Home-Browsers-What is the difference between iPad mini 2 and 4? Now the line of tablets from Apple looks like this

What is the difference between iPad mini 2 and 4? Now the line of tablets from Apple looks like this

I follow the compact tablet market in general and the iPad mini in particular very closely. I remember waiting for the first generation for a long time, back when there were only rumors about mini. And so, when it was released, I was greatly disappointed, since Apple significantly saved on the display (1024x768 pixels). I forgot about their tablets for a year, until the second generation came out with a wonderful screen. By the way, I still use it. The third mini was not much different from the second, so I calmly continued to use the “outdated” version. But then the update to iOS 9 came out, and the mini 2 began to work much worse. The beloved company seemed to whisper: “Look, he’s not the same anymore, it’s time to update.” Just a couple of months later, mini 4 arrived for testing. It’s time to figure out whether you should upgrade your tablets.

Characteristics

  • Class: compact flagship
  • Form factor: monoblock
  • Housing materials: aluminum
  • Operating system: iOS 9
  • Network: GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, LTE (nanoSIM)
  • Platform: Apple A8
  • Processor: dual-core 1.5 GHz
  • Video accelerator: PowerVR GX6450
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Storage memory: 16/64/128 GB
  • Interfaces: Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), dual-band, Bluetooth 4.2 (A2DP, EDR), Lightning connector for charging/sync, 3.5 mm for headset
  • Screen: 7.9’’, capacitive, IPS-matrix, 1536x2048 pixels, automatic adjustment backlight level, oleophobic coating
  • Camera: 8 MP, video recording in 1080p (1920x1080 pixels)
  • Front camera: 1.2 MP
  • Navigation: GPS/GLONASS (A-GPS support)
  • Sensors: accelerometer, position sensor, gyroscope, light sensor, barometer
  • Battery: non-removable, Li-Ion, capacity 5124 mAh
  • Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm
  • Weight: 299 grams
  • Price: from 33,000 rubles

Equipment

  • Tablet
  • Charger
  • PC cable (also part of the charger)
  • Documentation
  • SIM eject tool

The tablet comes in a small compact package, the equipment is traditionally ascetic.

Appearance, materials, control elements, assembly

Design has always been strong point Apple products, And new iPad mini was no exception. There are no tacky elements or cheap, inappropriate plastic here; the body is made of aluminum, and three colors are available for sale: gray, silver and gold.


I would immediately like to draw your attention to the choice of color. Many may think that men should opt for the gray model, but it looks very boring. Personally, I’m much closer to the silver version, it looks better and creates a sense of continuity between the company’s iPad and MacBooks.


On the front side above the screen there is a light sensor and a front camera, and below it there is physical button with built-in fingerprint scanner.



On the right is a volume rocker and a nanoSIM tray, on top is a power button and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It is interesting that in this model they abandoned the button that switches the tablet to silent mode.





At the bottom end you can see a mesh of stereo speakers and a Lightning connector. At the speakers excellent quality sound and a large volume reserve, they do not wheeze, even if you turn it up to maximum.


The tablet is perfectly assembled, all parts fit tightly together, there are no backlashes, creaks or other assembly defects.

Dimensions

Throughout my use of the tablet, I had the impression that its dimensions had not changed at all compared to the previous generation. However, when I filled out the table above, I saw a very good difference in dimensions. And although there are differences on paper, when normal use You won’t notice much difference in size and weight.




On the left is mini 4, on the right is mini 2

The tablet is thin and light; seven-inch models usually have a similar weight. It is convenient to hold it with both one and two hands, but if we are talking about constant use, then both hands are indispensable.


Screen

If you look only at the technical characteristics of the screen, you get the impression that it has not changed at all, but the devil is in the details, or rather, in one, but very important detail. The display in the iPad mini 4 has been raised to the level iPad Air 2 and removed the air gap between the screen and protective glass. Thanks to this, the picture became much brighter, clearer, and the level of maximum brightness increased.

