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Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad mini (6th generation)
Apple iPad (10th generation) ($272) vs Apple iPad mini (6th generation) ($270) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad mini (6th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $272 | $270 |
| Weight | 477g | 293g |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina, edge-to-edge | 8.3" Liquid Retina |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| TouchID | Moved to top button | — |
| Pencil | 1st generation Apple Pencil, via adapter | 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
| Weight | 477g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) | 293g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| Camera | — | 12MP Ultra Wide front + rear |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (10th generation)
- USB-C, first base iPad to drop Lightning
- Edge-to-edge display matches the iPad Air's modern look
- A14 chip is a real step up from the 9th gen's A13
- Landscape stereo speakers, better for video and games
- Still only supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, and needs a USB-C adapter to charge it
- No ProMotion or laminated display like the Air/Pro
- 477g, barely lighter than the 9th gen despite the redesign
- Costs meaningfully more than the 9th gen used for a smaller feature gap than the redesign suggests
Apple iPad mini (6th generation)
- Lightest and most pocketable iPad on this whole list
- A15 chip still comfortably handles current iPadOS
- 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support with magnetic attach and charge
- USB-C port, no adapters needed
- 8.3-inch display is cramped for split-screen multitasking
- No ProMotion, 60Hz only
- Jelly scrolling complaints on some units, a known 6th-gen quirk
- Costs more used than the base iPad despite less screen
Apple iPad mini (6th generation) is the better value at $270. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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