Tablets · 2021 · Apple

Apple iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi

The sixth-generation iPad mini redesigned the small tablet with an 8.3-inch edge-to-edge display, A15 Bionic, USB-C and second-generation Apple Pencil support. Touch ID moved to the top button, and the front camera became an ultra wide with Center Stage. Uneven refresh while scrolling in portrait (jelly scrolling) became a talking point.

iPad mini (6th generation, 2021) Wi-Fi model; 64 or 256 GB. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version (A2568) adds 5G. The iPad mini (2024) with A17 Pro is a separate model.

Apple iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi — Apple image of the iPad mini (6th generation) in Space Grey, Pink, Purple and Starlight.
Apple image of the iPad mini (6th generation) in Space Grey, Pink, Purple and Starlight.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina, LED-backlit IPS; 2266 × 1488 pixels, 326 ppi; wide colour (P3), True Tone, fully laminated

Apple rates brightness at 500 nits, and the anti-reflective coating cuts reflectivity to 1.8%. No refresh rate is stated, and the display is not ProMotion.

ChipA15 Bionic: 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency), 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage64 GB or 256 GB

There is no memory card slot.

Apple PencilApple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C)

The second-generation pencil pairs and charges via the magnetic connector on the side.

Rear camera12 MP Wide, ƒ/1.8; 4K video at 24/25/30/60 fps; quad-LED True Tone flash
Front camera12 MP Ultra Wide, ƒ/2.4, 122° field of view; Center Stage

Center Stage automatically pans the frame to follow the person during video calls. The camera sits on the short edge of the tablet.

AudioLandscape stereo speakers; dual microphones
WirelessWi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2x2 MIMO, up to 1.2 Gb/s; Bluetooth 5.0
USB-CUSB-C: charging, DisplayPort, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s); one external display up to 4K at 30 Hz
AuthenticationTouch ID in the top button
Battery19.3 Wh lithium-polymer; up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi‑Fi

The times come from Apple’s own test conditions and vary with use.

SensorsTouch ID, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor
Size and weight195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm; 293 g
ColoursSpace Grey, Pink, Purple, Starlight

From the manufacturer

Apple presents the iPad mini with an all-new design, a Liquid Retina display and the A15 Bionic chip. Apple Support

Strengths and limitations

  • As reported by TechSpot, when scrolling quickly in portrait on the iPad mini 6, one side of the screen updates later than the other and text appears to tilt (jelly scrolling). Apple told Ars Technica this is normal behaviour caused by LCD screens refreshing line by line; Ars Technica noted that the effect is not visible on other 60 Hz LCD iPads of the time, such as the iPad and iPad Air 4. The effect disappears in landscape and is subtle for many users, though it can bother those who notice it.

    TechSpot report (September 2021), compiling user reports and Apple’s statement.

    TechSpot: iPad mini 6 jelly scrolling report

Tags

2021APPLEIPADIPADOSUSB-CAPPLE-PENCIL

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Sources

  1. Apple Support: iPad mini (6th generation) tech specs
  2. TechSpot: iPad mini 6 jelly scrolling report