iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
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iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) starts at £474.38, £6.67 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and iPad mini 7 both run iPadOS 18 and offer 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB storage options, making them capable for everyday use. The iPad Air 6 features a larger 13 inch screen with higher brightness and resolution, suited for those who want a spacious display for reading or watching videos. The iPad mini 7 is more compact and lighter, with a higher pixel density on its smaller 8.3 inch screen, ideal for portability and sharper text. The iPad Air 6 uses the Apple M2 processor, while the iPad mini 7 has the Apple A17 Pro chip. Video recording is 4K on the Air and 1080p on the mini, so video creators may prefer the Air. Both support the Apple Pencil Pro and have stereo speakers and USB Type-C connectors. Your choice depends on whether you want a larger display and more detailed video or a smaller, sharper screen for easy carrying.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
They share the same operating system and update support, which means either device will stay current for everyday use.
Software Updates
Both iPad Air 6 and iPad mini 7 are compatible with iPadOS 18.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance is similar in memory and storage options, but the devices differ in processor and available storage sizes. Both have 8 GB of RAM and start at 128 GB storage, fitting most daily needs.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 6 runs on the Apple M2 chip, while the iPad mini 7 uses the Apple A17 Pro. Both are modern processors capable of smooth app use and multitasking, but each may suit different performance preferences or tasks based on their architecture.
Storage Choices
iPad Air 6 offers storage options up to 1TB, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, which is useful if you need ample space for large files or many apps. The iPad mini 7 provides up to 512GB with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, covering most everyday storage needs.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen size, brightness, and pixel density are key differences between these iPads. Both use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone, providing clear and colour-accurate images, but their size and sharpness suit different uses.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 6 has a larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2732 x 2048, making it well suited for watching videos, reading, or multitasking with more screen space. The iPad mini 7's smaller 8.3 inch screen with 2266 x 1488 resolution is more portable and easier to hold with one hand.
Brightness and Sharpness
With 600 nits brightness, the iPad Air 6 delivers a brighter display that can help in well-lit environments. The iPad mini 7 offers 500 nits brightness but has a higher pixel density at 326 ppi, meaning images and text appear sharper, especially noticeable in close-up viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Both iPads provide stereo speakers and 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, but video recording capabilities differ. These factors affect media viewing, video calls, and content creation.
Video Recording
The iPad Air 6 records video at 4K 60FPS, which is ideal if you want higher resolution and smoother video capture for projects or memories. The iPad mini 7 records at 1080p 30FPS, suitable for everyday video use and smaller file sizes.
Audio and Cameras
Both devices feature 12 megapixel front and rear cameras and stereo speakers optimised for landscape mode. This combination supports quality video calls, photography, and media playback on either iPad.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Other features like Bluetooth, connectivity, weight, and dimensions impact everyday handling and accessory use. Both iPads share many of these features but differ notably in size and weight.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 6 measures 280 mm in height, 214.9 mm in width, and weighs 617 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, which suits those prioritising portability and one-handed use.
Connectivity and Accessories
Both iPads use USB Type-C connectors and support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Bluetooth 5.3 is standard on both, enabling connections to modern accessories. Both devices also support eSIM for mobile data use.
Display Refresh Rate
Neither device supports 120 Hz refresh rate, both operate at 60 Hz. This means smooth and standard animation and scrolling performance on each screen.
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 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.3 inch)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £474.38, £6.67 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 617 g)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.3 inch. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 617 g.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £474.38 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 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