Owners of past generations mini They know that on the street or under artificial lighting the brightness in mini 2/3 was no longer enough, I wanted to turn it up even more. The new generation does not have this problem.

Currently this is one of the best displays in compact tablets, slightly second only to Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0.

operating system

The tablet works under iOS control 9 and gets current updates, just like other Apple devices. We have detailed review innovations of this operating system, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with it using the link below.

One of the reasons I like any Apple iPad is... large number applications optimized for large screens, and although Android is now gradually catching up with iOS, at the moment there are good colorful games and beautiful programs for iPad more.

Performance

Two key changes to the device's performance are the updated Apple A8 chipset (also used by the iPhone 6/6 Plus) and 2 GB RAM. However, they are only important on paper; in reality, operating system optimization plays a significant role. So, on iOS 9 mini 2 it doesn’t work very well, the same desktops are scrolled through with strong slowdowns, the screen rotates with stutters, etc. There are no such problems in mini 4: any programs run quickly and without stuttering.

There are also no problems with toys; you can play any games, even the most powerful ones, without any problems, including those with support for Metal technology.

Users of previous versions of the iPad mini complained of periodic application crashes due to a lack of RAM in the devices. To be honest, I myself have not encountered similar problems, however, in theory, increased RAM should solve them exactly.

Autonomous operation

Perhaps one of the significant advantages of any iPad over most Android smartphones is the minimum discharge when the display is off. At night I close the lid Smart Cover at 36% of the battery, I open it in the morning and see the same 36%, while on Android the nightly discharge can range from 5 to 20%.

In everyday use, the mini 4 also performs very well. When playing HoMM 3 for about an hour a day at medium brightness, its charge lasted for five to six days. Most likely, you will charge your tablet no more than once a week.

Camera

We have already compared the iPad mini 4 camera with Galaxy Tab S2 8.0, so I recommend looking at the relevant section in that article.

I’ll add on my own that, despite the low resolution, I really like the work front camera in iPad mini 4, in the same Skype picture it turns out very good.

Wireless interfaces

All modules work perfectly and quickly, there is nothing special to add.

Touch ID

I would especially like to note the speed Touch works ID, it has increased significantly from previous version. If on the iPhone 6/mini 3 it took about a second to unlock, then in mini 4 this time was reduced to 0.5 seconds. In words it looks like a trifle, but in real life it has become even more convenient to use the scanner.

New cases

The company has also prepared updated branded accessories for the new mini 4 - new Smart Cover and a separate silicone cover for the back. They can be used either separately or together.











I liked that the outer side of both halves is made of silicone, which makes the covers much more practical, because if they get dirty, you can simply wipe them off. I remember the branded cover for mini 2, which was completely lost presentation already in six months, and I see that the new models are much better and more practical.



The silicone case sells for 5,000 rubles, and the new Smart Cover – for 3,300 rubles. Of course, these are expensive accessories, but this is the price to pay for a good quality item that will last you quite a long time. Don’t forget that we live in a world where the dollar exchange rate is already 75, not 35 rubles.

By the way, on the official Apple website you can see what the new cases for the iPad mini 4 will look like different colors. http://www.apple.com/ru/ipad-mini-4/accessories/

Conclusion

Apple has released a great update to an already good tablet. The company has worked on weak points(improved the display, increased the amount of RAM) and improved existing advantages (Touch ID speed, dimensions). The updated mini 4 will please owners of any of the previous generations, rest assured.

And now about the sad thing. Let's move on to prices: iPad mini 4 is sold in six various options: 16, 64 and 128 GB with LTE support and in the Wi-Fi Only option:

  • 16 GB Wi-Fi - 33,000 rubles
  • 64 GB Wi-Fi - 41,000 rubles
  • 128 GB Wi-Fi - 49,000 rubles
  • 16 GB Wi-Fi+LTE - 43,000 rubles
  • 64 GB Wi-Fi+ LTE - 51,000 rubles
  • 128 GB Wi-Fi+LTE - 59,000 rubles

I remember with great regret the times when initial version An iPad mini could be bought for 15,000 rubles, since then prices have more than doubled! But this is already existing reality, with which we can do little, so we will evaluate the new product in accordance with its price.

