Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation (2021)

Overall Score: 7.9/10

The iPad Mini is a full-powered iPad in a remarkably compact form factor. Unlike the entry-level iPad 10th Gen, the Mini features the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13 Pro), USB-C connectivity, and Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic attachment and wireless charging. For older kids who need a powerful, portable device for creativity, note-taking, or demanding apps, it is an excellent choice.

The challenge is value. At $499 for the 64GB model—before adding a case ($50-80), Apple Pencil 2 ($129), and AppleCare+ ($79)—the total investment approaches $800. For most families, the standard iPad or Fire HD tablets offer better value. The iPad Mini makes sense for specific use cases where compact size and maximum performance both matter.

The Verdict: The iPad Mini is the right choice for older kids (10+) who need portability, power, and premium features. It is overkill for young children and poor value compared to alternatives for basic tablet use.

I tested the iPad Mini 6th Gen as a dedicated device for my 12-year-old niece for 6 months, comparing it to the standard iPad 10th Gen, Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, and previous iPad Mini generations.

The iPad Mini uses identical parental control features as other iPads through Screen Time:

• App limits by category and specific app
• Downtime scheduling
• Content restrictions by age rating
• Ask to Buy for purchases and downloads
• Communication limits for contacts
• Screen Distance warnings
• Focus modes for homework time

Apple continues to lead on privacy:

• App Tracking Transparency blocks unauthorized tracking
• Minimal first-party data collection
• Privacy labels show what each app accesses
• Regular security updates for 5-7 years

The iPad Mini is aluminum and glass in a smaller package. It fits in jacket pockets and small bags, which increases the chance of drops and bumps. A quality case is essential—not optional.

AppleCare+ ($79 for 2 years) covers accidental damage with service fees. Without it, a cracked screen or bent chassis is expensive to repair.

The A15 Bionic chip is the same processor found in iPhone 13 Pro. This is flagship-level performance in a tablet form factor:

• Handles demanding games (Genshin Impact, high-end racing games) smoothly
• Video editing in iMovie or LumaFusion without lag
• 3D modeling and AR applications run flawlessly
• Split-screen multitasking works well despite smaller display
• Will remain fast for 5+ years

For kids who use demanding apps, the Mini never holds them back.

The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and P3 wide color is the best display on any device this size:

• True Tone adjusts color temperature to ambient light
• Fully laminated with anti-reflective coating
• Crisp text for reading
• Vibrant colors for creative work

Unlike the standard iPad 10th Gen (which uses the first-gen Pencil or USB-C Pencil), the iPad Mini supports Apple Pencil 2:

• Magnetically attaches and charges on the side
• Double-tap to switch tools
• Tilt and pressure sensitivity
• Zero perceptible latency

For drawing, note-taking, and handwriting practice, Apple Pencil 2 is the gold standard.

The iPad Mini form factor is genuinely unique:

• 6.3mm thin, 10.7 oz (293g)
• Fits in large jacket pockets
• One-handed use is comfortable
• Perfect for reading, planes, and commutes

No other device combines this level of performance with this level of portability.

Apple rates it at 10 hours; I consistently get 8-9 hours of real-world use. This is adequate but not exceptional—the smaller battery is a trade-off for the compact size.

Total 3-year cost:

• iPad Mini 6th Gen 64GB: $499
• Kid-proof case: $70
• AppleCare+ (2 years): $79
• Apple Pencil 2: $129 (if wanted)
• Educational apps: $50-150
• Total: $698-927

This is the most expensive option in our kids tablet recommendations. The question is whether your child will use the premium features.

The 64GB base model fills up quickly if your child downloads games, videos, or creative apps. The 256GB model costs $649—a $150 premium that may be necessary for serious use.

• Kids who draw and need Apple Pencil 2
• Students who take handwritten notes
• Kids who play demanding games
• Families who need maximum portability
• Kids who will use it through high school

• Young children (under 10)
• Kids who primarily watch videos and play casual games
• Families who could use a less expensive tablet for the same activities

Choose iPad Mini if: Portability is critical, you want Apple Pencil 2, or your child needs maximum performance.

Choose iPad 10th Gen if: Larger display matters more, budget is a concern, or the child does not need flagship specs.

1. Older kids (10+) who draw or take handwritten notes

Apple Pencil 2 on the portable Mini is a killer combination for creative and studious kids.

2. Kids who play demanding games

The A15 chip handles anything without compromise.

3. Families who prioritize portability

No other tablet this powerful fits in a jacket pocket.

4. Kids who commute or travel frequently

The compact size makes it ideal for transit use.

5. Families planning to hand down through multiple kids

The premium build and long software support make it a durable investment.

1. Young children (under 10)

The premium features are wasted on kids who do not need them, and the price stings more when dropped.

2. Budget-conscious families

Fire HD tablets deliver 80% of the utility for 25% of the cost.

3. Kids who primarily consume content

Watching videos and reading does not require flagship specs or Apple Pencil.

4. Families who want included content

Apple does not include educational content—you build the library yourself.

The iPad Mini 6th Generation is the most powerful, most portable premium kids tablet available. For older kids who will use Apple Pencil 2, demanding apps, or need maximum portability, it delivers an experience no other device matches. For most families with younger kids or basic tablet needs, the price premium is not justified.

My recommendation: Buy the iPad Mini for kids 10+ who have specific needs for portability, creative tools, or power. For everyone else, the standard iPad or Fire HD tablets offer better value.

• Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation Technical Specifications. Apple.com. 2021.
• Apple Screen Time Documentation. 2025.
• Wirecutter Best iPad Guide. 2025.
• Consumer Reports Tablet Ratings. 2025.

