iPad Air vs iPad mini with Retina - which one to buy?
With the iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina Display, Apple has launched new tablets on the market. We have analyzed here which you should buy and where the differences between the iPad models lie.
iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display
The technical components of the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display are almost identical. Here is an overview of the most important details:
- Both iPads have a Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The latest A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor was installed, which among other things enables energy-saving control.
- Camera: FaceTime HD camera for 1.2 megapixel photos and 720p HD video. The iSight camera takes 5-megapixel photos and has auto focus and face detection.
- Battery performance: With a 100 percent battery, you can surf around 6 hours with WiFi or play 8 hours of videos and music.
The differences: iPad Air vs. iPad mini with retina display
While the two Apple devices are technically on par, there are a few differences:
- The iPad Air has a 9.7 "multi-touch display, the iPad mini is 7.9" around 2 inches smaller.
- The difference in size is also noticeable in terms of weight: the larger iPad Air weighs around 50 percent more than the iPad mini with Retina display. Admittedly, at only 473 grams, it is still extremely light.
- Price: On average, the iPad mini is around 110 euros cheaper than the slightly larger iPad Air. For example, you can get the iPad Air with 16 GB WIFI from around 400 euros, the iPad mini with retina display from around 285 euros.
Conclusion: iPad purchase recommendations for film watchers and gamers
- In the CHIP leaderboard, the iPads are in the first two places. The larger display on the iPad Air naturally has an impact on weight and price, while the iPad mini is small and handy. When making a purchase decision between the two iPad models, it is primarily a question of the display size, weight and the € 100 price difference.
- If you want to watch films on your new iPad and work on the go, the large display of the iPad Air is a selling point. On the other hand, you benefit from low weight and small shape when playing on the iPad mini with retina: When playing, it is much better in the hand - gamers and daddlers should rather buy the "small" iPad.
All details and a test video for the iPad Air can be found here.