While the iPad Pro and two iPhone 6S models stole the spotlight at Apple’s press event today, they also announced another new iOS device: the iPad Mini 4.
Let’s keep this brief. The iPad Mini 4 is basically the internals of the iPad Air 2, shrunk down and placed inside the smaller chassis of the iPad Mini. That means no new ground-breaking features, no strange new hardware additions, just better performance in a proven design.
Performance & cameras
The biggest change is the inclusion of the Apple A8 chipset, compared to the A7 chipset in the iPad Mini 2 and Mini 3. The dual-core CPU moves from 1.3 to 1.5GHz, backed with 1GB of RAM and 16, 64 or 128GB of flash storage. Apple are claiming a 30% faster CPU and 60% faster graphics. Connectivity has been upgraded as well, with new dual-band WiFi AC.
The camera on the iPad Mini 4 has also been improved, moving up to an 8-megapixel sensor following the 5-megapixel sensor of the Mini 3. The front-facing camera remains at 1.2-megapixels, however.
Design & UK price
Despite the performance upgrades, the Mini 4 has become lighter and thinner than its predecessors. The new model measures just 6.1 millimetres thick, and weighs a hair under 300 grams. That compares favourably to the already-svelte Mini 3, which was 7.5mm thick and weighed 331 grams.
Battery life remains the same at 10 hours; colours also remain constant with options for space grey, silver and gold. The iPad Mini 4 replaces the Mini 3 at its existing price points, and the iPad Mini 2 will be sold at a lower price. The Mini 3 only added Touch ID, so it’s no surprise to see it gone. The Mini 4 starts from £319 with 16GB of storage, moving to £399 for 64GB and £479 for 128GB. Adding mobile service adds £100 to the price.
Conclusion
We’ll have a wide range of iPad Mini 4 cases and accessories in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!