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Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad Mini (2024)

Buy the iPad Air (M4) if you want a large screen and lots of storage for work or drawing; it is $638.00 at PC Richard & Son as of November 5, 2026. Buy the iPad Mini (2024) if portability matters more; it is $448.99 at Walmart as of November 5, 2026. The Air costs about $189 more and gives you a much bigger display and 1 TB of storage versus 128 GB.

Today the Apple iPad Mini (2024) costs $189.01 less at its best price.

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Apple
Apple iPad Air (M4)

Apple iPad Air (M4)

$638.00at PC Richard & SonObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:20 PM
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Choose the iPad Air (M4) if you want an 11-inch Liquid Retina screen, 1 TB of storage and Magic Keyboard support for work, art or split-screen multitasking.

Pros
  • 11-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color is far better for split-screen work and drawing.
  • 1 TB of storage holds large video and photo libraries without cloud reliance.
  • Magic Keyboard with trackpad and backlit keys turns it into a laptop-style setup.
  • Cellular eSIM option keeps it connected without a SIM card.
  • Price fell from $749.99 on October 30 to $638.00 on November 3, 2026.
Cons
  • Costs about $189 more than the Mini at current best prices.
  • Bigger and heavier; harder to hold one-handed for long reading sessions.
  • 1 TB is more storage than most casual users need.
Apple
iPad Mini (2024)

Apple iPad Mini (2024)

iPad Mini (2024)

$448.99at WalmartObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:21 PM
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Choose the iPad Mini (2024) if you want a 293-gram tablet that fits in one hand and slips into a jacket pocket for reading and travel.

Pros
  • 293 g and 6.3 mm thin; easy to hold and carry all day.
  • 326 ppi is sharper than the Air's panel.
  • $448.99 at Walmart as of November 5, 2026 is the cheaper entry point.
  • A17 Pro chip and 8 GB RAM handle everyday apps and games well.
  • Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are current wireless standards.
Cons
  • 128 GB fills fast with video, games and offline media.
  • 8.3-inch screen is cramped for split-screen multitasking and document editing.
  • No Apple keyboard case with a trackpad.
  • 500 nits brightness is dimmer than the Air's panel for outdoor use.

What separates them

Apple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (2024)
Screen size11 inches8.3 inches
Resolution and pixel density2360 x 16402266 x 1488 at 326 ppi
Storage1 TB128 GB
ChipM4-class Apple siliconA17 Pro
WeightNot listed; larger chassis293 g (0.65 lb)
Keyboard supportMagic Keyboard with trackpad and backlit keysNo Apple keyboard case with trackpad
Battery28.93 Wh, up to 10 hours5078 mAh, up to 10 hours
Price as of November 5, 2026$638.00 at PC Richard & Son$448.99 at Walmart

Price history

$749.99$448.99
Oct 30Nov 5
  • Apple iPad Air (M4): lowest $638.00 on Nov 3 at PC Richard & Son; $638.00 on Nov 5.
  • Apple iPad Mini (2024): lowest $448.99 on Nov 5 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air (M4)

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $638.00Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:20 PM
    Visit store
  • Apple Education StoreNew

    In stock

    $699.00Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:20 PM
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  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $649.99Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:18 PM
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  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $749.00Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:20 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • MelroseMACCheck price at MelroseMAC
All 11 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Mini (2024)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Gadget Replay

    $448.99+ $10.00 shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:21 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by retail_outlet_direct

    $499.99Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:21 PM
    Visit store
  • Triton StoreNew

