iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) starts at £390.20, £84.18 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad mini 7 offers a compact 8.3 inch screen with sharper pixel density and the latest A17 Pro chip paired with 8 GB RAM, suited for those who want strong performance in a smaller, lighter device. The iPad Pro 2020 features a much larger 12.9 inch display with higher maximum brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for users who prefer a spacious screen for media and smoother visuals. Audio and video features differ with the Pro providing four speakers and 4K 60 FPS video recording, while the mini 7 has stereo speakers and 1080p 30 FPS video. Other differences include front camera resolution, Face ID, and Bluetooth version, which suit different user preferences.
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
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iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both the iPad mini 7 and iPad Pro 2020 support iPadOS 18 and can receive updates up to iPadOS 27. Their durability in terms of software support is equivalent, ensuring both devices stay current with the latest iPad features and security.
Software Updates
The iPad mini 7 and iPad Pro 2020 both support software updates through iPadOS 27. This means you can expect ongoing improvements and security patches on either device for a comparable length of time.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance varies between the two iPads mainly due to their processors and RAM. These differences influence how well each device handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
Processor Power
The iPad mini 7 is powered by the Apple A17 Pro processor, while the iPad Pro 2020 uses the Apple A12Z Bionic. The A17 Pro is a newer generation chip which may offer more efficiency and speed for everyday use and newer apps.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad mini 7 can keep more apps and browser tabs open simultaneously compared to the iPad Pro 2020's 6 GB of RAM. This makes the mini 7 well suited to multitasking and heavier app use.
Storage Options
The iPad mini 7 is available with storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPad Pro 2020 offers the same options plus a larger 1TB version for those needing extensive storage for files, media, or apps.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen features differ notably in size, resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. These affect how the devices display content and interact with you during video, gaming, and reading.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad mini 7 has a smaller 8.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a much larger 12.9 inch screen at 2732 by 2048 resolution and 264 ppi. The mini's higher pixel density means sharper images in a compact format, while the Pro's large screen provides more space for work and media.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro 2020 supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPad mini 7 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and suits everyday use without the extra fluidity of higher refresh rates.
Brightness
The iPad Pro 2020 can reach up to 600 nits brightness, beneficial for use in bright environments or for HDR content. The iPad mini 7 has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, which is still good for most indoor and moderate outdoor conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Audio and camera capabilities differ between the two iPads. These affect how you capture photos and video as well as your experience when watching content or making video calls.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad mini 7 features a 12 megapixel front camera, offering more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the iPad Pro 2020's 7 megapixel front camera.
Rear Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel rear camera, suitable for photos and scanning documents.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad Pro 2020 supports 4K at 60 frames per second, ideal for capturing high-resolution video with smooth motion. The iPad mini 7 records video at 1080p 30 frames per second, suitable for everyday video needs.
Speakers
The iPad Pro 2020 includes four speakers, which create a more immersive audio experience when watching videos or playing music. The iPad mini 7 has stereo speakers in landscape mode, providing clear sound in a smaller design.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Several other features differ between the iPad mini 7 and iPad Pro 2020, influencing connectivity, biometric options, and overall form factor.
Biometric Security
The iPad Pro 2020 offers Face ID facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad mini 7 does not include Face ID but supports Touch ID instead.
Connectivity and Wireless
The iPad mini 7 supports Bluetooth 5.3, which provides improved wireless connectivity and efficiency. The iPad Pro 2020 uses Bluetooth 5.0. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for fast and reliable internet connections.
SIM and Mobile Options
The iPad mini 7 is unlocked and supports an eSIM, allowing flexible carrier use. The iPad Pro 2020 does not have a SIM port.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPad mini 7 is smaller and lighter, measuring 195.4 mm in height, 134.8 mm in width, and weighing 293 g. The iPad Pro 2020 is larger at 280.6 mm in height, 214.9 mm in width, and weighs 641 g, making it better suited for users who prefer a bigger device.
Other Features
The iPad Pro 2020 includes a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing. The iPad mini 7 supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C. The iPad Pro 2020 supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C. The iPad Pro 2020 supports a 120 Hz display refresh rate, while the mini 7 does not.
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 mini 7 (2024, A17 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £84.18 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 8.3 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (293 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £84.18 more (from £474.38 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
