Apple’s new iPad mini ties chip performance to storage: the 128GB and 256GB models ship with the A20 Pro configured as a five‑core CPU and a 16‑core Neural Engine, while the 512GB version offers a six‑core CPU and a dual 16‑core Neural Engine.
iPad mini storage changes chip configuration
All iPad mini variants use the A20 Pro, but the higher‑capacity 512GB model is the only one that includes the additional CPU core. The extra core is an efficiency core; every model still contains two high‑performance CPU cores and a seven‑core GPU. As a result, anyone who wants the most capable version of the chip must buy the 512GB model, even if they do not need the extra storage.
This is the first time Apple has split processor capability by storage on the iPad mini. Previous iPad mini generations offered the same processor configuration regardless of storage. Apple has applied a similar storage‑linked upgrade before on the iPad Pro, where M4 and M5 models added an extra CPU core for higher storage options.
Samsung keeps processor choices consistent
By contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 across all storage configurations, so choosing a larger drive does not change CPU or GPU capability. The Tab S12 Ultra does offer more RAM on its 1TB model — 16GB instead of 12GB — but the processor remains the same. Both Galaxy Tab S12 models also support microSD cards up to 2TB, giving buyers an expandable storage option before turning to cloud services.
