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Apple iPad Mini 4 review

8.6/10 AVG.
RATING
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Apple iPad Mini 4
Apple iPad Mini 4
Apple iPad Mini 4
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8.6/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad Mini 4 currently has an Informr score of 8.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 31 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Smooth and snappy performance
  • Laminated screen for more interactive user experience
  • Bigger color gamut range
  • Good camera

What's bad

  • Slight lag when switching between multiple apps
  • Different dimensions means you cannot use older covers
  • No mute/rotation lock switch

The iPad Mini 3 was a bit of a letdown for many reviewers as it barely improved upon the iPad Mini 2. They were expecting more of the same with the iPad Mini 4, but were pleasantly surprised with all of the new tweaks and upgrades. At first glance, the Mini 4 looks almost identical to its predecessor in terms of overall design. It is slightly thinner at 0.2 inches and lighter, but also a tad taller. Besides some tweaks to the dimensions, the only other noticeable hardware change is the lack of orientation lock/mute switch. Design-wise, the Mini 4 maintains the same metal-and-glass construction and curved edges as Apple's other tablets and smartphones.

The 7.9-inch display offers the same 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution as previous generations of the Mini. Apple has laminated the screen, eliminating the air gap between the display and glass. For many critics, this provided a much richer user experience as it made them feel as though they were directly interacting with the apps and iOS itself with nothing in the way. Not to mention this change also provided them with less glare for a better reading experience and sunlight legibility. The biggest update for the display, however, is the increased color range. Whereas the Mini 3 could only show 67 percent of the color gamut, the Mini 4 hits an impressive 99.8 percent. Still, experts found Samsung tablets had better color accuracy though they add the Mini 4 still offers very vibrant colors.

Internally, the Mini 4 has 2GB of RAM and 1.5GHz A8 dual-core processor. Apple boasts the latest chip boasts a 30 percent speed gain over the Mini 3 and a 60 percent jump in graphics performance. When put to the test experts did notice apps opened slightly faster, but also add there was some slight stutters when utilizing Split View and app switcher. For the most part though, they did not experience any other lag outside of these tasks. The Next Web states, "With graphics-heavy games…A8 SoC executed flawlessly." The Mini 4 actually comes with a smaller battery than even the Mini 2, but thanks to a more power-efficient processor it actually provided critics with around 10 hours of moderate use.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade is the 8MP camera. It is actually the same camera as found on the iPad Air 2 and reviewers were similarly able to capture excellent photos. While bright light conditions led to colorful and detailed photos, the camera still provided fairly accurate though somewhat grainy low light images. While not on the same par as the iPhone 6 or 6S, most agree it is more than adequate for a tablet.

Overall, reviewers highly recommend the iPad Mini 4 for people looking for a more compact tablet. The Verge states, "…this is the best small tablet Apple has ever made." Ars Technica adds, "…if you're a heavy tablet user with an appetite for games and apps and you've been waiting for a mini tablet…the iPad Mini 4 is probably the best thing you can buy right now."


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
7.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7.9"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
19 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Tech.Co
Tech.Co

Unless you absolutely need to have the smallest iPad on the market, the Mini 4 seems a backwards step compared to picking up the cheaper, and much more powerful, 9.7-inch model. With Tim Cook referencing the Mini earlier this year, it may see an update in 2019, at which point it could become relevan...

- Jack Turner, Tech.Co
The Wirecutter
The Wirecutter

The iPad mini 4 is essentially the standard iPad in a smaller, lighter package with a nicer screen. If you don’t already have a big phone, it’s a very good small tablet, though it’s expensive for its size.

- Dan Frakes, Nick Guy, The Wirecutter
Cnet
Cnet

If the Mini 4 cost less, I'd love it more. I'd really only use the Mini 4 as a travel reader or entertainment tablet. And it's an expensive buy for that. Now that iPhones are larger, the need for a smaller iPad has diminished. I used to love its size, but when I carry an iPad I like versatility. For...

- Scott Stein, Cnet
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Anyone looking for a compact sized tablet will be delighted by what the iPad mini 4 brings to the table. It’s premium in its construction, nearly flawless with its processing performance, and all the new goodies included with iOS 9 undeniably elevates it to a higher level that we haven’t...

- John V., PhoneArena
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

It’s sad to say, but the iPad Mini has always lagged behind its bigger brother, and now its spec sheet is looking pretty stagnant. Apple barely mentions the Mini anymore, and when it does, the smaller tablet feels like a tiny footnote in comparison to the bigger better iPad announcement of the...

- Malarie Gokey, Digital Trends


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Quick view

Screen Size
7.9"

The Apple iPad Mini 4's screen size is 7.9 inches with 1536 x 2048 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Apple A8 Triple core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the iOS 9 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/64/128 GB

Internal memory is 16/64/128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
19WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 19 WHr battery. Apple's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

iPad Mini 4 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 30, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS 9 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3)

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A8 Triple core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16/64/128 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.183 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Lightning
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HID, HFP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Panorama, Self-timer, Exposure, Burst mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Face detection, Self-timer, HDR, Burst mode, Exposure
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1536 x 2048 pixels
Pixel density 326 pixels
Size 7.9 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 19 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Silver, Gold, Space Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 20.3 x 13.5 x 0.6 cm (8 x 5.3 x 0.2 in)
Weight 299
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Fingerprint identity sensor built into the Home button
Apple iPad Mini 4 Manual (HTML)

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