The Apple iPad 4 and iPad Mini were popular choices in their time, offering distinct advantages. But with age, which tablet still holds up? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 4 boasts a slightly more powerful processor and better display contrast, offering a smoother experience. However, the iPad Mini's smaller size and portability make it ideal for on-the-go use. Ultimately, the iPad 4 wins for performance, while the iPad Mini excels in portability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1459/ A1460 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1454; A1455 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1459/ A1460 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1454; A1455 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1459 | 4, 17 - A1454 |
| 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 |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460 | LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1455 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2012, October. Released 2012, 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 7.2 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 312 g (11.01 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 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 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A6X (32 nm) | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3 | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, 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 |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 4490 mAh, non-removable (16.7 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black/Slate, White/Silver |
| Models | A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6 | A1454, A1455, iPad2,6, iPad2,7 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.8dB |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 812:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB
|
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- More powerful processor
- Larger screen
- Better display contrast
- Slightly better rear camera
- Larger and heavier
- Older technology
- Less portable
Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
- More portable and lightweight
- Slightly better display contrast ratio
- Easier to hold in one hand
- Less powerful processor
- Smaller screen
- Older technology
Display Comparison
The iPad 4 features a 9.7-inch Retina display with a contrast ratio of 762:1, offering crisp visuals. The iPad Mini has a 7.9-inch display with a slightly better contrast ratio of 812:1, but the smaller size impacts overall screen real estate. Both offer good color accuracy for their time.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature front and rear cameras, but image quality is modest by today's standards. The iPad 4's rear camera is slightly better, but neither is suitable for serious photography. Both are adequate for video calls.
Performance
The iPad 4's A6X chip with a dual-core 1.4 GHz processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the iPad Mini's A5 chip (dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9). Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run better on the iPad 4.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, offering around 10 hours of mixed usage. However, the iPad 4's larger size allows for a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially providing marginally longer runtime.
Buying Guide
The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular is best suited for users who prioritize performance and a larger screen for media consumption and productivity. The Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular is ideal for those seeking a compact, lightweight tablet for reading, browsing, and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these iPads still worth buying in 2024?
Both are quite dated. They can still handle basic tasks, but don't expect modern app compatibility or performance. Consider them for very light use or as a secondary device.
❓ Which iPad has better iOS support?
The iPad 4 received iOS updates for a longer period than the iPad Mini. However, both are no longer receiving major iOS updates.
