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The new iPad mini presented yesterday features several key improvements over the 4th generation iPad Air that the company introduced last year. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t update the iPad Air with these updates and instead chose to continue selling the existing model alongside the new iPad mini. We’ve rounded up all the differences between the two devices, so keep reading to learn more about why the new iPad mini is technically better than the iPad Air.
Better cameras
The first key difference is the FaceTime camera. The iPad mini has a new, ultra-wide 12 MP front camera with center stage support, like the new iPad Pro introduced in April. The iPad Air has a standard 7 MP FaceTime HD camera. The iPad mini’s front camera also boasts a larger f / 2.4 aperture, 2x zoom out, wide dynamic range for video, and 1080p recording at 25 fps, 30 fps. and 60 fps.
The iPad mini’s rear camera is also 12MP like the iPad Air, but it gains a four-LED True Tone flash. This addition is likely due to the more portable nature of the iPad mini. The capabilities of the video camera have improved considerably. The iPad mini gains the ability to shoot 1080p HD video at 25 fps and 30 fps as well as a new extended dynamic range for videos up to 30 fps.
Improved processor
Another major hardware difference is the onboard processor. The iPad mini features the all-new 5-nanometer A15 Bionic chip that is also found in the iPhone 13, while the iPad Air continues to use last year’s A14 chip.
As has been reported by several outlets, the A15 appears to be a marginal improvement over the A14 chip, so you won’t necessarily notice any performance differences in everyday use. But you can get an extra year of long-term software updates.
5G compatibility
The cellular iPad mini models are 5G compatible, unlike the iPad Air which remains LTE only. Apple also added support for 2 additional LTE gigabit bands. While 5G won’t make a significant difference for many people, it will for people who live in areas where 5G is important and faster than LTE.
Dense display pixels
While the main difference between the iPad mini and the iPad Air is in the size of their screens, the quality of those screens also diverge. The iPad mini has a 2266 × 1488 Liquid Retina display and measures 326 pixels per inch. The iPad Air’s screen is 2360 × 1640 and is 264 pixels per inch. The pixel density of the iPad mini is much higher than that of the iPad Air.
The other features of the screen remain the same as those of the iPad Air. The mini also has True Tone, a wide P3 color, full lamination and an oleophobic coating. It also gets as bright as 500 nits like the iPad Air.
New seasonal color options
The only obvious visual differences between the iPad Air and the iPad mini are the color options. IPad mini is available in three new colors: pink, starlight, and purple in addition to regular space gray. IPad Air is still available in Sky Blue, Rose Gold, Green, Silver, and Space Gray. In other words, the new iPad mini is a better match for the newer Apple devices like the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch Series 7.
Pricing and availability
The new iPad mini starts at $ 499, $ 100 less than the iPad Air. With the improved technical specifications, it’s a steal. The only important thing that you lose with the iPad mini is the compatibility with the smart keyboard and the magic keyboard. Although buyers who choose the iPad mini are unlikely to want to use it with a keyboard anyway.
The iPad mini is available in the same two configurations of 64 GB and 256 GB with optional cellular connectivity. You can order the new iPad mini now and it will be available in stores or delivered on Friday the 24th.
iPad Air 5th generation?
It’s unclear when Apple will update the iPad Air with features added to the iPad mini like better cameras, 5G, and A15 processor. Mac Otakara has already signaled that we will see a new model sometime in 2022. It should include an improved screen, 5G, dual cameras, etc. Although take this with a grain of salt, as the same report indicated that the iPad mini would not experience a major redesign like it did yesterday. DigiTimes also said that the iPad Air will likely adopt an OLED display for the first time. We can probably expect the next iPad Air to come in the same new colors as the iPad mini if it’s unveiled in early 2022.
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