Apple iPad 4 vs iPad mini 4: A Detailed Comparison

Apple's iPad lineup has offered a range of sizes and capabilities over the years. Two popular models, the iPad 4 and the iPad mini 4, represent different approaches to tablet design. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad mini 4 edges out the iPad 4 thanks to its more modern chipset (A8 vs A6X), slimmer design, and improved display. While the iPad 4 remains a capable device, the mini 4 offers a better overall experience, especially considering its portability and slightly improved performance.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular	Apple iPad mini 4 (2015)

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 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	4, 17 - A1459	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A1490
Speed	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2012, October. Released 2012, November	2015, September. Released 2015, September
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in)	203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm (8.0 x 5.31 x 0.24 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	662 g (1.46 lb)	299 g (Wi-Fi) / 304 g (3G/LTE) (10.55 oz)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, 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 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.4 GHz	Dual-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon
Chipset	Apple A6X (32 nm)	Apple A8 (20 nm)
GPU	PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics)	PowerVR GX6450 (quad-core graphics)
OS	iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3	iOS 9, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	5 MP, AF	8 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular	HDR
Single	1.2 MP	1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)
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 (3G/LTE 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/ac, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer

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-Ion 5124 mAh, non-removable (19.1 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Models	A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6	A1538, A1550, iPad5,1, iPad5,2
Price	About 500 EUR	About 360 EUR
SAR	-	1.18 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.42 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB	-

Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular

Larger screen size
Generally more affordable
Good for media consumption

Older chipset (A6X)
Thicker and heavier design
Less efficient processor

Apple iPad mini 4 (2015)

More modern chipset (A8)
Slimmer and lighter design
Retina display
Better performance

Smaller screen size
Potentially higher price (depending on condition)
Smaller battery capacity (though efficiency is better)

Display Comparison

The iPad mini 4 boasts a Retina display with a higher pixel density (264 ppi vs 264 ppi on the iPad 4), resulting in sharper text and images. While both offer good color reproduction, the mini 4's smaller size makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The contrast ratio of the iPad 4 is listed as 762:1, but the iPad mini 4's display is generally considered superior in overall quality.

Camera Comparison

Both tablets feature 5MP rear cameras and 1.2MP front cameras. Image quality is adequate for basic snapshots and video calls, but neither camera excels in low-light conditions. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device. The iPad mini 4's slightly newer processor might offer marginally better image processing.

Performance

The iPad mini 4's A8 chip (20nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the iPad 4's A6X (32nm). Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the mini 4 handles more demanding tasks with greater ease. While both have dual-core processors, the A8's architecture and manufacturing process contribute to its superior efficiency and speed. The A8 also benefits from Apple's later iOS optimizations.

Battery Life

The iPad 4 has a larger battery capacity (8850 mAh) compared to the iPad mini 4 (5120 mAh). However, the iPad mini 4's more efficient A8 chip allows it to achieve comparable or even slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Both devices offer around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular? Users on a tight budget who need a larger screen for media consumption and basic tasks. Who should buy the Apple iPad mini 4 (2015)? Those prioritizing portability, a more modern processor, and a slightly better display experience, even if it means a smaller screen.