The iPad mini is smaller than the iPad and also costs less. It has a less powerful processor but is a solid, functional tablet.
Comparison chart
 | iPad | iPad mini |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Display | 1st & 2nd generation: 1024 × 768 px 132 PPI 4:3 aspect ratio, 9.7 in (250 mm) diagonal, XGA, LED-backlit IPS LCD, 3rd & 4th generation: 2048×1536 px 264 PPI, Mini, 1,024x768 px 163 PPI, 7.9 in (200 mm) diagonal | 7.9" diagonal. 1024 × 768 px 163 PPI 4:3 aspect ratio, 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Weight | Wi-Fi model: 1.5 lb (680 g), Wi-Fi + 3G model: 1.6 lb (730 g), 2nd generation: 1.325 lb (601 g), 3rd generation Wi-Fi model: 1.44 lb (650 g), 3rd generation Wi-Fi + 4G model: 1.46 lb (660 g), 4th generation Wi-Fi model: 1.44 lb (650 g), 4 | 0.68 lb (308 g) |
| Camera | 1st generation: None, 2nd generation: VGA Front-facing and 720p rear-facing, 3rd generation: VGA Front-facing and 5 million pixels rear-facing, 4th generation and mini: 720p Front-facing and 5 million pixels rear-facing | Front-facing (1.2 MP) and rear-facing (5 MP) |
| Operating system | 1st generation: iOS 5.1.1, 2nd & 3rd & 4th generation: iOS 6.1.3 | iOS |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. (depending on tablet) | Foxconn |
| Dimensions | 1st generation: 9.56 in (243 mm) (h), 7.47 in (190 mm) (w), 0.50 in (13 mm) (d), 2nd generation: 9.50 in (241 mm) (h), 7.31 in (186 mm) (w), 0.34 in (8.6 mm) (d), 3rd & 4th generation: 9.50 in (241 mm) (h), 7.31 in (186 mm) (w | Height: 7.87 inches (200 mm); Width: 5.3 inches (134.7 mm); Depth: 0.28 inch (7.2 mm) |
| CPU | 1st generation: 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8, 2nd generation: 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9, 3rd generation: 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9, 4th generation: 1.4 GHz dual-core Apple Swift, Mini: 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 | 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 |
| Input | Multi-touch screen, headset controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass, 2nd generation adds: 3-axis gyro | Multi-touch screen, headset controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass |
| Release date | 1st generation: April 3, 2010 (Wi-Fi), April 30, 2010 (Wi-Fi + 3G), May 28, 2010 (International), 2nd generation: March 11, 2011 (United States), March 25, 2011 (International), 3rd generation: March 16, 2012, 4th generation and Mini: Nov | November 2, 2012 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 802.11 a/b/g/n, 1st & 2nd Generation, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, GSM models also include, UMTS / HSDPA, 850, 1,900, 2,100 MHz, GSM / EDGE, 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz, CDMA model also includes, CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A, 800, 1,900 MHz, 3rd Generation, Bluet | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n Bluetooth 4.0 GSM UMTS / HSDPA 850, 1,900, 2,100 MHz GSM / EDGE 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz) CDMA CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A 800, 1,900 MHz GSM LTE 700, 2,100 MHz UMTS / HSDPA/HSPA+ / DC-HSDPA 850, 900, 1,900, 2,100 M |
| Developer | Apple Inc. | Apple Inc. |
| Storage capacity | 16, 32, 64, or 128 GB flash memory | 16, 32, or 64 GB flash memory |
| Power | Built-in rechargeable Li-Po battery, 25 W·h (90 kJ), 10hr life | Built-in rechargeable Li-Po battery, 16.3 W, h (59 kJ), 10hr life |
| Online services | iTunes Store, App Store, iCloud, iBookstore | iTunes Store, App Store, iCloud, iBookstore |
| Website | apple.com/ipad | www.apple.com/ipad-mini/ |
| System-on-chip used | 1st generation: Apple A4, 2nd generation: Apple A5, 3rd generation: Apple A5X, 4th generation: Apple A6X, Mini: Apple A5 | Apple dual-core A5 |
About the Author
Nexus 10 
iPad mini
Comments: iPad vs iPad mini