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Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Apple iPad (A16) ($449) vs Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) ($599) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (A16) | Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $599 |
| Weight | 477g | 293g |
| Chip | A16 | A17 Pro |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 8.3" Liquid Retina |
| Security | Touch ID top button | Touch ID top button |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 293 g (Wi-Fi) |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (A16)
- $449 entry into a mature ecosystem
- A16 is plenty for media and notes
- Same 11-inch screen size as the Air
- Years of software support at this price
- No Pencil Pro — USB-C Pencil only
- Heavier than the 11-inch Air it undercuts
- Unlaminated display feels less premium
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- 293 g — the only pocketable iPad
- Apple Pencil Pro support in a pocket device
- Apple Intelligence capable via A17 Pro
- One-handed use for genuinely long stretches
- $599 for the smallest screen in the line
- Too cramped for side-by-side work
- 60Hz display
Apple iPad (A16) is the better value at $449. If weight matters most, Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) carries lighter at 293g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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