iPad Mini with A17 chip vs iPad Air with M2 chip: Which one is better for you? 

Apple has at last refreshed its iPad lineup and has added the lightweight and compact iPad Mini with A17 Pro chipset to the lineup. But there also exists the iPad Air, which too has a fairly similar price to the new iPad mini. So, how the two are different? We take a look. 

In Short

• The iPad Mini starts at Rs 49,900, while the iPad Air starts at Rs 59,900
• The iPad Mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, while the iPad Air comes with M2 chip
• The iPad Mini has a 8.3-inch display, the iPad Air is much bigger

Apple recently launched the highly anticipated iPad Mini with the A17 chip, bringing another powerful iPad in its tablet lineup. Now the new iPad is billed as the most affordable iPad. Yet, with A17 chip, Apple Intelligence support and even compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Mini 2024 is also prompting some users to compare it with the already impressive iPad Air powered by the M2 chip, which debuted earlier this year.

Another reason for comparison? The prices are similar. Kind of. The iPad Mini starts at Rs 49,900 whereas the iPad Air with M2 chipset has a starting price of Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch variant and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch model.

Both devices cater to different needs and preferences. However, there are also some similarities if we look at the spec sheet. So, making the choice between two can be a bit confusing. Hence to help you choose, in this comparison, we will take a brief look at what both the new iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip and iPad Air with M2 chip have to offer and based on their offerings, which one could be better for you.

Display size and quality

Starting with the display, the iPad Mini boasts an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, to offer a compact yet vibrant viewing experience. On the other hand, the iPad Air features a bigger 11-inch or the 13-inch Liquid Retina display. While the small display of the iPad Mini makes it compact yet practical, the larger screen of iPad Air gives more screen for multitasking, media consumption, and creative work.

Processor performance

In terms of processing power, the iPad Mini is equipped with Apple's A17 Pro chip - the same chipset Apple housed in the powerful iPhone 15 Pro. This chip promises to offer smooth and swift performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

On the other hand, the iPad Air comes with Apple's M2 chip which the tech giant made for its personal computers and high end tablets. This one has an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. The more powerful chipset makes the iPad Air more suited for demanding applications such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming at higher settings.

Additionally, both A17 Pro chip and M2 chip can handle AI features that Apple has promised to bring with its Apple Intelligence. It is going to rollout to both the iPad Air the new iPad Mini with the iPadOS 18.1.

Camera capabilities

When it comes to cameras, both models include a 12-megapixel wide camera capable of shooting 4K video, along with a 12-megapixel ultra wide front camera that supports Apple's Centre Stage feature. This means that both iPad Mini and iPad Air will offer similar photographic capabilities and video calling experiences.

Connectivity features

Both the iPad Mini and iPad Air support Wi-Fi 6E and 5G cellular capabilities, ensuring users can stay connected with high-speed internet access. Additionally, both the models also feature a USB-C connector for charging and data transfer. And yes of course both devices support Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Bluetooth keyboards.

Pricing

Now price is one of the important parts when it comes to choosing between the iPad MIni and iPad Air. In India, the iPad Mini starts at Rs 49,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular option, making it more accessible for users on a budget.
In contrast, the iPad Air is priced at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch variant with Wi-Fi model. The 13-inch variant starts from Rs 79,900. The variants with cellular connectivity cost more.

Which one to buy?

We feel that in the end it mostly comes down to the size. This is the biggest difference between the iPad Air, which can be almost like a laptop when paired with a keyboard folio, and the more compact and diminutive iPad Mini. Those who don't like bulky gadgets with surely prefer the iPad Mini, which is just below 300 grams. But at the same time, if you are fond of bigger screens and getting a tablet to watch a lot of videos, or getting it for some serious work, you should go for the iPad Air.