Compare the Apple iPad Mini 6 to the Apple iPad Mini 5
Comparison Apple iPad Mini 6 and iPad Mini 5
Apple iPad Mini 6 | Apple iPad Mini 5 | |
---|---|---|
Screen | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS-LCD (2266x1488 pixels) | 7.9-inch Retina IPS-LCD (2048x1536 pixels) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
Dimensions (l x h x w) | 19.54 x 13.48 x 0.63cm | 20.32 x 13.48 x 0.61cm |
Internet options | WiFi only, WiFi and 5G | WiFi only, WiFi and 4G |
Unlock | Touch ID (top) | Touch ID (front) |
Compatibility with accessories | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Apple Pencil (1st generation) |
Colors | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, White Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
Screen
iPad Mini 6: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
Apple has moved the home button of the iPad Mini from the bezel to the top of the tablet. As a result, the bezels of the iPad Mini 6 are thinner and it has more screen space. The Mini 6 has a 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS-LCD screen. You have more room for movies and apps or to draw with the separately available Apple Pencil 2 on the larger screen. On top of that, the screen is more energy-efficient and has a higher brightness thanks to the Liquid Retina technology.
iPad Mini 5: 7.9-inch Retina display
The iPad Mini 5 is larger than the Mini 6, but the tablet also has a smaller screen. The 7.9-inch Retina display is still large enough to comfortably watch movies and series on. The True Tone screen technology, which first appeared on the iPad Mini 5, provides a good and natural color representation. But the difference in contrast between the Liquid Retina and Retina display is clearly noticeable, especially when playing HDR content.
Processor
iPad Mini 6: A15 Bionic chip
Despite its smaller size, the Apple iPad Mini 6 is a real powerhouse. Just like the iPhone 13 models, Apple has fitted the Mini 6 with an A15 Bionic chip. This is a major upgrade, as the iPad Mini 6 is 80% faster than its predecessor. As a result, you can use the iPad Mini even for the most demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D games at the highest settings.
iPad Mini 5: A12 Bionic chip
The Apple iPad Mini 5 uses the A12 Bionic chip, which is also in the iPhone Xs models from 2018. This processor is slightly dated at this point and you'll notice that when you run demanding apps or multitask in multiple apps at the same time. That means the iPad Mini 5 is suitable to play some videos or games on the go, but not at the highest settings.
Versions
iPad Mini 6: 4 colors and 5G support
Thanks to the latest A15 Bionic chip, the new iPad Mini also supports mobile internet via the faster 5G network. That's useful when you're on the go a lot. Your iPad won't lag when you play an online game or stream a series. You do need a SIM card with a 5G phone plan to use the 5G network. The Apple iPad Mini 6 is available in 4 different colors, Space Gray, Pink, Purple, and White Gold. Just like its predecessor, the Mini 6 is available with 64GB or 256GB storage.
iPad Mini 5: 3 colors and 4G support
Apple released fewer different models of the iPad Mini 5. The tablet is available in the colors Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, and with WiFi support only or WiFi and 4G support. You can choose from the same storage versions as the iPad Mini 6. For most users, 64GB version offers enough storage capacity for their apps and files. The 256GB storage model is a must-have when you download many files, such as a large movie collection.
Conclusion
It's clear that Apple has made a lot of progress technologically in the past 2 years. The Apple iPad Mini 6 performs better than its predecessor in every way. Thanks to the larger screen, the 80% faster processor, and Apple Pencil 2 support, the Apple iPad Mini 6 is a good choice. On top of that, you're ready for the future thanks to 5G support.