iPad Mini 4 still worth it?

[bensisko]

It’s all about the intersection between expectations and reality.

On the one hand, if someone requires the absolute latest and greatest and tip-top performance with OS updates for the next five years, the iPad Mini 4 is not for them. They may also need to adjust their expectations to something closer to reality. “Future-Proofing” is a myth.

On the other hand, if you have a specific need (namely mobility) and you have reasonable expectation, then the Mini 4 is a great device.

I have a lot of iOS devices and I have a pretty reasonable expectation of what they are capable of. My iPad 2 will remain on iOS 7 and i’ll continue to use it as a bedside iPad until it becomes too outdated and it’ll become a picture frame. I also have an iPad Mini 2 running iOS 11 - is it as snappy on iOS 11 as my mini 4? No, but I would hardly say it’s “unusable” - I a have a reasonable expectation of it’s performance. It’s STILL a very capable machine.

At the end of the day, you can’t expect full performance for the next five years from a machine that’s been on the market for two years. You CAN expect the Mini 4 to be a solid performer for the next five years if your expectations are aligned.

 

[newellj]

I think that's a fair conclusion. There are lots of trade offs and we will all make our own calls.

 

[bubulol]

In term of features, does iOS 11 provide any better experience than iOS 10?

 

[newellj]

In term of features, does iOS 11 provide any better experience than iOS 10?

I really liked the new dock and the new keyboard.

Although apps ran fine vs. 10.3.3, and I think they launched as fast (or I didn't notice it if they didn't), some of the animation features were extremely laggy and jerky, like the five finger app minimization. I put both of my iPads back on 10.3.3 until that gets resolved.

 

[Yebubbleman]

If you’re expecting to run your Mini 4 on the latest version of iOS and in tip-top shape.. then yeah, i’ll Give you your two years.

However, I have a second generation iPad at home running iOS 7 and it runs great for casual tasks. It’s not a workhorse, but it runs perfectly well. Just because an iOS update comes out, doesn’t mean you have to upgrade. If you don’t upgrade your version of iOS off of 11, it will last you as long as the battery and the screen lasts.

I've kept my iPad mini 4 on iOS 9.3.5. It's still just as much of a champ as when I bought it almost two years ago. The problem is that you're sort of damned if you do damned if you don't. There are plenty of things that I can't run because I'm not on iOS 10.0 or later. The Apple Store app and a few games are notable exceptions. So, yeah, you're totally right. But that doesn't change the fact that the options are still either stay behind on an OS that runs awesome or press forward for greater app compatibility and security updates at the expense of performance and, in the specific case of iOS 11, battery life.

Your question is evidence that you didn't read the earlier comments in this thread, as I had suggested. Sorta helps.

It's called sarcasm. You have an independent display authority telling you what your eyes obviously can't and you're still in denial.

Price is indeed irrelevant. As you can see, if you read this entire thread, the discussion about the iPad mini is not about its price, but rather its form factor. It is its position as the smallest-sized iPad, not the least expensive iPad, that makes it appealing to those who are concerned about its discontinuance.

You are confusing what you and the rest of us iPad mini fans want for what Apple thinks makes the most sense to put out on the market. Just because a bunch of us in this thread (me included) see enormous utility with an iPad mini that you don't get as much of with a 9.7" iPad doesn't mean that Apple cares. If they sell enough 9.7" iPads to suggest that the bulk of the people that bought an iPad mini did so for the cost (and are now buying the 32GB 9.7" iPad instead), then it's all the more reason for them to ignore OUR pleas.

Try holding a full-sized iPad with one hand with no bezel. Good luck with that.

Again, totally irrelevant to Apple's decision making process. To them, the 9.7" iPad will replace the mini even if, to us, it does not. And to clarify in case you are not getting this somehow, I personally agree with you. I think the iPad mini offers utility that you don't get in a 9.7" iPad due to the size and weight disparity. 9.7" is still small for a lot of content creation, so really the primary benefit is to have a bigger screen when watching video or playing games. Otherwise, like you, I prefer the mini. My point isn't that there aren't people that Apple could sell an iPad mini 5, let alone an iPad mini 4 to. It's that Apple, themselves, don't see a point to the continuation of such a device, which is why it is now down to a single 128GB model when it launched with three models and, without an upgrade prospect, got shrunk to two models, and now to one (give or take color options and cellular).

