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iPad Air vs. iPad mini 2
Which is right for you?
By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 12, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Overall Findings Availability Screen Resolution Size Productivity Speed Specifications Final Verdict While the iPad mini 2 may not be as powerful as the iPad Air, it's close enough that most people won't notice the difference in speed. Additionally, the iPad mini 2 has the same features as the iPad Air, including a great camera and a Retina display. Selecting between these two standout iPads is challenging, but we've reviewed them both to help you make your decision. Apple discontinued the original iPad Air in 2016 and the iPad mini 2 in 2017. Both remain popular but are getting harder to find. Overall Findings
iPad Air 9.7-inch Retina display. 1.4 GHz 64-bit A7 CPU. Harder to find online. iPad mini 2 7.9-inch Retina display. 1.29 GHz 64-bit A7 CPU. Price is typically less than the iPad Air. These two iPad models are so similar that most of the differences that influence buyers are screen size, speed, and availability. Screen size is a matter of personal preference, although bigger is usually better for productivity, while the speeds are almost the same. Because Apple discontinued both of these models, the ability to find them online is part of the buying decision. Availability iPad mini 2 Is Easier to Find
iPad Air Discontinued by Apple. Difficult to find refurbished online. iPad mini 2 Discontinued by Apple. Still available from resellers online. Perhaps the chief advantage of the iPad mini 2 over the original iPad Air is the ability to find one. If you plan to buy a used iPad through eBay, Craigslist, or another avenue, it may be possible to find a used or refurbished iPad Air. The iPad mini 2, on the other hand, is available through resellers such as Amazon, although it has largely been replaced by newer iPad mini models. Screen Resolution Smaller Screen Ups PPI
iPad Air 264 pixels per inch. iPad mini 2 326 pixels per inch. The inclusion of the same 2048x1536 resolution Retina display on both iPads means the iPad mini 2 out-Retinas the iPad Air. The same resolution on the smaller screen gives the iPad mini 2 326 pixels per inch (PPI), while the iPad Air's resolution is only 264 pixels per inch. Size It Depends on Personal Preference
iPad Air 9.7-inch Retina display, iPad mini 2 7.9-inch Retina display. Size can be either an advantage or a disadvantage. We were wary of the smaller screen size when the original iPad mini arrived, having owned other 7-inch tablets and found them lacking. However, the iPad mini is bigger than most 7-inch tablets, and it shows. For web browsing, reading e-books, and most casual use, the iPad mini is fine, and the iPad mini 2 excels with hardcore games. The size tends to come down to personal preference. While it is easier to use the iPad mini 2 one-handed, there are areas such as typing on the on-screen keyboard where the extra real estate of the larger iPad Air gains an advantage. Productivity iPad Air Has an Edge
iPad Air Easier to type on the larger virtual keyboard. Extra screen space increases productivity. iPad mini 2 Bigger than most 7-inch tablets. Better for reading e-books and gaming than for work needs. The iPad mini 2 may be just as powerful as the iPad Air, but the extra screen space on the Air leads to more productivity. Not only is it much easier to type on an iPad Air, but the 9.7-inch iPad also has more screen space to make it easier to manipulate images, edit videos, arrange text, and perform other tasks. If you are getting an iPad as much for work as for play, the iPad Air is the better choice. Speed It' s Close but iPad Air Is Slightly Faster
iPad Air 1.4 GHz 64-bit Apple A7 chip. iPad mini 2 1.29 GHz 64-bit A7 Apple chip. The iPad mini 2 may have received the same A7 chip that powers the iPhone 5S, but the A7 chip used on the iPad is slightly faster. The iPad mini 2 chip clocks in at 1.29 GHz, while the iPad Air clocks in at 1.4 GHz. Most people won't see the difference, but this makes the iPad Air slightly faster. Specifications More Alike Than Different
iPad Air 1 GB memory. M7 motion coprocessor. 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB storage. 720p front-facing camera. 5 MP rear-facing camera. Bluetooth capability. Siri. GPS on 4G version only. iPad mini 2 1 GB memory. M7 motion coprocessor. 16, 32, 64, and 128 GB storage. 720p front-facing camera. 5 MP rear-facing camera. Bluetooth capability. Siri. GPS on 4G version only. A surprising amount of the specifications for the iPad Air and the iPad mini 2 are identical. Final Verdict
The iPad mini 2 has the edge. Apple moved the iPad lineup in the direction of giving customers a choice in screen size without the trade-off in slower processor speed, and that makes us the winner. The iPad mini 2 can do everything its big brother can do and look better doing it, so if you want to save a few dollars, go with the mini. However, that extra cash buys a lot of real estate. This makes the full-sized iPad best for people who use it for work or anyone who has big fingers. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? The iPad Air 2 vs. the iPhone 6 Plus The 27 Best iPads of 2022 by Lifewire The iPad's Screen Resolution for Different Models iPad 2 vs. iPad Mini 2 What Is the Difference Between the iPad Pro and the Air? Behind the Invention and Evolution of the iPad The iPad Mini vs. the Galaxy Tab 3 iPad vs. iPad Air: What’s the Difference? Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated? The Difference Between the iPad Mini 4 and the Original Mini The Right iPad for Your Budget New iPad mini Pro: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors All About the Apple iPhone X The 9 Best Tablets in 2022, Tested by Lifewire New MacBook Air: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies