Which is better ipad mini or air. iPad Air and iPad mini Retina – one device, different sizes
There is no single right decision in this choice: you need to base it on your preferences and the functions that you plan to get from the tablet. I will try to combine my knowledge with facts and provide a little research on the topic: which iPad form factor to choose. This article can help beginners decide or guide them to the truth.
As examples I give iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4, as the latest tablets in their lines, but the article is about the choice of form factor.
iPad Mini
iPad Mini is Apple's smallest and lightest tablet. Just think about it, the weight of the iPad Mini 4 is 298.8 grams (304 grams for the Cellular model). With a length of 203.2 mm and a width of 134.8 mm, it can fit into even the smallest handbag. That is why I personally call it “female”, although this does not mean at all that it is intended for women.
About games. The iPad Mini is great for gaming - it's comfortable to hold (and in one hand), like a big joystick with a screen. All genres of games that I mastered on the iPad Mini play perfectly on it. The fact is that in mobile games it is often important to have fast access to any point on the screen and on the iPad Mini this is easiest. I have a friend who is two meters tall and plays on an iPad Mini. His hands are large and he can reach absolutely any point on the screen with all his fingers.
But there is such a nuance. The iPad Mini 4 has an A8 processor, while the iPad Air 2 has an A8X processor. Their speed differs slightly, but graphics processing on the iPad Air 2 is about one and a half times faster. Gamers should remember this. It doesn't matter now, but it may have an impact in the future. For example, in the future GTA IV on iPad may well work on the iPad Air 2, but not on the iPad Mini 4.
About programs. Due to the smaller screen, details also become smaller. With a diagonal of 7.9 inches (the iPad Air has 9.7), the resolution of the iPad Mini is the same as that of the iPad Air - 2048x1536, which means a pixel density of 326 inches (for the iPad Air and iPad Pro 264). The iPhone has an even higher pixel density, but the applications there are adapted specifically for the smartphone. Since the iPad Mini has the same resolution as the iPad Air, the developers don’t bother too much and make their programs for them the same way. Visually this is expressed in more small fonts and interface elements.
The result is that the programs are less convenient to work with. I don’t have the largest hand, and it’s more comfortable to work in programs on the iPad Air.
What's good about the iPad Mini? For example, in photography or video shooting. Abroad, I've seen a lot of tourists taking photos on iPads. And the iPad Mini looks good in this quality. But a person taking pictures on an iPad Air looks rather comical.
The iPad Mini is good in public transport - take it out of your bag and read/play/watch movies (underline as appropriate).
iPad Air 2
iPad Air is exactly the classic form factor that it was originally. The first iPad was 9.7 inches, and so is the iPad Air 2.
As I wrote above, the iPad Air 2 is a little more powerful than the iPad Mini 4. Apparently, Apple has finally figured out this issue: the Air will be slightly ahead of the mini. I predict that the performance of the iPad Air 3 and iPad Mini 5 will remain about the same small difference.
The iPad Air is very convenient to play on, but difficulties are already arising in some games where the controls are not entirely successful or the control buttons are scattered all over the screen (all sorts of RPGs, strategies and action games). The weight of the iPad Air 2 is 437 (444 Cellular models), which is one and a half times more than the iPad Mini, so holding the iPad Air in your hands is less comfortable than a mini. The difference in grams is small, but if you think about it, the whole iPhone 5S fits into this difference.
But the resolution of 2048x1536 pixels on the 9.7 screen looks the most organic. The details in the programs do not seem so small, the keyboard is of normal size even for long time print texts. Comparing my experience, I will say this: I definitely don’t feel any discomfort when typing on the iPad Air (I even write articles on it sometimes), but on the iPad Mini I try to do this as little as possible.
By technical specifications The iPad Air 2 is almost identical to the iPad Mini 4, so you don't have to be tied to them. Everything you can do on the iPad Mini, you can do without any problems on the iPad Air, just on a larger screen.
iPad Pro is Apple's largest tablet. From the point of view of convenience, holding it suspended is inconvenient! iPad Pro weighs 713 grams. You can see that the very first iPad weighed about the same. But now, when you pick up the iPad 1 (after the iPad Air 2), there is a feeling of dissonance. Thoughts like this: “Did I really once admire the mobility of this monster?!”
