iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, refresh rate and weight. Refurbished, the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) starts at £474.38, £2.15 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a lighter build: 293 g vs 470 g.
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad mini 7 and iPad Pro (2021) differ mainly in size, display, performance style, and some features. The iPad mini 7 is more compact and lighter with a sharp 8.3 inch screen and an A17 Pro chip suited to everyday use and portability. The iPad Pro offers a larger 11 inch screen with a higher refresh rate and brightness plus the M1 chip designed for heavier workloads. It also supports advanced video recording and a lidar scanner for specific applications. Choose the iPad mini 7 if you want a smaller, touch-friendly device with newer Bluetooth and dual SIM support. Pick the iPad Pro if you prefer a bigger display, four speakers, Face ID, and more storage options for creative or professional tasks.
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability concerns software support and device longevity.
Software Support
This means you get access to current apps and security improvements on either device.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance depends on processor, memory, and storage. Both iPads have the same amount of RAM and starting storage, but their processors and storage options differ, affecting how they handle tasks and data.
Processor Differences
The iPad mini 7 uses the Apple A17 Pro chip, while the iPad Pro has the Apple M1 chip. The M1 chip is designed for demanding workloads, which suits professional or creative users. The A17 Pro is suited for everyday tasks and efficient performance.
Memory and Storage
Both iPads come with 8 GB of RAM and start at 128 GB storage. The iPad mini 7 is stocked up to 512 GB, while the iPad Pro offers larger storage options up to 2 TB. This makes the iPad Pro better for users who need to store large files or apps.
Processor
RAM
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality covers size, brightness, resolution, refresh rate, and pixel density. These affect how much space you have to work with and how smooth or sharp the display looks.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad mini 7 has an 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with 2266 x 1488 resolution. The iPad Pro features a larger 11 inch screen at 2388 x 1668 resolution. The bigger screen suits those who want more room for multitasking or watching videos.
Brightness and Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro reaches 600 nits brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal for smoother motion in games and scrolling. The iPad mini 7 offers 500 nits brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate, which works well for everyday use.
Pixel Density
The iPad mini 7 has a higher pixel density at 326 ppi, resulting in a sharper image on its smaller screen. The iPad Pro's 264 ppi still delivers clear visuals but prioritises screen size over pixel density.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities. These shape your experience with photos, videos, and sound.
Camera Quality
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, capturing detailed photos and video calls. This makes them equally capable for photography and video conferencing.
Speakers and Audio
The iPad mini 7 has stereo speakers positioned for landscape use, which suits casual media consumption. The iPad Pro offers four speaker audio, delivering richer and more immersive sound for music and videos.
Video Recording
The iPad Pro can record video at 4K 60 frames per second, which is suited for high-quality video projects. The iPad mini 7 records at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is fine for everyday video needs.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, device dimensions, input methods, and extras that affect how you use the iPads day to day.
Input and Authentication
The iPad mini 7 supports touch input and is compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C). The iPad Pro has Face ID for facial recognition unlocking, which the iPad mini 7 does not.
Connectivity and SIM
The iPad mini 7 has Bluetooth 5.3 and supports eSIM with dual SIM functionality. The iPad Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0 and a Nano SIM format with dual SIM support. Both have USB Type-C connectors and Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad mini 7 is smaller and lighter at 195.4 mm height, 134.8 mm width, 6.3 mm depth, and 293 g. The iPad Pro is bigger and heavier at 247.6 mm height, 178.5 mm width, 5.9 mm depth, and 470 g. The mini suits portability while the Pro offers a more expansive workspace.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a lidar scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality applications. The iPad Pro includes a promotion refresh rate on its display. The iPad Pro has Face ID, and the iPad mini 7 includes touch but not Face ID.
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 (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £474.38, £2.15 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 470 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 8.3 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, refresh rate and weight. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 8.3 inch. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £474.38 compared with £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) adds a lighter build (293 g vs 470 g). Refurbished, it costs £2.15 less (from £474.38 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
