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Apple iPad Mini 6 vs Apple iPad mini 5

The iPad mini 6 is the better tablet for most people. It has a larger 8.3-inch edge-to-edge screen, the much faster A15 Bionic chip, USB-C, 5G options and Apple Pencil 2 support. The mini 5 is older and slower, but it still works well for reading, video and light apps, and it keeps the headphone jack the mini 6 dropped. Owners of the mini 6 praise the size and speed; mini 5 owners like the familiar design and lower weight.

  • Choose the iPad mini 6 if you want the fastest small tablet, a bigger edge-to-edge screen, USB-C and Apple Pencil 2 support.
  • Choose the iPad mini 5 if you mainly read, stream and browse, and you want a headphone jack and a proven older design.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Mini 6: $389.00 at Walmart (last seen Oct 30)
  • Apple iPad mini 5: $294.18 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad mini 5 is $94.82 cheaper than the Apple iPad Mini 6 at the latest prices (Oct 30 and Nov 9)
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
  • Fast A15 chip handles games and photo editing
  • Bigger edge-to-edge screen in a similar footprint
  • USB-C for charging and accessories
  • Apple Pencil 2 support and Center Stage camera
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • 64 GB base storage fills quickly
  • Apple Pencil and keyboard sold separately
Apple
Apple iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi

Apple iPad mini 5

Apple iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi

$294.18at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Light and easy to hold one-handed
  • Headphone jack for wired audio
  • Runs the current iPadOS well for basic tasks
  • Proven, familiar design
Cons
  • Older A12 chip slows on heavy apps
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Thick bezels and smaller screen
  • Older cameras with no Center Stage

What separates them

Apple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini 5
Screen8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2266 x 1488, edge-to-edge7.9-inch LCD, 2048 x 1536, thick bezels
ProcessorA15 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPUA12 Bionic
Charging portUSB-CLightning
Headphone jackNone3.5 mm jack
StylusApple Pencil 2, attaches magneticallyApple Pencil 1
Cameras12 MP front with Center Stage, 12 MP rear, 4K video7 MP front, 8 MP rear, 1080p video
WeightAbout 10.4 oz (293 g)About 10.6 oz (300 g)
Cellular5G optionWi-Fi only in this model

Price history

$899.00$329.00
Oct 29Nov 10
  • Apple iPad Mini 6: lowest $329.00 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $499.00 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPad mini 5: lowest $664.95 on Nov 9 at Best Buy.

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 2 h ago
    Visit Mojo Cameras and Computers
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $389.00Checked Oct 30
    Visit Walmart
  • SweetwaterNew

    Availability unknown

    $899.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Sweetwater

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 14 stores and price history →

Apple iPad mini 5

  • WalmartRefurbished

    In stockSold by The Main Main Guy

    $149.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by techfleet (99.9% positive, 6,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $84.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayRefurbished

    Availability unknownSold by buybackboss (99.6% positive, 38,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $143.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by ersazza (99.9% positive, 5,200 ratings)Ships from Germany · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $294.18+ $61.29 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini 5
ColorPurpleGray
Weight10.4 oz0.66 pound (300.5 grams)
Battery Capacity5,078 mAhBuilt-in 19.1-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-po…
Resolution2266x14882048-by-1536 resolution at 326 pixels per inch …
ConnectionsUSB-CUSB-C, 1/8" Headphone Jack
BluetoothYesBluetooth 5.0 technology
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)NoNo
Keyboard IncludedNoNo
Telephoto CameraNoNo
Depth (")0.20.24 inch (6.1 mm)
NFCNoNo
No. of Back Cameras11
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini 5
No. of Front Cameras11
Memory Card ReaderNoNo
Water ResistantNoNo
Height (")5.38.0 inches (203.2 mm)
Battery TechnologyLi-IonLiPo
Wi-FiYesYes
Width (")7.75.3 inches (134.8 mm)
Facial RecognitionNoNo
ChipA15 BionicA12 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture
OS

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 mini 5

Owners and reviewers rate the mini 5 highly for speed, size and battery. Most complaints are about the dated design and limited storage rather than performance.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners like that it fits in a pocket and is easy to hold with one hand.
  • PerformancePraisedReviewers say the A12 chip keeps apps and games smooth.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasts a full day of reading and browsing.
  • DesignCriticisedReviewers call the thick bezels and Lightning port dated.
Reviews
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked

Questions and answers

Which is better for note-taking?
The iPad mini 6. It supports Apple Pencil 2, which attaches magnetically and charges on the tablet, and its larger screen gives more room to write.
Which lasts longer?
The iPad mini 6. Its newer A15 chip will keep up with iPadOS updates and demanding apps for more years than the A12 in the mini 5.
Is the mini 6 worth stepping up to from the mini 5?
Yes for most buyers. You get a bigger screen, much faster chip, USB-C, better cameras and Pencil 2 support. Stay on the mini 5 only if you need the headphone jack or basic use is enough.
Which is better for reading and video?
Both work well. The mini 6 has a larger, brighter screen with True Tone, which makes text and video more comfortable. The mini 5 is lighter and fine for casual reading.
Do both work with the same accessories?
No. The mini 6 uses Apple Pencil 2 and USB-C accessories. The mini 5 uses Apple Pencil 1 and Lightning accessories, so cases and styluses are not shared.

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Buying guides that pick them

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Apple iOS
—
BrandApple—
Screen size8.3"—
Data storage64 GB—
Rear cam mpx12 MP—
Front cam mpx12 MP—
WirelessWi-Fi—
ProcessorApple A15 Bionic—
Accessories includedCharging cable—
ModeliPad Mini 6—
Operating SystemiOS—
Display Resolution2266 x 1488—
Network Connectivity5G—
Storage64 GB Storage—
Battery Life10 hours battery—
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
With Wi-Fi OnlyYes—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—