Today I went to MVideo specifically to use the iPad Pro to my heart’s content. That rare case when 15 minutes was enough for me to realize that I definitely would not buy an iPad Pro.
Judge for yourself: it’s very uncomfortable to play. Perhaps if game developers take care and move and reduce all buttons in the settings, it will be somehow better.
Typing on the system keyboard is still torture. The length of the fingers is simply not enough, and constantly holding the tablet with one hand (this in itself is inconvenient), and typing with the other becomes annoying after a minute. There is only one way out - an external keyboard. With it there will be a logical transformation of the iPad Pro into a laptop.
Another problem with the iPad Pro lies on the surface - the valiant programmers from Cupertino were too lazy to adapt iOS 9 for higher resolution(2732x2048). Design flaws stick out in every place of the system. Spotlight search, settings, camera. Look at the screenshot below. I'm no Jony Ive - but these terrible fields look ugly.
It can be seen that the system was tightened anyhow according to the principle: “to change something less.”
After the tests, I wondered who would choose the iPad Pro? Who can I recommend this tablet to? And he calculated the following categories of citizens:
a) tall two-meter people whose fingers are larger and objects seem smaller to them. I'm 178 cm tall - this tablet is too big for me.
b) those who need an iPad to display photos and presentations. Photos on this screen look very cool. It’s also cool to edit media content on it.
d) those who want to use the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement. Basically, the average person iPad capabilities Pro is enough for the eyes. Diagonal iPad screen Pro - 12.9, I work on a 13 inch laptop. That is, if it were not for working on it and many years of habit, then as a replacement for a laptop, the iPad Pro would be a good idea.
As for traveling, my opinion is this: in principle, I don’t care which iPad to take, I throw it in my backpack and that’s it. Watch yourself some movies somewhere in Paris. Therefore, size is not a barrier. But for city walks and public transport, the iPad Pro is clearly too big.
What if not an iPad?
There are two more edge devices that can be thought of as replacements for tablets. The iPhone 6S Plus could theoretically replace the iPad Mini. Although a smartphone has a smaller screen, it is also combined with a telephone function. Therefore, it may be preferable as a single gadget.
Well, since an iPad Pro with a keyboard can in some cases replace a laptop, then a laptop can replace an iPad Pro. If there was a choice between taking a MacBook 13 or an iPad Pro, then no one knows how many people would prefer a laptop... I suspect that a certain percentage of citizens would choose the iPad Pro, despite its shortcomings.
Question of price
Let’s take one configuration for comparison (128 gigabytes + Cellular):
- iPad Pro — 86,990 rubles
- iPad Air 2 — 66,990 rubles
- iPad Mini 4 — 58,990 rubles
If the difference between the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4 is not so significant (8000), then the iPad Pro costs 20,000 thousand more. Based solely on price, there must be a very good reason to prefer the iPad Pro.
Conclusion
Think for yourself - decide for yourself. In the article above, I gave advice based on several years of experience using Apple tablets.
For me personally, the ideal middle ground is the iPad Air, on the second place iPad Mini, and on the third iPad Pro iPhone 6 Plus. My wife says the iPad Mini is just right for her, but my Air seems big. You may have completely different priorities and values.
On October 22 of this year, Apple introduced the second model of an 8-inch tablet - iPad mini 2, which received a display high resolution Retina and 64-bit A7 processor in tandem with the M7 coprocessor.
New gadgets from Apple become the object of numerous discussions, both in the press and among admirers famous brand. Such information is especially useful for those who want to update outdated devices, but are not sure about the advisability of such a step. To dispel all doubts and show the advantages of the new iPad tablets, we will take a detailed look at all the innovations from a practical point of view.
Appearance
The design of devices can tell a lot about their functionality, so let's start the review with that. The new iPad mini 2 has gained some weight compared to the older model - its thickness is 7.5 mm versus the previous 7.2 mm. The remaining dimensions remained unchanged - 200x134.7x7.5 mm (for comparison, the iPad mini is 200x134.7x7.2).
The same can be said about device weight– compared to the previous model, it has “gained weight” by 29 g, that is, 341 g (version with a SIM card and Wi-Fi) versus 306 g, respectively. Despite the almost 10% weight gain, it can be considered unnoticeable.
