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iPad mini iPad Mini 4 vs iPad Mini 5
- Thread starter sjc83
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iPad Mini 5 all the way. I think the pencil compatibility is a huge plus, even if not needed right away. And the 5 will just be snappier and better able to run whatever comes up after YouTube kids and ABC Mouse run their course.
Depending on your child’s age, there are tons of great learning apps for iPad. The mini 5 is going to perform much better/faster for all of those.
heads up: I ordered a mini 5 for my son and the delivery is scheduled for beginning of June. I ordered from AT&T. They said they’re waiting for Apple to restock them. I don’t know how widespread this stock issue is or if it would affect mini 4 orders.
heads up: I ordered a mini 5 for my son and the delivery is scheduled for beginning of June. I ordered from AT&T. They said they’re waiting for Apple to restock them. I don’t know how widespread this stock issue is or if it would affect mini 4 orders.
The 5. At some point, it will be used for other things and the performance is nice and you'll feel comfortable with it for a long time.
Definitely get the iPad mini 5. It is better than the iPad mini 4 in every way.
I’m sure that the Mini 4 is still quite a capable tablet, but its A8 processor is four generations behind what’s in the Mini 5. The Mini 5 will perform well and be supported with the latest software for years to come. The Mini 4 probably won’t be for much longer.
Mini 4 is nearing the end of being eligible for security updates via iOS. If I were giving a device to my kid I would want it to be running the latest software for security purposes. So, Mini 5 is the better option.
I have no doubt that it'll be stuck on iPadOS 13. The A8 chip has had enough.
Not sure - they sold this model actively until late 2018 (I think) - it would be realistic for them to punch in at least 3-5 years of software support - maybe with some limitations of sorts.
Not at this point. I expect they've squeezed the maximum life they can for the A8. Iirc, original Mini received just one major firmware update after it was discontinued.
Not unless iOS 14 will be an improved version of iOS 13... just like how iOS 12 is a polished version of iOS 11. iOS 13 still needs a lot of work.
Maybe, but what about that old rumor from a few months ago which claimed that the rest of the A8 based devices would not get iOS 14/iPadOS 14?
I seen that as well. I ordered directly from Apple instead and got my iPad within 24hrs delivered. Apple has them. It just seems carriers are running low. I got a unlocked cellular iPad mini and set it up on att also.
As of the Mini 4 getting iPad OS 14.. I think it will
don’t forget iOS 13’s issues. Plus the coronavirus situation.. how it has affected Apples supply chain ( and delay of newer products) meaning more people are far more likely to hold on to older devices and consumer demand is the weakest in the world because of the crisis
I hope the Mini 4 gets the new update though
don’t forget iOS 13’s issues. Plus the coronavirus situation.. how it has affected Apples supply chain ( and delay of newer products) meaning more people are far more likely to hold on to older devices and consumer demand is the weakest in the world because of the crisis
I hope the Mini 4 gets the new update though
The iPhone 6 with the A8 didn't get iOS 13. I think that the iPad Mini 4 not getting iOS 14 is a valid concern.
iPad Mini 5, absolutely. The mini 4 was a great tool, but the A8 was a little too underpowered for me, (even in 2015.) I think that if you can get a good deal for the mini 5, go for that.
The mini 4 can still be used of course, but I think it will become quite frustrating to use. At-least the Air 2 had a 3-core X series cpu to give it a bit more oomph and help it last from iOS to iPadOS.
I think the A8 and up chips are where Apple really started to have their iOS devices become powerful beasts.
So yeah, Mini 5 for sure, even if they upgrade the mini again in a few years with an A15, A16, or whatever chip, I still think the 5 will be very capable in doing what one needs.
The mini 4 can still be used of course, but I think it will become quite frustrating to use. At-least the Air 2 had a 3-core X series cpu to give it a bit more oomph and help it last from iOS to iPadOS.
I think the A8 and up chips are where Apple really started to have their iOS devices become powerful beasts.
So yeah, Mini 5 for sure, even if they upgrade the mini again in a few years with an A15, A16, or whatever chip, I still think the 5 will be very capable in doing what one needs.
Its unfortunate that rumors suggest otherwise, but the iPad mini 4 is simply too old.
I think that refurbs from Apple are fine. I'd expect them to disinfect refurbs.
apple refurb is top notch and they get new batteries and body while also coming woth 1 year warranty. You wont regret getting a mini 5.
I'll go contrary to the advice offered so far. One factor to consider is price. How much can you find a Mini 4 in good condition for? In my travels I've seen them for $150.
Given how you expect the Mini to be used, the Mini 4 will handle it just fine. I use my Mini 4 nearly every day for quite a bit more than watching videos and it handles those tasks with ease.
But I can understand wanting to go with the 5. I recommend shopping around for a new one. I've always been able to find new iPads for less than refurbs.
I tend to agree.... I have both and it's basically a matter of price... The mini 4 is still capable and in my opinion more than enough for a kid, but the mini 5 is many times better (on par with the 3rd gen pro in daily use), so the price difference should be pretty big, like the mini 4 should be less than half the price for the same storage...
I would say the main thing to pay attention to other than price is battery life. The mini 4 is almost 5 year old and the battery life in mine is heavily degraded... And when you buy second hand it's not easy to know in advance how much the battery has degraded. This could be even more important than performance for your kid...