Overall Score: 7.9/10

The iPad Mini is a full-powered iPad in a remarkably compact form factor. Unlike the entry-level iPad 10th Gen, the Mini features the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13 Pro), USB-C connectivity, and Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic attachment and wireless charging. For older kids who need a powerful, portable device for creativity, note-taking, or demanding apps, it is an excellent choice.

The challenge is value. At $499 for the 64GB model—before adding a case ($50-80), Apple Pencil 2 ($129), and AppleCare+ ($79)—the total investment approaches $800. For most families, the standard iPad or Fire HD tablets offer better value. The iPad Mini makes sense for specific use cases where compact size and maximum performance both matter.

The Verdict: The iPad Mini is the right choice for older kids (10+) who need portability, power, and premium features. It is overkill for young children and poor value compared to alternatives for basic tablet use.

I tested the iPad Mini 6th Gen as a dedicated device for my 12-year-old niece for 6 months, comparing it to the standard iPad 10th Gen, Fire HD 10 Kids Pro, and previous iPad Mini generations.

The iPad Mini uses identical parental control features as other iPads through Screen Time:

• App limits by category and specific app
• Downtime scheduling
• Content restrictions by age rating
• Ask to Buy for purchases and downloads
• Communication limits for contacts
• Screen Distance warnings
• Focus modes for homework time

Apple continues to lead on privacy:

• App Tracking Transparency blocks unauthorized tracking
• Minimal first-party data collection
• Privacy labels show what each app accesses
• Regular security updates for 5-7 years

The iPad Mini is aluminum and glass in a smaller package. It fits in jacket pockets and small bags, which increases the chance of drops and bumps. A quality case is essential—not optional.

AppleCare+ ($79 for 2 years) covers accidental damage with service fees. Without it, a cracked screen or bent chassis is expensive to repair.

The A15 Bionic chip is the same processor found in iPhone 13 Pro. This is flagship-level performance in a tablet form factor:

• Handles demanding games (Genshin Impact, high-end racing games) smoothly
• Video editing in iMovie or LumaFusion without lag
• 3D modeling and AR applications run flawlessly
• Split-screen multitasking works well despite smaller display
• Will remain fast for 5+ years

For kids who use demanding apps, the Mini never holds them back.

The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and P3 wide color is the best display on any device this size:

• True Tone adjusts color temperature to ambient light
• Fully laminated with anti-reflective coating
• Crisp text for reading
• Vibrant colors for creative work

Unlike the standard iPad 10th Gen (which uses the first-gen Pencil or USB-C Pencil), the iPad Mini supports Apple Pencil 2:

• Magnetically attaches and charges on the side
• Double-tap to switch tools
• Tilt and pressure sensitivity
• Zero perceptible latency

For drawing, note-taking, and handwriting practice, Apple Pencil 2 is the gold standard.

The iPad Mini form factor is genuinely unique:

• 6.3mm thin, 10.7 oz (293g)
• Fits in large jacket pockets
• One-handed use is comfortable
• Perfect for reading, planes, and commutes

No other device combines this level of performance with this level of portability.

Apple rates it at 10 hours; I consistently get 8-9 hours of real-world use. This is adequate but not exceptional—the smaller battery is a trade-off for the compact size.

Total 3-year cost:

• iPad Mini 6th Gen 64GB: $499
• Kid-proof case: $70
• AppleCare+ (2 years): $79
• Apple Pencil 2: $129 (if wanted)
• Educational apps: $50-150
• Total: $698-927

This is the most expensive option in our kids tablet recommendations. The question is whether your child will use the premium features.

The 64GB base model fills up quickly if your child downloads games, videos, or creative apps. The 256GB model costs $649—a $150 premium that may be necessary for serious use.

• Kids who draw and need Apple Pencil 2
• Students who take handwritten notes
• Kids who play demanding games
• Families who need maximum portability
• Kids who will use it through high school

• Young children (under 10)
• Kids who primarily watch videos and play casual games
• Families who could use a less expensive tablet for the same activities

Choose iPad Mini if: Portability is critical, you want Apple Pencil 2, or your child needs maximum performance.

Choose iPad 10th Gen if: Larger display matters more, budget is a concern, or the child does not need flagship specs.

1. Older kids (10+) who draw or take handwritten notes

Apple Pencil 2 on the portable Mini is a killer combination for creative and studious kids.

2. Kids who play demanding games

The A15 chip handles anything without compromise.

3. Families who prioritize portability

No other tablet this powerful fits in a jacket pocket.

4. Kids who commute or travel frequently

The compact size makes it ideal for transit use.

5. Families planning to hand down through multiple kids

The premium build and long software support make it a durable investment.

1. Young children (under 10)

The premium features are wasted on kids who do not need them, and the price stings more when dropped.

2. Budget-conscious families

Fire HD tablets deliver 80% of the utility for 25% of the cost.

3. Kids who primarily consume content

Watching videos and reading does not require flagship specs or Apple Pencil.

4. Families who want included content

Apple does not include educational content—you build the library yourself.

The iPad Mini 6th Generation is the most powerful, most portable premium kids tablet available. For older kids who will use Apple Pencil 2, demanding apps, or need maximum portability, it delivers an experience no other device matches. For most families with younger kids or basic tablet needs, the price premium is not justified.

My recommendation: Buy the iPad Mini for kids 10+ who have specific needs for portability, creative tools, or power. For everyone else, the standard iPad or Fire HD tablets offer better value.

• Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation Technical Specifications. Apple.com. 2021.
• Apple Screen Time Documentation. 2025.
• Wirecutter Best iPad Guide. 2025.
• Consumer Reports Tablet Ratings. 2025.