 

[newellj]

At the end of the day, I think it does come down to what Apple itself thinks, and I'm not convinced that those decisions are always purely or even principally market-driven. Apple doesn't share a lot of sales information that would allow the public to compare sales volume by product to Apple's product development/discontinuation decisions, but it's hard to avoid believing that in a good number of instances Apple makes decisions based on what Apple thinks people should want rather than what people are actually purchasing.

 

[Yebubbleman]

At the end of the day, I think it does come down to what Apple itself thinks, and I'm not convinced that those decisions are always purely or even principally market-driven. Apple doesn't share a lot of sales information that would allow the public to compare sales volume by product to Apple's product development/discontinuation decisions, but it's hard to avoid believing that in a good number of instances Apple makes decisions based on what Apple thinks people should want rather than what people are actually purchasing.

Man, this is what I've been saying all a-freakin'-long!

 

[BarrettF77]

iPad mini is slow and dated in performance in iOS 11. I sold mine off recently because it’s just not a good device today as Apple hasn’t upgraded it’s guts. Granted I’m more of a power user.

 

[newellj]

Man, this is what I've been saying all a-freakin'-long!

It kinds got lost in the metrics argument.

 

[sracer]

iPad mini is slow and dated in performance in iOS 11. I sold mine off recently because it’s just not a good device today as Apple hasn’t upgraded it’s guts. Granted I’m more of a power user.

I'm a power user and am keeping my Mini 4 on 10.3.

But that brings up an interesting point regarding purchasing NEW Mini 4 devices now (and beyond). I wouldn't recommend buying a Mini 4 now if there is no guarantee that it ships with iOS 10.x or that it can remain on 10.x.

 

[Yebubbleman]

iPad mini is slow and dated in performance in iOS 11. I sold mine off recently because it’s just not a good device today as Apple hasn’t upgraded it’s guts. Granted I’m more of a power user.

It's still a good device, just an extremely poor value given the software that is now-shoehorned onto it. I do agree though, it's not a good buy today.

It kinds got lost in the metrics argument.

Fair enough!

I'm a power user and am keeping my Mini 4 on 10.3.

But that brings up an interesting point regarding purchasing NEW Mini 4 devices now (and beyond). I wouldn't recommend buying a Mini 4 now if there is no guarantee that it ships with iOS 10.x or that it can remain on 10.x.

Leaving one's device on a given version of iOS that isn't the current for the sake of either remaining on a preferred version or out of aversion to a new version is one of those things that should be taken with a grain of salt. If ever the device needs to be replaced; that's pretty much it. I baby the hell out of my iOS 9.3.5 laden iPad mini 4 for that reason. Realistically, I'm going to buy the 9.7" non-Pro "Fifth Generation" iPad in the next month to mostly serve for the same uses that my mini 4 serves today as it'll be faster on iOS 11...hopefully. Really, I wouldn't advise anyone buy any iOS device with an A8 or older, let alone put any iOS device that is A8 or older on iOS 11.

 

[heyjoe23]

I'm a power user and am keeping my Mini 4 on 10.3.

But that brings up an interesting point regarding purchasing NEW Mini 4 devices now (and beyond). I wouldn't recommend buying a Mini 4 now if there is no guarantee that it ships with iOS 10.x or that it can remain on 10.x.

I just bought a refurbished LTE model from the Apple store because I just cracked the screen on my mini 2 and wanted to get one just in case Apple decides to discontinue. I was nervous that I would get an updated one with ios 11, but I got it today and it shipped with 10.3.3! It will be staying with that version.

 

[sorcery]

The Mini 2, on IOS 10.x, is still a great device as a reader/messager and to run those 32 bit apps, ignored by the devs.
So I'm guessing the Mini 4 is still worth it, to those with niche requirements and to travelers.

 

[newellj]

I just bought a refurbished LTE model from the Apple store because I just cracked the screen on my mini 2 and wanted to get one just in case Apple decides to discontinue. I was nervous that I would get an updated one with ios 11, but I got it today and it shipped with 10.3.3! It will be staying with that version.

I think 10.3.3 is fine. I can't prove it but I think my two iPads get less battery run time on 10.3.3 than they did on iOS 9, but I don't notice any performance difference.

