iPad Mini 2021 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Apple's eighth-generation iPad mini went on sale earlier this month with a larger OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, the A20 Pro chip, and water and dust resistance. If you still use the sixth-generation ‌iPad mini‌ from 2021, the upgrade also brings changes that debuted on the 2024 model , including Apple Intelligence , Apple Pencil Pro support, and twice the USB-C transfer…
The eighth-generation iPad mini, released in 2026, comes with a larger OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, the A20 Pro chip, and water and dust resistance upgrades compared to the sixth-generation model from 2021. The new iPad mini starts at $699 for 128GB Wi-Fi or $849 with cellular, while the 2021 model began at $499 and $649 with 64GB storage options.
Both devices run on iPadOS 27.2, feature Touch ID in the top button, and offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video watching. The display on both models runs at 60Hz, but the 2026 model boasts an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with an improved contrast ratio, resolution, and brightness. The design includes wider borders, thinner display borders, and optional nano-texture glass.
The iPad mini supports Apple Pencil Pro and retains Touch ID functionality, while the 2026 model also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and offers improved audio capabilities with acoustic display stereo audio. The price for the 2026 model ranges from $699 for Wi-Fi to $849 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, while the 2021 model starts at $499 and $649.
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