In my opinion, the cost of mini 4 is very high, and the fact that in minimum version only 16 GB internal memory, and the difference between Wi-Fi and LTE versions amounts to as much as 10,000 rubles. What could Apple do to sweeten the pill for Russian customers? It seems to me that it was worth leaving 32 GB of internal memory in the minimum version, and reducing the difference between Wi-Fi/LTE to 5,000 rubles. Apple has a very loyal audience; people would grind their teeth and still buy the new product. But at current prices, the size of the potential audience has decreased significantly. It's still the same good tablet, just very expensive.

As an alternative, it makes sense to look at Galaxy side Tab S2 8.0, which is in no way inferior to mini 4, and in some ways even beats it and at the same time costs much less, and the memory in it can be increased due to the memory card slot. Another thing is that there are people who like iOS. Apparently, they will have to use their tablets for another year.


If the price of the mini 4 doesn’t scare you, then I can safely recommend the tablet for purchase, because it has no other drawbacks.

Modern consumers are trying to keep up with the times. Gadgets released next year are improving, and rapidly. Products from the American brainchild Apple are popular among tablets. These devices are considered to be the highest quality and multifunctional. Next we need to figure out what the iPad mini 4 is. Review of this tablet, owner reviews and basic characteristics will help you judge how high quality the gadget is. What pros and cons does it have? Is it worth paying attention to the fourth generation iPad at all?

Description

Let's start with a brief description of the device. What are we talking about? The iPad mini 4, which is reviewed below, is nothing more than a modern tablet. It was created by Apple in 2015. Since then, the device has won the hearts of many buyers.

It should be noted that the iPad mini 4 differs from the 3rd generation tablet more than the iPad 3 from the iPad 2. At the first presentation of the device, Apple demonstrated a fingerprint scanner and an updated body color.

iPad mini 4 runs iOS 9. The tablet allows you to work with the latest Apple programs and applications. Therefore, if you want to keep up with the times, it is recommended to pay attention to this device. The gadget performs the functions of a regular tablet.

About the configuration

Now we can take a closer look iPad specifications mini 4. The review presented below will allow you to evaluate all the features of the device.

The gadget's delivery package will not surprise anyone. We can say that it is traditional. In the box with the device the buyer will find:

  • tablet;
  • cable for connecting to a computer;
  • charger;
  • a special clip for removing the SIM card;
  • operating instructions;
  • warranty card.

The packaging of the tablet does not stand out in any way. Please note that the charger consists of 2 parts - a “plug” for plugging into a power outlet and a USB cable. A similar innovation occurs in most modern gadgets.

Appearance

The Apple iPad mini 4 is a device that, like all Apple products, stands out for its design. There are no unnecessary details, tacky elements or anything “flashy” in it. No cheap plastic components, no bold design solutions.

Despite this, the iPad mini 4 looks solid. The body is made of aluminum, which significantly affects appearance devices. iPad comes in several color ranges: gold, gray and silver.

Some people say that the gray body looks a bit boring. Therefore, it is preferable to choose silver models. You can compare iPad mini 4 with MacBook. These devices are similar in appearance.

iPad mini 4 is a stylish and fashionable solution for those who want to keep up with the times. The owners of the device are satisfied with the purchase. The corners of the iPad are rounded, which adds elegance to the entire gadget.

Controls

Please note that the iPad mini 4, reviewed below, is a new generation tablet. Controls play an important role in it. Brand new solutions surprise and delight owners!

Above the screen there is a light sensor, as well as a front camera. Below it is the Home button. It is equipped with a fingerprint scanner. On the right side of the gadget, on the side panel, there is a compartment for a SIM card (nano), as well as volume switches. And at the top there is a standard headset connector.

An interesting fact is that the iPad mini 4 does not have a button to switch the device to silent mode. The bottom of the tablet is equipped with speakers and a connector for connecting to a computer/network.

