Can iPad Mini 7 Handle Wuthering Waves Better Than Mini 6? | Wuthering waves requirements

A17 Pro vs A15 Bionic: Best iPad for Wuthering Waves Gaming?

If you’re considering an upgrade to the iPad Mini 7 or wondering if the older iPad Mini 6 still holds up in modern gaming, you’re not alone. In this performance test, we pit the two head-to-head in Wuthering Waves, one of the most graphically demanding mobile games available today.

We maxed out the graphics settings on both tablets and ran a full session of combat gameplay while tracking FPS, thermals, and power consumption.

🔍 Test Setup Overview

• iPad Mini 7 (2025)
  • Chipset: A17 Pro (Same as iPhone 15 Pro)
  • Resolution: Default native
  • Game Settings: Maxed out (ultra shadows, effects, etc.)
• iPad Mini 6 (2021)
  • Chipset: A15 Bionic
  • Resolution: Higher than Mini 7 (by default)
  • Game Settings: Maxed out

Both devices were tested in similar ambient conditions and were fully charged prior to the benchmark session.

🎮 Wuthering Waves: Real Gameplay Comparison

During combat, both tablets maintained smooth gameplay with high visual fidelity. From fast-paced dodging to special ability animations, the experience remained immersive on both.

➤ FPS Results

• iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro): 58 FPS average
• iPad Mini 6 (A15 Bionic): 57 FPS average

What’s incredible here is not that the Mini 7 slightly outperforms — it’s that the Mini 6 kept up, despite being three years older and running at a higher in-game resolution.

🌡️ Thermal Management & Peak Temperature

Both devices did an excellent job of controlling heat:

• Mini 7: Peaked at only 34°C
• Mini 6: Reached up to 39°C

Neither experienced thermal throttling, and both stayed comfortably cool to the touch — a big plus for long gaming sessions.

🔋 Power Consumption Analysis

Here’s where the newer chip really shines.

• iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro): ~5.8W average power draw
• iPad Mini 6 (A15 Bionic): ~7.4W average, peaking at 11W

That’s a nearly 30% higher energy usage on the Mini 6 — meaning the A17 Pro is not only slightly faster, it’s also far more efficient. Apple’s newer silicon continues to lead in performance-per-watt.

🧠 What This Means for Mobile Gamers

• The iPad Mini 7 offers slightly better FPS with significantly better efficiency and thermal control.
• However, the iPad Mini 6 remains surprisingly powerful, delivering near-identical FPS despite higher workload (resolution) and age.
• If you’re focused purely on gaming performance in titles like Wuthering Waves, both devices are excellent — but the Mini 7 gives you future-proofing with cooler temps and better battery life.

🎤 Final Verdict: A15 Bionic Is Still a Gaming Beast

This test proves one thing: Apple’s A15 Bionic is still a gaming king, even in 2025. If you already own a Mini 6, there’s no urgent need to upgrade unless you want cooler operation and better efficiency.

But if you’re buying new and want the best iPad Mini for gaming, the Mini 7 with the A17 Pro is the clear winner in overall performance and thermal design.

✅ TL;DR