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Deal.ai › Compare

Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

Buy the iPad Air (M4) if the tablet is your main device for work, drawing, or split-screen multitasking. Its 11-inch screen, M4 chip, and Magic Keyboard support make it a laptop stand-in. Buy the iPad mini (A17 Pro) if you want something you can hold in one hand and carry everywhere. Owners praise its size, screen, and battery; the Air wins on raw power and screen space.

  • Choose the iPad Air (M4) if you need a large screen and desktop-class speed for notes, drawing, video editing, or typing on a keyboard.
  • Choose the iPad mini (A17 Pro) if portability matters most and you mostly read, browse, game, and take notes on the go.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Air (M4): $636.00 at PC Richard & Son (last seen Nov 11)
  • Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro): $519.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) is $116.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air (M4) at the latest prices (Nov 11)
Apple
iPad Air (M4, 2026)

Apple iPad Air (M4)

iPad Air (M4, 2026)

$636.00at PC Richard & SonChecked 11 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • M4 chip handles heavy apps and split-screen work
  • Large 11-inch screen suits drawing, video, and documents
  • Magic Keyboard turns it into a laptop-like setup
  • Wi-Fi 7 and up to 1TB storage
Cons
  • Heavier and too big for one-handed use
  • Costs more once you add a keyboard or Pencil
Apple
iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

4.6(254 ratings)
$519.99at eBayChecked 55 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Fits in a bag or large pocket at 0.66 lb
  • Bright, clear 8.3-inch screen
  • Strong battery life and durable build, per owners
  • A17 Pro runs games and everyday apps smoothly
Cons
  • Small screen limits split-screen work and drawing
  • No first-party keyboard case
  • Tops out at 512GB storage

What separates them

Apple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
Screen size11-inch Liquid Retina8.3-inch Liquid Retina
ChipApple M4Apple A17 Pro
WeightAround 1 lb, two-handed use0.66 lb, fits in a jacket pocket
Keyboard supportWorks with Magic Keyboard for iPad AirNo first-party keyboard case; Bluetooth keyboards only
Pencil supportApple Pencil ProApple Pencil Pro
Storage ceilingUp to 1TBUp to 512GB
WirelessWi-Fi 7 and 5GWi-Fi and 5G
Cameras12MP Center Stage front, 12MP back with 4K12MP Center Stage front, 12MP back with 4K

Price history

$732.00$17.00
Nov 1Nov 12
  • Apple iPad Air (M4): lowest $41.66 on Nov 10 at Verizon; $698.00 on Nov 12.
  • Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro): lowest $17.00 on Nov 11 at SHI International; $519.99 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air (M4)

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $636.00Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $698.00Free shippingChecked 55 min ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • VerizonNew

    Availability unknownPrice may need a phone plan

    $41.66Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Verizon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Amazon

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

All 33 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $519.99Free shippingChecked 55 min ago
    Visit eBay
  • Triton StoreNew

    In stock

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

    In stock

    $549.00+ $7.99 shippingChecked 55 min ago
    Visit The Mizzou Store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $569.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • SHI InternationalCheck price at SHI International
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • ExpercomCheck price at Expercom

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 45 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
Display Size11 in—
OS—iOS
Brand—Apple
Screen size—8.3 in
Data storage—512 GB
Battery life—10 h
Ram memory—8 GB
Rear cam mpx—12 MP
Front cam mpx—12 MP
Wireless—Wi-Fi
Color—Purple
Proc. brand—Apple
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
Display—Retina Display
Model name—iPad mini
Native resolution—2266-by-1488
Size—7.7" x 5.3" x 0.2"
Assembled product weight—0.66 lb
Brightness—500 Nits
Accessories included—USB-C Charge Cable (1 meter), 20W USB-C Power A…
Edition year—2024
Inputs & outputs—Inputs - USB Type-C & Outputs - DisplayPort
Graphic card

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air (M4)

Owners and reviewers treat the M4 Air as the sensible middle of the iPad line: fast, light and good with the Pencil, but not a match for the Pro's screen. Most complaints center on the display and the cost of accessories rather than performance.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps up with heavy apps and split-screen work without stutter.
  • DisplayCriticisedReviewers call the LCD screen a step down from the Pro's OLED, with weaker contrast and no 120Hz.
  • WeightPraisedBuyers like that it stays light enough to hold one-handed for reading and sketching.
  • AccessoriesMixedThe Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard work well, but owners note they are extra purchases.

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

  • 4.8 / 5Google Shopping · 5,336 ratings

Owners like the size and speed: it is the iPad you can hold in one hand, and the A17 Pro keeps up with games and split-screen apps. The most common complaints are the 60 Hz screen and the price of storage upgrades.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners say the 8.3-inch body is the reason to buy it: it fits in one hand and in a jacket pocket.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM keep games and split-screen apps running smoothly.
  • DisplayMixed
Reviews
  • Best iPad of 2026: How to Choose, and Should You Wait? - CNET
  • Best iPad
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?
  • Best Tablets for Kids - The reviews on this page have been selected by our editors, but have been optimized by our commerce team
  • Apple iPad Air (M4, 2026)
  • M4 iPad Air vs. Entry-Level iPad: Apple's Sneaky Upsell or Smart Upgrade? - M4 iPad Air vs. Entry-Level iPad: Apple's Sneaky Upsell or Smart

Questions and answers

Which is better for taking notes in class?
The iPad mini is easier to hold and carry between classes. The iPad Air gives you more room to write and view slides side by side, which helps for longer lectures.
Which lasts longer?
Both are built to last several years. The Air's M4 chip has more headroom for future apps and iPadOS updates, so it should stay fast longer. The mini's A17 Pro is still strong for everyday use.
Is the iPad Air worth stepping up to?
Yes if you type a lot, draw, or edit video. The bigger screen and keyboard support change what the device can do. If you mainly read and browse, the mini covers it.
Can I use an Apple Pencil on both?
Yes. Both work with Apple Pencil Pro, so note-taking and sketching are equally good on either.
Which is better for gaming?
The Air's M4 chip and larger screen suit demanding games. The mini is lighter for long handheld sessions and still runs most games well.
Do both have cellular options?
Yes, both come in Wi-Fi and cellular versions. The Air adds Wi-Fi 7 for newer routers.

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Buying guides that pick them

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—
Apple A17 Pro chip 5-Core GPU
Cellular service plan—Prepaid
Edition—7th Generation
Features—Touch ID
Operating System—iOS, iPadOS
Display Resolution—2266 x 1488
Language / Region—English
Network Connectivity—5G
Storage—128 GB Storage, 256 GB Storage, 512 GB Storage
Weight—10.5 oz
Rear Camera Resolution—12 MP rear camera
RAM—RAM: 8 GB
Battery Capacity—5,078 mAh
Front Camera Resolution—12 MP front camera
Model—iPad miniUPC: 195949752315
Connections—USB-C
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)—No
Bluetooth—Yes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)—12.0
The screen is bright and sharp, but reviewers note the 60 Hz refresh rate feels less smooth than 120 Hz iPads.
  • BatteryMixedOwners report all-day battery life, but heavy gaming drains it faster than the 10-hour claim.