iPad Mini vs iPad Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPad Pro M4 13 & iPad mini share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPad Pro M4 13 rather than the iPad mini

Why Do I Recommend The iPad Pro M4 13

  • The iPad Pro has Apple’s M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU that drives workstation-level speed for 4K edits and complex 3D renders, compared to the iPad mini’s A15 Bionic.
  • iPad Pro features a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display that reaches 1,600 nits HDR brightness for precise color-grading and vivid HDR movies, compared to the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch 500-nit LCD.
  • It includes ProMotion 120 Hz refresh that renders Apple Pencil strokes and scrolling ultra-smooth for creative multitasking, compared to the iPad mini’s fixed 60 Hz panel.
  • The iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity that moves huge ProRes files at up to 40 Gbps and drives a 6K display, compared to the iPad mini’s standard USB-C port.
  • iPad Pro comes with up to 16 GB of unified memory that keeps multiple full-resolution Photoshop layers active without reloads, compared to the iPad mini’s 4 GB RAM cap.
  • It supports the latest Magic Keyboard that turns it into a laptop-class workstation with a trackpad and function row, compared to the iPad mini’s lack of official keyboard support.
  • The iPad Pro includes a four-speaker audio system that produces immersive spatial sound for Dolby Atmos films and music creation, compared to the iPad mini’s two landscape speakers.
  • iPad Pro features a rear LiDAR Scanner and landscape Center Stage camera that enhance AR precision and deliver eye-level video calls, compared to the iPad mini’s absence of LiDAR and portrait-oriented camera.

Maybe the iPad mini price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPad Pro M4 13. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPad Pro M4 13iPad mini
ChipsetApple M4Apple A15 Bionic
Fabrication Process3nm5nm
CPU Cores10-core6-core
GPU CoresUp to 10-core5-core
Display Size13 inches8.3 inches
Display TypeTandem OLEDLiquid Retina
Resolution2752 x 20642266 x 1488
Brightness1000 nits (SDR), 1600 nits (HDR)500 nits
Refresh Rate120Hz ProMotion60Hz
RAM8GB / 16GB4GB
Storage Options256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB64GB / 256GB
Rear Camera12MP Wide + LiDAR12MP Wide
Front Camera12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Face ID / Touch IDFace IDTouch ID
AudioFour-speaker systemStereo speakers
Port TypeUSB-C with Thunderbolt / USB 4USB-C
Apple Pencil SupportApple Pencil Pro, PencilApple Pencil (2nd Gen), Pencil (USB-C)
Keyboard SupportMagic Keyboard for iPad ProNo official keyboard
OS at LaunchiPadOS 17iPadOS 15
Body Thickness5.1 mm6.3 mm
Dimensions281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm
Weight579g (Wi-Fi) / 582g (Cellular)293g (Wi-Fi) / 297g (Cellular)
Color OptionsSilver, Space BlackSpace Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight
Battery Capacity38.99Wh19.3Wh
ChargingUSB-C 20WUSB-C 20W
5G SupportAvailableAvailable
Wi-Fi VersionWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
PriceCheck iPad Pro M4 PriceCheck iPad mini Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 12MP Ultra Wide Front Camera with Center Stage: Both iPads feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera that supports Center Stage. This technology keeps you automatically centered during video calls, ideal for FaceTime, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
  • 12MP Rear Camera & 4K Video Recording: Each device includes a 12MP wide rear camera capable of capturing high-resolution photos and 4K video at multiple frame rates, enabling great content creation on both.
  • Apple Pencil (USB-C) Compatibility: Both models support the Apple Pencil (USB-C), allowing users to draw, take notes, or markup PDFs with precision, making them useful for students, artists, and professionals.
  • USB-C Port for Charging and Data: While the iPad Pro M4 has Thunderbolt 4 and the mini doesn’t, both still use the USB-C connector type for charging and accessory use, ensuring modern connectivity.
  • Touchscreen Retina Display: Each iPad features a high-resolution Retina display with multitouch support, ensuring smooth gestures, crisp visuals, and fluid interactions for apps, games, and media.
  • Optional 5G Cellular Models: Both iPads offer models with 5G connectivity, enabling fast mobile internet access for on-the-go use, especially useful for professionals or frequent travelers.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Support: Both tablets support high-speed Wi-Fi (6 or 6E) and Bluetooth 5.x, ensuring fast wireless performance for downloads, streaming, and connecting to accessories like keyboards or headphones.
  • Battery Life up to 10 Hours: Despite their size differences, both devices are optimized to deliver up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi, making them dependable for all-day use.
  • USB-C Charging: Both models charge via USB-C, which simplifies cable needs across Apple’s newer device ecosystem and supports faster charging.
  • Stereo Audio Output: While the iPad Pro includes a quad-speaker setup and the mini has stereo landscape speakers, both deliver stereo sound, making them suitable for watching movies, listening to music, or gaming.
  • Premium Aluminum Build: Each iPad is built with a sleek and durable aluminum body, giving a premium look and feel while maintaining structural integrity.
  • Color Variety: Both models are available in multiple color options, appealing to users who want style alongside performance.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) Ready: Each supports AR experiences with high-precision motion sensors and rear cameras, allowing for educational, design, and gaming applications.
  • Biometric Security: Both iPads feature biometric authentication—Face ID for Pro and Touch ID for mini—ensuring secure access and Apple Pay capability.
  • App Store & iPadOS Ecosystem: Both devices run iPadOS and have full access to the App Store, meaning they can run the same apps including productivity tools, creative software, and games.
  • Apple Ecosystem Integration: Both support features like Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, and Sidecar—allowing them to work seamlessly with other Apple products like Macs, iPhones, and AirPods.

