iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Shop iPad
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) starts at £474.38, £281.07 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 616 g.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 and iPad mini 7 each offer distinct strengths suited to different users. The iPad Air 8, with its larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display and higher maximum brightness, is ideal if you want a roomier screen for video or split-screen multitasking. It also comes with more RAM at 12 GB, which suits multitaskers or those running memory-intensive apps. The iPad mini 7 is more compact with an 8.3 inch screen that has a higher pixel density for sharper images and includes 5G connectivity for internet on the go. It is also much lighter, making it easier to carry around.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Their release years differ but that does not affect how durable they are for everyday use.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect ongoing access to new features and security improvements on either device, helping them stay reliable for regular use.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance differences between these iPads lie mainly in their RAM and storage options. Both start at 128 GB of storage, but the iPad mini 7 offers more variety if you want additional space. RAM influences how many apps you can keep open smoothly.
Memory Capacity
The iPad Air 8 comes with 12 GB of RAM, which is well suited for multitasking and running demanding applications. The iPad mini 7 has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for general use.
Storage Options
Both devices include a 128 GB base storage. The iPad Air 8 is available with up to 512 GB, while the iPad mini 7 offers 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options. This makes the mini more flexible if you want a mid-tier storage size.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen quality is a key difference, with the iPad Air 8 offering a much larger display and higher brightness, while the iPad mini 7 features a smaller screen with higher pixel density for sharper detail. Both share the same refresh rate and True Tone technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 8 has a 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, providing a spacious viewing area ideal for watching videos or working on multiple windows. The iPad mini 7 has a smaller 8.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels, making it compact and easy to hold.
Pixel Density
With 326 pixels per inch, the iPad mini 7's screen offers sharper images and text than the iPad Air 8's 264 pixels per inch. This higher pixel density benefits users who want crisp detail on a smaller display.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Air 8 reaches up to 600 nits brightness, which helps with visibility in brighter environments. The iPad mini 7 has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, providing good screen clarity indoors and in moderate light.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Several other features set these two iPads apart, including network options, weight, Wi-Fi technology, and connectivity. These affect how you use the device day to day, especially if you need mobile internet or portability.
Network Connectivity
The iPad mini 7 supports Wi-Fi and 5G mobile networks with an eSIM, giving you internet access wherever you have cellular coverage. The iPad Air 8 includes Wi-Fi only, relying on local wireless networks.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 293 grams, the iPad mini 7 is notably lighter and easier to carry around than the iPad Air 8, which weighs 616 grams. This makes the mini a good option for on-the-go use or one-handed operation.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, the newest generation of Wi-Fi technology offering potential improvements in speed and reliability. The iPad mini 7 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which is still fast and widely used.
Ports and Touch
Both devices use USB Type-C for charging and headphones connectivity and feature touchscreens with True Tone. Neither has Face ID, so unlocking and authentication rely on other methods.
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 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- 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, £281.07 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 616 g)
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £474.38 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £281.07 more (from £755.45 vs £474.38).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
