Totally new iPad mini 6 is powered by A15 Bionic chip
During the launch event (Sep 2021), I was waiting for the mention of the chip that powers the totally new iPad mini 6. There were several mentions of its processing capabilities and how it is more powerful than the previous generation iPad mini, but the event did not spell out which A series chip is in use.
Apple’s website indicates that the iPad mini actually shares the same chip as iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. The ‘uncrippled’ A15 Bionic chip with the following specifications.
Chip used in iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- A15 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture
- 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores
- 5-core graphics
- 16-core Neural Engine
This means, the new iPad mini is the cheapest device to enjoy the cutting edge and high performance A15 Bionic chip. When compared to the iPhone 13, based on the ‘crippled’ A15 Bionic chip, it has the advantage of an added GPU core. The standard iPhone 13 and 13 mini has one of its graphics core disabled, leaving only 4-cores. This is the same strategy used to differentiate product offerings seen in new iMac 24-inch and the MacBook Air with M1 chip.
Chip used in iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13
- A15 Bionic chip with 64‑bit architecture
- 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores
- 4-core graphics
- 16-core Neural Engine
In performance terms, this makes the new iPad mini on par with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max for cheaper than iPhone 13 mini money.
New iPad mini 6 vs iPad mini 5 Performance Comparison
Here’s how the new iPad mini perform when compared to previous generation iPad mini 5 based powered by A12 Bionic chip.
With its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, the new iPad mini comes with
- 40% faster CPU performance
- 2x faster machine learning with Apple Neural Engine
- 80% faster graphics with 5-core GPU
Going beyond the chip, the new iPad mini adopts the flat edge design akin to iPad Pro and iPad Air, a bigger 8.3-inch display from 7.9-inch, support for USB-C, WiFi 6 and option for 5G connectivity as well as support for Apple Pencil 2. It also comes with little perks like ultra wide front facing camera that supports centre stage, support for magnetic Smart Folio covers (shown below), landscape stereo speaker updated rear camera, new 12MP main camera (from 8MP) and Touch ID on the power button.
Who doesn’t like a bargain. For less than iPhone 13 mini, If you are in the market for a small-ish tablet, the new iPad mini with the fastest mobile chip from Apple is worth a look.