Common Features

FeatureiPad Pro M4 13iPad mini
Front Camera12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Center StageYesYes
Rear Camera12MP Wide12MP Wide
Video Recording4K at 24/25/30/60 fps4K at 24/25/30/60 fps
Apple Pencil (USB-C)SupportedSupported
USB-C PortYesYes
TouchscreenMulti-touch displayMulti-touch display
5G ConnectivityAvailable on cellular modelsAvailable on cellular models
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6E (Pro) / Wi-Fi 6 – Both high-speedYes
BluetoothBluetooth 5.xBluetooth 5.x
iPadOS SupportiPadOSiPadOS
Battery LifeUp to 10 hours on Wi-FiUp to 10 hours on Wi-Fi
ChargingUSB-C ChargingUSB-C Charging
Stereo AudioYesYes
Build MaterialAluminum enclosureAluminum enclosure
Color OptionsMultiple finishesMultiple finishes
Augmented Reality SupportYesYes
SecurityBiometricBiometric
App Store AccessYesYes
Apple Ecosystem IntegrationYesYes
Price Check iPad Pro M4 Price Check iPad mini Price

FAQ

Which iPad is better for multitasking and productivity?
The iPad Pro M4 is better for multitasking and productivity due to its larger display, higher RAM capacity, M4 chip, Magic Keyboard support, and advanced multitasking capabilities in iPadOS.

Does the iPad mini support Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad mini supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the newer Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching.

Which device has better display quality?
The iPad Pro M4 has superior display quality thanks to its Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR panel, offering richer contrast, higher brightness, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate.

Is Face ID available on both models?
No, only the iPad Pro M4 features Face ID. The iPad mini uses Touch ID integrated into the top power button for biometric authentication.

Do both iPads support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the iPad Pro M4 and the iPad mini have 5G-compatible cellular models available for users who want mobile internet access.

Can I use the same charging cable for both iPads?
Yes, both the iPad Pro M4 and iPad mini use USB-C for charging, but only the Pro supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 for faster data transfer and accessory compatibility.

Which iPad is better for portability and one-handed use?
The iPad mini is better for portability and one-handed use due to its compact size, lightweight body, and ease of handling in small spaces.

Do both devices support external storage or monitors?
The iPad Pro M4 supports external storage and displays more robustly via Thunderbolt/USB 4, while the iPad mini supports USB-C accessories but lacks Thunderbolt support.

How much RAM do both iPads have?
The iPad Pro M4 comes with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM depending on the storage variant, whereas the iPad mini includes 4GB of RAM across both configurations.

Which model supports the Magic Keyboard?
Only the iPad Pro M4 supports the Magic Keyboard, providing a laptop-like typing experience. The iPad mini does not support Apple’s official keyboard accessories.

Are both iPads good for gaming?
Both can handle gaming, but the iPad Pro M4 is significantly better suited for high-end gaming with its M4 chip, larger display, and better thermal performance.

Do both iPads support the Center Stage feature for video calls?
Yes, both models feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera with Center Stage, which keeps users centered during video calls.

Which iPad is more affordable?
The iPad mini is more affordable, starting at $499, compared to the iPad Pro M4 which starts at $1299 for the base 13-inch model.

Can both iPads run the latest version of iPadOS?
Yes, both the iPad Pro M4 and the iPad mini are compatible with the latest version of iPadOS and will continue to receive software updates for years.

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