi-Fi 6 is supported on both, ensuring reliable wireless performance.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both models work with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and USB-C Apple Pencil, so you can choose either device for note-taking or drawing.
Other Dimensions and Features
The iPad Air 5 is slightly thinner at 6.1 mm compared to the iPad mini 6's 6.3 mm depth. Neither device supports Face ID or a LiDAR scanner.
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 5 (2022, M1 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £312.06, £4.18 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (297 g vs 462 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPad Air 5 appreciate its like-new condition, smooth performance, and larger screen size. They highlight the fast M1 chip and ample 8 GB RAM as good for multitasking and productivity. Many find the screen perfect for streaming and note the good battery life. The Apple Pencil works well with it for drawing and note-taking. Some mention the device feels light despite its larger size, and the condition matches descriptions closely.
Reviews of the iPad mini 6 praise its compact size and sharp screen with 326 ppi, which brings out vivid colours. Customers find its performance suitable for reading, streaming, and video calls, with battery life lasting well through daily use. The device looks almost new in many cases, with only minor marks reported. Users enjoy its responsiveness and the smooth operation of everyday apps.
In summary, the iPad Air 5 suits those who want a larger display and stronger performance for multitasking or creative work. The iPad mini 6 is ideal for buyers prioritising a smaller, lighter tablet with detailed visuals for everyday activities.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £312.06 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £4.18 more (from £316.24 vs £312.06).
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
