Suggested Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GB ComparisonsApple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsSamsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2019 Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsXiaomi Mi Pad 4 Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsAsus ZenPad 3S 10 Z500M Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsHuawei MediaPad M3 32GB LTE Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsLenovo Ideapad Miix 300 Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsLenovo Tab3 8 Plus Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsSamsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019 Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsSamsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 2020 Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsLenovo A8-50vsSamsung Galaxy Tab A Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsLenovo Tab 4 8 16GB WiFi Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsSamsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 LTE Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsApple iPad mini 2 32GB WiFi Apple iPad Mini 4 WiFi 16GBvsSamsung Galaxy Tab A Copyright © 2022 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved The Times of India . For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service
Update Published October 24, 2019
What are all the differences between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models? Which should I buy? Please note that the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 both have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest iOS support details and more to help those interested in buying or selling either model on the used market. Upon introducing the iPad mini 4 models in 2015 -- the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- Apple discontinued the iPad mini 3 but continued to sell 32 GB configurations of the iPad mini 2 -- the iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi Only), (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China). It certainly seems that Apple discontinued the iPad mini 3 largely to create a more substantially differentiated product mix, because the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 were far too similar for most users to be hooked with an "upsell" from the less expensive older model to the more expensive newer model. For the iPad mini 4, on the other hand, the original value proposition compared to the iPad mini 2 was much more substantial. Even on the used market, whether or not the difference is substantial enough for you, though, requires a thoughtful evaluation, particularly given even lower prices of the iPad mini 2. Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 4) External Differences Although both models use a similar style, with softly rounded corners and sides, the iPad mini 4 (above) is not only a bit taller than the iPad mini 2 (below), the iPad mini 4 has a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor built into the "Home" button (like the iPad mini 3), but lacks a physical switch next to the volume buttons in favor of software controls in Control Center. Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 2 - Silver Color Option) The iPad mini 2 only uses a white front and a silver colored back or a black front and a "Space" gray back whereas the iPad mini 4 also is available with a white front and a gold colored back in addition to the iPad mini 2 color options. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 both have a 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display, but the iPad mini 4 not only has an "antireflective" coating, but in detailed testing, it is much better quality with a significantly improved color gamut, as well. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 each have dual cameras. The front-mounted 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" cameras are identical except that the iPad mini 4 adds "Burst Mode" for easier selfies. However, the rear-mounted 1080p "iSight" camera on the iPad mini 2 has a 5 megapixel sensor and the iPad mini 4 has a better quality 8 megapixel sensor. Internal Differences Originally, the iPad mini 2 was available with 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, but Apple only sold a 32 GB storage option toward the end of its life as a new model. The iPad mini 4 originally was available with 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage. On September 7, 2016, Apple introduced 32 GB options, cut the price of the 128 GB options, and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options. On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the 32 GB options and cut the price of the 128 GB options. Finally, on March 18, 2019, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 4 entirely. Of course, on the used market iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models are available in all capacities. The iPad mini 2 models have a dual core, 64-bit 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor and M7 motion coprocessor, 1 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi support as well as Bluetooth 4.0. By contrast, the iPad mini 4 models are significantly more capable. These models have a faster dual core, 64-bit 1.5 GHz Apple A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor, 2 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) as well as Bluetooth 4.2. Identification Differences It is possible to visually distinguish between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 when they are side-by-side because the iPad mini 4 is taller, lacks the physical switch adjacent to the volume buttons, and has the "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor. However, because it is easy to mistake these models for one another (and other iPad mini models) when they are not side-by-side, visual identification is not a good