How do I choose between iPad and iPad mini for school?

depend on what size display you wish for me a mini would be too small and the 13" pro ipads too large

I also like to read comics on the ipad without zooming

you can view them compared here

iPad Pro 11‑in. (M4) vs iPad mini (A17 Pro) vs iPad (A16) - Apple

All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.

You can compare iPad models here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple

Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.

A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.

Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. 

Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. 

Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.

yajaira44 wrote:

Thank you so much, Rudegar. Do you think getting a protection plan is worth it? How long have you had your iPad, and what storage did you get for your iPad? I want to make sure the iPad lasts me a long time, especially since they are so expensive

You definitely want to buy AppleCare+. It gives you peace of mind if accidental damage ever happens and gives you a significant deductible on repairs. It also covers any accessories such as Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard. If you plan to use it for a long time, you’ll want more storage than you think you’ll need. 256 GB should be good if it’s just for school and some personal use. Also note the iPad Mini has less battery than the baseline iPads and the brightness doesn’t go as far.