iPad Mini 4: A Smart Choice in 2024? Specifications & Review

Introduction

In 2024, the tablet market continues to thrive, experiencing a resurgence in popularity and innovation. While newer models boast cutting-edge features, the allure of a compact, affordable tablet remains strong. The iPad Mini 4, once a flagship device, now occupies a unique space in the market. Is it a smart choice in 2024? This comprehensive review delves into its specifications, performance, and relevance in today's tech landscape, specifically addressing its value proposition in the UAE market. In Q4 2024, Apple maintained its impressive 42.3% global tablet market share, with the iPad Mini contributing significantly to this success. This article will explore whether this "mini" powerhouse still holds its own, examining its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right device for you.

The iPad Mini 4, released in 2015, carved a niche for itself with its compact size and powerful performance. It was a popular and affordable choice, offering a premium tablet experience in a highly portable form factor. While years have passed, the appeal of a small, lightweight tablet persists, especially for tasks like reading e-books on the go or using GPS navigation in a car, where larger tablets can be cumbersome. 

What This Review Will Cover: Setting Expectations

While newer iPad Minis exist, the iPad Mini 4 represents a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers in the UAE market. Its affordability, combined with its still-capable hardware, makes it a viable option for specific tasks and user groups. This review will assess its capabilities in 2024, considering both its strengths and limitations. Particularly in emerging markets like the UAE, the lower price point makes it accessible to a wider range of users, fulfilling the need for a connected device without a hefty price tag. This makes it a practical choice for educational purposes or for those seeking a secondary device.

Display: The Retina Experience

The iPad Mini 4 boasts a stunning 7.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. This translates to crisp text, vibrant images, and an enjoyable media consumption experience. The oleophobic coating minimizes fingerprints, keeping the screen clean and clear. Compared to similarly sized tablets of its era, the iPad Mini 4's Retina display offered superior clarity and color reproduction, setting a benchmark for compact tablet displays. User reviews consistently praised the display quality for its sharpness and vibrancy.

Cameras: iSight and FaceTime HD

The 8MP iSight camera on the iPad Mini 4 captures decent photos and videos, while the 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera facilitates clear video calls. While not comparable to the advanced camera systems in newer iPads, they are sufficient for casual photography and video conferencing. For instance, taking quick snapshots of documents or scanning QR codes is easily achievable. While low-light performance is not a strength, daylight shots are generally acceptable.

Sensors and Other Features (Touch ID, etc.)

The iPad Mini 4 features a Touch ID sensor integrated into the home button, providing secure and convenient unlocking and Apple Pay functionality. This added layer of security enhances the user experience and protects sensitive information. This first-generation Touch ID is still relatively fast and reliable, offering a convenient alternative to passcodes. Beyond security, Touch ID simplifies app purchases and online transactions, further enhancing usability.

Multitasking Features: Split View, Slide Over, and Picture in Picture

While the iPad Mini 4 originally shipped with iOS 9, it can be updated to iPadOS 15.8.4, enabling multitasking features like Split View, Slide Over, and Picture in Picture. These features, while not groundbreaking in 2024, enhance productivity and allow for a more dynamic user experience. For example, users can research on Safari while simultaneously taking notes in a different app. However, due to the smaller screen size and older processor, the multitasking experience may not be as smooth as on newer iPads.

Software Capabilities

While the iPad Mini 4 can handle everyday tasks, its aging hardware and older operating system limit its ability to run demanding applications or the latest games smoothly. It's important to manage expectations and understand its limitations in 2024. While basic productivity apps like Microsoft Office suite function adequately, resource-intensive video editing or 3D modeling apps may not be a pleasant experience. Focus on simpler tasks for optimal performance.

Maximum Supported iOS Version

The maximum supported iOS version for the iPad Mini 4 is iPadOS 15.8.4. This means it will not receive future major software updates, which can impact app compatibility and long-term security. This essentially freezes the device's feature set and potentially limits access to newer app features that require later iOS versions. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software support.

While many apps still support iPadOS 15.8.4, some newer apps and games may require later iOS versions, making them incompatible with the iPad Mini 4. It's crucial to research app compatibility before purchasing. Specifically, users interested in augmented reality (AR) experiences or leveraging the latest features of productivity apps might find compatibility limitations frustrating. Checking app requirements on the App Store is highly recommended.

Everyday Tasks: Browsing, Email, Social Media

In everyday usage, the Apple iPad Mini 4 performs adequately for basic tasks like browsing, email, and social media. However, users should expect some slowdown and limitations when running more demanding applications or multitasking extensively. For example, switching between multiple open apps can result in noticeable lag, and loading times for websites and apps may be longer compared to newer devices.

The iPad Mini 4 handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and social media without significant issues. Its Retina display enhances the browsing experience, making it enjoyable to read articles and view online content. However, users should be aware that loading times for complex websites with heavy graphics or scripts might be slower than on more powerful devices.

Media Consumption: Videos, Music, and Reading

The compact size and Retina display make the iPad Mini 4 ideal for media consumption. Watching videos, listening to music, and reading ebooks are all enjoyable experiences on this device. The aspect ratio is well-suited for most video content, and the audio quality, while not exceptional, is sufficient for personal listening. The portability makes it a convenient device for enjoying media during commutes or while traveling.

Gaming Performance: Casual vs. Demanding Titles

The iPad Mini 4 can handle casual games, but users should not expect optimal performance with graphically intensive or demanding titles. Older games and less demanding titles will generally run smoothly. Games released around the same time as the iPad Mini 4 or earlier are likely to provide a satisfactory gaming experience. However, attempting to play newer, graphically demanding games will likely result in significant performance issues, including lag and reduced frame rates.

Touch ID and Apple Pay Functionality in Current Use

Touch ID functionality remains fully functional in 2024, enabling secure unlocking and Apple Pay transactions where supported by apps and services. While newer devices offer Face ID, Touch ID remains a reliable and secure biometric authentication method. Apple Pay integration facilitates seamless and secure online and in-store purchases.

The Final Verdict: Is the iPad Mini 4 a Smart Choice in 2024?

While newer models offer enhanced performance and features, the iPad Mini 4 remains a viable choice for basic tasks, media consumption, and light productivity. If you're looking for an affordable and portable tablet in the UAE, the iPad Mini 4 from Fonezone.ae, offering unbeatable prices, is worth considering. Remember to factor in its limitations and assess whether it aligns with your specific needs and expectations. Considering these factors, including the trade-in value and the rising demand for compact tablets, will help you determine if the iPad Mini 4 is the "smart choice" for you in 2024. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs, budget, and expectations.

FAQ - Apple iPad Mini 4

1. Is the iPad Mini 4 still a good tablet in 2025?

The iPad Mini 4 is no longer a good choice for a primary device as it is slow and no longer receives major iPadOS updates, though it can still be used for basic tasks like reading and streaming.

2. Does the iPad Mini 4 have a good battery life?

The battery life of the iPad Mini 4, which was originally rated for 10 hours, is significantly reduced today and may not last for a full day of use.

3. Does the iPad Mini 4 support Apple Pencil?

No, the iPad Mini 4 does not support the Apple Pencil.

4. Is the iPad Mini 4 waterproof?

No, the iPad Mini 4 is not waterproof and has no official IP rating for water or dust resistance.

5. What is the camera quality of the iPad Mini 4?

The iPad Mini 4 has a decent 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera, but its quality is not comparable to modern tablets.