    In stock

    $549.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 6:21 PM
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $569.00Free shippingObserved Nov 5, 2026, 6:21 PM
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (2024)
Battery LifeAll-day battery life10 hours battery
Battery Capacity28.93-watt-hour5078 mAh
Front Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP front camera
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP rear camera
Display Resolution2360 x 16402266-by-1488 resolution at 326 ppi
Display Size11 in—
Main Storage1 TB—
OS VersioniPadOS 18.3 or later—
Battery Run Time10 hrs—
Battery TypeLithium polymer—
Camera Video Recording4K video—
Camera FeaturesCenter Stage—
Show all 39 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (2024)
Camera Light SourceRetina Flash with True Tone—
Display BrightnessScreen brightness (adjustable via 14-key functi…—
Display HighlightsLiquid Retina display—
LCD TechnologyLiquid Retina—
Display BacklightLED backlit—
Display Color SupportP3 wide color—
Input TypeTrackpad, Magic Keyboard—
Backlit InputYes (keys)—
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi, Cellular—

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air (M4)

Owners generally praise the M4 Air as fast, light and a good value in the middle of Apple's lineup. Most criticism centers on the 60Hz display and the high price of the larger storage tiers.

Pros
  • Fast, smooth performance for everyday and creative apps
  • Light and easy to hold for long reading or drawing sessions
  • Center Stage camera is useful for calls
  • Good battery life for a full day of mixed use
Cons
  • 60Hz screen feels dated next to 120Hz rivals
  • Storage upgrades are expensive
  • Accessory prices add up quickly

Apple iPad Mini (2024)

Owners like the size and speed, calling it the best small tablet for reading and travel. Many complain the screen still refreshes at 60Hz and that the price rose over the previous model.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners say the 8.3-inch body fits in a jacket pocket and is easy to hold for long reading sessions.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM keep apps and games running smoothly.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright enough indoors, but 500 nits and a 60Hz refresh rate draw complaints.
  • PriceCriticisedBuyers say the 2024 model costs more than the previous generation for similar hardware.
Reviews
  • The 5 best iPads of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked
  • Tablet Reviews From Our Experts
  • The Best Tablets for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?
  • Best iPad of 2026: How to Choose, and Should You Wait? - CNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for taking notes and drawing?
The iPad Air (M4). Its 11-inch screen gives more canvas area, and it supports the Magic Keyboard with trackpad. The Mini works with Apple Pencil but the smaller screen limits long handwriting sessions.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Both are rated at up to 10 hours. The Air packs a 28.93 Wh battery and the Mini a 5078 mAh battery, so real-world runtime depends on screen brightness and app load.
Is the iPad Air worth the extra $189?
Yes if you need the larger screen, 1 TB of storage or keyboard-and-trackpad support. If you mainly read and browse on the go, the Mini covers that for less.
Which is better for travel?
The iPad Mini (2024). At 293 g and 6.3 mm it fits in a jacket pocket, while the 11-inch Air needs a bag.
Can the iPad Mini run the same apps as the iPad Air?
Yes. Both run iPadOS and the same App Store apps. The Air's M4-class chip and 1 TB of storage give it more headroom for heavy video and multitasking.
Which has the better camera?
Both have 12 MP front and 12 MP rear cameras. The Air adds Center Stage and 4K video recording with Retina Flash and True Tone.

More comparisons

  • Apple iPad 11-inch, A16, Wi-Fi, 128GB vs Apple iPad Air (M4)
  • Apple iPad Air (M4) vs iPad Mini (seventh-gen)
  • iPad Pro 11 M5 vs Apple iPad Air (M4)
  • Apple iPad (11th Gen) vs Apple iPad Air (M4)
  • Apple iPad 11-inch, A16, Wi-Fi, 128GB vs iPad Mini (2024)

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPad mini tablets
Wireless Technologies
eSIM technology
—
Wireless ProtocolseSIM technology—
Wireless HighlightsSimultaneous dual band, 2x2 MIMO—
Height—195.4 mm (7.69 inches)
Width—134.8 mm (5.3 inches)
Depth—6.3 mm (0.25 inch)
Weight—293 grams (0.65 pound)
Screen size—8.3 inches
Brightness—500 nits brightness
Chip—A17 Pro chip
Wi-Fi—Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO
Bluetooth—Bluetooth® 5.3
Storage—128GB
Operating System—iOS, iPadOS
Color—Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight
Language / Region—English
Network Connectivity—5G
RAM—RAM: 8 GB