The 512GB iPad mini Gets More Than Extra Storage

The 512GB version of Apple's new iPad mini isn't just the one with the most storage. It also gets an extra CPU core and a second Neural Engine, hardware you won't find in the 128GB or 256GB models.

The A20 Pro mini is now available, with the 512GB Wi-Fi model priced at $999 on Amazon. That is $200 more than the 256GB version. For reading, streaming, and notes, though, the cheaper models still give you the same OLED screen.

What Changes at 512GB

The 128GB and 256GB versions have a five-core CPU: two super cores and three efficiency cores. The 512GB model keeps the two super cores and adds a fourth efficiency core, bringing its CPU total to six. All three have a seven-core GPU.

The two lower capacities have one 16-core Neural Engine; the 512GB model has two, for 32 Neural Engine cores in total. Apps that run AI models directly on the iPad can use that hardware for tasks such as generating images or transcribing speech, without sending the work to a server.

The display size, OLED panel, cameras, water-resistance rating, and supported Apple Pencils are the same at every capacity. Even the $699 model gets the new mini's main physical upgrades.

What the Extra Hardware Can Do

In Apple's testing, the six-core, 512GB A20 Pro mini delivered up to 60 percent faster CPU performance than the previous A17 Pro model, using Affinity Photo 2's built-in benchmark.

In MacStories' hands-on review, John Voorhees used the Neural Engine-optimized Voz speech model to transcribe a ten-minute podcast clip on the 512GB mini. It finished in about one second on average across nine runs, excluding the time needed to prepare the model. The review did not test the lower capacities.

The benefit of the extra CPU core and second Neural Engine will depend on how your apps use them. All three models support Apple Intelligence, and daily limits still apply to features that use Apple's servers.

Nano-Texture Starts at 256GB

The glare-reducing nano-texture glass is available on the 256GB and 512GB minis for an extra $100. It is not offered at 128GB. A 256GB Wi-Fi model with nano-texture costs $899, still $100 less than a standard-glass 512GB model.

For reading or drawing in bright surroundings, we'd consider the 256GB nano-texture model before spending more on 512GB. Less glare could make a bigger difference to that daily use than the extra processing hardware. The standard glass already has an antireflective coating, so compare the two finishes in person if reflections are your main concern.

How the Prices Compare

These are Apple's US prices for the A20 Pro mini. The Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular rows use standard glass; the final row shows Wi-Fi models with optional nano-texture glass.

Which Capacity Would We Buy?

For books, browsing, notes, and streaming, we would start with 128GB at $699. Check your current iPad's storage use first, particularly if you download films or keep several large games installed.

The 256GB model at $799 leaves more room for those downloads without taking the price to $999. It has the same CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine configuration as the 128GB model, and it is the least expensive starting point for adding nano-texture glass.

We would choose the 512GB mini at $999 for a large library of artwork, games, video projects, or local AI models. The extra processing hardware makes that storage upgrade more appealing. For someone who would otherwise be comfortable with 128GB, though, we would not spend another $300 just for browsing and streaming.

You can compare current retailer offers and set price alerts through the iClarified iPad Price Tracker. If you already own the previous mini, our A20 Pro vs. A17 Pro comparison looks at whether the new screen and other changes justify an upgrade.