HomeKit Blog

While one would think that the iPad mini 5 is just a reduced version of the basic iPad, this is not the case here. Sure, they both have the same A12 processor inside, they both run the iPadOS 14 and have the same battery life throughout the day, but that's where it ends. Price, display quality and compatibility with accessories are huge differences and, even if the mini 5 is in the top of the basic iPad in one of these categories, we believe that the iPad (2020) is the best iPad for most.

iPad (2020) vs iPad mini 5: What are the differences?

Both iPads, although the latest models, were introduced more than a year later. The iPad mini 5 debuted in early 2019, while the iPad (2020) just hit the market in September 2020. Despite the long time between launches, both iPads have the same A12 Bionic chip, which is capable of applications and games today with dual-core and four-core GPUs. The inclusion of the A12 in the latest base iPad shows that Apple is confident it will be enough for years to come.

Before we get into the deeper things, let's go back and take a look at an obvious but important specification: size. The iPad mini 5 really lives up to its name here, with Apple's smaller tablet weighing about half as much weight as the 10.2-inch iPad at 0.66 pounds and is nearly two inches shorter and wider than The basic iPad.

The smaller size and weight allow the mini 5 to work with one hand in portrait orientation, just like a phone, and shines for reading books. Instead, the iPad (2020) is intended more for use with both hands in a landscape position, and its weight can cause some pressure on the wrist if you try to use it with one hand for long periods of time.

The iPad (2020) has a Retina display larger than 10.2 inches, which displays more content on the screen when you browse the web through the mini, and the larger size helps Split-View, which puts two applications next to each other . The iPad mini 5 supports Split-View, but running two apps side by side on the 7.9-inch device is very tight, making it difficult to take notes or choose text.

With the physical dimensions out of the way, let's dive into the technical specifications, as they add more to the story when it comes to displays.

As you can see, the older iPad mini 5 has a higher quality display than the base iPad (2020). The iPad mini 5 display is laminated, bringing the glass content closer and eliminating the visible air gap, as seen on the iPad (2020). The display on the mini 5 also supports wide P3 colors and has a higher pixel density at 326ppi compared to 264ppi, which makes the text clearer and the colors more vibrant. If that wasn't enough, the mini has an anti-glare coating, which helps use the iPad outdoors.

Source: iMore

The specs also show that both iPads are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, but as you'd expect, every iPad has its advantage here. The iPad mini 5 is great for taking quick notes, as it can be held with one hand, but the iPad (2020) is better for drawing with its larger canvas. Larger screen sizes are also better when using the aforementioned Split-View, which gives it the advantage for us.

With accessories, the iPad (2020) is compatible with Apple's smart keyboard, while the iPad mini 5 is only compatible with Bluetooth keyboards. The difference is due to the inclusion of the Apple smart connector on the side of the larger iPad, which provides power and transfers data to and from the smart keyboard. The smart keyboard also acts as a cover for the iPad (2020), and the Smart Connector also works with third-party accessories to charge the iPad wirelessly.

Other differences between iPads are related to camera and storage systems. As for the cameras, Apple has decided to cling to the outdated 1.2MP FaceTime camera on the iPad (2020), which obviously looks pretty bad. On the old iPad mini 5, Apple includes a 7MP front camera, which makes it better for video calls and selfies, although none of the cameras are really great. The rear cameras on both iPads are 8MP, with no real major differences there and again, both are good enough, but not great. For storage, iPad mini 5 starts at 64 GB and maximum at 256 GB compared to 32GB and 128GB on the iPad (2020).

iPad (2020) vs. iPad mini 5: Who should buy iPad (2020)?

If you're in the market for an affordable tablet that can do anything, then the iPad (2020) is for you. The entry-level iPad Apple has a lot of power to run the latest apps and games, and the A12 Bionic chip would you have to keep it hummed for years to come.

The iPad (2020) supports the first generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, which instantly turns it into a viable laptop replacement, especially for students. Of course, the larger 10.2-inch display also makes it great for excessive viewing and web browsing, so it's the best iPad for most.

iPad (2020) vs. iPad mini 5: Who should buy iPad mini 5?

If you want a lightweight and comfortable tablet to hold in one hand for hours on end while reading your favorite book, the iPad mini 5 is. The Mini has a 7.9-inch, easy-to-read laminated display with True Tone support, which keeps it great, regardless of the lighting in the room.