The front panel of all models is covered glass with oleophobic coating, which prevents fingerprints from spoiling the appearance. Below the screen, as always, is located Home key, and above it is the front camera lens.
Despite the expected “golden” iPad mini 2, the manufacturer does not provide such a color for the case. The new tablet will be available in two versions - white with a silver back panel and black ( back panel colors Space Gray), while the predecessor was completely white and black. The bezel of the matrix remains quite wide, so the tablet is comfortable to hold in your hands without touching the touch screen.
Both versions have a volume rocker and a Mute slider on the right side. Left (for versions with module mobile communications) there are slots for Nano-SIM cards (iPad mini and iPad mini 2). At the top end there is a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, a power button and a plastic antenna cover cellular communications, to the left of which the main camera lens is mounted.
At the bottom end of the tablets there is a miniature 8-pin reversible Lightning connector, which can be inserted on either side. On iPad mini and iPad mini speakers are built into both sides of the interface and provide exceptionally high-quality sound.
Screen
Unlike the outdated tablet of the previous model, iPad mini 2 received Retina display worthy of all praise. With the same diagonal – 7.9 inches, new display has a resolution of 2048?1536 versus 1024?768. The pixel density has increased from 163 PPI (iPad mini) to 326 PPI (iPad mini 2).
Visually, the pixels became indistinguishable to the eye, and even the text began to look as if drawn with ink, not to mention the photographic images, more like a picture from a glossy magazine.
The manufacturing technology of IPS matrices remains the same, so the display of the new tablet has a maximum viewing angle and natural color scheme. Although a closer comparison reveals a warmer color scheme and improved image detail. In addition, the new display is distinguished by the precise positioning of the capacitive sensor and the best quality of the oleophobic coating of the protective glass.
Functionality and speed
The first version of the iPad mini tablet used a dual-core A5 processor with ARM Cortex-A9 crystals (1.0 GHz) and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 graphics chip, which provided acceptable operating speed. But 32-bit technology did not allow developing sufficient power when running “heavy” applications.
The new iPad mini 2 with Retina display is equipped with a new product - 64-bit A7 processor working in pairs with M7 coprocessor, which provides all the calculations and monitoring of information coming from the tablet’s various sensors. This “division of labor” made it possible to allocate the freed-up power of the A7 to perform other tasks. It is worth noting that the energy consumption when operating the M7 is significantly lower than that of the main processor, and this has a positive effect on the duration battery life gadget.
The use of new crystals ensured serious increase in productivity. So, according to Apple, new CPU is 4 times more powerful previous processor, and raffic accelerator – 8 times. This was enough to provide the Retina display with sufficient processor power and significantly increase the performance of the entire system. 
Nowadays, when HD video and “heavy” content such as 3D games are becoming more widespread, devices require large amounts of memory. In this regard, the developers of the iPad mini 2 have expanded the line of tablets with a model equipped with 128 GB of memory. For comparison, the iPad mini line was more modest: 16, 32 and 64 GB.
Data transmission in the new tablets is carried out via Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) using a dual MIMO antenna, which allows you to automatically switch between both modes. Thanks to this, users will be able to work at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s, which seems incredible and has so far been confirmed purely theoretically.
The new gadget, like the previous model, uses new bluetooth 4.0. The 4G LTE module installed in tablets is not yet relevant in our country. The parameters of LTE networks used in Russia are not compatible with its protocols, so gadgets can only work in 3G mode.
operating system
Unlike the iPad mini, a new OS iOS 7, ensuring compatibility of new chips to maximize performance. At the same time, the operating system interface has become simpler and incredibly intuitive, so it does not require much getting used to.
The developers responded more thoughtfully to consumer requests, which led to the removal of unnecessary decorative elements and the reworking of existing options.
So for a more convenient perception of the panel Control Center became horizontally oriented. Now, to see frequently used programs, you only need to lightly touch the panel on the screen.
Compared to the old Camera app, the shutter button has been moved from the bottom of the screen to sidebar. That's where it's located thumb when shooting, so using the program has become more convenient.
The new interface uses translucent background and realistic animations, making even simple apps like weather forecast fun. Easy on the eyes new design buttons, a streamlined color palette and improved fonts that create a special harmony in interface elements.
