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iPad mini Mini 2 upgrade to Mini 4?
- Thread starter HarryWild
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I currently use the iPad Mini 2. Love it for traveling. I am getting one of the new iPad Pros for professional work, but i’d also like to get a new iPad mini as well. My iPad mini 2 is practically dead(cracked screen and broken home button), plus it is slowing down noticeably.
I wouldn’t get the iPad mini 4 tho. If you’re just surfing the web & writing emails fine...but even then, as you pointed out, it’s over 3 years old...going on 4 years now. I would definitely wait if you can for the iPad mini update. Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo who is usually very accurate, said an update to the iPad mini is coming soon. He said possibly by the end of the year, but more likely in March. If you can wait that long I would. Just to preserve the longevity of your device.
I wouldn’t get the iPad mini 4 tho. If you’re just surfing the web & writing emails fine...but even then, as you pointed out, it’s over 3 years old...going on 4 years now. I would definitely wait if you can for the iPad mini update. Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo who is usually very accurate, said an update to the iPad mini is coming soon. He said possibly by the end of the year, but more likely in March. If you can wait that long I would. Just to preserve the longevity of your device.
I had both the Mini 2 and Mini 4 til 2 weeks ago when I sent them in to Apple GiveBack, the Mini 2 was basically unusable for me, the Mini 4 got a little better with iOS 12, but was still pretty slow compared to our phones and larger iPads.
I wouldn’t get a new Mini 4 now, at least not at anywhere close to full price. I still love the Mini’s size but am really happy with the 11’ Pro for now. If they release a new Mini with the same performance as the top of the line Pro I’ll consider getting another Mini, but I think that ship has sailed. We got lucky when the Mini 4 dropped that it had the same internals as the full size iPad, and I got maybe a good 2 years out of it, until it became too slow with iOS 11.
I wouldn’t get a new Mini 4 now, at least not at anywhere close to full price. I still love the Mini’s size but am really happy with the 11’ Pro for now. If they release a new Mini with the same performance as the top of the line Pro I’ll consider getting another Mini, but I think that ship has sailed. We got lucky when the Mini 4 dropped that it had the same internals as the full size iPad, and I got maybe a good 2 years out of it, until it became too slow with iOS 11.
The upgrade from the Mini 2 to the Mini 4 is bigger than you would think, when you factor in double the ram, the higher clock rates of the A8 and a big improvement in the quality of the LCD panel in the Mini 4 compared to the Mini 2 & 3. I've had a Mini 4 since 2015 and it is still running great with iOS 12. All that said I still wouldn't pay new prices for a Mini 4 today considering it is now 3 years old (and the chip it uses is 4 years old). There is a credible rumor that Apple will release an updated Mini by Spring 2019, so if you can hold out it may be worth it to wait.
Thanks! Rumor of a Mini update happen every year and still nothing! I guess I have some time to think about it, but I feel that the cost of a new Mini 4 out way the cost of a new $99 battery install.
The Mini 4 is still "viable" today, but it definitely shows its age when compared to even the "lowly" 2018 iPad. (I own both) Black Friday sales:
128 GB iPad Mini 4 = $250
32 GB 2018 iPad = $250
If you must absolutely have a smaller form-factor, now is a good time to buy a Mini 4... it most likely won't go cheaper than this. You might be able to find the 128 GB 2018 iPad for $300.
Oh, you’ll definitely notice a diff btwn the mini 2 & Mini 4 that’s for sure. I know rumors about an iPad mini update happen every year the past few years, but Ming seemed pretty adamant it was coming. So again, I think it’s worth the wait.
If you do go with an iPad mini 4 now, at least they are having some really great Holiday sales. But like others have said here, I definitely wouldn’t pay full price for one.
That being said, Happy Thanksgiving!
I really really would not get a new mini 4, they are far from new and stupidly overpriced considering the aging hardware inside of them. If you can have a good used one for cheap then go for it, but at that price point, the 2018 iPad is a much better buy, it’s cheaper than the mini 4!
I tried one in store and it’s noticeably slower then all other existing models being sold
I tried one in store and it’s noticeably slower then all other existing models being sold
I try the 2018 iPad and it is too bulky for me! The size is just right for my needs too. It is only $399 now! Cannot beat the price either! Matter of fact, I am at the Apple Store and the Apple associate said it still a pretty good seller and a couple people have already made their Mini 4 purchase. I just went ahead and did it too!
Only $399?... in the states the 2018 model is $250, even Canada it’s on for $349
Apple salesman is never going to tell you to to not buy one of their products... and apple is making a killing on the mini 4 charging that insane price still
Anyways, it’s your money and your choice but the mini 4 is not a smart buy, everywhere you read, the mini 4 is no longer recommended unless it’s found used for cheap. It’s too dated to ask such a high price
Remember this is a 3 year old tablet with 4 year old hardware inside it, apple supports their products well, it even for apple though it’s coming to the end of its life
Apple salesman is never going to tell you to to not buy one of their products... and apple is making a killing on the mini 4 charging that insane price still
Anyways, it’s your money and your choice but the mini 4 is not a smart buy, everywhere you read, the mini 4 is no longer recommended unless it’s found used for cheap. It’s too dated to ask such a high price
Remember this is a 3 year old tablet with 4 year old hardware inside it, apple supports their products well, it even for apple though it’s coming to the end of its life
I have to agree. The iPad mini 4 is the only iPad that can’t use the Apple Pencil and it has a four year old processor in it. I can see how some people can justify buying it, but definitely not at full price. Wait for the Holiday sales if you must buy it. But personally I’d wait for the update to the mini this March if you can. Just my opinion.
I don't recommend anyone to buy it in late 2018. You're paying today's money for very old tech.
I agree. It's simply too expensive for a device with an outdated chip.