The assembly of the gadget is pleasing. It is noted that the “iPad mini 4” is assembled perfectly. All elements fit as tightly as possible, there are no creaks or gaps.

Dimensions

What else makes the iPad mini 4 stand out? A review of this tablet is unthinkable without a description of the device’s dimensions. It is noted that externally the gadget does not stand out in any way. It is similar in size to most tablets. For example, with Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. There is no difference on paper or in hand. But if you believe the description of the device, the iPad can be called a very large gadget.

The dimensions of the tablet are 203.2x134.8x6.1 millimeters. The device weighs 299 grams. The iPad mini 4 is a lightweight, small tablet that's easy to use. It is equally comfortable to use with one hand or with two.

Screen

What characteristics does the iPad mini 4 have? A review of the tablet will help you understand how good this device is. Should we really pay attention to it?

The iPad 4 screen is a completely new solution for Apple products. Specifications indicate that overall the device's display has changed little compared to 3rd generation tablets. The diagonal of the iPad mini 4 is 7.9 inches, the resolution is 1536 by 2048 pixels. The screen supports multi-touch technology up to 10 simultaneous touches.

iPad mini 4 has excellent viewing angles. The picture on the screen is bright, clear, and rich. All this is due to the fact that the display quality of the model is exactly the same as that of the iPad Air 2. In addition, Apple has removed the air gap between the protective glass and the screen.

It is noted that the brightness of the device is now at an excellent level. There is no need to set it to maximum when poor lighting. And this cannot but rejoice.

Today, the iPad mini 4 offers one of the best screens among compact tablets. Perhaps only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 beats Apple in terms of display quality.

Device system

Of course, a very important component becomes operating system gadget. The thing is that the iPad mini 4, the review of which is presented to your attention, works with iOS 9. This is absolutely new version operating system. The "stuffing" of the gadget allows you to download and install the latest programs and applications for Apple products. Just what you need!

I am glad that there are a huge number of applications and games for the iPad mini 4. Working with iOS 9 makes the tablet a multifunctional compact center. With the help the latest programs you can work, relax, and just have a good time.

The performance of the device also leaves no one indifferent. As already mentioned, the main characteristics of the iPad allow you to work with iOS 9 without any brakes, while on the iPad mini 3 the operating system begins to glitch.

About power

What other characteristics does the Apple iPad mini 4 have? A review of this gadget indicates the presence of significant hardware power. Among the main changes in the device are called new chipset Apple A8, as well as good RAM. It provides 2 GB.

These characteristics are important for everyone modern device. New powerful processor in combination with RAM and OS optimization, it allows you to feel how high-quality the gadget is in the hands of the owner. iOS 9, as already mentioned, works with the iPad mini 4 quickly, without slowdowns or glitches.

You can call the iPad mini 4 a universal device. As already mentioned, it is ideal for work, study, and relaxation. Latest Games will run on the Apple iPad mini 4, the review of which is presented to your attention, without brakes, lags, or glitches.

The device also responds quickly to user actions. In previous versions of the tablet, applications often crashed due to lack of RAM. The iPad mini 4 has not yet had such cases.

Duration of work

Modern owners of tablets and smartphones often complain about the lack of powerful battery from this or that gadget. What can you say about the iPad mini 4? The mobile-review highlights the long autonomous operation devices. This means that the tablet’s battery pleases with its power. The battery capacity is 5124 mAh. Li-On technology is used.

Tablet owners indicate that when turned off iPad display mini 4 lasts longer than its analogues. It is noted that when playing for about an hour a day and medium brightness settings, the tablet's operating time without recharging is about a week. This is a very good indicator.

Of course, with active using an iPad mini 4 will discharge faster. Nevertheless, you will still be able to work with the tablet for about a few days. We can say that the iPad mini 4 is Apple's enduring creation. Some people talk about needing to charge the device once a week.

Like a camera

All modern tablets and smartphones are equipped with a wide variety of additional functions. For example, it is difficult to imagine a device without a camera. The iPad mini 4, the review of which is almost finished, has several tools for taking video and photos.

