Choosing between Apple's iPad 4 and iPad mini 2 can be tricky. Both offer a compelling tablet experience, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini 2 edges out the iPad 4 thanks to its newer A7 chip, slightly better display contrast, and more compact form factor. While the iPad 4 offers a larger screen, the mini 2's improved performance and portability make it the more appealing choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1459/ A1460 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1459/ A1460 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1459 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1490 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1491 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2013, October. Released 2013, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.4 GHz | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
| Chipset | Apple A6X (32 nm) | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3 | iOS 7, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 33mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 11560 mAh, non-removable (42.5 Wh) | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White |
| Models | A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6 | A1489, A1490, A1491, iPad4,6, iPad4,5, iPad4,4 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 804:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 72dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 13286 |
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Larger 9.7-inch display
- Cellular connectivity option
- Generally more affordable on the used market
- Older A6X chip
- Lower contrast ratio display
- Less portable
Apple iPad mini 2
- More compact and portable
- Newer A7 chip for better performance
- Slightly better display contrast
- Supports 64-bit computing
- Smaller 7.9-inch display
- Can be slightly more expensive than iPad 4
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature Retina displays, offering sharp visuals. The iPad mini 2 boasts a slightly better contrast ratio (804:1) compared to the iPad 4 (762:1), resulting in marginally richer colors and deeper blacks. However, the iPad 4's larger 9.7-inch screen provides more real estate for viewing content and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature basic photo and video capabilities. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but neither tablet excels in this area. Low-light performance is generally poor on both models. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The iPad mini 2's A7 chip (28nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the iPad 4's A6X (32nm). While both have dual-core processors, the A7's architecture and efficiency lead to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved overall responsiveness. The A7 also supports 64-bit computing, a feature absent in the A6X.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, offering around 10 hours of mixed usage. However, the iPad mini 2's more efficient A7 chip might provide slightly longer battery life under certain conditions.
Buying Guide
The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular is ideal for users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and productivity, and who need cellular connectivity on the go. The Apple iPad mini 2 is perfect for those seeking a more portable tablet for reading, browsing, and light gaming, with a balance of performance and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iPad 4 still worth buying?
The iPad 4 can still be a decent option for basic tasks and media consumption, especially if you find a good deal. However, the iPad mini 2 offers a more modern experience with better performance.
❓ Which iPad is more portable?
The iPad mini 2 is significantly more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
❓ Does the A7 chip make a big difference?
Yes, the A7 chip provides a noticeable performance improvement over the A6X, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
