iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 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, £21.62 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 460 g.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 and iPad mini 7 both run iPadOS 18 and offer 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB starting storage. The iPad Air 7 features the Apple M3 processor and comes with larger storage options up to 1 TB, suiting users who want a bigger display for media or work. The iPad mini 7 has the Apple A17 Pro chip and a smaller, higher pixel density screen, ideal for those who want a compact device with sharper detail. Video recording differs, with the Air able to record 4K at 60 FPS, while the mini records 1080p at 30 FPS. Both support the Apple Pencil Pro and USB Type-C connectivity, but the mini is lighter and unlocked for cellular use. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a larger screen and more storage or portability with sharper pixel density and unlocked carrier compatibility.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
They share the same operating system environment and should provide similar software longevity.
Software Support
This means both devices will stay current with software improvements and app compatibility for the foreseeable future.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance is shaped by their processors and available storage options. Both offer 8 GB of RAM to handle multitasking smoothly and start at 128 GB storage.
Processor Differences
The iPad Air 7 runs on the Apple M3 chip, while the iPad mini 7 uses the Apple A17 Pro. Both processors are designed to deliver strong performance, but the difference in chipsets may influence intensive tasks or future software demands differently. Users who want the latest Apple silicon architecture might prefer the iPad Air 7.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 7 offers storage from 128 GB up to 1 TB, giving flexibility for larger files and apps. The iPad mini 7 provides options from 128 GB to 512 GB, suitable for users with moderate storage needs or those prioritising portability over maximum capacity.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen size and resolution are key differences affecting viewing experience and portability. Both use Liquid Retina displays with 500 nits brightness and True Tone, providing vibrant visuals.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, which offers more space for watching videos, reading, or working on documents. The iPad mini 7 has a smaller 8.3 inch screen at 2266 x 1488 resolution, making it easier to hold and carry around.
Pixel Density
The iPad mini 7 has a higher pixel density of 326 ppi, meaning sharper images and crisper text on a smaller screen. The iPad Air 7 has 264 ppi, which is still sharp but better suited to its larger display size where pixel density is less critical.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Both devices provide similar camera resolutions and stereo speakers, but video recording capabilities differ, which may matter if you use your iPad for media creation.
Camera Quality
Both the iPad Air 7 and iPad mini 7 feature 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, supporting high-quality photos and video calls. The similarity means either device is well suited for photography and video conferencing.
Video Recording
The iPad Air 7 records video at 4K 60 FPS, offering higher resolution and smoother motion capture for video projects or memories. The iPad mini 7 records at 1080p 30 FPS, which is suitable for everyday video recording but less detailed and fluid than the Air's capabilities.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Additional differences include size, weight, connectivity, and carrier options, which influence portability and how you stay connected.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 7 measures 247.6 mm by 178.5 mm and weighs 460 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPad mini 7 is more compact at 195.4 mm by 134.8 mm and weighs 293 g, better for one-handed use or carrying in smaller bags.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad mini 7 is unlocked and supports eSIM, allowing you to use it with various carriers for cellular connectivity. The iPad Air 7 also supports eSIM but comes without a SIM port, which may affect network options depending on your needs.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
Both devices use Bluetooth 5.3 and USB Type-C connectors for accessories and charging. This means you can expect similar wireless and wired connection capabilities on either iPad.
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 7 (2025, M3 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch)
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £474.38, £21.62 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 460 g)
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 460 g.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £474.38 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £21.62 more (from £496 vs £474.38).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
