iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4: Key Differences

While Apple’s event focused mostly on the iPhone 6s, iPad Pro, and the new Apple TV, the company spent a few seconds detailing the new iPad mini 4. Here are some key differences between iPad mini 2 and iPad mini that you should know 4.

When Apple launched the iPad mini 3, the company barely updated the smaller tablet, giving it only Touch ID and a new gold color option. It has made consumers wary of how much Apple cares about the iPad mini series, and with the launch of the iPad mini 4, it’s clear that the company doesn’t really care about its miniature iPads anymore.

Still, the iPad mini is seen as a great device for those who want a larger screen from their iPhone but don’t want to be as big as the iPad Air 2, making the iPad mini Goldilocks’ excellent choice. However, if you’re having a hard time deciding which iPad mini to buy, here are some key differences between the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 2 and whether you should buy one or the other.

iPad mini 2 vs iPad mini 4

The iPad mini 2 is starting to show its age, but that’s only because there have been two new models released since then.

The old tablet is still great for everyday use, and most apps still work great on the 2nd generation iPad mini. That said, the iPad mini 4 clearly excels when it comes to performance, and if you’re looking for the best performance available, the iPad mini 4 is the obvious choice.

However, if performance isn’t the only factor then it can be a bit of a hassle to decide between the two, but let’s break down all the facts and review them carefully.

Yield

Without even looking at the specs, you can take a well-educated guess and say the iPad mini 4 excels in the performance department, and you’d be right.

The iPad mini 4 comes with Apple’s A8 processor, which is the same chip inside the iPhone 6. The iPad mini 2 is the slightly older A7 chip. What’s interesting is that the iPad mini 4 doesn’t run the A8X, which is the same processor as the iPad Air 2, although Apple said in its keynote that the smaller tablet has the iPad Air 2 capabilities.

Other than that, the iPad mini 4’s camera rocks an 8-megapixel sensor above the iPad mini 2’s 5-megapixel sensor, but can still shoot 1080p HD video, the only thing left out is the burst mode when taking pictures and slow motion. -mo video.

Of course, the Touch ID capabilities on the iPad mini 4 aren’t to be underestimated either, making it easier to unlock your iPad than using a passcode.

Price

Price-wise, the 16GB version of the iPad mini 4 starts at $399 and the 64GB model starts at $499. The iPad mini 2 starts at $269 for the 16GB version and goes up to 32GB for $319.

We don’t recommend buying a 16GB iPad as there is usually not enough storage for most users, so while you plan to spend $499 for the iPad mini 4, you can get away with the iPad mini 2 with 32GB. $319 (it’s also the highest-capacity iPad mini 2 available).

That’s a $180 difference between the two models, which is a lot of money.

Which Should You Buy?

The ultimate question is, of course, which one should you buy? iPad mini 4 or iPad mini 2?

If money isn’t really a concern for you and you can easily afford the iPad mini 4, then definitely go for that model. It will run faster and be future-proofed for the next few years.

However, if frugality is what you’re after, the iPad mini 2 might be your best bet. It’s still a capable tablet and will last for quite a while, especially if you’re a casual user who can play games occasionally.

I still have the iPad mini 2 and see no reason to upgrade anytime soon. Admittedly, I don’t use it that often and really only use it to play a few games I like, but maybe if my needs were a little more intense I might consider upgrading.

But at this point, the iPad mini 2 is a great tablet for casual users, while the iPad mini 4 may be the best choice for those looking for a daily driver tablet.