iPad Mini 4 or iPad Air 2

[Yorkshire Lad]

If they didn't make the Mini I'd have gone with the Air. Works fine for me; it sits of the sofa, I can control the TiVo with it, check Facebook & Twitter if I need to. It fits into my A5 zipped Filofax. The only game I play is Scrabble (TM). I got the Mini 4 when it came out because my Mini 2 - bought last year, now with my mum - only had 16Gb and those Office apps are quite hefty!

Horses for courses.
Gary

 

[mi7chy]

It's a compromise. Mini 4 is easier for one hand use and mobility but performance is gimped so it wouldn't compete with the Air 2 that is too small for productivity and two handed use compared to iPad Pro.

 

[QuietFun]

I have another question to add to this thread: How is typing between the two for you guys?? I had the iPad 2 originally and just this week bought the iPad 2 mini. So far the mini is absolutely amazing. I don't find it as cumbersome as the full size iPad was. I got the mini for just around the house but have since realized I'd like to upgrade to a mini 4 (more storage and possibly cellular). It wasn't until tonight when I was posting in this forum that I realized how inconvience it is typing on the mini. Mini users, is it just because my hands haven't grown accustomed to the slightly smaller keyboard or what? I'm still considering the mini but .. I am on the fence from what was a no brainer for me twenty minutes ago.

 

[newellj]

I love my Mini 4. The screen is so creamy good... the color plus the ppi, I guess. Runs flawlessly for me.

But if I could get a standard sized iPad that mirrored the Mini 4, I'd have to rethink it. I guess I'll see when they update the Air 2.

Please explain how you think the display on the Mini 4 is better than the Air 2. Other than the denser display, for practical purposes they're identical, allowing for sample variation.

 

[newellj]

I have another question to add to this thread: How is typing between the two for you guys?? I had the iPad 2 originally and just this week bought the iPad 2 mini. So far the mini is absolutely amazing. I don't find it as cumbersome as the full size iPad was. I got the mini for just around the house but have since realized I'd like to upgrade to a mini 4 (more storage and possibly cellular). It wasn't until tonight when I was posting in this forum that I realized how inconvience it is typing on the mini. Mini users, is it just because my hands haven't grown accustomed to the slightly smaller keyboard or what? I'm still considering the mini but .. I am on the fence from what was a no brainer for me twenty minutes ago.

I use an Air 2 as my home iPad and a Mini (was 2, now 4) as my commuting/work iPad. I can touch-type fairly naturally and quickly on the Air 2. That doesn't really work on the Mini, it's just a little too small. On the other hand (sorry, no pun intended), I can type with two thumbs on the Mini keyboard, which is usually good enough for what I use the Mini for.

 

[QuietFun]

I use an Air 2 as my home iPad and a Mini (was 2, now 4) as my commuting/work iPad. I can touch-type fairly naturally and quickly on the Air 2. That doesn't really work on the Mini, it's just a little too small. On the other hand (sorry, no pun intended), I can type with two thumbs on the Mini keyboard, which is usually good enough for what I use the Mini for.

Thank you for answering. I was able to play with my dads iPad 2 today, and I agree, typing on the full size is so much more natural. The mini is more a pecking style. (in landscape at least) typing with two thumbs and the keyboard split is okay too. If you could have just one, which would it be? This question is based on affordability.

 

[konjecture]

Thank you for answering. I was able to play with my dads iPad 2 today, and I agree, typing on the full size is so much more natural. The mini is more a pecking style. (in landscape at least) typing with two thumbs and the keyboard split is okay too. If you could have just one, which would it be? This question is based on affordability.

I think you answered your own question. If you are unbiased regarding both and looking for the same storage then Mini 4 is $100 cheaper on all the storage sizes. However, if you are leaning on buying Air 2, then buy whichever storage space you can afford.

 

[nj-morris]

I have another question to add to this thread: How is typing between the two for you guys?? I had the iPad 2 originally and just this week bought the iPad 2 mini. So far the mini is absolutely amazing. I don't find it as cumbersome as the full size iPad was. I got the mini for just around the house but have since realized I'd like to upgrade to a mini 4 (more storage and possibly cellular). It wasn't until tonight when I was posting in this forum that I realized how inconvience it is typing on the mini. Mini users, is it just because my hands haven't grown accustomed to the slightly smaller keyboard or what? I'm still considering the mini but .. I am on the fence from what was a no brainer for me twenty minutes ago.

The main advantage on the Mini in terms of typing is that it's a lot easier to thumb-type, even in landscape. Yeah OK, you have the split keyboard, but the keys are small, software optimisation is awkward and there isn't a suggestion bar. I'd say that the Mini is great for people who thumb-type.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Thank you for answering. I was able to play with my dads iPad 2 today, and I agree, typing on the full size is so much more natural. The mini is more a pecking style. (in landscape at least) typing with two thumbs and the keyboard split is okay too. If you could have just one, which would it be? This question is based on affordability.

My choice is the air 2 because I prefer the larger screen. I had an iPad 3, then mini 1, now Air 1; I used a mini 1 the other day and found that it was way too small for me. So I'm going with the air 2. I agree with @konjecture , if you like the Air 2 better, than get as much storage as you can afford, rather than the mini 4. Better to have the one you prefer even if you have to be more diligent with storage.

 

[newellj]

Thank you for answering. I was able to play with my dads iPad 2 today, and I agree, typing on the full size is so much more natural. The mini is more a pecking style. (in landscape at least) typing with two thumbs and the keyboard split is okay too. If you could have just one, which would it be? This question is based on affordability.

