iPad Mini 4 vs 6: Which Compact iPad Reigns Supreme?
Looking for the perfect compact tablet? The iPad mini series has long been a favorite, offering impressive power in a portable package. But with the release of the iPad mini 6, is the older iPad mini 4 still a contender, or has it been completely surpassed?
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance, and features of the iPad mini 4 and the iPad mini 6. We’ll explore everything from display quality and processing power to battery life and overall user experience. This will allow you to make an informed decision on which iPad mini best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or simply someone who enjoys the convenience of a small tablet, understanding the differences between these two models is crucial. We’ll break down the key areas of comparison to help you determine which iPad mini offers the best value and performance for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ipad mini 4 | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 7.9-inch | 8.3-inch |
| Processor | A8 chip | A15 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 16/32/64/128 GB | 64/256 GB |
| Main Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Video Recording | 1080p | 4K |
| Cellular Connectivity | Optional | Optional |
| Apple Pencil Support | No | Yes (2nd Gen) |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes (Power Button) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad Mini 4: Features a 7.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and sharpness for its time, but lacks some of the advanced display technologies of newer models. The display is bright enough for indoor use, but can struggle in direct sunlight.
- 6: Boasts an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels. It features True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, and is significantly brighter than the mini 4. The display is vibrant, sharp, and excellent for all uses.
- Winner: 6
Processor
- iPad Mini 4: Powered by the A8 chip, which was a capable processor for its release. It handles basic tasks and older games reasonably well, but can show its age with more demanding applications or multitasking. Performance is noticeably slower compared to current generation devices.
- 6: Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap. It’s incredibly fast and efficient, handling demanding games, video editing, and multitasking with ease. This chip provides a vastly superior user experience.
- Winner: 6
Design
- iPad Mini 4: Features a classic design with thicker bezels around the display and a physical Home button. It’s still a relatively compact and lightweight device, but the design feels dated compared to modern tablets. The aluminum unibody construction feels premium.
- 6: Features a modern, edge-to-edge display design with slimmer bezels and no Home button, utilizing Touch ID on the power button. It’s slightly larger in screen size but maintains a very similar overall footprint. The aesthetic is sleek and contemporary.
- Winner: 6
Camera
- iPad Mini 4: Includes an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. The camera quality is adequate for basic photos and video calls, but struggles in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are limited.
- 6: Features a 12MP rear camera with improved image quality and video recording capabilities, including 4K video. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, significantly improving video call quality.
- Winner: 6
Storage Options
- iPad Mini 4: Offered in limited storage options, often 16GB, 32GB, 64GB or 128GB. With increasing file sizes and app demands, the lower storage options can quickly become restrictive.
- 6: Comes with more generous storage options, typically starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB. This provides ample space for apps, media, and files, catering to a wider range of user needs.
- Winner: 6
Battery Life
- iPad Mini 4: Provides decent battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours of general use. Battery performance can degrade over time and usage.
- 6: Offers excellent battery life, usually providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The more efficient processor contributes to improved battery performance.
- Winner: 6
Connectivity
- iPad Mini 4: Supports Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2. Cellular models are available with 4G LTE connectivity.
- 6: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. Cellular models support 5G for significantly faster data speeds.
- Winner: 6
Apple Pencil Support
- iPad Mini 4: Does not support the Apple Pencil.
- 6: Compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, providing a seamless and enhanced creative experience.
- Winner: 6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 6 |
| Display | 6 |
| Camera | 6 |
| Features | 6 |
| Value | ipad mini 4 |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Portability: Both iPads are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and use on the go. This makes them ideal for reading, browsing, and entertainment.
- Operating System: Both devices run on iPadOS, offering a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and a wide range of apps optimized for tablet use.
- Display Quality: Both iPads feature high-resolution displays that provide sharp and vibrant visuals, making them suitable for watching videos, playing games, and viewing photos.
- Battery Life: Both iPads offer a decent battery life, allowing for several hours of use on a single charge, making them suitable for long trips or extended use.
- Connectivity: Both models support Wi-Fi and optional cellular connectivity, enabling users to stay connected to the internet and access their data from virtually anywhere.
iPad Mini 4 vs 6 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad Mini 4, powered by the A8 chip, offers a respectable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and casual gaming. However, the iPad Mini 6 boasts the significantly more powerful A15 Bionic chip. This translates to a substantial leap in processing speed, graphical capabilities, and overall responsiveness. You’ll experience smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more fluid experience, especially with demanding applications or resource-intensive games. The Mini 6’s performance makes it a better choice if you prioritize speed and future-proofing.
