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Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) vs Apple iPad mini 5

The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the better tablet for almost everyone. It has a much faster A17 Pro chip, 8 GB of RAM, a brighter 8.3-inch display, USB-C, Apple Pencil Pro support and Apple Intelligence. The iPad mini 5 is an older 2019 model with an A12 chip, 3 GB of RAM and a Lightning port, though it still handles browsing, video and light apps. Buy the A17 Pro unless you want a small, cheap second screen and do not need speed or long software support.

  • Choose the iPad mini (A17 Pro) if you want a compact tablet that stays fast for years, runs Apple Intelligence and works with the latest Apple Pencil.
  • Choose the iPad mini 5 if you only need a small tablet for reading, streaming and light apps and do not care about the newest chip or features.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro): $549.00 at Triton Store (last seen Nov 8)
  • Apple iPad mini 5: $294.18 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad mini 5 is $254.82 cheaper than the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Apple
iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

4.6(254 ratings)
$549.00at Triton StoreChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Triton Store
Pros
  • Fast A17 Pro chip and 8 GB RAM handle gaming and multitasking
  • Bright 8.3-inch display with P3 color and True Tone
  • USB-C, Apple Pencil Pro support and Apple Intelligence
  • Compact and light at about 0.65 lb
  • Strong build and all-day battery life, per reviewers
Cons
  • Small screen is cramped for split-screen work
  • 60 Hz refresh rate, not ProMotion
  • No headphone jack
  • Accessories like the Pencil cost extra
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
  • Very light and pocketable at 0.66 lb
  • 7.9-inch display is sharp at 326 ppi
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • Cheap way to get a small iPad for basic use
Cons
  • A12 chip and 3 GB RAM feel slow with newer apps
  • Stuck on iPadOS 16, so no new features or security updates
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Older cameras and first-generation Pencil only

What separates them

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad mini 5
ChipA17 Pro with 5-core GPUA12 Bionic
RAM8 GB3 GB
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 500 nits, P3 wide color, True Tone7.9-inch LCD, 326 ppi
PortUSB-C with DisplayPort outputLightning
Cameras12 MP front with Center Stage, 12 MP back with 4K video7 MP front, 8 MP back with 1080p video
Pencil supportApple Pencil Pro and USB-C PencilFirst-generation Apple Pencil only
Software supportiPadOS 18 and Apple IntelligenceStops at iPadOS 16
Weight0.65 lb0.66 lb

Price history

$674.00$448.99
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro): lowest $448.99 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $569.00 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPad mini 5: lowest $664.95 on Nov 9 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

  • Triton StoreNew

    In stock

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

    In stock

    $549.00+ $7.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit The Mizzou Store
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $569.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • ExpercomCheck price at Expercom

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

All 39 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

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad mini 5
ColorPurpleGray
Weight10.5 oz0.66 pound (300.5 grams)
Battery Capacity5,078 mAhBuilt-in 19.1-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-po…
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
No. of Front Cameras11
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad mini 5
Memory Card ReaderNoNo
Water ResistantNoNo
Height (")7.78.0 inches (203.2 mm)
Battery TechnologyLiPoLiPo
Wi-FiYesYes
Width (")5.35.3 inches (134.8 mm)
Facial RecognitionNoNo
ChipA17 ProA12 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture
OSiOS—
BrandApple

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

  • 4.6 / 5254 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.
  • DisplayMixedThe 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.

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
  • Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) review: This compact tablet continues to be nearly unrivaled
  • The best iPad for 2025: How to pick the best Apple tablet for you - Engadget - The best iPad for 2025: How to pick the best Apple tablet for

Questions and answers

Which is better for note-taking and drawing?
The iPad mini (A17 Pro). It supports Apple Pencil Pro with pressure, tilt and hover, and the A17 Pro chip keeps drawing apps smooth. The mini 5 only works with the first-generation Pencil.
Which lasts longer?
The iPad mini (A17 Pro). It is newer, has more RAM and still gets iPadOS updates, so it will stay useful for years. The mini 5 stopped at iPadOS 16.
Is the A17 Pro worth stepping up to from the mini 5?
Yes, if you use demanding apps, want Apple Intelligence or plan to keep the tablet for several years. The speed, USB-C and Pencil Pro support are clear gains.
Which is better for reading and watching video?
Both work well. The A17 Pro has a slightly larger, brighter screen with better color. The mini 5 is fine for books and streaming and has a headphone jack.
Do both have cellular?
The A17 Pro comes in Wi-Fi and 5G cellular versions. The mini 5 listed here is Wi-Fi only, though Apple sold a cellular version of that model.
Which is better for kids?
The mini 5 is a low-risk first tablet for light games and videos. The A17 Pro is the better long-term buy if you want it to last through school years.

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—
Screen size8.3 in—
Data storage512 GB—
Battery life10 h—
Ram memory8 GB—
Rear cam mpx12 MP—
Front cam mpx12 MP—
WirelessWi-Fi—
Proc. brandApple—
DisplayRetina Display—
Model nameiPad mini—
Native resolution2266-by-1488—
Size7.7" x 5.3" x 0.2"—
Assembled product weight0.66 lb—
Brightness500 Nits—
Accessories includedUSB-C Charge Cable (1 meter), 20W USB-C Power A…—
Edition year2024—
Inputs & outputsInputs - USB Type-C & Outputs - DisplayPort—
Graphic cardApple A17 Pro chip 5-Core GPU—