My choice is the air 2 because I prefer the larger screen. I had an iPad 3, then mini 1, now Air 1; I used a mini 1 the other day and found that it was way too small for me. So I'm going with the air 2. I agree with @konjecture , if you like the Air 2 better, than get as much storage as you can afford, rather than the mini 4. Better to have the one you prefer even if you have to be more diligent with storage.

Based on pure cost, I'd go for the Mini 4. It offers performance that is mostly the same at a lower cost. You give up the bigger screen, which is often nice, and as you say the keyboard winds up shrinking quite a bit. If you are doing things that will push the performance of the iPad, you also need to remember that the A8X and the graphics subsystem in the Air 2 is faster. You may or may not notice that.

Not as easy to pick as you'd like.

 

[PLamarine]

iPad Air 2 if money is not the deciding factor.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Based on pure cost, I'd go for the Mini 4. It offers performance that is mostly the same at a lower cost. You give up the bigger screen, which is often nice, and as you say the keyboard winds up shrinking quite a bit. If you are doing things that will push the performance of the iPad, you also need to remember that the A8X and the graphics subsystem in the Air 2 is faster. You may or may not notice that.

Not as easy to pick as you'd like.

it definitely is a difficult choice. I still may end up going with a mini 4 to try out, and then return for an Air 2 if I find it too small.

 

[newellj]

it definitely is a difficult choice. I still may end up going with a mini 4 to try out, and then return for an Air 2 if I find it too small.

All I can really say is that the Mini 4 is close enough to the Air 2 in performance that for the first time I've been wondering whether I'm a little crazy having both. I do love the bigger display on the Air 2 for at-home use, and that's why I still have both.

 

[akosnitzky]

I just had this battle with myself for the past 2 weeks. Went with the Air 2. The mini is awesome, but too close in size to my iPhone 6+. Plus the mini gets limited when it comes to producing things.

Great point. If you have a 6+, I would go with the Air 2. I had a regular 6, so I picked up a mini.

 

[max2]

Thanks makes sense.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Great point. If you have a 6+, I would go with the Air 2. I had a regular 6, so I picked up a mini.

I have a regular 6 as well, still debating back and forth. Probably gonna end up going for the Air 2, but still want to check out a mini 4 in the Apple Store to be sure.

 

[magbarn]

iPad Air 2 if money is not the deciding factor.

Why? When the 1+ year old Air 2 regularly goes for discounts which usually price it the same as if not cheaper than the Mini 4 which is hardly sold at a discount as it's 'brand new'.

 

[JerTheGeek]

So today I'm heading to the Apple Store to check them both out in person and make a final decision. I definitely am leaning towards the Air 2 but I also "want the mini to work for me" if that makes sense. The lightness of it seems so nice, and the smaller form factor seems all around more versatile. So I'm hoping I'll find that the screen size is perfectly fine for me; if that is the case, I'll definitely go for one this BF.
I also have the option of returning it if it doesn't work out; so that helps, but still hoping to make up my mind 100% b4 I purchase. I'll update you guys on what I decide!

 

[a7thton]

If you are like me and like to watch videos while laying down in bed, then you want the mini. It is lighter to hold and fits better in your hands.

As for reading, I do a lot of reading in iBooks and Kindle and it is very easy to adjust the text size, if that is a concern. Also, FWIW, I have pretty average eyesight and using the mini for Safari, Twitter, FB doesn't strain my eyes at all.

 

[akosnitzky]

So today I'm heading to the Apple Store to check them both out in person and make a final decision. I definitely am leaning towards the Air 2 but I also "want the mini to work for me" if that makes sense. The lightness of it seems so nice, and the smaller form factor seems all around more versatile. So I'm hoping I'll find that the screen size is perfectly fine for me; if that is the case, I'll definitely go for one this BF.
I also have the option of returning it if it doesn't work out; so that helps, but still hoping to make up my mind 100% b4 I purchase. I'll update you guys on what I decide!

Good luck. I had the full iPad and switched to mini as a matter of variety.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Good luck. I had the full iPad and switched to mini as a matter of variety.

I'm kinda thinkin' the same thing; I want a change from what I have now. The mini will be a nice change.

 

[akosnitzky]

I'm kinda thinkin' the same thing; I want a change from what I have now. The mini will be a nice change.

I am using the mini more because of the convenience of the size but again it is a matter of preference. iPad Air 2 portrait vs iPad mini 4 landscape seems to give the same size keyboard if that is a concern.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I am using the mini more because of the convenience of the size but again it is a matter of preference. iPad Air 2 portrait vs iPad mini 4 landscape seems to give the same size keyboard if that is a concern.

It is definitely a more convenient size. It is just, for me, a matter of whether the convenience is better than the larger screen.

 

[RickTaylor]

I'm kinda thinkin' the same thing; I want a change from what I have now. The mini will be a nice change.

Good luck. My guess is you'll eventually end up with the Air. The way you write, the Air sounds like the device you like, where the mini is the one your mind says you think you ought to like. But regardless, trying the mini out during the holiday season and the long return period seems to me a sound idea.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Good luck. My guess is you'll eventually end up with the Air. The way you write, the Air sounds like the device you like, where the mini is the one your mind says you think you ought to like. But regardless, trying the mini out during the holiday season and the long return period seems to me a sound idea.

I think it really is a great idea. Just want to try them out first cause I may see the mini and decide it is too small and not waste the time with a return.