iPad Mini 4 vs iPad 2017

[IPadNParadise]

I would like to order my grandaughter a new ipad. She is currently using an ipad Mini 3 that has a corner that is shattered but has not affected the use of the ipad. Even if still usable, I would like to replace it, she has an 18 mo old baby that loves to watch movies on it. Sooo, I am looking at a Best Buy Black Friday iPad Mini 4 128 gb for $274 and a Refurbished iPad 2017 with 32gb (from Apple Online Store) for $279. I just want to make sure if I order the Mini 4, I am not buying a much sooner outdated device than the newer ipad 2017. I just dont know!

In the long run it may not matter since her current one has a shattered screen, LOL, but I am not tech savvy and want to do the best I can to start out with. I do know that 128gb will allow her to store more movies than the 32gb will but this is the size she currently has in the Mini 3 and she has done fine with that. TIA

 

[IJBrekke]

For the same price, the 2017 iPad is the better device and will last longer. The only remaining reason to get the Mini 4 is if someone vastly prefers the size. For movies, the 9.7" screen is probably superior.

Before purchasing, you should check how many movies are internally stored and how many are streaming.

 

[JPack]

iPad mini 4 has an older A8 processor compared to A9 in iPad (2017).

Immediately, the iPad mini 4 doesn’t suppprt iOS 11’s AR apps.

The mini will receive one less year of iOS updates.

Traditionally, Apple provides major iOS updates for 4 years after launch. A8 is from 2014. A9 is from 2015. So you can expect iOS 12 as the last iOS update for the mini 4.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Unless device size is important, the 2017 iPad is a much better device.

 

[KrisLord]

I had a mini 4 until I bought a 10.5 Pro.

For the usage you suggest the mini is the perfect size. The full sized iPad is pretty unwieldy for young children. Whilst it might have a slightly shorter lifespan in terms of iOS updates, the extra storage and form factor would make it my preferred choice.

 

[IPadNParadise]

Thank you all! I have ordered the 2017 iPad. If he has any problems, his Mother will help him hold it. I found out he dropped a full sippy cup on his current Mini. Mama is going to order a heavy duty case and very closely supervise him.