The affordable iPad (2020) offers a lot of bang for the dollar with an A12 Bionic chip, Smart Connector and a large 10.2-inch screen. It doesn't have the latest display technology like the iPad mini 5, but it compensates with Apple's first-generation smart keyboard and Apple Pencil support. Excellent for media consumption, note taking and word processing, the basic iPad is the best iPad for most.
From $ 329 Apple
Pro
More accessible
Screen larger than 10.2 inches
A12 Bionic chip
It has a smart connector
Works with Apple Pencil
Works with smart keyboard
Versus
The screen is not laminated
Does not support True Tone
32 GB in the base model
1.2 MP FaceTime camera
Apple's iPad mini 5 is loved for its incredibly light and compact design, but it's also not delicate when it comes to performance. With an A12 Bionic chip, 64 GB of basic storage space, a laminated screen with True Tone and support for the Apple Pencil, the iPad mini 5 is suitable for almost anything you can throw at it. However, its portability makes it more expensive.
From $ 399 the Apple
Pro
Smaller and lighter
Laminated display
Supports True Tone
Works with Apple Pencil
Starts from 64 GB of storage
A12 Bionic chip
Versus
More expensive
It has no smart connector
Works only with Bluetooth keyboards
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.
iPad (2020)
iPad mini 5
Cost
From $ 329 and up
From $ 399 and up
Wi-Fi only
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi + Cellular
Yes
Yes
Screen size
10.2 inches
7.9 inches
dimensions
9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches
8.0 x 5.3 x 0.24 inches
Weight
£ 1.08
£ 0.66
Storage
32 GB or 128 GB
64 GB or 256 GB
Display
Retina
Retina
Resolution
2160-by-1620 at 264 ppi
Resolution 2048 to 1536 at 326 ppi
Laminated display
Not
Yes
P3 Color
Not
Yes
luminosity
500 typical nights
500 typical nights
Anti-reflection coating
Not
Yes
True tone
Not
Yes
way
A12 Bionic
A12 Bionic
Apple pencil
Only the first generation
Only the first generation
Smart connector
Yes
Not
Rear camera
8MP
8MP
Front camera
1.2 MP
7MP
Video recording
1080P
1080P
Audio
Two speakers
Two speakers
Touch ID
Yes
Yes
Battery
10 hours Wi-Fi, 9 hours cell phone
10 hours Wi-Fi, 9 hours cell phone
Loading
Lightning
Lightning
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.
Wonderful everywhere
iPad (2020)
Best for most
The latest iPad is one of the best values of its A12 Bionic processor, a large 10.2-inch screen and support for the Apple pencil and smart keyboard. If you want an excellent tablet that can also become a productivity machine, if necessary, get the iPad (2020).
Mighty mini
iPad mini 5
Portable and powerful
Apple's iPad mini 5 is simply the best choice for those who appreciate portability over anything else. Don't let the small size fool you, however, it offers a lot of power with an A12 Bionic chip and has a fantastic display, which is the best big brother.
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