I had them both on 11.0 and 11.0.1. I didn't notice any battery life changes. Apps seemed to run fine once launched, but a lot of the UI gimmicks like the animations disabled in Settings, things like the five-finger app minimization gesture were very jerky. I don't know whether those will ultimately be resolved or not.

 

[GGJstudios]

It's called sarcasm. You have an independent display authority telling you what your eyes obviously can't and you're still in denial.

Since you appear to not be reading the previous posts, I'll spell it out for you again. Some of us have posted that for our personal needs, the differences in the display between the 3 and the 4 are not noticeable to us. I can't see any difference between 1080p and 4K. That doesn't mean there isn't a difference. It just means that the difference is of no importance to me. You can talk about color gamut all day, but if I can't see the difference when holding a 3 and 4 side-by-side (which I have on several occasions), then the display difference is not a feature I'm concerned about. This all relates to the earlier discussion about buying a 4 now (with minimal noticeable difference) or holding out for a 5, in hopes that it has more features that would be usable.

You are confusing what you and the rest of us iPad mini fans want for what Apple thinks makes the most sense to put out on the market.

I'm not confusing anything. Yes, Apple will decide whether or not to discontinue the iPad mini, regardless of what the public wants. My point earlier is that they have not yet done so. The 9.7" iPad is not a replacement for the mini. It is another model with a different form factor, regardless of how it's priced. The mini remains (for the moment) as the smallest iPad available. The 9.7" did not replace the mini in that capacity.

 

[DataOdyssey]

iPad Mini isnt about portability
Why i love iPad Mini, its about ergonomic, you can handle with one hand with ease
Fair comparison is while bigger iPad look more like comics/magazine, iPad Mini is more like a pocker book in hands
People usually prefer bigger iPad, they have no idea that size doesnt matter depending of eyes' distance
Indeed, easier to type on iPad Mini keyboard than 9'7 which requires bigger hands

I had an old iPad 2 32GB which had become long in the tooth - so I pensioned it off, by reformatting it and passing it on to my Russian sister-in law in Russia - she uses it exclusively for FaceTime communications with her sister, and for watching YouTube videos - both of which it still does relatively well.

I already have an iPhone 6S Plus 128GB which I originally bought to function as my new iPad replacement, but it really was too small to function even as an iPad mini. At work, I got to setup several new iPad mini's for the staff - I was impressed with the size and portability, so much so, I resolved to get one!

Consequently, I had the chance to choose a new iPad for my birthday; I passed up the chance to get the latest full size iPad (9.7 inch) and instead opted for an iPad mini 4 128GB - and I couldn't be happier. I absolutely adore the portability! Now it slips into my bag and can be carried anywhere, and is very easy to hold, compared to a full size ipad. The display is as vivid as my iPhone 6S Plus, and beats my old iPad 2 hands down.

Let's make no mistake; the size of the iPad mini 4 was my main reason for purchasing it. It's over over twice the screen size of my iPhone 6S Plus, so I like that too. It's the most up to date iPad mini that Apple produce, and I'm extremely pleased with its performance. Most of the staff where I work who also got the iPad minis are extremely happy with them.

Bottom line; there IS a market for a device with a size like this - bigger isn't always better. We live in a world where when at home, you can cast your YouTube videos from your iPad mini to your much larger HDTV screen. So, you don't always have to watch videos on the small screen - though, I'm perfectly okay with that too - the retina display is quite impressive. I love my 128GB little iPad mini 4 - and I'm sure there are lots of other iPad mini owners who think exactly the same way too!

 

[bensisko]

I'm a power user and am keeping my Mini 4 on 10.3.

But that brings up an interesting point regarding purchasing NEW Mini 4 devices now (and beyond). I wouldn't recommend buying a Mini 4 now if there is no guarantee that it ships with iOS 10.x or that it can remain on 10.x.

Why keep it on iOS 10.3? I have iOS 11 on my Mini 4 and I don’t notice any performance hits in iOS 11. I admit I did at first, but they were pretty minor and have since gone away.

 

[sinophilia]

I've had a 64GB mini 2 since 2013, mainly used to read ebooks and magazines, and the occasional browsing. I loved it to bits - so much so that I just replaced it with a mini 4. It's definitely faster, with a better display and less glare, and I hope to use it for another 4-5 years. I got the cellular version this time.

