gobikerider
Suspended
The mini will never be a Pro the form factor simply doesn't allow the X series processors
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ipad air 2 vs ipad mini 4
- Thread starter coachbrady79
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A9X for the Mini? I don't think so. A9 more likely.
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My thoughts exactly.
O.N.Y.X
macrumors 6502
I doubt that the iPad lineup will get updated anytime soon.
I used to have a 4.7" iPhone 6S and switched to an 4" SE because of the preferred smaller size. I chose a refurbished Air 2 as a tablet for surfing, reading, gaming and even working (e.g. for Logic Remote, several music apps and Pixelmator). The size of the Air 2 is the perfect sweet spot between my iPhone and my MacBook - the mini would be too small.
Keep in mind, I'm not recommending an Air 2 here- i just think it's the better tablet for what i am doing!
Something to consider:
1. don't underestimate the 3rd core of the Air 2. Apple just made the iPhone 7 a quad core device and future tablets might have/rely on more than two cores. So, a mini could age a bit faster than an A8X powered Air 2.
2. Of all the iPads I ever owned (2, 3 and Air 1) the Air 2 drains its battery fastest. This IS a disadvantage, it's not a deal breaker though.
3. In iOS 10 the Air 2 feels smooth as silk.
I used to have a 4.7" iPhone 6S and switched to an 4" SE because of the preferred smaller size. I chose a refurbished Air 2 as a tablet for surfing, reading, gaming and even working (e.g. for Logic Remote, several music apps and Pixelmator). The size of the Air 2 is the perfect sweet spot between my iPhone and my MacBook - the mini would be too small.
Keep in mind, I'm not recommending an Air 2 here- i just think it's the better tablet for what i am doing!
Something to consider:
1. don't underestimate the 3rd core of the Air 2. Apple just made the iPhone 7 a quad core device and future tablets might have/rely on more than two cores. So, a mini could age a bit faster than an A8X powered Air 2.
2. Of all the iPads I ever owned (2, 3 and Air 1) the Air 2 drains its battery fastest. This IS a disadvantage, it's not a deal breaker though.
3. In iOS 10 the Air 2 feels smooth as silk.
Well, hopefully there'll be a Mini 5 in any case. Whether or not they call it "Pro" is just a matter of marketing. Just like they could have called the Pro 9.7" the Air 3.
gobikerider
Suspended
I can honestly say that I've had no issues with the quality of the 4, not even a minor glitch in the year that I've owned it.
That was coming from a Nexus 9 (possibly the crappiest, buggiest most annoying device I'd ever had).
Android tablets are utter crap - with the possible exception of the best Samsung and Sony ones. But I'd still rather have an iPad.
That was coming from a Nexus 9 (possibly the crappiest, buggiest most annoying device I'd ever had).
Android tablets are utter crap - with the possible exception of the best Samsung and Sony ones. But I'd still rather have an iPad.
Channan
macrumors 68030
The iPhone 7 does not have a true quad-core processor. It has two high power cores for better performance, and two low power cores for better battery life. They're each used independently.
Also, I have an iPad Air 2 and an iPad mini 4 and I'd say the mini 4 has the worst battery life of any iPad I've ever owned. Still good enough for me, though.
Tsepz
macrumors 603
My thoughts are pretty much the same.
I had this same dilemma between Mini 4 and Air 2, but opted for Air 2 in the end, as I was coming from an iPad 4. The Air 2 is super light, thin and the 9.7inch display is perfect for gaming and web browsing, IMO, while still allowing a level of mobility to take the tablet to most places I go.
I agree on all points, the A8X in the Air 2 with its 3rd core must not be underestimated, and in iOS 10 the Air 2 is truly shining even next to the newer 9.7 Pro.
If you really need a compact tablet then get the a Mini 4, but otherwise the Air 2 is what I recommend.
FeliApple
macrumors 601
Its a bigger more power hungry chip. Why cant a 13" mbp have the same quad core as the 15"?
FeliApple
macrumors 601
I thought it was just the 'future generation' (I.e, just more powerful, for example same difference than A7 to A8) didn't know it was bigger. Thank you.
Tsepz
macrumors 603
I think the X chips may generate more heat and require more power, so they need to be in a larger device to better manage heat dissipation and with a much larger battery to supply the higher power requirements.
tagumcity
macrumors regular
From a form factor perspective my IPm4 is great for Kindle reading and mobile use (though the 6s+ supplants it). With a 6s+ in hand the IPP 9.7 would complement very well. I don't have any activities that push my iOS devices to notice any cpu or gpu deficiencies.
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Channan
macrumors 68030
I have a Galaxy S7 Edge, which has the same sized display as the iPhone Plus, and a Moto X, which has a slightly larger display than the Plus, and neither one of those feels like it makes my iPad mini 4 redundant. The iPad mini is still plenty bigger to make enough difference.
performance-wise, on paper, Air 2 has better CPU spec and much better GPU spec. But on practical usage, I cannot feel any difference.
And if I were you, coming from Mini 2, I would choose Mini 4. I used to be in the dilemma between Mini or Air given they have the same spec. I end up choosing Mini 4 despite the relatively similar price for the spec. I do not regret at all. The Air 2 feels a little awkward to me now that I am used to Mini 4. Air 2 is still light but the weight distribution just feels off. It's much easier to handle mini 4. And more portable too!
And if I were you, coming from Mini 2, I would choose Mini 4. I used to be in the dilemma between Mini or Air given they have the same spec. I end up choosing Mini 4 despite the relatively similar price for the spec. I do not regret at all. The Air 2 feels a little awkward to me now that I am used to Mini 4. Air 2 is still light but the weight distribution just feels off. It's much easier to handle mini 4. And more portable too!
