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Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) vs Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch

The iPad Air M4 11-inch is the better pick for most people: a larger 11-inch screen, the M4 chip with 12 GB RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 make it stronger for work, drawing and split-screen multitasking. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) wins on portability at 10.3 oz and an 8.3-inch screen that fits in one hand, which suits reading, notes and travel. Both run iPadOS 18, use Apple Pencil Pro and have 12 MP front cameras; the Air is the more future-proof machine, the mini the more carryable one.

  • Choose the iPad mini (A17 Pro) if you want a one-handed tablet for reading, note-taking and travel, and screen size matters less than weight.
  • Choose the iPad Air M4 11-inch if you want a bigger canvas and more power for work, art and multitasking, and you mostly use it at a desk or on a couch.

Prices

  • Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): $448.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch: $638.00 at PC Richard & Son (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) is $189.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Apple
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

$448.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Small and light enough to hold in one hand for long reading sessions
  • A17 Pro chip handles games, editing and Apple Intelligence features
  • Works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil
  • Cellular option for travel
Cons
  • 8.3-inch screen is cramped for split-screen work and drawing
  • 8 GB RAM and older chip than the Air
  • Smaller canvas for keyboard-heavy tasks
Apple
Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch Wi-Fi

Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch

Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch Wi-Fi

4.8(2,100 ratings)
$638.00at PC Richard & SonChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • M4 chip with 12 GB RAM is the faster, longer-lasting platform
  • 11-inch screen gives real room for split view, art and documents
  • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 for newer networks and accessories
  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 from about 2,100 ratings
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier to carry and hold one-handed
  • No cellular option on this Wi-Fi model
  • Takes up more bag space than the mini

What separates them

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch
Screen8.3-inch, 2266 x 148811-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640
Chip and memoryA17 Pro, 8 GB RAMM4, 12 GB RAM
Weight10.3 oz, fits in one handNoticeably heavier at 11 inches
WirelessWi-Fi and cellular optionsWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Storage128 GB base, up to 256 GB128 GB base
BatteryAbout 10 hours, 5,078 mAhUp to 10 hours
AccessoriesApple Pencil Pro, USB-C Pencil, iPad keyboardApple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard for iPad Air
Portability for reading and travelPocketable size, light to hold for hoursBetter as a desk or lap device

Price history

$674.00$310.19
Oct 29Nov 11
  • Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): lowest $310.19 on Oct 29; $569.00 on Nov 11.
  • Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch: lowest $638.00 on Nov 4 at PC Richard & Son; $638.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Gadget Replay

    $448.99+ $10.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Walmart
  • Triton StoreNew

    In stock

    $549.00Checked Nov 8
    Visit Triton Store
  • The Mizzou StoreNew

    In stock

    $549.00+ $7.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit The Mizzou Store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by paymore_snellville (99.4% positive, 1,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $469.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 30 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $638.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • NFMNew

    In stock

    $648.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit NFM
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    Availability unknown

    $638.00Checked Nov 6
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch
With Wi-Fi OnlyYes—
Storage128 GB Storage—
Operating SystemiOS, iPadOS—
Display Resolution2266 x 1488—
ColorSpace Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
Screen Size8.3 in screen—
Weight10.3 oz—
Battery Life10 hours battery—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—
RAMRAM: 8 GB—
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch
Main StorageFlash—
OS VersioniPadOS 18—
Max Supported Memory256 GB—
Memory TechnologyDDR2—
Processor BrandApple—
Number Of Processor Cores16-core (Neural Engine)—
Integrated GPUYes—
Highlighted Performance FeaturesRefurbished grade: Grade A—
Processor ChipsetA17 Pro chip—

What reviewers say

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Owners like the small size and the A17 Pro speed, and most call it the best compact tablet for reading and notes. Complaints center on the 60 Hz screen and battery life that is good but not great.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners pick it for the 8.3-inch body that fits in a pocket and is easy to hold one-handed.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A17 Pro chip and 8 GB RAM are called fast and ready for Apple Intelligence.
  • DisplayCriticisedReviewers say the 60 Hz panel feels less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.
  • BatteryMixedOwners report about a day of use, with heavier use draining it faster than expected.

Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch

  • 4.8 / 52,100 ratings

Owners rate the iPad Air M4 very highly, praising its speed, screen and portability. Most say it handles multitasking and creative apps without slowdown. Complaints center on storage and the cost of accessories.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip and 12 GB of RAM keep apps and multitasking smooth.
  • DisplayPraisedReviewers call the 11-inch Liquid Retina screen sharp and bright.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers like how light and easy to carry it is compared with a laptop.

Questions and answers

Which is better for taking notes and reading?
The iPad mini, because its 10.3 oz weight and 8.3-inch screen are easier to hold for long stretches. The Air gives you more writing room if you mostly take notes at a desk.
Which is better for drawing and design work?
The iPad Air M4. The larger 11-inch canvas and 12 GB RAM give more room and headroom for layered art apps. The mini works with the same Apple Pencil Pro but feels tight for detailed work.
Which lasts longer before it feels slow?
The iPad Air M4, with the newer M4 chip and 12 GB RAM, should stay capable longer. The mini's A17 Pro and 8 GB RAM are strong today but have less headroom.
Is the Air worth stepping up to from the mini?
Yes if you multitask, draw or type a lot, since the bigger screen and extra memory change what you can do. Stay with the mini if portability is your main reason for a tablet.
Do both work with the same accessories?
Both take Apple Pencil Pro. Keyboards differ: the mini uses Apple's iPad mini keyboards, while the Air uses the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air.
Which has better battery life?
They are close, both rated around 10 hours. Real use depends on screen brightness and apps; the larger Air screen can draw more power at high brightness.

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More comparisons

  • Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch Wi-Fi vs Apple iPad Mini A20 Pro Wi‑Fi 128GB with Standard glass - Midnight
  • Apple iPad 11-inch, A16, Wi-Fi, 128GB, Silver vs Apple iPad Air M4 11-inch Wi-Fi
  • Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) vs Apple iPad Mini A20 Pro Wi‑Fi 128GB with Standard glass - Midnight
  • Apple iPad 11-inch, A16, Wi-Fi, 128GB, Silver vs Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Buying guides that pick them

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Processor Chipset Features
3 nm
—
Battery Capacity5078 mAh—
Battery Run Time9 h (5G browsing time)—
Battery TypeLi-Ion, Lithium Polymer, Non-removable—
Camera Video Recording4K video—
Camera FeaturesCenter Stage Camera—
Input TypeApple Pencil Pro, Apple-branded iPad keyboard, …—
Ports And InterfacesUSB-C Charge Cable (for Apple Pencil (USB-C) pa…—
Wireless CommunicationsWi-Fi, Cellular—
Cellular Technology5G—
Network InterfaceWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Dual-band, Hotspot—
Cellular ProtocolsGSM, HSPA, LTE, UMTS—
Network Connectivity5G—
Audio Input / TypeTwo microphones—
Data Storage128 GB—
Resolution2266 x 1488—
Ram Memory8 GB—
Proc. Speed3.78 GHz—
Rear Cam Mpx12 MP—
  • StorageCriticisedSome owners say 128 GB fills up fast with apps, photos and downloads.