New iPad mini models all use a cut-down A20 Pro chip except the 512GB top-end version
For Apple's new iPad mini, except for the 512GB top-end version, both the 128GB and 256GB versions use a cut-down A20 Pro chip, with one fewer CPU core and no Dual 16-core Neural Engine. The 512GB version has a 6-core CPU plus a Dual 16-core Neural Engine and starts at $999; the 128GB and 256GB versions have a 5-core CPU plus a 16-core Neural Engine and start at $699.
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Today Apple unveiled its biggest update to the iPad mini yet, but if you’re looking to buy one, there’s a key limitation of the A20 Pro chip in every configuration but one.
A20 Pro chip in iPad mini drops CPU core and Dual 16-core Neural Engine in most configurations
Apple’s new iPad mini comes with significant upgrades like the larger display, thinner design, OLED display, and a powerful A20 Pro chip.
But if you’re interested in buying the iPad mini, not all models are created equal.
In fact, every configuration except the highest 512GB model includes a less powerful, binned A20 Pro chip.
According to Apple’s tech specs page, here’s the breakdown of the A20 Pro across different storage configurations.
Models with 128GB or 256GB storage:
5-core CPU with 2 super cores and 3 efficiency cores
7-core GPU
Neural Accelerators
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
16-core Neural Engine
Models with 512GB storage:
6-core CPU with 2 super cores and 4 efficiency cores
7-core GPU
Neural Accelerators
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Dual 16-core Neural Engine
It’s not unusual for Apple to use binned chips at times in its products. But in most cases, the only drawback of those chips is having one less CPU or GPU core.
With iPad mini, you not only lose a CPU core, you also don’t get the Dual 16-core Neural Engine.
That feature is exclusive to high-end 512GB models. So both the 128GB and 256GB models—the majority of configurations—have only a 16-core Neural Engine.
It’s a significant limitation, and especially unfortunate since it applies to most models that Apple will sell.
The iPad mini has a higher than ever starting price of $699, and if you want the model with a full-featured A20 Pro chip, it will set you back $999 (or more, depending on cellular and nano-texture choices).
Will the A20 Pro limitation in most iPad mini models impact your upgrade decision? Let us know in the comments.
*Buy iPad with 15% discount from Apple refurbished
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