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IPadNParadise

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 12, 2013
517
165
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 I just want to make sure if I order the Mini 4, I am not buying a much sooner outdated device than the newer ipad 2017.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

macrumors 6502a
Oct 24, 2009
678
814
Long Beach, CA
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

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,254
25,534
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.
 

KrisLord

macrumors 68000
Sep 12, 2008
1,747
1,879
Northumberland, UK
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

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 12, 2013
517
165
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.
 
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