Camera
Both models have good optics, allowing you to take high-quality photographs and shoot decent videos. They have two cameras: front and main. Frontal FaceTime camera HD with 1.2 MP The matrix has a facial recognition function and allows you to make FaceTime video calls over Wi-Fi or 4G networks. In addition, it supports video recording in 720p HD quality.
The main camera uses a device called iSight. It is built on 5 megapixel CMOS sensor from the Omnivision company, which was used in the iPhone 4, but additionally it has new 5-element optics. The camera supports the following functions: autofocus, focusing by tap on the screen and face recognition. It has a built-in hybrid IR filter and backlighting. In addition, it allows you to shoot videos in HD quality: 1080p/30 fps with image stabilization.
The quality of pictures and videos is quite high, which meets the new trends in using the tablet as a photo and video camera. This year, it was quite common to see young people shooting videos on Apple tablets.
An additional option when shooting videos is 3x zoom, which is used for the first time on tablets of this class and will be a real gift for iPad owners mini 2.
Nutrition
The use of a Retina screen, double the resolution and the use of a 4G module required an increase in the power of the iPad mini 2 hardware, which significantly increased power consumption. But, as you know, Apple tablets have always been distinguished by long-term operation offline mode, therefore, the developers were given the goal of increasing the battery capacity with minimal changes in weight and size characteristics.
The iPad mini tablet is equipped with a 16.3 Wh (4430 mAh) battery, which was enough power for long work devices. In the new model, despite the introduction of special energy-saving functions, more powerful battery, which led to a slight increase in the thickness of the case and the weight of the device - only 3 mm and 29 g, respectively.
Thanks to the application innovative technologies Apple engineers managed to maintain the same operating time of the device on a single battery charge. It amounts to:
Mode for listening to audio recordings and watching videos – up to 10 hours;
Active work Internet via Wi-Fi – up to 10 hours;
Surfing the Internet on cellular network 4G – up to 9 hours.
Comparison of characteristics of iPad mini 1 and 2 models:
| iPad mini | iPad mini 2 with Retina |
| Dimensions: height/width/thickness (mm) | |
|
|
| Weight | |
|
|
| Display | |
|
|
| CPU | |
| Dual core A5 | 64 bit A7 with M7 coprocessor |
| Connection | |
WiFi
Wi-Fi + Cellular
Wi-Fi + Cellular(Verizon or Sprint)
| WiFi
Wi-Fi + Cellular
|
| SIM card | |
| Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Main camera | |
|
|
| Front-camera | |
|
|
| Video recording | |
|
|
| System interface | |
| Lightning | Lightning |
| Battery | |
|
|
) have already been the topic of our articles. Today, at the request of our readers, we will talk about the development of Apple tablets and the differences between them. After reading this article, You will be able to freely answer the question: “What is the difference between the iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display) and the iPad 3 and other Apple tablet models.”
In contact with
At the moment, Apple is positioning only three models iPad, as relevant and officially available: , iPad 2 and , and the “kopeck piece” is only available in a Wi-Fi modification with 16 GB of memory. On the secondary market and on the Internet you can find all generations of iPad in any modifications.
iPad original
First iPad(or iPad original) was a pilot and revolutionary project for Apple at the same time. It was presented at a presentation in San Francisco on January 27, 2010. As it turned out later, the idea of releasing a tablet is not new and has been exciting the brain for quite some time. And so, his dream came true and the world saw the first Apple tablet. The project was a pilot project due to the fact that not all developments were applied in first iPad, as if Apple were afraid of a negative reaction from users and did not make an overly expensive and technological device. 
Despite this, the “Apple magic” worked once again and tablets were swept off store shelves. The first pancake didn’t turn out to be a big deal, but critics blasphemed the first iPad for its weak processor, lack of camera, and all the other limitations of iOS.
iPad 2
Having worked on the mistakes, on March 2, 2011, Apple announced iPad 2. The model received two cameras and became a little lighter and thinner than its predecessor, and its improved version iPad 2 (Rev A) with a more advanced processor, it is still Apple's best-selling tablet. 
iPad 3 (The New iPad)
March 7, 2012 iPad line a real revolution awaited in the form The New iPad. The creators specifically did not mark the tablet with the number “3”, explaining this by the fact that new model— rethinking the entire line. became thicker than its predecessor, however, this made it possible to hide a more capacious battery in its body. This was done for the stunning Retina display. The filling has also improved The New iPad.
iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display)
The happy owners of the third iPad, after all, just half a year later, on October 23, 2012, Apple released . It became an exact copy of its predecessor with a new connector and slightly more advanced hardware internals.
