# Apple iPad mini (2026) vs. iPad mini (2024): Should You Pay $200 More?

> Apple's 2026 iPad mini costs $200 more than the 2024 model but offers key upgrades.
- Title: Apple iPad mini (2026) vs. iPad mini (2024): Should You Pay…
- Summary: Apple's 2026 iPad mini costs $200 more than the 2024 model but offers key upgrades. The 2026 iPad mini costs $200 more than the 2024 model but has better…
- Keywords: apple, ipad mini, ipad mini 2024, ipad mini 2026, price comparison, a20 pro, a17 pro, technology, iPad, mini, 2026, 2024
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/comparisons/apple-ipad-mini-2026-vs-ipad-mini-2024-should-you-pay-200-more
- Author: Eric Zeman
- Published: 2026-10-28T17:42:11+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: apple, ipad mini, ipad mini 2024, ipad mini 2026, price comparison, a20 pro, a17 pro, technology
## Price: From Not Bad to Yeeouch
The 2024 iPad mini starts at $499 for 128GB Wi-Fi. Apple raised the price by $100 to $599 this year.
## Price: From Not Bad to Yeeouch
The 2026 model starts at $699 for 128GB, up $100 from the 2024 model. The 512GB version costs $999.
## Price: From Not Bad to Yeeouch
Adding 5G cellular costs another $150. The 2026 iPad mini costs up to $1,149, more than the MacBook Neo.
## Design: One Big Gain
The 2026 model has fewer colors: only Midnight (black) or Starlight (gold).
## Design: One Big Gain
The 2026 model has sealed edges for an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and water.
## Size: Apple's Obsession With 'Thinner and Lighter' Pays Off
The 2026 iPad mini weighs 0.56 pounds, the same as the iPhone Duo.
## Display: Finally, What We've Waited Years For
The 2026 model has an 8.5-inch OLED display with 2,316 by 1,512 pixels at 322ppi.
## Display: Finally, What We've Waited Years For
The 2026 display has 1,200 nits brightness and runs as low as 1 nit in low light.
## Processor and Specs: Everything Is Faster
The 2026 model uses the A20 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
## Processor and Specs: Everything Is Faster
The A20 Pro delivers 60% faster CPU performance and 4.5x faster AI performance than the A17 Pro.
## Battery: You'll Never Guess
Apple says the 2026 iPad mini will last 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular.
## Cameras: A Fresh Orientation Makes a World of Difference
The 2026 model has a centered FaceTime camera for easier video calls in landscape orientation.
## Cameras: A Fresh Orientation Makes a World of Difference
The 2026 model's rear camera supports 4K60 video and has an f/1.8 aperture.
## Winner: iPad mini (2026)
The 2026 iPad mini wins on display, processor, and camera improvements.
## Key takeaway

The 2026 iPad mini costs $200 more than the 2024 model but has better display, processor, and camera features.