The iPad mini 5 is also packaged in the same A12 Bionic chip as the base iPad (2020), so it's capable enough for today's apps, games and web browsing. All portable power still makes it more expensive, but in some cases, it's worth less.

Comparing the latest iPads far outweighs the design difference. When it comes to iPad vs iPad Air, iPad Air 4 offers much more to the overall experience compared to iPad (2020), thanks to a slightly larger screen, faster processor and compatibility with Apple's current generation accessories. Even though all Apple iPads are running iPadOS 14 today, we believe the best iPad you can buy today is the iPad Air 4, as the newest A14 processor will keep it running the latest operating system, apps and games, for years to come.

iPad Air 4 vs. iPad (2020): What are the differences?

Source: Apple

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad (2020) debuted at the Apple event in September this year, but the hardware, both inside and out, is very different. For starters, the Air has a display larger than 10.9 inches from 10.2 inches on the base model, and while it doesn't seem like a huge difference, for productivity, every little one matters.

The display on the iPad Air also has Apple True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature according to the environment. This gives a more natural look in most scenarios, and the display is also laminated on the iPad Air 4, which eliminates the visible air gap as seen on basic iPads.

Turning to the processor, the iPad Air 4 is Apple's first device to use the company's latest A14 Bionic chip. The A14 is the first chip to use the 5-nanometer process, which increases performance with better energy efficiency. Apple claims that the chip is able to provide up to 40% better performance than the previous iPad Air, which uses the A12 processor - the same chip that is in the iPad (2020).

Let's take a look at the rest of the specs, because you will definitely see more differences than similarities.

As you can see, iPad Air 4 works quite a bit compared to iPad (2020). The iPad Air 4, although it has a larger screen, is thinner and lighter overall. In addition, the iPad Air 4 comes with a total of five finishes, two of which, a new blue and green, are exclusive to the mid-level iPad (so far).

Source: iMore

Both iPads have the same 10-hour battery life over Wi-Fi, but their charging is different. The iPad Air 4 uses the latest USB-C standard, allowing faster charging and compatibility with a wide range of accessories and real video output options. The iPad (2020) still clings to the Apple Lightning connector, which isn't bad if you're all-in on Apple, but it limits things if you forget the cable or want to charge it with a modern MacBook.

The iPad Air 4 also works with the latest Apple accessories, such as the Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. The Apple Pencil 2 is more responsive than the first-generation version and charges by magnetic attachment to the side of the iPad Air 4. Apple's Magic keyboard also uses magnets to easily connect and charge the iPad Air 4, turning it into a complete replacement laptop with an integrated trackpad.

Other differences include a Touch ID sensor relocated to the iPad Air 4, which moves it to the Sleep / Wake button. The Air speakers have also been moved, now placing them on both the top and bottom of the iPad, creating true stereo sound. The new arrangement is similar to the iPad Pro models, but only has a total of two speakers, which is the same as the base iPad, although they are both at the bottom.

Finally, the iPad Air 4 also has a modernized camera system, highlighted by a 7MP front camera compared to the miserable 1.2MP on the base iPad. This means that the iPad Air 4 camera will look much clearer and more detailed for those important video calls. The rear camera on the iPad Air 4 has a big hit on the regular iPad, with 12MP compared to 8MP and can record videos in 4K, while the iPad (2020) can only record in 1080p.

iPad Air 4 vs. iPad (2020): Who should buy iPad Air 4?

Make no mistake, the power combination of the iPad 4, the larger display and the compatibility of accessories, make it a much better choice for those who want to use their iPad as a productivity machine. The iPad Air 4 has a durable USB-C port, more responsive support for the Apple Pencil 2, compatibility with the Magic keyboard and, of course, has the newest Apple processor, the A14. In fact, we think the iPad Air 4 is the best iPad for most even over the iPad Pro line, unless you're working with AR or editing photos hard.

iPad Air 4 vs. iPad (2020): Who should buy iPad (2020)?

Sure, it's not as powerful as the iPad Air 4, but the iPad (2020) is still a great car for the basics and is suitable for those who just want a good tablet experience. This iPad is still very powerful for most applications and games today, plus the older Smart Connector and first-generation Apple Pencil support can help you get the job done in a pinch. However, its A12 processor is already a few years old, so it won't have as long a life as the A14 in the iPad Air.