A front camera with a quality of 1.2 megapixels is provided. This is enough for making video calls and selfies. You shouldn't expect masterpieces from the front camera - it takes good pictures, but the quality still leaves much to be desired.

The rear camera allows you to take 8 megapixel pictures. The detail of the resulting images is not bad, but it is inferior to the Galaxy Tab. However, for an iPad, the device takes good pictures. The images are rich, bright, and clear.

Some highlight the excellent performance of the front camera, despite low quality. iPad mini 4 is a device that allows you to take wonderful photos and videos! Noises sometimes occur, but they are not too noticeable.

Memory

On the market of modern gadgets you can find huge amount iPad mini 4. A review of the tablet indicates that this device does not allow expansion of memory for user data. This feature turns off some buyers. After all, you have to think in advance how much space on the tablet will be enough for games, programs, music and applications.

Depending on the memory, the cost of the gadget changes. What could iPad mini 4 be like? A review of w3bsit3-dns.com indicates that the following models are found:

  • 16 GB;
  • 64 GB;
  • 128 GB.

In addition, you should pay attention to communication support. There are both tablets that work only with Wi-Fi, and those that allow additional contact with LTE.

Price

iPad mini 4 is expensive. This is the verdict that almost all tablet owners make. Perhaps the high price tag is the main disadvantage of the gadget. Today you can find an iPad mini 4 16 GB for approximately 27-30 thousand rubles.

As already mentioned, the price of the tablet depends on the amount of built-in memory and the presence/absence of LTE. "iPad mini 4" 128 GB with Wi-Fi and TLE costs about 60,000 rubles. However, the cost of Apple products no longer surprises anyone. Everyone knows that iPad, iPhone and iPod are expensive and high-quality equipment!

Rating 5

Pros: + Wi-Fi ac
+ Good screen
+ Good performance
+ Thin, light, metal
+ Slowly loses value over time – you can sell it at any time to pay less for a new one

Disadvantages: – Touch ID. It was only because of her that I decided to write this review. It works absolutely disgustingly, at the level of cheap laptops from ten years ago. You can log in using a fingerprint only if the sensor itself and your finger are perfectly clean, and then only once. The reason for this is old version sensor, which has not been installed in iPhones for a long time, but for some reason they decided to install it in the iPad.

– iOS 11. Unfortunately, it’s not optimized for Mini at all. I’ve been using iOS since version 6 and have always updated without problems, but 11 is the first one after which I had to roll back. This is a fiasco, bros. Everything is inconvenient, from the keyboard to the widgets on the start screen. It feels like the iPhone version was simply stretched onto the iPad screen. And so it will do. I hope iOS 12 will be more convenient.

– The accelerometer quite often starts to slow down or stops working completely.

Comment: I think that there is no point in describing the advantages, as well as the disadvantages - everyone has known everything for a long time. Therefore, I will limit myself only to those little things that I noticed during my long time working with this tablet.

Rating 5

Advantages: Best screen of all tablets in history until 2018, including all sorts of PROs
The camera is better than the iPhone 5s
Weight and thickness are excellent
Having Touch ID, you can now pay in stores)))

Disadvantages: Unfortunately, it holds a charge worse than the iPad mini2
Since they removed the screen lock slider, they could have put the volume there too!!!
In general, this is the most best tablet in the world without question, except perhaps Samsung tab s2 is also good, but there is no fingerprint scanner (((and that one has a screen full of grains around the edges

Comment: What can I say... everything is getting cheaper and 6s and 7s and 8s... but this gadget is only getting more expensive for some reason))), and all because there has been nothing better for almost 3 years already))) apparently we can't wait for a tablet with a 12mp camera and wireless charging by 8 inches, so get this one while it's still available

Rating 5

Pros: - clear bright screen, the fonts are so smooth that you can cut yourself on them, scratches are in no hurry to appear
- system performance. Nothing slows down, windows scroll smoothly, games deliver the fps intended by the developer and don’t crash, surfing the Internet is extremely pleasant
- high quality assemblies. Pleasant to the touch aluminum case, in which nothing plays, does not creak, and is easy and comfortable to hold
- excellent battery life, after more than a year of use, the use time without recharging has practically not changed

