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Trebuin

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 3, 2008
1,494
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Central Cali
Review to come shortly. I know this model is expensive, but it's replacing an iPad 2 so this will likely be replaced in around 4-6 years and I want to make sure I can use it for a while.

I'm going to have to order the case likely as none were in stock at the Roseville Apple Store.



Here are the unboxing photos.
IMG_4356.jpg IMG_4357.jpg IMG_4358.jpg IMG_4359.jpg IMG_4360.jpg IMG_4361.jpg IMG_4362.jpg IMG_4363.jpg IMG_4364.jpg IMG_4365.jpg
 
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FAQs:
mi7chy: Can you have two browsers in split view? And, an additional PinP video as a 3rd?
No, you'll need two different compatible browsers.

Does the iPad mini support Apple Pay?
Yes, reference unlocking photos.

Does the mini 4 support mini 1-3?
No, the dimensions are slightly different

ucfgrad93: Is split view in landscape only or is it available in portrait mode?
Yes, it is available in portrait:
IMG_4366.jpg

Skyhawk21: When volume is up loud does the new Mini iPad 4 vibrate like a hand massager like the Air 2!?
For my initial tests, no. Tested on a slick surface.
From AppleRobert: Someone asked about the speaker vibration, I play an acoustic guitar video on YT full volume and you can feel it but not nearly as much as the Air 2.

How does it benchmark from a consumer perspective?
IMG_4367.jpg

erase: Can anyone that has one also confirm if there's improvements in colour gamut?
The mini's screen is a little more dim than the iPhone 6, but the colors appear fine to me-
iPad Mini 4 on the left, iPhone on the right:
IMG_6547.jpg
iPhone 6 on the right, iPad Mini 4 on the left:
IMG_6548.jpg
 
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Thanks for the pics... :) Could you, please, take a look at the infamous yellow tint issue and especially at the backlight bleed problem? (Most visible in dark background and surroundings) I can't wait to see if these annoying issues still occur even in this new iPad Mini... :p

Of course no pressure... ;) Do it when you're willing to do it...
 
Trebuin, thanks for this unboxing report.

I'm a photographer interested in using a Mini 4 to review images in the field. Color gamut is basically THE deciding factor for me, so really looking forward to confirmation that the screen is on par with iPad Air 2.

Please try comparing images on your iPhone 6 to the Mini 4. Maybe search for "rainbow" with google for example, and see how the colors compare with both screens at same brightness.
 
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So envious of you! COngrats of the purchase.

Can I check on the chassis vibration? Is it still there or probably reduced?
 
I got lucky and snagged a 64GB Gold Wifi model at Best Buy in Columbia, SC about an hour ago. They had been showing as "pre-Order" only up until this afternoon. When I saw them go to "Buy Now", I added it to my cart and selected the Pick up at Store option (Columbia, SC). They only had 2 in the WiFI only 64GB model (both Gold). Now they have none, I just picked mine up.

I also have the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (8 inch) that bought about a week ago. I'll compare the displays when I get back to the Hotel tonight. The Samsung has the most gorgeous display I've seen on a tablet, so should be a good one to compare against (i.e. for color gamut, etc...). I'll post back my thoughts.
 
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So envious of you! COngrats of the purchase.

Can I check on the chassis vibration? Is it still there or probably reduced?
It's reduced. I don't think it is that loud. There is a slight bit of vibration, but no "suicidegate" or "massagegate"

I'm out for a bit, going to look around on the mini and spend time with the family before I have to go to work for this evening.
 
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My Best Buy (Roseville, CA) had nothing out or any in stock. The Apple Store did not set any demo units up today.
You r in rosseville, we r close.

One thing to notice is that this mini is taller/longer than previous model. So not compatible with old accessories
 
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I got lucky and snagged a 64GB Gold Wifi model at Best Buy in Columbia, SC about an hour ago. They had been showing as "pre-Order" only up until this afternoon. When I saw them go to "Buy Now", I added it to my cart and selected the Pick up at Store option (Columbia, SC). They only had 2 in the WiFI only 64GB model (both Gold). Now they have none, I just picked mine up.

I also have the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (8 inch) that bought about a week ago. I'll compare the displays when I get back to the Hotel tonight. The Samsung has the most gorgeous display I've seen on a tablet, so should be a good one to compare against (i.e. for color gamut, etc...). I'll post back my thoughts.

I would greatly appreciate that. I've read the S2 has poor battery life though, and I also prefer iOS mainly due to app selection.
 
I would greatly appreciate that. I've read the S2 has poor battery life though, and I also prefer iOS mainly due to app selection.
Yes, I can confirm that the S2 has poor battery life. I gave it a shot as it had good potential. The display is gorgeous, the light and thin design is incredible, performance is really good (fast and smooth). Battery life is less than stellar and Android's apps optimized for tablets leaves something to be desired. Anyway, the display is simply awesome...so eager to compare against the mini 4.
 
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FAQs:
mi7chy: Can you have two browsers in split view? And, an additional PinP video as a 3rd?
No, you'll need two different compatible browsers.

ucfgrad93: Is split view in landscape only or is it available in portrait mode?
Yes, it is available in portrait:
View attachment 582056

Skyhawk21: When volume is up loud does the new Mini iPad 4 vibrate like a hand massager like the Air 2!?
For my initial tests, no. Tested on a slick surface.
From AppleRobert: Someone asked about the speaker vibration, I play an acoustic guitar video on YT full volume and you can feel it but not nearly as much as the Air 2.

How does it benchmark from a consumer perspective?
View attachment 582057

erase: Can anyone that has one also confirm if there's improvements in colour gamut?
The mini's screen is a little more dim than the iPhone 6, but the colors appear fine to me-
iPad Mini 4 on the left, iPhone on the right:
View attachment 582050
iPhone 6 on the right, iPad Mini 4 on the left:
View attachment 582051

Thanks for taking the time to answer all of our questions.
 
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Some of these "pro" (PC Mag is pretty high profile) tech journalists are just embarassing to watch. He says it's the same hardware as iPad Air 2 inside, but no, we all know it is not by now. Even Apple's own website clarifies that. Furthermore, he has the S2 right there in hand and never thinks to turn BOTH screens on for comparison.

Perfect example of why I depend far more on forums and fellow users than so-called journalists.
 
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Interested in any real world speed/functionality comparisons to iPad Air...?
 
That's awesome! Looking forward to your review.

PS. Surprised that you can't have two browser windows open from the same APP side by side. I hope that changes soon.
 
Please compare the yelp app side by side with a full color gamut device like the ipad air or iphone 6? The red's on the old ipad mini 2 and 3 were orange and not a fully saturated red.
 
Interested in any real world speed/functionality comparisons to iPad Air...?
What you mean by functionality.... Pretty much all iPads have the same function, and both air2 and mini2 has split screen, exactly same function


Speed wise, I don't see big difference between mini 4 and air 2

Btw, pip is awesome, I'm watching the video above in pip and typing this at the same time
 
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