That being said, the Mini4 performance was improved a lot with iOS12. It actually runs pretty good currently. But I would still be worried with long-term performance for such an old device.
As a former owner of the Mini 4, and current owner of the 6th gen iPad, I say that unless you are dead-set on the Mini form factor, your money is better spent on the 6th gen model. Much better processor (4-core A10 vs. 2-core A8), for basically the same price.
True but the 2018 is double the weight and has an unlaminated screen. I do not need pen usage either. Plus, it known as the budget, educational iPad. The Mini 4 is not since many users are professionals and doctors. I just like the form factor and will update again if there is a new Mini 5 which is far from certain since Apple does not update anything name “mini” on a time schedule anymore.
Except besides the non laminated display which again is really not noticeable during normal usage, there isn’t anything budget about it, it outperforms the mini in all other areas lol. And if it was double the weight it would be 600g not 469
Again, end of the day it’s your money and your choice, but you came on here asking for the opinion, which not sure why since most people didn’t agree with yours anyways. And you’re clearly reaching to justify your purchase, if you like it then enjoy it.
Again, end of the day it’s your money and your choice, but you came on here asking for the opinion, which not sure why since most people didn’t agree with yours anyways. And you’re clearly reaching to justify your purchase, if you like it then enjoy it.
What does that have to do with anything? The "budget" model has a more up to date processor and clearly surpasses the Mini 4 in benchmarks/performance. In fact, the 6th gen outperforms the earlier generation (circa 2015/2016) iPad Pros by a notable margin.
Trust me, I owned the Mini 4 from launch until I replaced it with the 6th gen at its launch. Unless you really can't adjust to the larger size, the 6th gen iPad is the superior tablet.
Agreed. The only reason to pick the Mini 4 over the 2018 iPad is if having a 7.9" iPad is the difference between life and death.
I feel that the Mini 4 is still a premium device even if the SoC is from 2014? (that is in the iPhone 6)! Apple just hates anything to do with releasing new models that has the word "mini" in their Apple products line. Just this year, the Mac Mini finally got it new models since 2012-13?. So maybe, maybe not that Apple will/will not release a new Mini in 2019! They have become obsessed with "BIG" everything and ignores anything that is of a smallish style since it goes against Apple belief that small means "low price, low margin" item with the exception of the Apple watch. So if Apple discontinues the Mini 4; I have a new Mini 4 and if Apple finally decides to finally update it to the new form style of the X iPhone; I will get it over time when it comes down in cost to that of the Mini 4 range $400; maybe in 2-3 years after it is release and my Mini 4 still is working but like the Mini 2 is not that fast but still okay!
Then why did you come here to ask everyone’s opinion on this if your mind is set? As others have said, the only people that are recommended to buy a mini when it’s almost 2019 is die hard enthusiasts who would die to go larger than an 8” screen
Yea I wish apple would come out with an updated mini, don’t even change the body, just update the internals to keep it cheap for them. Instead of playing this game of ripping guys like you off. But as long as guys like you keep paying this overblown premium, they can keep charging it.
So go enjoy your mini, maybe the last of its kind
Yea I wish apple would come out with an updated mini, don’t even change the body, just update the internals to keep it cheap for them. Instead of playing this game of ripping guys like you off. But as long as guys like you keep paying this overblown premium, they can keep charging it.
So go enjoy your mini, maybe the last of its kind
We all need to have a sounding board to make decision. I purchased the Mini 4 afterwards and am happy I did it because Apple is not dependable at all in terms of updating their products for the iPad Mini. I do not feel that Apple will make another budget iPad since they have the 2018 Educational aka Budget version with the A10 inside. As you and many have stated; those who want to upgrade and want a low price iPad should get the 2018 iPad Educational version. I do not like the size since it is to big and a little heavy. I don't think Apple would make second low price iPad as a Mini release since their is a 2018 iPad for that. Many people include myself would love to buy a Mini Pro version!
Not a Mini however! The Mini 4 when it was release was not a 'Budget" iPad. Had laminated glass, LTE, Touch ID, etc...
Ok? Besides the laminated glass, these “budget” iPads come with LTE (better LTE speeds at that) Touch ID, same camera, a WAY faster processor with double the cores and the same amount of ram (faster LPDDR4 ram). Don’t forget Apple Pencil support, a pro only feature before this
Trying to make an argument justifying the most outdated and overpriced iPad they sell against the most affordable for price a performance ratio they have ever made is a senseless one to have. Apple made improvements in the right areas to make these one of the most popular and best selling iPads they’ve made and kept them affordable.
Buying that mini is purely a very strong personal preference. So enjoy it, but that’s all it is, is a personal preference.
Trying to make an argument justifying the most outdated and overpriced iPad they sell against the most affordable for price a performance ratio they have ever made is a senseless one to have. Apple made improvements in the right areas to make these one of the most popular and best selling iPads they’ve made and kept them affordable.
Buying that mini is purely a very strong personal preference. So enjoy it, but that’s all it is, is a personal preference.
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I have the mini 2 as well, and boy I really want to upgrade. However, the mini 4 is just extremely unattractive at this point. It would only be supported probably just 2 more years. Not willing to spend that much for such short longevity. The mini 2 gets freshed a bit with iOS12, so I'm holding on to it as long as I can until Apple decided to release a new mini.
Seriously, Apple is doing the ultimate tease. If they want to discontinue the mini, I'd rather them to just stop selling the mini 4. It is priced awkwardly (starting price is more expensive than the much more capable A10 2018 iPad) with technology that is 4 years old.
Seriously, Apple is doing the ultimate tease. If they want to discontinue the mini, I'd rather them to just stop selling the mini 4. It is priced awkwardly (starting price is more expensive than the much more capable A10 2018 iPad) with technology that is 4 years old.