It seems a bit silly to buy a product that's already 2 year sold, but it's not the kind of device that I feel the need to replace often. I bought it in the US, so I got a huge discount compared to European prices. I also have a 12.9" iPad Pro - each has their own purpose. I never got along with the "regular" iPad! Too big for some things, too small for others.

 

[newellj]

Why keep it on iOS 10.3? I have iOS 11 on my Mini 4 and I don’t notice any performance hits in iOS 11. I admit I did at first, but they were pretty minor and have since gone away.

I had both 11.0 and 11.0.1 on my Mini 4 and Air 2. Both had a lot of lag and stutter. I went back to 10.3.3 and will keep them there until I'm very sure that I will not see that again with iOS 11.

 

[pika2000]

People wanting a 7.9" iPad is kinda stuck with the sole SKU of a 128GB mini 4. I say only get it if you really need a 7.9" iPad.
I have a mini 2, and I don't think it's worth the money to "upgrade" to a 3-gen behind mini 4. Having said that, I might get a refurbished mini 4 once Apple finally discontinue the mini lineup altogether. In the meantime, I really am hoping for an A10 mini.

 

[sracer]

People wanting a 7.9" iPad is kinda stuck with the sole SKU of a 128GB mini 4. I say only get it if you really need a 7.9" iPad.
I have a mini 2, and I don't think it's worth the money to "upgrade" to a 3-gen behind mini 4. Having said that, I might get a refurbished mini 4 once Apple finally discontinue the mini lineup altogether. In the meantime, I really am hoping for an A10 mini.

I would recommend against getting a refurb mini 4 when the time comes but rather buy a new one (at a discount). You most likely won't know what year that mini 4 was manufactured and won't know the condition of the battery. Unless the battery is flat-out bad, it may be difficult get a warranty exchange because of the battery.

 

[pika2000]

I would recommend against getting a refurb mini 4 when the time comes but rather buy a new one (at a discount). You most likely won't know what year that mini 4 was manufactured and won't know the condition of the battery. Unless the battery is flat-out bad, it may be difficult get a warranty exchange because of the battery.

The same can be said for the new box on the shelf. You don't know which production year that mini 4 from.
On the other hand, Apple does put new batteries in their refurbished products.

 

[bensisko]

I had both 11.0 and 11.0.1 on my Mini 4 and Air 2. Both had a lot of lag and stutter. I went back to 10.3.3 and will keep them there until I'm very sure that I will not see that again with iOS 11.

Did you try a fresh reinstall?
I saw some lag and stutter early on after first installling iOS 11, but I really don’t see it today. Though, I will say, even when I saw it, it wasn’t “a lot”.

 

[sracer]

The same can be said for the new box on the shelf. You don't know which production year that mini 4 from.

No the same can't be said. Apple doesn't over produce devices to sit in warehouses for years.

On the other hand, Apple does put new batteries in their refurbished products.

Do you have any documentation from Apple that indicates that refurbed devices are given new batteries?

I don't want to debate this issue. I offered something to consider. If you are fine with refurbed units that have the potential to be years old that's I have on interest in changing your mind.

 

[newellj]

Did you try a fresh reinstall?
I saw some lag and stutter early on after first installling iOS 11, but I really don’t see it today. Though, I will say, even when I saw it, it wasn’t “a lot”.

No, but having done a lot of updates via every method from DFU to OTA, I don't think that's likely to have changed the result, though you don't know unless you try. iOS 11 does seem to be more random than most iOS updates. Some report even relatively new (6S) devices massively slowed down, others say not. There are a lot of people reporting terrible battery life problems after updating to iOS 11, but I didn't see any change in either of my iPads and I don't see any change in my iPhone 7, which is running iOS 11.
[doublepost=1508777746][/doublepost]

No the same can't be said. Apple doesn't over produce devices to sit in warehouses for years.


Do you have any documentation from Apple that indicates that refurbed devices are given new batteries?

I don't want to debate this issue. I offered something to consider. If you are fine with refurbed units that have the potential to be years old that's I have on interest in changing your mind.

This isn't from Apple's website, but from MR, but this page does state that refurbs get new batteries:

Guide to Buying Refurbished Apple Products - Mac Rumors