The iPad mini range is one of the most popular options in Apple's iPad portfolio - compact, powerful and versatile. With a handy format that fits easily in any bag and impressive performance, the iPad mini is ideal for on the go. Whether you're a student looking for a reliable device for taking notes, a frequently travelling professional needing a portable work tool or simply wanting a versatile tablet for everyday use - the iPad mini perfectly combines size, performance and functionality.
In this buying guide, we take a close look at the iPad mini generations 5, 6 and 7. We compare technical data, the most important functions and give you a clear purchase recommendation that suits your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a device for creative tasks, entertainment on the go or everyday use - here you will find out which iPad mini is best for you.
An overview of the iPad mini generations
iPad mini (5th generation) – Is the 2019 model still up to date?
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processor: A12 Bionic Chip – Sufficient for everyday use, but not for the most demanding apps.
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display: 7.9-inch Retina display – Suitable for reading, browsing, and light creative tasks.
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battery life: Up to 10 hours – No worries about frequent recharging.
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storage options: 64GB or 256GB – Good for medium to large amounts of data.
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camera: 8 MP rear camera, 7 MP front camera – Not the highest quality, but sufficient for many users.
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operating system and software support: iPadOS, regular updates expected until 2026, then security updates - Current features and security, but earlier end of support compared to newer models.
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Other functions: Lightning connector, 4G LTE, support for Apple Pencil (1st generation) - Compatible with older accessories and mobile internet.
iPad mini (6th generation) – What does the 2021 model offer?
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processor: A15 Bionic Chip – Ideal for users who require maximum performance.
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display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display – Great for video playback, graphic design, and reading.
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battery life: Up to 10 hours - All-day use without recharging, good for use on the go.
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storage options: 64 GB or 256 GB – More storage for apps, media and files.
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camera: 12 MP rear camera, 12 MP ultra-wide angle front camera – Perfect for video calls, recording and augmented reality.
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operating system and software support: iPadOS, regular updates - Latest features and security updates. Future-proof for several years.
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Other functions: USB-C, 5G connectivity, support for Apple Pencil (2nd gen).Generation) - Fast data transfer, future-proof mobile Internet and precise pen input
iPad mini (7th generation) – What can the latest model do?
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Processor: A17 Pro chip – Offers a 30% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU compared to the previous generation, ideal for demanding applications and games.
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Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display – Same size and quality as its predecessor, suitable for all visual content.
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Battery life: Up to 10 hours – Reliable battery life for all day use.
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Storage options: 28 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB – More storage space for large data and applications.
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Camera: 12 MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4 and 12 MP front camera – Improved image quality and features for photos and videos.
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operating system and software support: iPadOS 18 – Latest software with enhanced features and longer support.
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Other functions: USB-C with higher data transfer rates, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G connectivity, support for Apple Pencil Pro – Cutting-edge connectivity and accessory support.
Technical details: Which iPad mini best suits your needs?
Which iPad mini has the best display for movies and games?
The iPad mini (7th generation) offers the best display for movies and series. With its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, True Tone, extended P3 color space, HDR support and a brightness of up to 500 nits, it delivers vivid colors, impressive contrast and optimal brightness, even in bright environments. The iPad mini (6th generation) is also excellent, as it has the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 color space, but without HDR optimization. The iPad mini (5th generation), on the other hand, has a 7.9-inch Retina display, which is smaller and less color accurate, but sufficient for basic needs.
Is the performance sufficient for your use?
Performance is strongest on the iPad mini (7th generation). Equipped with the A17 Pro chip, it offers a 30% faster CPU and a 25% faster GPU compared to its predecessor, making it ideal for demanding apps, games and multitasking. The iPad mini (6th generation) also delivers strong performance with the A15 Bionic chip, which is more than sufficient for everyday applications, creative work and gaming. In the iPad mini (5th generation), the A12 Bionic chip ensures solid performance for standard applications, but is not as future-proof and reaches its limits with computationally intensive apps.
Which generation offers the best connectivity?
