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Apple iPad Mini (6th gen) vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

Buy the iPad mini if you want a small tablet you can hold in one hand and carry everywhere; its 8.3-inch screen, lighter body and Apple Pencil 2 support make it the better note-taker and e-reader. Buy the iPad (2025) if you want a bigger 11-inch screen and more storage for the same kind of money, and you mostly work at a desk or on a couch. The mini has the sharper display and the newer pencil, while the 2025 iPad has the newer A16 chip, a larger canvas and a fingerprint reader. Owners of both rate them 4.7 out of 5, so the choice comes down to size, not quality.

  • Choose the iPad mini if you want a pocketable tablet for reading, notes and one-handed use, and you value the sharper screen and Apple Pencil 2 support.
  • Choose the iPad (2025) if you want the largest screen and most storage for the money, and you mostly use it at home or on a desk.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Mini (6th gen): $497.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: $569.00 at Abt Electronics (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad Mini (6th gen) is $71.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular today
Apple
Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB)

Apple iPad Mini (6th gen)

Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB)

4.7(567 ratings)
$497.99at WalmartObserved at 1:43 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Small and light enough to hold in one hand for long reading sessions
  • Sharp 326 ppi display makes text and comics crisp
  • Apple Pencil 2 attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly
  • USB-C with 5Gb/s transfer speeds
  • 5G cellular option for travel
Cons
  • 64GB base storage fills quickly with apps and media
  • 60Hz screen feels dated next to ProMotion iPads
  • No fingerprint reader
  • Smaller screen is cramped for split-screen work
Apple
Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

4.7(2,574 ratings)
$569.00at Abt ElectronicsObserved at 2:00 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Abt Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Large 11-inch screen suits video, drawing and split-screen apps
  • A16 chip is newer and faster than the mini's A15
  • 128GB base storage gives more room for apps and files
  • Fingerprint reader for quick unlock
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 2,500 owners
Cons
  • Heavier at 17 oz, awkward to hold one-handed
  • 264 ppi is less sharp than the mini
  • No Apple Pencil 2 support, so note-taking is limited
  • 60Hz refresh rate

What separates them

Apple iPad Mini (6th gen)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
Screen size8.3-inch Liquid Retina11-inch Liquid Retina
Pixel density326 ppi, sharper text264 ppi
ChipA15 BionicA16
Stylus supportApple Pencil (2nd gen), magnetically attached and wirelessly chargedNo active digitizer listed; no Pencil 2 support
WeightAbout 0.65 lb, one-hand friendly17.0 oz, noticeably heavier
Storage64GB base, 256GB option128GB base
BiometricsNo fingerprint reader listedFingerprint reader
Refresh rate60Hz60Hz

Price history

$569.00$508.84
Nov 7Nov 9
  • Apple iPad Mini (6th gen): lowest $508.84 on Nov 9 at Amazon.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: lowest $569.00 on Nov 7 at Abt Electronics; $569.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Mini (6th gen)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by 6AVE ElectronicsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $497.99Free shippingObserved at 1:43 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingObserved at 1:43 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

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

    $345.00Free shippingObserved at 8:31 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $508.84Free shippingObserved at 8:31 AM
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingObserved at 2:00 PM
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingObserved at 2:00 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingObserved at 2:00 PM
    Visit Verizon
  • eBayRefurbished

    Availability unknownSold by trd_digital (99.7% positive, 7,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $464.99Free shippingVerified
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Mini (6th gen)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
colorGrayPink
size0.2" x 7.7" x 5.3"11-inch
Screen Size8.3"11.0
Screen Resolution2266 x 1488 (326 ppi)2360x1640
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Yes
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Yes
ConnectionsUSB-CUSB-C
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)YesNo
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.012.0
System on Chip (SoC)Apple A15Apple A16
Pixel Density (PPI)326264
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)NoNo
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Mini (6th gen)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
Keyboard IncludedNoNo
Telephoto CameraNoNo
SIM CardeSIM, Nano-SIMeSIM
Depth (")0.250.3
NFCNoNo
No. of Back Cameras11
No. of Front Cameras11
Memory Card ReaderNoNo
Water ResistantNoNo
Fingerprint Reader

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Mini (6th gen)

  • 4.7 / 5567 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 567 ratings. Owners like the size, screen and speed and treat it as the best small tablet for reading and notes. Complaints center on the 60Hz screen and the small base storage.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners say the 8.3-inch body fits in a jacket pocket and is easy to hold one-handed.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A15 Bionic draws praise for smooth apps, games and multitasking.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is called sharp and bright, but the 60Hz refresh rate feels behind 120Hz iPads.
  • StorageCriticisedBuyers say 64GB fills quickly once apps, photos and offline video are added.

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • 4.7 / 52,574 ratings

Owners rate the 2025 base iPad highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 2,574 ratings. Most praise its speed for everyday tasks, the bigger 128GB storage and reliable battery life. Complaints center on the non-laminated display, the price of the cellular version and accessories sold separately.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A16 keeps iPadOS 18 responsive with several apps open.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report roughly a full day of streaming and browsing per charge.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright, but the gap under the glass and glare draw complaints.
  • StoragePraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for taking notes and drawing?
The iPad mini. It supports Apple Pencil 2, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, and its 326 ppi screen is sharper for handwriting. The 2025 iPad has no active digitizer listed, so pencil input is not its strength.
Which has the better screen?
The mini is sharper at 326 ppi versus 264 ppi, so text looks crisper. The 2025 iPad is much larger at 11 inches, which matters more for video, drawing and split-screen apps.
Which is faster?
The 2025 iPad's A16 chip is a generation newer than the mini's A15. In everyday use both feel smooth; the gap shows in heavy games and long video exports.
Which is easier to carry?
The mini. It weighs about 0.65 lb and fits in a jacket pocket or small bag. The 2025 iPad weighs 17 oz and is best used with two hands or a stand.
Is the 2025 iPad worth stepping up to over the mini?
Step up if screen size and storage matter most and you work at a desk. Stay with the mini if portability, a sharper display and Pencil 2 support matter more.
Do both have cellular and USB-C?
Yes. Both offer 5G cellular and USB-C charging and data. The mini's USB-C runs at 5Gb/s.

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More comparisons

  • Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) vs Apple iPad Air (4th Generation) 10.9 Inch 64GB with WiFi Green

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPads with Wi-Fi and cellular
Yes
Yes
OS VersionApple iPadOS 15Apple iPadOS 18
Weight (oz)10.47617.0
Release Year20212025
Mobile Networks5G, 3G, 4G5G
Height (")7.697.1
Operating SystemiPadOSiPadOS
Storage Capacity64 GB128 GB
Battery TechnologyLiPoLiPo
Manufacturer ColorSpace GreyPink
Camera Resolution (MP)12.012.0
SeriesApple iPad MiniApple iPad
Width (")5.39.8
Bluetooth Version5.05.3
Facial RecognitionNoNo
ChipApple A15 Bionic Chip | 6-Core CPU—
Storage256GB—
GPU5-Core GPU—
Front Camera12MP Ultra-Wide Camera—
Buyers like that 128GB is now the base, enough for games and offline video.