iPad mini vs iPad Air: which should you buy?

the iPad Air 2020 and the iPad mini 2021 in a blue and pink vs template
(Image credit: Future/Apple)

An iPad is an indispensable tool for so many creatives thanks to its portability. You can draw, paint, render, design, and more on the go without being tied down to a desktop computer. If the ultra-expensive iPad Pro feels like overkill, there are two Apple tablets you should consider: The 2020 iPad Air and the new iPad mini, which brought its design and features right up to date.

In this guide, we’ll take you through all the key points of both tablets and show you where each one comes out on top. If you’re not sure which one to buy, we’re here to help. If you'd prefer to read an in-depth review of the different products separately, see our iPad Air (2020) review or iPad mini (2021) review, or to compare them to the top-of-the-range Apple tablet, check out what we thought of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1).

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Alex Blake

Alex Blake is a freelance tech journalist who writes for Creative Bloq, TechRadar, Digital Trends, and others. Before going freelance he was commissioning editor at MacFormat magazine, focusing on the world of Apple products. His interests include web design, typography, and video games.