  1. The amount of available space is less than stated and depends on various factors. Standard configuration(including iOS and pre-installed apps) takes approximately 10 to 12 GB depending on device model and settings. Pre-installed applications occupy about 4 GB; they can be deleted and downloaded again.
  2. Size and weight vary depending on configuration and manufacturing process.
  3. To make FaceTime calls, both parties must have FaceTime-enabled devices and be connected to a Wi-Fi network. FaceTime availability by cellular network depends on the conditions of the telecom operator; Data charges may apply.
  4. Detailed information about support LTE networks Available from your carrier or online.
  5. Data plan required. LTE networks are not available in all regions or with all carriers. Speed ​​calculated based on theoretical bandwidth and depends on local conditions. For more information about LTE network support, contact your carrier or visit the website.
  6. Siri function may not be available in all languages ​​or regions. Feature capabilities may also vary. Internet access required. Cellular data charges may apply.
  7. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2015 using preproduction iPad mini 4 units and software. Testing included draining the battery completely while performing the following tasks: playing video, playing audio, and browsing websites over a Wi-Fi or cellular data network. The video was a 2 hour 23 minute repeat film purchased from iTunes Store. The audio content included a playlist of 358 unique audio tracks, purchased from the iTunes Store. Testing of Internet browsing via Wi‑Fi and cellular data networks was carried out using dedicated web servers and mail server, simulating browsing 20 popular web pages and checking email hourly. Default settings were used, except for the following: Wi‑Fi connection to the network (enabled, except for surfing the Internet via a cellular data network); request to connect to Wi‑Fi networks (disabled); automatic setting brightness (off); brightness (level set to 50%); WPA2 encryption (enabled). Battery life depends on device settings, usage conditions, and many other factors. Battery testing was conducted on specific iPad test units; actual results may vary.
  8. Broadband recommended wireless connection; charges may apply.
  • Some features may not be available in all countries and regions.

The Apple iPad mini 4 tablet was presented along with the iPhone 6S (the first part of the review) and iPad Pro, without receiving a separate block in the presentation and special attention. And in fact, this is just a reduced iPad version Air 2, according to Apple's words on stage. However, this is precisely what makes the iPad mini 4 perhaps the only normal compact tablet on a market almost completely occupied by huge smartphones. Does the “baby” have anything to compete with its competitors and how successful the iPad mini 4 turned out? We’ll look into it below.

Technical Apple specifications iPad mini 4:

  • Network: GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1700-2100/1900/2100 MHz), LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26)
  • Platform (at time of announcement): iOS 9
  • Display: capacitive, 7.9”, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 326 ppi, IPS
  • Camera: 8 MP, f/2.4, autofocus, video recording 1080p@60fps and Slow-mo 1080p@120fps
  • Additional camera: 1.2 MP, f/2.2, video recording 720p@30fps
  • Processor: Apple A8+M8
  • Built-in memory: 16, 64, 128 GB
  • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), MIMO
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • GPS and GLONASS (Wi-Fi+ Cellular)
  • nanoSIM (Wi-Fi+Cellular)
  • Lightning
  • Accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor, digital compass
  • Operating time active use via Wi-Fi: up to 10 hours
  • Operating time in active use mode over a cellular network: up to 9 hours
  • Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm
  • Weight: 298.8 g (Wi-Fi) and 304 g (Wi-Fi+Cellular)

Video review

Design and Construction

iPad Air 2 in miniature is truly the most accurate description of the device's appearance. The same thickness of the case (6.1 mm), the same arrangement and pattern of the speakers, the same absence of a volume lock slider. Apple needed to release one intermediate iPad generation mini to reach its own gold standard. The previous iPad mini 3 turned out to be something of a pass-through device, intended for those who for some reason did not upgrade to the iPad mini 2. iPad release mini 4 in the form in which it is now released is logical and the right decision, albeit a little late. At the presentation next to the Air 2, it would look much more organic than with the iPad Pro. Quick folding iPad sales mini 3 immediately after the announcement of mini 4 seems to hint at which tablet actually deserves attention now.


