Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks
Over the years, Apple has launched dozens of tablets under the iPad lineup. These tablets have been excellent in terms of specifications, usage, and deliver on aesthetics too. The entire range of the traditional iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro has been segmented based on features, design, and dimensions. But at times, the question arises, which should we go for? Why iPhone is more expensive than the iPad? And why is a specific iPad more expensive than others?
This post discusses why the iPad mini – a relatively smaller variant is more expensive than a regular – 10.9-inch iPad that rocks a larger display.
Getting down to the details directly, the iPad mini is more costly, since it has much more to offer than the regular iPad:
- Sleek design
- Sharp Display
- Superior Camera
- Higher Performance
- 5G network connectivity
- Portability
- Support of Apple Pencil 2
It is not wrong to call the iPad mini a compact version of the iPad Air. It shares many features, such as a Liquid Retina display, higher processing power, more storage capacity, system memory, and 5G network connectivity.
On the other hand, the iPad has always been inferior to the iPad mini in terms of processor, display resolution, pixel density, etc. To understand the difference more clearly, let’s compare both tablets. But before moving any further, let’s first see the price difference between the two devices.
What is the price difference between the iPad mini and iPad?
The iPad mini and iPad come in many options, and the exact cost depends on the product variant. We have mentioned the prices for both the iPads and their variants to have an idea.
The below table clearly shows us that the different variants of the iPad mini 6 is $170 to $190 ahead of the iPad 10th Generation.
| Variants | iPad Mini 6th Gen | iPad 10th Generation | Price Difference |
| 64 GB + WIFI | $499 | $449 | $50 |
| 64 GB + WIFI + Cellular | $649 | $599 | $50 |
| 256 GB + WIFI | $649 | $599 | $50 |
| 256 GB + WIFI + Cellular | $799 | $749 | $50 |
Why is the iPad mini more expensive than the regular iPad?
To answer this question, we deep dive into the nitty-gritty of both the tablets and found these seven reasons that make the iPad mini more expensive.
Design Makeover Means Extra Bucks
Apple has changed the design of most devices; similarly, they have done with the iPad mini. They have put a lot of effort into providing the all-screen front design modeled after the iPad Air.
It has no Home button, and even the Touch ID has been moved inside the Power button. Even the Volume button shifted over the top to accommodate the Apple Pencil, which pairs with a magnetic connection.
On the other hand, the regular iPad 9th generation has no difference from its predecessor. It still uses the old-style Home / Touch ID button. The only advantage of retaining the old design is that it fits in the old case you may have lying around.
The new and improved design of the iPad mini requires more R&D, while the 5+ years old design of the iPad 9th Gen results in some serious cost-cutting.
Cutting-Edge Display Technology
iPad mini offers an all-screen front, with a front-facing camera and no Touch ID button, resulting in a more prominent display of 8.3 inches with a Liquid Retina IPS LCD that has a brightness of 500 nits and a resolution of 1488 x 2266.
iPad mini comes with a higher pixel density that makes it glorious & detailed and makes the image crispier. The great thing about the iPad mini is it has rounded corners that give it a visual appeal. All such precessions increase the cost and make it expensive.
On the other hand, the 10th generation iPad has a 10.9-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 and a brightness of 500 nits, but it lacks the wide color gamut support available in the mini-series. Additionally, the iPad 10th gen lacks a laminated design and anti-glare coating, which affects the visual experience.
Superior Camera Setup
Another category where the iPad mini supersedes the iPad is its Camera. It has 12-megapixel rear-facing camera that has full capability to capture 4K videos or 1080p in wide-angle mode. It supports center stage functionality that focuses you during a video call. The selfie camera can capture the video at 1080p.
Comparing the iPad 10th gen camera, we do not have to keep our hopes very high, as its 12MP rear-facing Camera provides HDR photos but lacks portrait mode and night mode.
The 12 megapixels selfie camera is decent in results and, surprisingly, supports the Center Stage technology.
Smaller iPad – Larger Performance
Talking about the performance of the latest iPad mini 6 as it is equipped with the latest A15 Bionic chip that provides lightning-fast processing with the help of a Hexa-core processor, 5 core GPU, and 4 GB RAM capacity.
The CPU and 16-core Neural Engine make it an excellent fit for video editing, photo editing, video calling, etc. Higher-end processing and neural engines offer a 40 percent increase in performance.
But all such offering requires more investment and increase the cost of the iPad mini.
Upgraded Charging and Connectivity
iPad mini 6th generation comes with a Li-Ion (19.3 Wh) battery that provides 10 hours of usage which can be further increased by tweaking the device, such as lowering the brightness, turning off the cellular network connectivity while not in use, and closing the background apps that are not required.
If the battery drains out, then fast charging via USB-C port is also supported in the iPad mini; that takes ~2 hours to fully charge it with the help of a 20W power adapter.
With the latest iPad model, they have also upgraded the connectivity, and now the classic iPad has a USB-C port as well.
Even More Lightweight & Portable
Portability is the feature that requires some serious designing magic, and while the traditional iPad is no giant either, the iPad mini definitely takes portability to the next level. Apple has set the bar too high for people to expect higher performance, power, and aesthetics from the iPad mini while reducing the size and keeping it lightweight. iPad’s mini small size makes it a perfect fit to carry anywhere, so you can put it in the bag or fit it in the sleeve.
The iPad 10th generation is 10.9 inches in size, two inches bigger than the iPad mini, and 1.05 lbs in weight, while the iPad mini is just 0.66 lbs.
iPad mini’s high-cost results from providing the top-notch performance in a smaller size, so it is safe to say that can say excellent performance comes in a small package.
Wide Variety Network Support:
Since the latest iPad 10th gen update, both iPad Mini and iPad have 5g network support and cellular connectivity.
Final words
The price gap between iPad Mini and iPad has decreased with the latest iPad 10th gen model. It has some significant improvements – 5g connectivity, USB-C port, better processor, and other things.
The iPad mini comes in a smaller size and less weight, making it portable and a perfect fit to use on the go. It also has powerful processing, a higher resolution display, 5G connectivity, an enhanced Camera, a sleek design, better battery life, and beautiful aesthetics.
Overall, the higher price of the iPad mini is justified and conspicuous.
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I love tech and all about it. I'm interested in finding ways how they can make my life more productive, and I share my knowledge with my blog readers. I'm an iPad Pro, iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch user, so I know a thing or two about these devices and try to write helpful content around these topics.
