The starting price difference between the iPad mini 7 (2024) and the new iPad Air 8 (2026) with the M4 chip is about 13,000 rubles — and this puts the buyer in front of a tough choice. Both tablets look similar, support Apple Pencil Pro and Touch ID, but are designed for completely different use cases. Let’s look at more than 20 differences between these models so you can make an informed decision — and not overpay for what you don’t need.
The price difference between the devices isn’t that big, but the capabilities differ significantly
Which Is More Powerful: iPad mini or iPad Air
The main difference is inside. The iPad mini 7 runs on the A17 Pro chip, which Apple first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023. It’s a 6-core processor with 5-core graphics and 8 GB of RAM.
This same chip is found in the iPhone 15 Pro
The 2026 iPad Air received the M4 chip — the same one that debuted in the iPad Pro in 2024. It features 8 processor cores, 9 graphics cores, and 12 GB of RAM. Memory bandwidth is nearly double: 120 GB/s versus 68 GB/s on the mini. Additionally, the M4 has a dedicated media engine — it hardware-accelerates video processing, which is noticeable during editing and exporting.
The Air is more powerful thanks to the laptop-grade M4
For tasks like browsing, notes, and streaming, the difference is hard to feel. But if you plan to work with heavy apps, draw in Procreate, or use the tablet as a laptop replacement — the M4 provides a significant performance headroom for several years ahead.
Which Screen Is Better: iPad mini or iPad Air
The iPad mini 7 features an 8.3-inch screen with a density of 326 pixels per inch and brightness up to 500 nits. The iPad Air offers two options: an 11-inch version (500 nits) and a 13-inch version (600 nits). The pixel density on the Air is 264 ppi, which is lower than the mini, but it’s unnoticeable on a larger screen.
The mini is really small and fits easily in your hand
Screen size is the main factor when choosing between these models. The 11-inch Air is more convenient for multitasking and working with documents, while the 13-inch version turns into an almost full-fledged workstation. The iPad mini, in turn, remains the only compact Apple tablet that you can comfortably hold with one hand.
The Air, especially the 13-inch, isn’t as easy to hold with one hand
Both devices use IPS displays (Liquid Retina) without ProMotion support — the refresh rate here is the standard 60 Hz. For OLED and 120 Hz, you still need to look toward the iPad Pro.
Which iPad Size to Choose: mini or Air
The iPad mini weighs only 297 grams — lighter than most books. The 11-inch iPad Air weighs 462 grams, and the 13-inch comes in at 617 grams. Both tablets are built on the same design language: flat edges, bezel-less screen, Touch ID in the top button, stereo speakers.
An important difference: on the iPad mini, the front camera is located on the short side (for portrait orientation), while on the iPad Air it’s on the long side (for landscape orientation). If you frequently use video calls with the tablet lying flat on a table in landscape mode, the Air will be more convenient — the camera will be centered.
The volume buttons on the mini are on top, while on the Air they’re on the side. A small detail, but it can be confusing when switching from one device to the other.
Can the iPad Air Replace a Laptop
One of the key practical differences: the iPad Air supports Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio connection via the Smart Connector port. This turns it into a laptop-like device with a trackpad and a full keyboard.
iPad Air with Magic Keyboard — a full-fledged workspace in a café
The iPad mini lacks a Smart Connector and only works with Bluetooth keyboards. This doesn’t make it useless for typing, but it removes the main advantage: instant magnetic connection without charging or setup.
If you’re considering a tablet as a work tool for texts, spreadsheets, and presentations — the iPad Air is objectively better suited for this role. Additionally, the 2026 iPad Air is equipped with a more modern set of wireless modules:
- Wi-Fi 7 instead of Wi-Fi 6E on the iPad mini
- Bluetooth 6 instead of Bluetooth 5.3
- Apple’s own C1X modem instead of a Qualcomm modem
- Apple N1 wireless chip
In practice, the difference in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speed is rarely noticeable in everyday tasks. But if you’re buying a tablet for several years, the Air’s newer set of modules will ensure better compatibility with future routers and accessories.
How Much Do the iPad mini and iPad Air Cost in Russia
The iPad mini 7 is available in three storage options: 128, 256, and 512 GB. The iPad Air adds a 1 TB version — useful if you store videos or large projects locally.
Starting prices:
- iPad mini 7 — from $499 (approximately from 39,000 ₽ in Russia)
- iPad Air 11″ — from $599 (approximately from 52,000 ₽ in Russia)
The “mini” has been on sale for quite some time, and its price has stabilized
