iPad Mini 4 In 2022! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

The iPad Mini 4 is outdated and not a recommended purchase.

Transcript

well everyone it's time for us to talk about another ipad mini that came out a few years ago and i will definitely tell you this is one of those stop gap ipads that apple made basically because we didn't get a successor to this ipad until several years later this thing held the ipad mini lineup up probably for way longer than it probably should hav... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 The iPad Mini 4 is outdated and significantly outperformed by newer models.
• ✋ It features a high-resolution display, but its design and performance are now considered dated.
• 📱 The camera quality is inadequate for modern standards, overshadowed by contrasting smartphone capabilities.
• 🥺 While still supported, the iPad Mini 4 struggles with newer software, leading to a sluggish user experience.
• ❓ The device's dual gigabytes of RAM make it less efficient in multitasking compared to its contemporaries.
• 👶 Users should prioritize investing in newer iPad models for better longevity and functionality.
• 🎮 The iPad Mini 4 remains decent for basic tasks, such as video playback or casual browsing.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the iPad Mini 4 considered a stopgap device?

The iPad Mini 4 is labeled a stopgap device because it was released without an immediate successor, holding up the lineup for years. It was intended to fill the gap in Apple's tablet offerings during a period when other models were due for updates, resulting in a lack of significant advancements or improvements for users.

Q: How does the performance of the iPad Mini 4 compare to newer models?

The iPad Mini 4's performance is notably slower than newer models like the iPad Mini 5 or iPad Mini 6, primarily due to its aging chipset—the same as iPhone 6. With newer software versions, the iPad Mini 4 struggles with multitasking and overall usability, leading to a cumbersome user experience.

Q: What are the notable features of the iPad Mini 4's hardware?

The iPad Mini 4 features a 7.9-inch IPS display with a high resolution, a premium aluminum back, and a Touch ID integrated power button. Despite its decent-quality display, the design feels dated compared to newer iPads. It still includes a headphone jack and a lightning port, both becoming less common in modern devices.

Q: How does the iPad Mini 4's camera performance measure up?

The iPad Mini 4 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front camera, similar to the older iPhone 6. This camera setup falls short of contemporary standards, lacking 4K video capabilities. Compared to newer devices, the Mini 4's camera is not competitive and may deter potential buyers prioritizing photography.

Q: What are the software limitations of the iPad Mini 4?

While the iPad Mini 4 still receives software support, it runs on older hardware, causing it to lag significantly with newer iPadOS updates. Users may find the interface sluggish and unresponsive during everyday tasks, making it less practical for users expecting modern performance levels.

Q: How long can users expect software support for the iPad Mini 4?

Current indications suggest that the iPad Mini 4 may not receive the upcoming iPadOS 16 update. As the device officially launched in 2015, it remains supported for the time being, but its outdated hardware limits its longevity, and it's wise for users to consider more recent models for better future-proofing.

Q: What alternatives are recommended instead of the iPad Mini 4?

Instead of the iPad Mini 4, potential buyers should consider newer models like the iPad Mini 5 or even the iPad Air 3, both of which offer superior performance and features. Even used iPad Pro models from previous generations can deliver significantly improved experiences compared to the Mini 4.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPad Mini 4, released in 2015, is considered a stopgap device with no real successor for several years, making it less relevant today.

• While it features a good display and decent build quality, the performance is hindered by outdated hardware and software compatibility issues, making it feel slow compared to newer iPads.

• The camera setup on the iPad Mini 4 is also outdated, failing to meet the quality of newer devices, leading to a general recommendation against purchasing this model.