What are the "pros and cons" of the current and previous 8.3" iPad mini models (iPad mini 6 and iPad mini A17 Pro)? Is one the best iPad for me?

Apple has discontinued the iPad mini 6; the company currently sells the iPad mini A17 Pro. This Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite useful for anyone buying one of these models whether new or used.

Whether or not any of either of the 8.3" iPad mini models -- the previous iPad mini 6 or current iPad mini A17 Pro -- is the right tablet for you is a personal decision. However, objective pros and cons can be quite helpful to make a choice.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini A17 Pro; Space Gray & Starlight)

EveryiPad.com also provides a detailed comparison of the iPad mini 6 and iPad mini A17 Pro that can be useful for those who would like a more in-depth review.

Nevertheless, for those who prefer the just the "highlights" rather than exhaustive details, this quick summary can be perfect:

Pros:

• Attractive and compact with flat, easy-to-hold sides.
• Bright, high-resolution 8.3" "Liquid Retina" displays.
• Reasonably fast (iPad mini A17 Pro is modestly faster than more expensive iPad Air M2 tablets in single core tasks).
• Solid battery life.
• Relatively high capacity storage options.
• System-wide mirroring support.
• Support for 5G on cellular-equipped models.
• USB-C.
• Touch ID support is cleverly integrated in the power button.
• Support for the well-designed Apple Pencil 2nd Gen with iPad mini 6 and modestly more advanced Apple Pencil Pro for iPad mini A17 Pro.

Cons:

• Screens are relatively low quality by today's standards (not OLED, no ProMotion).
• The battery is not intended to be replaced and self-replacement is more difficult than it needs to be.
• Internal storage cannot be upgraded.
• No SD card slot.
• USB-C is relatively slow compared to Thunderbolt.
• No bundled headphones (a particularly miserly omission given the price of the device).
• No "Smart Connector" for easier keyboard attachment.

So, is either of these iPad mini models right for me?

Ultimately, both the iPad mini 6 and iPad mini A17 Pro models are sleek, compact, and stylish, and would be ideal for anyone who wants a smaller tablet.

Just comparing these models, and ignoring other ones, the iPad mini A17 Pro is (1) around 30% or so faster, (2) has twice the RAM, (3) offers more storage capacity, and (4) supports the Apple Intelligence software feature. Other more modest improvements like (5) a faster USB-C port, (6) faster Wi-Fi, and (7) Apple Pencil Pro support are worthwhile, too.

For most users, those are sufficient advantages to get the newer iPad mini A17 Pro, but for those on a bit of a budget, the iPad mini 6 also is a good choice on the used market given its essentially identical design, similar capabilities, and lower price tag.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are many sites to buy a new or used iPad mini. However, buying your iPad from a good company with solid knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.