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Apple iPad Mini 6 vs Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch

Buy the iPad mini 6 if you want a small, light tablet you can hold in one hand and carry everywhere; its A15 chip, laminated 8.3-inch display and USB-C make it the more modern device. Buy the iPad 9th generation if you want the largest screen for reading, video and split-screen work at the lowest entry point into iPadOS, and you can live with the older A13 chip and Lightning port. Reviewers and owners praise the mini's build and portability but often call out its smaller screen for long typing sessions; the 9th-gen iPad is widely seen as the value pick for students and casual use.

  • Choose the iPad mini 6 if portability matters most and you want a fast, modern iPad that fits in a jacket pocket or small bag.
  • Choose the iPad 9th generation if you want the biggest screen for the least outlay and mostly use it at home for media, browsing and notes.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Mini 6: $389.00 at Walmart (last seen Oct 30)
  • Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch: $329.00 at Staples (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch is $60.00 cheaper than the Apple iPad Mini 6 at the latest prices (Oct 30 and Nov 11)
Apple
iPad Mini 6

Apple iPad Mini 6

iPad Mini 6

4.7(567 ratings)
$389.00at WalmartChecked Oct 30
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Very light and compact enough to hold in one hand
  • A15 Bionic handles games, photo editing and multitasking well
  • Laminated display with P3 color and True Tone looks sharp
  • USB-C for drives, hubs and faster file transfer
  • Magnetic Apple Pencil 2 charging
Cons
  • 8.3-inch screen is cramped for split-screen work and long typing
  • No Smart Connector, so no Apple keyboard case
  • 64 GB base storage fills quickly with apps and photos
  • Smaller battery than full-size iPads
Apple
Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch Wi-Fi 64GB

Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch

Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch Wi-Fi 64GB

$329.00at StaplesChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Staples

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

Pros
  • Large 10.2-inch screen suits video, reading and split view
  • Smart Connector works with Apple's Smart Keyboard
  • Familiar Lightning accessories and broad case selection
  • Solid all-day battery for light tasks
Cons
  • A13 chip is older and slower for heavy apps and games
  • Non-laminated display shows more glare and a visible air gap
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Older Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5

What separates them

Apple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch
Screen size and type8.3-inch laminated Liquid Retina, 2266 x 1488, 326 ppi, edge-to-edge10.2-inch non-laminated Retina, 2160 x 1620, 264 ppi, thicker bezels
ChipA15 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPUA13 Bionic
PortUSB-C, 5 Gb/sLightning
Pencil supportApple Pencil (2nd gen), attaches magnetically and charges wirelesslyApple Pencil (1st gen), charges through the Lightning port
Cameras12 MP rear and 12 MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage8 MP rear and 12 MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage
WeightAbout 10.4 oz, one-hand friendlyAbout 1.08 lb, needs two hands for long holds
WirelessWi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2
Keyboard supportBluetooth keyboards only, no Apple keyboard caseSmart Keyboard and Smart Connector built in

Price history

$899.00$329.00
Oct 29Nov 11
  • Apple iPad Mini 6: lowest $329.00 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $449.00 on Nov 11.
  • Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch: lowest $329.00 on Nov 11 at Staples.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Mini 6

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by backinthebox

    $499.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Mojo Cameras and ComputersNew

    In stock

    $499.00+ $29.99 shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Mojo Cameras and Computers
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $389.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Walmart
  • bkstr.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $449.00Checked 16 h ago
    Visit bkstr.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 16 stores and price history →

Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch

  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $329.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Staples
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

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

    $186.71Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Best BuyNew

    Out of stock

    $514.95Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Best Buy

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

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch
Display Resolution2266 x 14882160-by-1620-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per…
Battery Life10 hours battery10-hour battery life
BluetoothYesBluetooth 4.2
Depth (")0.20.29 inch (7.5 mm)
Storage Capacity64 GB64GB
ChipA15 BionicA13 Bionic chip
OSApple iOS—
BrandApple—
Screen size8.3"—
Data storage64 GB—
Rear cam mpx12 MP—
Front cam mpx12 MP—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch
WirelessWi-Fi—
ColorPurple—
ProcessorApple A15 Bionic—
Accessories includedCharging cable—
ModeliPad Mini 6—
Operating SystemiOS—
Network Connectivity5G—
Storage64 GB Storage—
Weight10.4 oz—
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Mini 6

  • 4.7 / 5567 ratings

Owners generally like the iPad Mini 6 as a light, fast small tablet that is easy to carry and hold. Common complaints are the limited 64GB storage and the lack of a headphone jack.

What people mention
  • Size and weightPraisedOwners say the 8.3-inch body and 10.4 oz weight make it easy to hold and carry.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A15 Bionic chip keeps apps and games running smoothly.
  • StorageCriticisedBuyers say 64GB fills up fast with games, photos and offline video.
  • BatteryMixedOwners report about a day of light use but faster drain with heavy apps.

Apple iPad 9th Generation 10.2-inch

Owners and reviewers treat the 9th-generation iPad as the safe budget pick in Apple's lineup. They praise its smooth performance for everyday tasks, the Center Stage front camera and the low entry point into iPadOS. Common complaints are the 64GB base storage, the dated Lightning port and the non-laminated screen.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A13 Bionic keeps everyday apps, streaming and light games running smoothly.
  • StorageCriticisedReviewers warn that 64GB fills quickly once photos, games and offline video are added.
  • Front cameraPraisedThe 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is called a genuine improvement for video calls.
  • DisplayMixedThe Retina screen is sharp, but reviewers note it is not laminated and picks up glare.
Reviews
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked

Questions and answers

Which is better for taking notes in class?
The iPad 9th generation gives you more room to write and works with the cheaper Apple Pencil 1st gen and Smart Keyboard. The mini 6 is easier to carry but its smaller screen means more zooming and scrolling.
Which one lasts longer?
Both are rated at about 10 hours of battery life, and both should get several years of iPadOS updates. The mini 6's newer A15 chip will likely stay smooth for longer on demanding apps.
Is the mini 6 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you value portability, USB-C, a laminated display and a faster chip. If the tablet mostly stays on a desk or couch, the 9th-gen iPad covers the basics for less.
Which is better for watching video?
The 10.2-inch iPad gives a noticeably bigger picture, though the mini 6's laminated screen has better color and contrast. For solo viewing in bed or on a train, the mini's lighter weight wins.
Can I use a keyboard with both?
The iPad 9th generation supports Apple's Smart Keyboard through its Smart Connector. The mini 6 has no Smart Connector, so you pair a Bluetooth keyboard instead.
Which is better for kids?
The 9th-gen iPad's lower cost and larger screen suit shared family use and schoolwork. The mini 6 is easier for small hands to hold but costs more to replace.

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—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
With Wi-Fi OnlyYes—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—
RAMRAM: 8 GB—
Battery Capacity5,078 mAh—
Resolution2266x1488—
Ram Memory256 GB—
Proc. Speed2.9—
Proc. BrandIntel—
DisplayRetina Display—
Native Resolution2266 x 1488 Pixels—
Virtual AssistantSiri—
Assembled Product Weight0.65 lb—
Edition Year2021—
Inputs U0026 OutputsUSB Type-C—
Ram Memory TypeDDR3—
Solid State Drive Capacity256 GB—
ConnectionsUSB-C—