It was presented at the same time. For the first time, Apple reduced the screen size from 9.7″ to 7.9″ and dressed the tablet in a matte black shell. This is how Cupertino entered the budget “tablet” market. iPad Mini Mostly criticized for the lack of a retina display. Analysts suggest that the smaller first-generation tablet is a tentative step into a new niche, and the next model will already boast . 
Half a year later, without much fanfare, Apple announced (all previous models only have modifications of 16, 32 or 64 GB).
Separately, it is worth mentioning the 3G/4G (radio) module. All versions of iPad are available in versions with a 3G module, they are called cellular, and without it. It is quite easy to distinguish this modification by the black plastic roof on the rear panel and a small slot for sim cards on the side. 
Such modifications are more expensive and have the ability to access the Internet via networks mobile operators. Of course, this requires a SIM card and costs money, but here lies the second difference between the models, which is not advertised by Apple. All iPads with a 3G module have a built-in GPS module, which is missing in Wi-Fi models. This allows cellular tablet versions determine location without an Internet connection and use applications for navigation and geolocation. Wi-Fi versions of the iPad can only do this when connected to the Internet. 
In order to appearance define model iPad use a simple algorithm. With its help you can always determine which model it is. iPad in front of you. If you have never held in your hands iPad 2 or iPad 3, then a little difficulty may arise in identifying them. If both tablets are nearby, the difference is obvious, but when only one sample is visible, you will have to take a closer look. In other cases, you can easily distinguish one version of the tablet from another.
In conclusion we present comparison table with the characteristics of all Apple tablets.
| iPad | iPad 2 | iPad 2(Rev 2) | iPad 3(The New iPad) | iPad 4 (With Retina Display) | iPad Mini | |
| Model name |
A1219 (Wi-Fi) A1337 (GSM) |
A1460 (GSM+CDMA) |
A1455 (GSM+CDMA) |
|||
| Generation name | ||||||
| Start of sales |
April 2010 |
November 2012 February 2013 (128 GB) |
November 2012 |
|||
| End of sales |
November 2012 |
|||||
| Case colors(back/front) |
Metal/black |
black or white |
black or white |
black or white |
black or white |
Metal or black/ black or white |
| Required versioniTunes | ||||||
| Minimum versioniOS |
6.0.1 others |
6.0.1 others |
||||
| MaximumversioniOS | ||||||
| Battery (mAh) | ||||||
| Length (mm) | ||||||
| Width (mm) | ||||||
| Thickness (mm) | ||||||
| Weight (g) | ||||||
| CPU |
Proprietary architecture |
|||||
| Frequency (MHz) | ||||||
| RAM | ||||||
| Display resolution | ||||||
| Pixels per inch | ||||||
| 2 G(GSM/GPRS/Edge) | ||||||
|
3G (UMTS/ HSDPA/HSUPA) |
||||||
|
4G (LTE) |
+* (13/700, 17/700) |
|||||
|
Glonass |
||||||
| Wi-Fi b/g/n | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Accelerometer | ||||||
| Gyroscope | ||||||
| Light sensor | ||||||
| Rear camera(Mpix) | ||||||
| Front camera(Mpix) | ||||||
| Access Point Mode | ||||||
| AirPlay Mirroring | ||||||
| Connector | ||||||
| Siri |
* - only models with GSM (cellular) module
** - CDMA models only
Apple simply and calmly unveiled the new iPad Mini 4 at an event in San Francisco on September 9th. And although the new iPad Mini received no more than a minute of attention from the total presentation time, it lost out to , but we think it was the best new product at the show.
We can't deny that the iPad Mini 4 is an update to its predecessors that lacks originality and additions, but that doesn't mean it's a waste of time. As you'll see in our comparison against the iPad Mini 4, the company's latest tablet is worth your attention.
