iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Shop iPad
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)
Starting at
£312.06£569.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 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, £168.99 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) has a lighter build: 297 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 has a larger 13 inch screen with higher brightness and more RAM, making it suitable for those who want a spacious display and smoother multitasking. The iPad mini 6 is more compact and lighter at 297 g, ideal if portability is your priority. Both have similar camera and speaker setups. The Air 6 features the newer M2 processor and more storage options. Connectivity differences include Bluetooth 5.3 and eSIM on the Air 6 versus Bluetooth 5.0 and Nano SIM on the mini 6. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a larger display and extra power or a smaller device that fits easily in one hand.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads offer the same level of software support, running iPadOS 18. This means you can expect ongoing updates and security improvements on either device.
Operating System Support
This makes either suitable for users wanting a device that remains current with Apple's software.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) performance
Performance varies notably between the iPad Air 6 and iPad mini 6, from processor power to memory and storage options. These differences influence how each handles demanding tasks and multitasking.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 6 runs on the Apple M2 processor, which offers more advanced performance capabilities compared to the Apple A15 Bionic in the iPad mini 6. This suits users who need faster processing for creative work, gaming, or running multiple apps.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 6 can keep more apps open and running smoothly at once, which benefits users who multitask frequently. The iPad mini 6 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday app use and simpler tasks.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 6 starts at 128 GB of storage and is available up to 1 TB, offering plenty of space for apps, media, and documents. The iPad mini 6 offers 64 GB and 256 GB options, suitable for users with moderate storage needs.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) screen
Screen quality differences affect how you experience media, reading, and creative work. Both use Liquid Retina displays but differ in size, brightness, resolution, and pixel density.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 6 has a larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, making it ideal for watching videos or working on detailed projects. The iPad mini 6's smaller 8.3 inch screen with a 2266 by 1488 resolution suits users who prioritise portability and one-handed use.
Brightness and Pixel Density
The iPad Air 6 offers 600 nits brightness, which helps with visibility in bright environments. The iPad mini 6 has 500 nits brightness but a higher pixel density at 326 ppi versus 264 ppi on the Air. This means the mini's screen appears sharper for close-up reading or detailed viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) camera
Both iPads provide similar audiovisual features, including camera resolution and speaker setup, delivering consistent quality for video calls and media.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPad Air 6 and iPad mini 6 have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras. This supports clear photos and video calls for users who use their iPad for communication or casual photography.
Speakers and Video Recording
Each device features stereo speakers tuned for landscape use, alongside 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This makes both suitable for enjoying media or capturing high-quality videos.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) size and design
Additional features include connectivity, device size, and accessory compatibility, which can influence your daily experience with these iPads.
Connectivity and SIM
The iPad Air 6 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and uses an eSIM for mobile data, providing the latest wireless technology and flexibility. The iPad mini 6 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and a Nano SIM, which some users may prefer for physical SIM card use.
Device Size and Weight
The iPad Air 6 measures 280 mm in height and weighs 617 g, offering a larger but heavier device. The iPad mini 6 is more compact at 195.4 mm tall and lighter at 297 g, making it easier to carry and hold for extended periods.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 6 works with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), supporting a wider range of stylus options. The iPad mini 6 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), covering popular Apple stylus choices.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, which includes newer wireless bands, while the iPad mini 6 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. This difference may affect wireless performance depending on your network setup.
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 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £312.06, £168.99 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (297 g vs 617 g)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £312.06 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 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 6 (2024, M2 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £168.99 more (from £481.05 vs £312.06).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad mini 6 (2021, A15 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