long-term method for differentiation. Furthermore, it is not possible to visually differentiate between the global and China-only cellular iPad mini 2 at all. Consequently, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad mini: The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) in space gray with 16 GB of storage is MK862LL/A. To pinpoint an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature. Connectivity & Battery Life Differences Battery life is the same for the Wi-Fi only and Cellular capable models from each line. Using Wi-Fi, the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models each provide ten hours of runtime whereas the cellular capable models provide nine hours of runtime on a cellular connection. However, the iPad mini 4 models provide much more advanced connectivity. The iPad mini 2 models support dual channel 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with MIMO capability in addition to Bluetooth 4.0. By contrast, the iPad mini 4 models support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) in addition to Bluetooth 4.2. The iPad mini 4 with cellular connectivity supports many more LTE (4G) bands, as well. Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:
All of these cellular capable models are unlocked and can be switched between carriers with a compatible Nano SIM card. However, some carriers still may require activation or configuration before the iPad will work properly -- or at all -- on their network. The China specific iPad mini 2 is intended for use only in mainland China on China Mobile. It also is worth noting that in the US and UK, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller -- like site sponsor Adorama -- the cellular capable iPad mini 4 also originally shipped with a then new "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it has a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers. The iPad mini 2 shipped with an "old fashioned" single carrier Nano SIM. iOS Support Differences The iPad mini 2 models first shipped with iOS 7.0.3 and also are fully supported by iOS 8 whereas the iPad mini 4 models first shipped with iOS 9.0 and cannot run earlier versions of the iOS. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models both support iOS 9, although the newer iPad mini 4 supports significant "Split View" interface option for improved multitasking and the iPad mini 2 models do not. The iPad mini 4 also supports Apple Pay, but only for apps and not for use within retail stores. Neither support the iOS "Health" functionality that the iPhone supports. Both the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 support iOS 10, but do not support the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. Both support iOS 11 and iOS 12, too. However, the iPad mini 2 models do not support the current version of the iOS, iOS 13 (iPadOS), whereas the iPad mini 4 models do. The iPad mini 4 models fully support iOS 13 (iPadOS), with the exception of the Adjust Portrait Lighting and "High-Key Mono" photography features as well as modest AR features (Motion Capture and People Occlusion). Pricing Differences All color options within each line cost the same amount. Pricing within a line was differentiated by capacity and connectivity rather than color. Original Prices When the iPad mini 2 models first were introduced, they were priced accordingly:
2015 Prices When the iPad mini 4 was introduced, Apple dropped the price of the remaining iPad mini 2 options accordingly:
2016 Prices On September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 16 GB options for the iPad mini 2 as well as introduced a 32 GB option for the iPad mini 4, cut the price of the 128 GB option, and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options. Consequently, the 2016 options and prices were:
2017 Prices On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2, as well as the 32 GB configurations of the iPad mini 4, and cut the price of the remaining 128 GB iPad mini 4 options:
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section. Comparison Chart The major differences between the iPad mini 2 and the iPad mini 4 are summarized accordingly:
Just compared to one another, and ignoring faster and more capable models introduced subsequently, the iPad mini 4 is a better choice than the iPad mini 2. The iPad mini 4 (1) still supports the current version of the iOS, (2) has a much better quality display, (3) is at least 25% faster with twice the RAM, (4) has a higher quality rear camera, (5) has faster and more global LTE connectivity, and (6) has useful "Touch ID" capability. For many users, the display, RAM, or connectivity improvements alone would be worth the extra money. However, the iPad mini 2 is even less expensive on the used market and remains well worth consideration for someone with modest expectations. Keep in mind that because the iPad mini 2 no longer supports the current version of the iOS, app support will begin to wane. iPad Purchase & Sale Options There are an abundance of places to buy a new or used iPad. However, buying your iPad from a quality company with extensive knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too. In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment. In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany. In Canada, site sponsors Core 1 and Carbon Computing both sell new iPad mini models with free shipping in Ontario and affordable shipping across Canada. Core 1 and Carbon Computing also each sell used iPads at discount prices, take a look at both for their current inventory to find the best one for you. In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia. Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike). EveryMac.com and EveryiPad.com are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, EveryiPad.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using either website. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated. |