Design
As you can see, overall the design of the iPad Mini 4 and iPad Mini 3 are very similar. Once again, Apple is not interested in any visual changes to its line of lower-end tablets. This way existing docks, cases and other accessories can be used without any problems.
In this comparison, we have two 8-inch tablets with a metal back, an all-glass front, and multiple buttons/ports.
It's worth noting that we haven't published a comparison between the iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini 3, but to be fair, the similarities between the 3rd and 4th tablets are much deeper than they might seem.
Nothing happened to the round Home button and the fingerprint scanner hidden inside. The only difference we've seen so far, besides the dimensions, is the disappearance of the mute button, the microphone placement has moved from the center closer to the rear camera, and the speaker grilles at the bottom now have one more row of circles instead of what they had before.
Both tablets use Lightning port centered on the bottom of the tablet, surrounded by two speaker grilles. There are volume buttons on the right side of the tablet, but the iPad Mini 3 has a "Hold" switch that turns off the device; it disappeared with the iPad Mini 4. The power button is located on the right side at the top of the tablet. Headphone jack at top left.
Perhaps the only real design difference is the thickness and weight of the two tablets. The new iPad Mini 4 shaved a tenth of the weight, 294 grams, compared to the iPad Mini 3 (330 grams). The tablet's weight reduction is almost entirely due to the thinning of the outer frame, which makes the iPad Mini 4 thinner (6.1 mm) compared to the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Mini 2, which measure 7.5 mm.
Display
Finally, we come to the first achievements of the new and latest tablet in the Mini series. Firstly, it offers the same size and resolution as the iPad Mini 3, so you get 7.9 inches diagonally, with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. Don't expect a difference like the original iPad and iPad Air 2.
The iPad Mini 4 gets a similar oleophobic (fingerprint-resistant) coating as the iPad Mini 3, but it gets full lamination and anti-reflective coating, previously available only on iPad Air 2. Final result offers noticeable differences between the two devices. And while the image will be similar in ideal lighting conditions, in sunny conditions, the picture on the iPad Mini 4 is much more attractive.
Performance
Now we come to a very interesting part of the new tablet. The iPad Mini 3 is quite capable tablet computer, but that didn't stop Apple from taking the iPad Mini 4 to the next level.
The main difference between these two tablets is the hardware. Given that the old iPad Mini 3 offers a 64-bit A7 processor and 1GB of RAM, as well as an M7 coprocessor, compare them to the new iPad Mini 4, which offers a 64-bit A8 processor, a still unknown amount of RAM, and M8 coprocessor.
Apple even offers its own performance comparison, claiming that the iPad Mini 4 offers 1.3 times faster processor performance and 1.6 times faster graphics performance in comparison with the iPad Mni 3. And although the performance of the youngest tablet in the series is inferior to the iPad Air 2 with the A8X chipset, they mean that the iPad Mini 4 can use latest features multitasking iOS 9.
We'll discuss this later, but the iPad Mini 4's performance allows it to capture SLO-MO video with its updated rear camera sensor. And this is just one of the few features that iPad Mini 3 users are missing out on.
Lastly, battery life seems to have changed with the iPad Mini 4. We know the new tablet has powerful internal specs, but the battery only gets a minor upgrade from 6350mAh to 6471mAh. Other reports claim that we got 5124 mAh. Stay tuned as we're going to take a closer look at comparing these iPads.
Hardware
We'll keep this part short since you've probably already read ours, so this part should be fresh in your mind.
The iPad Mini 3 and iPad Mini 4 benefit from a fingerprint scanner hidden under the Home button. The main purpose of this biometric tool is security, for example you can use Apple Pay in safe mode.
Apple continues to use the Lightning connector, postponing USB Type-C for another time. The front cameras of the iPad Mini 4 and iPad Mini 3 are 720p optics, but the older 5-megapixel main camera of the iPad Mini 3 has been updated with an 8-megapixel sensor from the iPad Mini 4.
Standard Wi-Fi a/c comes with the iPad Mini 4, however, the tablet has received an upgrade to the new one Bluetooth standard 4.2, while the dual channel 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and cellular connection bands, including LTE, remain the same.