Not only the design, but also the tablet screen has been updated. It retained the same dimensions and resolution (7.9", 2048 x 1536 pixels, 326 ppi), but no longer looked unimportant against the background of the Air line. The image became richer, more contrasting, the anti-reflective layer does its job, but despite this, in direct comparison it's clear that mini screen it still falls just short of the Air 2. In general, you can’t compare it with the Air 2, but it’s advisable to compare it with previous minis in order to clearly assess how much better the display has actually become.

This is the thinnest and lightweight iPad mini for all time, while it, as before, is firmly assembled and tactilely pleasing aluminum body in already standard three colors. Will the newfangled pink and gold colors be added to them? next update tablet? I think there would be buyers for it. Moreover, with new multi-colored cases and covers, including many delicate shades (as in our review), choosing something equally cute for a pink tablet would become much easier than before.

Software

The tablet runs iOS 9 out of the box; when writing the review, the test mini 4 received iOS 9.0.1 and 9.0.2, which did not greatly affect the system and did not cure some bugs. Thus, the tablet managed to slow down in the most noticeable and frequently used places, namely when switching between applications, flipping the interface, and when calling up Spotlight search. Perhaps they have already been fixed in iOS 9.1, please write in the comments if so. At the same time, all the new features of the system worked perfectly and did not cause any complaints. This includes a split screen (the same as the Air 2, that is, complete with all possible options, not available for other minis), and picture-in-picture, and new keyboard capabilities, and multitasking built-in and updated for iOS 9 third party applications. The tablet's power is enough to work on one screen with two full-fledged applications, for example, without any brakes. Safari browser And native Mail, while simultaneously playing a movie from iTunes or from any other place in a small window. All the more surprising were the lags in other, more typical and familiar places for iOS.

Camera

Along with the design and screen, the tablet’s camera has also been updated. Now there is 8 megapixels with an f/2.4 aperture, the same autofocus, 1080p video recording at 60 fps and Slow-mo 1080p at 120 fps. It has always been convenient to take photos and even shoot videos on the mini (a common occurrence at concerts), now you can do this, as they say, even “better.” In terms of photo and video quality, the camera does not reach the level of the iPhone 6, and it is mainly suitable for good sunny conditions; it will allow you to capture something interesting and that’s okay.

Benchmarks and Performance

iPad mini 4 is not only the thinnest and lightest compact apple tablet, but also the most powerful. It uses an overclocked version of the A8 chipset with 2GB of RAM, making it slightly faster than the iPhone 6 and only slightly weaker than iPad Air 2 with its A8X. The benchmark results speak for themselves: this baby is not a timid one.

The toys are also ok, but with some complaints. For example, Asphalt 8 suddenly became sluggish in some places, although this had not previously been observed on iOS. Something simpler in terms of graphics, but more complex in terms of gameplay like Shadowmatic, runs without any problems.

The company claims a traditional battery life of 10 hours for most usage scenarios (Internet, listening to music, watching videos). Despite the fact that the battery in the tablet has decreased, these figures are close to real ones and the iPad mini 4 allows you to comfortably use it throughout the entire day, or even 3-4 with more relaxed use. If you touch it once a week, then mini 4, like any other iPad, will quietly lie there for a couple of months.

Conclusions

iPad mini 4 is definitely Apple's best compact tablet and a real find for those looking for convenient mobile solution paired with your not-so-huge smartphone. On the other hand, Air 2 is not that much larger and heavier, it is just as thin, has a better quality screen and is faster. In this case, on mini side 4, the price plays a role, since for the same official 48,990 rubles you can get a 128 GB modification of the tablet with Wi-Fi, in contrast to the 64 GB version of the Air 2 with Wi-Fi. Yes, under the old course, mini 4 would have been even more advantageous offer, but it’s time to forget about the old course and come to terms with new realities.



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