Display Quality and Features
Both iPads feature Retina displays, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. However, the iPad Mini 6 has a larger display, thanks to its slimmer bezels, providing more screen real estate in a similar form factor. The Mini 6 also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, making it easier on the eyes. The Mini 6’s display offers a more immersive viewing experience. The Mini 4’s display is still good, but the Mini 6 takes the lead.
Design and Portability
Both iPads are incredibly portable, but the iPad Mini 6 features a more modern design with flatter edges, mirroring the design of other recent iPads. The Mini 6 also eliminates the Home button, maximizing screen space. Both are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go use. The Mini 6 is slightly more modern and stylish, with the updated design. The Mini 4 is still compact and easy to handle.
Connectivity and Accessories
The iPad Mini 4 uses the older Lightning port, while the iPad Mini 6 features the more versatile USB-C port. USB-C offers faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with accessories. The Mini 6 also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side for charging and storage. The Mini 4 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which requires a separate adapter for charging. This is a crucial consideration if you plan to use a stylus.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer good battery life, typically lasting a full day of use depending on your usage patterns. However, real-world testing shows that the iPad Mini 6 generally offers a slightly longer battery life than the Mini 4. This is due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and optimized power management. While both will get you through the day, the Mini 6 provides a bit more peace of mind regarding battery longevity, particularly during heavy usage.
Price and Value for Money
The iPad Mini 4 is generally available at a lower price point, as it’s an older model. However, the iPad Mini 6 offers significantly better performance, features, and future-proofing for only a little more money. Considering the advancements in processing power, display, and accessories support, the iPad Mini 6 provides better value for money, especially if you plan to use it for several years. The Mini 4 remains a viable option if budget is the absolute primary concern.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ipad mini 4 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and looking for a more affordable iPad option.
- You only need basic performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light app usage.
- You don’t need the latest features like Apple Pencil support or the latest processor.
Buy 6 If…
- You want the best performance and the latest features in a compact iPad.
- You plan to use your iPad for more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking.
- You want to take advantage of the latest display, camera, and connectivity features.
- You want to use the Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing, or other creative endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPad Mini 4 and the iPad Mini 6?
The iPad Mini 6 features a much faster A15 Bionic chip, a larger display with True Tone technology, a USB-C port, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. The Mini 4 has an older A8 chip, a smaller display, a Lightning port, and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The design of the Mini 6 is also more modern, with slimmer bezels and no Home button.
Which iPad Mini has a better display?
The iPad Mini 6 has a better display. It features a larger screen size thanks to the thinner bezels, and it includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This makes for a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience compared to the Mini 4.
Does the iPad Mini 6 support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad Mini 6 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. This Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Mini 6 for charging and storage. The Mini 4, on the other hand, is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which requires a separate adapter for charging.
How does the performance compare between the iPad Mini 4 and the iPad Mini 6?
The iPad Mini 6 offers significantly better performance thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. It’s much faster than the Mini 4, which uses the older A8 chip. You’ll notice the difference in app loading times, multitasking, and overall responsiveness, especially when using demanding applications or playing graphically intensive games.
What kind of port does each iPad Mini use?
The iPad Mini 4 uses the older Lightning port, while the iPad Mini 6 features a USB-C port. USB-C offers faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with various accessories. This makes the Mini 6 more versatile for connecting to external devices and other peripherals.
Which iPad Mini has better battery life?
While both iPads offer good battery life, the iPad Mini 6 generally has a slightly longer battery life than the Mini 4. This is due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and optimized power management. You can expect both to last a full day of normal use, but the Mini 6 may offer a bit more longevity.
Is the iPad Mini 6 worth the extra cost?
Yes, the iPad Mini 6 is generally worth the extra cost. It provides significantly better performance, a more modern design, a better display, and more advanced features. Considering the improvements, the Mini 6 offers better value for money, especially if you plan to use it for several years and want to future-proof your purchase.
Final Verdict
The iPad Mini 6 clearly surpasses the iPad Mini 4 in nearly every aspect. From its faster processor and enhanced display to its modern design and improved connectivity, the Mini 6 represents a significant upgrade. While the Mini 4 remains a functional device, the Mini 6 provides a superior user experience and a more future-proof investment for those seeking a compact tablet.
Winner: iPad Mini 6