Again, since the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Mini 4 come with light sensors, an accelerometer and three-axis gyro sensors, the new tablet gets a barometer.
Cameras
As we mentioned above, the iPad Mini 3 has the old 5-megapixel camera, while the iPad Mini 4 gets an updated 8-megapixel sensor. Despite the increase in megapixels, the remaining characteristics remain largely similar. Down the list, you'll find auto focus, face identification, hybrid IR filter, f/2.4 camera aperture, of course HDR and Panorama quality available modes. The only difference is the inclusion of burst mode on the new iPad Mini 4.
The front camera is a 1.2 megapixel sensor capable of capturing 720p video. While it's not the largest camera sensor, it's more than enough for quick video chat or FaceTime. As we've seen in other aspects of the device, it's an "identical" camera sensor that appears to have been carried over from the older tablet. You likely won't find a difference in good lighting conditions, but compare cameras in poor lighting, and you will notice improvements and discover new camera on the front panel of the tablet.
This is the moment of truth, we'll compare the iPad Mini 4's new 8-megapixel camera with the same sensor on the iPad Air 2 later, but for now let's see if the iPad Mini 3's 5-megapixel camera upgrade is worth your money. (Please remember that these photos were taken in different conditions lighting. We do this on purpose because we believe that user ratings should not be taken into account. best quality pictures. We also put the device in the hands of the “average user” and asked them to shoot, to get an authentic user-taken photography experience. After all, we believe that the average user should see their "own" photos).
Examples iPad photos Mini 4:
HDR
Sample photos of iPad Mini 3:
Software
And if latest iOS 9 was a release for the older tablet, the new iPad Mini 4 comes with this update out of the box. iPad Mini 3 starts on the older version of the operating system, but at the time of this comparison, iOS 9 was released on all tablets in the series.
While iOS 8.4 served well enough, we've been testing iOS 9 on multiple devices, and the new features are a breath of fresh air in comparison. New multitasking features, Slide-Over, Split-View and Picture-in-Picture, truly transform the iPad line into tools for a productive computing experience.
Along with this “better late than never” thing, we get a great multitasking tool, new apps and services, including a new streaming service Apple Music, new Apple app News and much more.
Don't forget that iOS 9 weighs 3 GB less previous version operating system. So you get additional memory to store your favorite apps, photos and files. Installing the operating system leaves over 10 GB on younger tablet models with 16 GB of internal memory.
Prices and final thoughts
If you're looking for an answer to the question of which tablet you should buy, the answer is almost certainly the iPad Mini 4. In terms of power, features and prospects, there's no point in buying the iPad Mini 3, perhaps that's why reason Apple almost completely removed Mini 3 from circulation on the site. Interestingly, it is still available with some discounts, but that's another story.
The thing is, I use the iPad Mini 3 on a daily basis and I have to admit that I'm quite pleased with the user experience. There is nothing reprehensible in saving a few thousand rubles (or 6-7) with buying an iPad Mini 3. You won't be disappointed with your purchase, just know that you won't see some of the iOS 9 improvements and your photos will be limited to 5MP.
Below we are going to point out the price tags for the new tablets, but here we need to clarify one thing, because, as we discussed earlier, in the official Apple stores The iPad Mini 3 is no longer available. The prices you're about to see are based on Apple's retail pricing experience, so be sure to check your local retail stores for the best prices. favorable price. You can also look at "refurbished" tablets from Apple's ReStore.
Comparing the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Mini 4 comes down to the fact that you have two good tablets, portable and powerful devices that will serve you faithfully. Unlike iPad updates Mini 2 to iPad Mini 3, there are certain improvements to the iPad Mini 4 that we think you should consider when looking for a new Apple tablet.
Do you think there are any improvements? new iPad Is the Mini 4 worth the extra cost over the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Mini 2?
Everyone knows that Apple products have long occupied the leading position in the tablet market in the world. Today it presents its products in all parts of the planet. I would like to talk to you about which iPad to choose better than iPad mini or iPad Air, because there are many models of similar devices in stores. We will look at their main characteristics, as well as take a closer look at their pros and cons.
