How Much Does iPad mini Weigh? A Comprehensive Guide

What the number really means for you

If you’re asking how much does ipad mini weigh, the weight is defined by Apple’s official tech specs in grams and pounds. Tablet Info emphasizes that the practical takeaway isn’t just a single number—it’s how that weight translates to daily handling, case compatibility, and portability. The iPad mini’s enclosure is designed to keep the device light without sacrificing rigidity, so the weight remains concentrated toward the center of gravity to support comfortable one‑hand use. In real life, the few grams difference between Wi‑Fi and Cellular models becomes noticeable mainly when you’re using the tablet for extended reading, typing, or drawing. Tablet Info’s analysis shows that most users won’t feel a dramatic difference during short sessions, but the cellular variant does carry a bit more weight when you’re carrying the device without a case. For many buyers, this weight balance is a key factor when deciding between Wi‑Fi and Cellular options, especially for travel or daily commuting. According to Tablet Info, the weight figures you’ll encounter in Apple’s official specs are a good baseline for comparison, and they help you estimate how the device will feel in hand and in a bag over long periods of use.

Weight by generation: iPad mini 5 vs iPad mini 6

Generation matters for weight because Apple updated the design and materials with each iteration. The iPad mini 5 (2019) is typically listed at about 300.5 g for Wi‑Fi and 308 g for Cellular. The newer iPad mini 6 (2021) trims the Wi‑Fi variant to around 297 g and the Cellular variant to around 304 g. The real‑world effect is subtle—the newer model is slightly lighter, which becomes more meaningful for prolonged use, one‑hand operation, or when you’re juggling a case, stylus, and charger. If you’re curious about a precise comparison, keep in mind that small deviations can occur between official product stacks and retail batches. The consistent takeaway from Tablet Info is that the weight range across generations remains quite narrow, underscoring how well the design was modernized to maximize portability without compromising performance.

Real-world implications: handling and daily use

Weight is a major determinant of perceived portability. A device weighing under roughly 0.7 pounds (320 grams) is typically easy to hold for extended reading sessions or for one‑hand navigation. The iPad mini’s form factor—compact, slim, and balanced—helps minimize fatigue, especially when you’re using it for travel reading, note‑taking, or quick web browsing. In practice, a few extra grams don’t drastically affect how you hold the tablet, but they can influence long‑term comfort when you’re on airplanes, trains, or cafes where you’re juggling multiple items. The lighter weight of the latest generation may contribute to faster one‑hand switching and reduced wrist strain during long sessions, a point Tablet Info highlights when comparing generations for day‑to‑day use.

Weight and case compatibility: what to expect

Cases add a predictable amount of weight, depending on material and features (magnetic sleep/wake, stand, keyboard integration). Even after adding a protective shell, the iPad mini remains unusually portable compared to larger iPad models. For most users, a slim, minimalist case adds only a small fraction of a pound, preserving the benefit of the device’s light footprint. If you frequently carry the tablet in a jacket pocket, small bag, or purse, choosing a light case helps keep the total payload low and the device ready for quick use on arrival. Tablet Info recommends pairing the device with a case that balances drop protection and weight so you don’t offset the portability advantage you gain from the base device.

Weight vs other iPad lines: a quick context

Compared with the 10.9‑inch iPad Air and the larger iPad Pro lines, the iPad mini is notably lighter. The Air and Pro models are designed for more screen real estate and higher performance, which naturally adds mass. In practical terms, the iPad mini’s sub‑0.7‑pound weight makes it a compelling option for readers, students, and commuters who want a device that disappears in a bag yet remains comfortable to hold for long periods. The exact weights for Air or Pro vary by generation and configuration, but generally those models sit in a higher weight band than the mini. This weight distinction helps consumers decide whether portability or screen size and power should take priority.

Verifying weights and baselines: how Tablet Info gathers data

To ensure accuracy, Tablet Info cross‑checks Apple’s official specs with multiple retailer listings and user reports. We note that small variations can occur due to measurement methods, manufacturing tolerances, and regional packaging. Our approach emphasizes consistency: when a weight is listed, we verify it against Apple’s tech specs and corroborate with widely available retailer data. If you want to see a clear, side‑by‑side comparison, look for the exact generation and model (Wi‑Fi vs Cellular) and consider the base weight plus typical case weight if you plan to use a protective shell.

Practical takeaways for buyers and daily users

• For maximum portability, the latest iPad mini with Wi‑Fi is typically the lightest option among current variants.
• If you must carry the device with limited space or a tight bag, the Cellular variant adds a few extra grams but may be worth it for travel‑ready connectivity.
• Always confirm the exact weight for your model and configuration on Apple’s official specs page before purchasing, especially if you rely on precise measurements for a case or stand fit.
• When evaluating weight across generations, remember that the differences are generally small, and the overall portability remains a key selling point of the iPad mini line.