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Apple iPad Mini 6 vs Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

The iPad mini 7 is the better buy for most people. It has the A17 Pro chip, 128 GB of base storage, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence. The iPad mini 6 is still a capable, lighter-feeling tablet with the same 8.3-inch screen and 10-hour battery, but its 64 GB base storage and A15 chip are dated. Owners praise both for portability and build; reviewers note the mini 7's brighter, faster feel and the mini 6's value as a used or secondary device.

  • Choose the iPad mini 6 if you want a small Apple tablet for reading, streaming and light notes and you don't need Apple Intelligence or Pencil Pro.
  • Choose the iPad mini 7 if you want the fastest small iPad, more storage, Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro support.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Mini 6: $389.00 at Walmart (last seen Oct 30)
  • Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): $494.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad Mini 6 is $105.99 cheaper than the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) 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
  • Small and light enough for one hand
  • A15 chip handles games and photo editing well
  • Same 8.3-inch screen and 10-hour battery as the newer model
  • Works with Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
Cons
  • 64 GB base storage fills fast
  • No Apple Intelligence support
  • Older Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
  • No Pencil Pro support
Apple
Apple iPad mini 7th Generation A17 Pro 8.3-inch Wi-Fi 128 GB

Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Apple iPad mini 7th Generation A17 Pro 8.3-inch Wi-Fi 128 GB

4.6(254 ratings)
$494.99at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • A17 Pro is the fastest chip in a small iPad
  • 128 GB base storage
  • Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro support
  • Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
  • Higher cost than the mini 6
  • Same screen size and resolution as the older model
  • No water resistance
  • Keyboard not included

What separates them

Apple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
ChipA15 Bionic, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPUA17 Pro, built for Apple Intelligence
Base storage64 GB128 GB
WirelessWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
StylusApple Pencil (2nd gen)Apple Pencil Pro
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2266 x 1488, 500 nits8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2266 x 1488
Battery lifeAbout 10 hoursAll-day, about 10 hours
Cameras12 MP front with Center Stage, 12 MP rear, 4K video12 MP front, 12 MP rear, 4K video
Weight10.4 ozAbout 10.4 oz

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 (A17 Pro): lowest $569.00 on Nov 9 at Abt Electronics; $569.00 on Nov 10.

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 (A17 Pro)

  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $574.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • 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.

    $494.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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

All 7 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Screen size8.3"8.3
ColorPurpleBlack
Operating SystemiOSiPadOS
ConnectionsUSB-CUSB-C, 1/8" Headphone Jack
BluetoothYesYes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.012.0
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)YesYes
System on Chip (SoC)Apple A15Apple A17 Pro
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)NoNo
Keyboard IncludedNoNo
SIM CardNano-SIM, eSIMeSIM
Telephoto CameraNoNo
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Mini 6Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Depth (")0.20.2
NFCNoNo
No. of Back Cameras11
No. of Front Cameras11
Memory Card ReaderNoNo
Video Resolution (max)2160p (4K)2160p (4K)
Water ResistantNoNo
Fingerprint ReaderYesYes
Processor CoresHexa CoreHexa Core
OS Version

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 (A17 Pro)

  • 4.6 / 5254 ratings

Owners and reviewers rate it highly for its size, speed and portability, calling it the best compact tablet you can buy. The most common complaints are the 60 Hz screen and the modest upgrade over the previous mini.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedReviewers say the A17 Pro keeps up with demanding apps and games without slowdown.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe 60 Hz refresh rate is called out as the weakest part of an otherwise premium tablet.
  • SizePraisedOwners like that it fits in a pocket and can be held in one hand for long reading sessions.
  • UpgradeMixed
Reviews
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked

Questions and answers

Which is better for note-taking and drawing?
The iPad mini 7. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, which adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptic feedback. The mini 6 works with Apple Pencil (2nd gen), which is still good for basic notes and sketches.
Which lasts longer?
The iPad mini 7. Its A17 Pro chip and 128 GB base storage will stay useful for more years of iPadOS updates. The mini 6 is already several years old and its 64 GB fills up quickly.
Is the mini 7 worth stepping up to from the mini 6?
Yes for most buyers. You get a faster chip, double the base storage, Apple Intelligence and Pencil Pro support. Skip it if you only read and stream and already own a mini 6.
Do they have the same screen?
Yes. Both use an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display at 2266 x 1488. The mini 7 adds a brighter panel and faster refresh behavior in some apps, but the size and resolution match.
Which is better for travel?
Both are about 10.4 oz and fit in a jacket pocket. The mini 7 edges ahead because Wi-Fi 6E and the faster chip handle maps, translation and video calls better on the road.
Does either support a keyboard?
Both work with Bluetooth keyboards, but neither has Apple's Smart Connector, so there is no first-party keyboard case. The mini 7 pairs better with newer accessories.

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More comparisons

  • iPad Mini 6 vs iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad Mini 6 vs Apple iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi
  • iPad Mini 6 vs iPad 10.2" (9th Gen, 2021) 64GB
  • iPad Mini (A17 Pro) vs Apple iPad mini 7th Generation A17 Pro 8.3-inch Wi-Fi 128 GB

Buying guides that pick them

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Apple iPadOS 18
Apple iPadOS
Weight (oz)10.510.3
Release Year20212024
Mobile Networks5GNo
Height (")5.35.3
Storage Capacity64 GB128 GB
Screen Resolution2266x14882266x1488
Battery TechnologyLi-IonLiPo
Wi-FiYesYes
Camera Resolution (MP)12.012.0
SeriesApple iPad MiniApple iPad Mini
Width (")7.77.7
Bluetooth Version5.05.3
Facial RecognitionNoNo
Ultra-Wide Angle CameraYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
No. of USB-C (pcs)11
OSApple iOS—
BrandApple—
Reviewers say it is a small step over the mini 6, mainly worth it for Apple Intelligence.