Apple iPad Mini
We will begin our consideration of this topic with the oldest representative of the family, which is presented on the market. First of all, it is worth noting that the screen diagonal is 7.9 inches, which is quite good for a gadget of this level. As for the picture, it is not ideal, since the resolution is not high. This one is relatively inexpensive tablet has good performance. The manufacturer installed it Apple processor A5 with clock frequency 1 GHz, which is not bad in principle. The RAM here is 512 MB, actually under operating system IOS, on which all iPads are based, is quite enough, since they are constantly being adapted. It is worth noting that there is no 3G module, which is a little disappointing. The camera resolution is 5 megapixels, which is not always enough to take high-quality pictures, but do not forget that this is a tablet and not a smartphone. Overall, it’s a good tablet for its price, but it is gradually becoming a thing of the past, as it has become obsolete. If you want to have an ipad as well Money not much, then buy it this device.
Minuses
- Without iTunes does not transfer data to other devices
- A large number of updates, most of which are useless
- It gets stuck despite the oleophobic coating
pros
- Great design
- Powerful enough battery
- Good build quality
- Not a bad camera (for a tablet)
Apple iPad Mini 3
This is a really good new generation tablet. Of course, iPad mini 3 has a higher cost than the first model, but this can be justified by numerous innovations and improvements. Yes, there is also a 7.9-inch screen, but the image quality on it is much superior to the previous gadget. Its resolution is quite high, and the new development technology allows you to see everything that happens on it even at the highest angle of inclination. The manufacturer installed a new processor on its gadget Apple generation A7, which has a clock speed of 1 GHz and a dual-core processor. There is 1 GB of RAM, which cannot but please fans of the Internet and applications; by the way, there is also 3G and 4G. This will allow you to fly around the Internet at the most high speeds. An excellent option for both work and entertainment. As for the camera, it has a resolution of 5 megapixels, but unlike the previous model, there are many bells and whistles that will delight lovers of high-quality photos, there is also front-camera for Skype.
Minuses
- Quite fragile
- A little scratch resistant, better buy a film or case
pros
- Fingerprint scanner
- Availability of LTE
- Quite compact and lightweight
- Works quickly and flawlessly
Apple iPad Air
We have come to consider more impressive models in terms of dimensions. We'll start our story with the Apple A1475 iPad Air, which has been around the world for quite some time. The screen diagonal is 9.7 inches, which cannot but please fans of games and movies. In addition, its resolution allows you to receive a picture high definition. In terms of performance, this device is in no way inferior to the previous one. The same Apple A7 processor with 2 cores and a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz, as well as 1 GB of RAM, is installed here. This is quite enough for high-quality work with iOS. There are 3G and 4G here, which is good news. By the way, the camera is also fully consistent with the previous model. It is ideal for high-quality photographs in high definition format. In fact, this device repeats its characteristics previous model, but at the same time has the same cost as the previous one. The gain is achieved through the use of a larger screen. If you need a large model for watching movies or playing games, then this is your option. In terms of cost, it is even slightly cheaper than the previous gadget, which is also, of course, pleasing.
Minuses
- All file manipulations are not carried out through iTunes, although you can live with this
- As usual there is no memory card
pros
- Capacious battery
- Not a bad camera, like for a tablet
- Thickness and lightness of the device
- Fast and economical processor
Apple iPad Air 2
Our top is completed by the newest ipad model from Apple, which has already gained wide popularity. By the way, it is worth noting right away that it has approximately the same cost as the previous two, but at the same time it has a number of advantages over them. It is similar to the previous device only in that it has exactly the same display parameters, that is, both diagonal and resolution. All its advantages become clear upon closer examination of the device. First, it is more powerful, here the manufacturer used a processor with 3 cores latest generation Apple A8 X with a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz, as well as RAM volume 2 GB. As you may have noticed, in terms of performance, the device becomes a clear leader in the top. This also applies to the camera, which now has a resolution of 8 megapixels. There are also many gadgets that will please all buyers. For example, autofocus is used here and latest system image stabilization, allowing you to take high-quality pictures even while moving. The best option for all iPad lovers.
Minuses
- The back panel rattles when the music is loud
- No volume rockers
pros
- Thin and Light
- Cool display
- Pleases presence of Touch ID
- As usual the battery holds a charge well
Here is another useful video that will help you make this choice: iPad mini or iPad Air?