The best connectivity comes from the iPad mini (7th generation), which comes with 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and a USB-C port, which allows for faster data transfers and better compatibility with modern accessories. The iPad mini (6th generation) also supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6, but uses the same USB-C port as the latest model. The iPad mini (5th generation) lags a bit behind here, as it only offers 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and a Lightning port, which is less future-proof and allows for slower speeds.
purchase recommendation according to user profile
Which iPad mini is ideal for heavy users and creatives?
If you want to get the most out of your iPad, the iPad mini 7 is the perfect choice. With the powerful A17 Pro chip, it is optimized for smooth multitasking and demanding apps. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with HDR support makes it ideal for creative work such as graphic design or video editing. Thanks to support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), you can draw, write and sketch precisely. In addition, the 5G connectivity ensures that you can access the Internet quickly even on the go. For those who have the highest demands on performance and versatility, the iPad mini 7 is the ideal choice.
However, if you are planning larger projects or need even more power and a larger display, the iPad Air or even the iPad Pro might be worth considering. These models offer even more powerful processors, larger screens, and additional features tailored specifically to professional creators and power users. The iPad mini 6 is great for creative tasks on the go, but for a full-fledged studio experience, the iPad Air or Per a better choice.
Which iPad mini is best for everyday and occasional use?
For everyday life and daily use, the iPad mini (6th generation) is the best choice. It offers strong performance with the A15 Bionic chip, which enables smooth browsing, streaming, reading and working. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is perfect for watching videos or reading e-books, and support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) makes it versatile for note-taking and simple creative tasks. With 5G connectivity and USB-C, you are well equipped on the go without making any compromises.
Which iPad mini is suitable for beginners or light users?
For beginners and light users, the iPad mini (5th generation) is the best choice. The A12 Bionic chip offers enough power for basic tasks like browsing, writing emails, watching videos, and casual reading. The 7.9-inch Retina display is sharp and clear, ideal for everyday use without looking cluttered. Support for the Apple Pencil (1st generation) also makes it handy for simple notes and sketches.
If you're willing to invest a little more, the iPad mini (6th generation) is a more future-proof option. It offers a more modern design, the more powerful A15 Bionic chip, and a better display. However, for basic use, the iPad mini 5 is perfectly adequate, especially if price is a deciding factor.
Conclusion: Which iPad mini is right for you?
The iPad mini 7 is the best choice for users looking for cutting-edge technology and maximum performance, ideal for creative tasks and demanding apps. The iPad mini 6 offers excellent value for money and is perfect for everyday use, with strong performance and versatile use. The iPad mini 5 is a good option for beginners and light users looking for a solid device for basic applications at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which generation of iPad mini is the longest-lasting?
The iPad mini (7th generation) is the most durable.With the powerful A17 Pro chip and support for iPadOS 18, it will receive the longest software updates, making it future-proof. The modern hardware ensures that it can easily handle new apps and features in the years to come.
The iPad mini (6th generation) is also a good choice in terms of longevity, as it will continue to receive updates for several years. However, it does not offer the latest technology, which limits its useful life somewhat compared to the iPad mini 7.
Can I use my old accessories with a new iPad mini?
That depends on your accessories. The iPad mini (7th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation) use a USB-C port, while the iPad mini (5th generation) still uses the Lightning port. Accessories with a Lightning port are therefore only compatible with the iPad mini 5. For the newer models, you either need new accessories with USB-C or an adapter.
There are also differences with the Apple Pencil: the iPad mini 7 and iPad mini 6 support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), while the iPad mini 5 only works with the Apple Pencil (1st generation). Other older accessories such as keyboards or cases may also not be compatible with the newer models because the design has changed.
How much storage space do I really need?
How much storage space you need depends on your usage:
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64 GB: Sufficient if you use the iPad mini mainly for surfing, emails, streaming and a few apps.
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256 GB: Ideal if you store a lot of apps, photos, videos or documents. Perfect for most users who want a little more flexibility.
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512 GB: Only necessary if you store large amounts of data, for example for creative work such as video editing or extensive graphic projects. (Available on iPad mini 7.)
Remember that storage space is not expandable. It is better to plan for a little more so that you have enough space in the long term.
