iPad mini iPad Mini (1st gen) replacement options

[macstatic]

What would be a good replacement for a 1st generation iPad Mini?
I think its size is great for bringing with me while traveling but the 16 GB memory is constantly forcing me to delete stuff.

I see the current Mini model is sold only with 128 GB which seems like way more than I'd ever need, but then again I can't find any second hand Minis which cost significatly less to be worthwhile.

So how would the current iPad Mini compare to my 1st generation? I assume it's faster meaning less waiting for apps to start, but are there any disadvantages?
Any other iPad models worth considering?

Finally, is it possible to "clone" everything on my iPad and transfer it over to the new one? For instance, I have several publications inside the "Pressreader" app which I prefer keeping. Also the "Reminders" app and other stuff which iTunes doesn't backup/sync as far as I know. I'm using iTunes 12.6.2.20 on a Mac running OSX 10.9.5.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I have an ipad mini 2, and agree, it’s a great form factor. I want to update it as well, but i wouldn’t get the current ipad mini 4 and i will tell you why.

It’s already over 3 yrs old, and i think you’d find yourself in the predicament you are in now before you knew it. It’s just not worth it in my opinion. Plus it is overpriced and even more expensive than the regular 2018 ipad which is much faster and has pencil support.

But the good news is that there are strong rumors that Apple will be updating the ipad mini very soon. Possibly in March. So i think if you can, it’s worth the wait. An updated ipad mini would last you much longer than the current model.

 

[macstatic]

Ah! I didn't know that a new version is expected in March.
Other than the high price and the missing pencil support (I thought that was only possible to use with the iPad Pro), are there other downsides to the current Mini?
I'll see if I can wait until March.

Would I be able to transfer everything (as in cloning it, which would include all the apps' files and so on) over from my old iPad Mini somehow?

 

[sracer]

Ah! I didn't know that a new version is expected in March.
Other than the high price and the missing pencil support (I thought that was only possible to use with the iPad Pro), are there other downsides to the current Mini?
I'll see if I can wait until March.

Would I be able to transfer everything (as in cloning it, which would include all the apps' files and so on) over from my old iPad Mini somehow?

I suggest taking any rumors of an updated Mini in 2019 with a grain of salt. The ones promoting this latest rumor also claimed the possibility of an updated Mini in March 2018, June 2018, and November 2018...none of which happened (obviously).

Yes, you'll be able to "clone" your Mini 1 to the latest... except for any 32-bit apps you currently have. 32-bit apps are no longer supported on iOS devices.

The current Mini 4 has the highest DPI screen of any iPad (including the newest 2018 iPad Pros). Your iPad Mini 1 has a DPI slightly better than the iPad 2.

Although the Mini 4 is old, it is still nimble and capable. I still use mine everyday (as well as my 2018 iPad and 12.9 iPad Pro) and it is just fine IMO. I have no problem recommending the Mini 4 today, except for one caveat... don't pay full MSRP. If you shop around, you should easily be able to find a new one for $300 and with a little patience find one new for $250-$275. They were available this holiday shopping season for as low as $200 (many missed out on that deal because they're holding out for the March 2019 rumored update)

 

[macstatic]

I assume those prices are in the States.
I'm in Norway and the cheapest Mini 4 here is around US$ 520
And the prices all seem to follow those in the Norway Apple store. Perhaps Apple won't allow anyone to compete with their own prices.

How would I go about cloning my old iPad Mini's contents and transfer it over to the new one? I do have the iMazing app (OSX app that is) but haven't tried it. It appears iTunes only installs whatever app has been downloaded from the App store in addition to the calendar and contacts, but not much else.

 

[Greenmeenie]

True, the updated ipad mini is a rumor. But it’s a strong rumor. If that means anything. I usually don’t tell people to wait. I usually tell people to buy now if you need it now. But in this case, because the mini 4 is over 3 yrs old, and the rumors of a new mini are so strong, i still say wait if you can.

However, if you do buy now, you will definitely notice an improvement in performance with the ipad mini 4 over your 1...but again, i would wait if you can. Lol. And keep your eyes on this sight. A possible case leak just came out, and If anymore leaks about the ipad mini 5 come out, you’ll definitely see them here first.

 

[bodonnell202]

The Mini 4 would be a huge upgrade over your first generation Mini, besides being much faster (I think the CPU is close to 10 times faster in benchmarks and it has 4 times the ram), it has a much better screen (326 ppi vs 163 ppi in the Mini 1, and wider color gamut), Touch ID, better cameras and is thinner as well. I've had one since 2015 and it is a great little tablet. There are no downsides when compared to the Mini 1, but as others have mentioned the Mini 4 is currently a little over 3 years old and the A8 chip in it is over 4 years old so it's hard to justify Apple's current price for it and it only really makes sense to pick one up at this point if you get a good deal. It's also not really future proof and likely will stop receiving iOS updates within a couple years.

As far as cloning your iPad you should be able to backup to iTunes and then use your backup when setting up a new iPad and it will transfer all your Apps, settings, documents and etc., however as others have mentioned if you have any 32 bit apps that have not been updated with 64 bit versions they will not be downloaded to a new iPad (which will likely be running a version of iOS 11 or 12 out of the box, neither of which support 32 bit apps).

 

[HarryWild]

I just 2 Mini 4s and it still fast for everything I do with it. I do web browsing and watching streaming video like YouTube! and Direct TV Now. These is rumor to be a Mini 5 coming out in March but is still a rumor!

 

[macstatic]

Let's hope the rumors are right, including the headphone jack (an omission of this would be a dealbreaker for me -I'm not interested in plugging it in a dangling adapter of some sort in the lightning connector as I understand some iPads use -correct me if I'm wrong though).

I can do with my 1st generation 16GB iPad for a little longer though, so I'll see if something new pops up in the not too distant future. There aren't any discounts for the iPad Mini 4, so I won't be losing out on anything anyway.

As for 32 vs 64 bit apps: I haven't heard about this before. Do some apps come in 32 bit versions while others come in 64 bit, or are apps that work in current IOS versions all 64 bit?
If my 1st gen iPad Mini doesn't take 64-bit apps, but the newer iPad allows for an updated (and 64-bit) version of that same app to be installed, is there some way to transfer my own data belonging to that app to be transferred from my backup as well?

 

[HarryWild]

Most rumor is for a budget version of iPad Mini! I hope not! It just junk if the make out of 2-3 year old guts, limited memory and downgrade the screen quality.