iPad Air vs. iPad Mini 2: Which is best?
In our iPad Air vs iPad Mini 2 review, we compare specs, battery life and pricing...


Verdict
The iPad Mini 2 and the iPad Air are pretty evenly matched in key areas such as their OS, software, hardware, connectivity and reparability.
The larger iPad Air has a higher brightness and contrast ratio with its display, and we also measured a longer battery life. The iPad Mini 2, on the other hand, is the smaller and cheaper option.
The Mini is still a wide device, however, and so isn't as adapt to fitting into jacket pockets as easily as something like the Nexus 7.
It's a tough choice but, based on the brightness and contrast ratio and slightly longer battery life, we'd have to go with the iPad Air.
This article was first published on 12/03/14 and has been updated multiple times (most recently on 21/07/14) to reflect new information that has become available since its original publication.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives

Keumars Afifi-Sabet is a writer and editor that specialises in public sector, cyber security, and cloud computing. He first joined ITPro as a staff writer in April 2018 and eventually became its Features Editor. Although a regular contributor to other tech sites in the past, these days you will find Keumars on LiveScience, where he runs its Technology section.
-
Blackouts in Spain and Portugal could be a cyber attack
Both countries are "paralyzed" by nationwide power outages
By Jane McCallion
-
Cisco takes aim at AI security at RSAC with ServiceNow partnership
News The companies claim Cisco AI Defense and ServiceNow SecOps will help address new challenges raised by AI
By Jane McCallion
-
Apple iPad mini 5 (2019) review: If it ain’t broke...
Reviews Almost four years on, the new iPad mini is still every bit as good as always
By Adam Shepherd
-
Apple iPad Mini 4 vs iPad Mini 3 head-to-head
Vs Apple's smallest tablet finally gets a proper update
By Dale Walker
-
Apple iPad Mini 3 review
Reviews A sleek, light and fast 8in tablet with a heavy sense of deja vu
By Alan Lu
-
iPad Air 2 tipped to receive 2GB RAM boost
News Apple will be adding to the RAM of its next-generation 9.7-inch iPad, increasing it to 2GB in line with various Android devices
By Caroline Preece
-
iPad mini 2 vs Nexus 7 (2013): Specs & price comparison
Vs Does the Retina Display on the Mini 2 outshine the 7in Nexus?
By Khidr Suleman
-
Apple iPad mini vs Google Nexus 7 vs Amazon Kindle Fire HD: Specifications infographic
News Infographic pitting the key specs of the hotly anticipated tablets against each other.
By Khidr Suleman
-
The iPad that's everything except a phone
In-depth Inside the Enterprise: Apple's iPad mini could be ideal for business, if it could make calls.
By Stephen Pritchard
-
Google gets a wake up call from Apple VP
In-depth Has Apple panicked by prematurely pushing out the iPad 4?
By Khidr Suleman