I actually know the history of the iPad mini quite well. I'm something of a fan of small tablets.
The Mini 2 was the one and only time the Mini was at complete parity with the larger model of the same generation. The Mini 4 is actually the next closest example, as the only difference between it and the then most current iPad, the Air 2, was an A8 rather than A8X. If memory serves, in single core performance the A8 isn't even that far behind the A8X.
I don't know why or how they were able to have the Mini 2 match the Air (and actually, if you want to split hairs the A7 in the Mini 2 was slightly underclocked compared to the Air, which supports my statement about smaller devices and weaker processors) but the one example of parity is the exception, not the rule. From the very start the iPad Mini was introduced with the internals of an iPad 2, at the same time when the iPad 4 launched. The Mini 3 was a full generation behind as it had no internal upgrades (now THAT was a rip-off!). A general rule of thumb in technology is that making the same thing smaller is more difficult and costly. This is (in theory) why iPhones cost so much more than iPads. Yet every Mini has been less expensive than the corresponding 9.7" model. You can't have your cake and eat it too... Except with the Mini 2 which really was an anomaly.
So given that the Minis always cost less than larger iPads and have to cram more or less the same technology into a smaller frame, no, it's not really fair to compare them. I compare Minis to the previous Minis and to other tablets in the same weight class, so to speak.
But if an iPad, is an iPad, is an iPad in your eyes, how do you feel about the fact that the newer 9.7" Pro comes with a weaker processor and half the RAM as the 12" Pro? It's as far behind its big brother at the Mini is behind it, if not more so.
"Study the history of the iPad Mini..." LOL. 😎
Well I had to remind to the history of iPad because before this post you clearly said it's not possible to have same/close specs to the full size in Mini but now you are accepting it with a U turn,so what's the deal with "LOL" and guffy smiley?
again there have been only 4 versions of the Mini,so you saying Mini 2 was an exception but exception to just 3 other models not 100.
the point is the 1ST Mini was just an experiment to test markets reaction,so lower specs were acceptable (kind of every one raged about lack of retina display and maybe you were one of those who believed retina was not possible in original ipad Mini lol),it was a hit,so Apple made the next version on par with the full size.(best decision).
with 3RD one they basically didn't update it.but with 4 there was no reason why it should have specs of 1 year ago.maybe because they could get away with that.high margins and so on..since the iPad 3 was basically iPad 2 so there was a big gap and denand for any update..
I didn't expect them to make Mini 4 with same specs as Pro,but at least an A9 or A8x would have made it a much better value ,more future proof product than it's current form.
and about your question regarding Pro 9.7 vs Pro 12,pretty much everyone was disappointed why the 9.7 didn't come with 4GB.I hope you don't believe lack of 4GB in 9.7 is because if the thechnical limitations and heat issues of 9.7 vs 12 😀
I'd either wait until November if you have to have the latest hardware in case a new iPad mini gets announced by then, or wait for the next $100 off sale and buy the iPad mini 4.Looking to buy a Mini soon. I wonder high likely it is that Apple will release another Mini this year?
I suspect that there may be an announcement of an iPad Pro Mini in October. If not then, March '17.
Perhaps another low key event where they introduce new Macbooks and changes to the iPad line later in the fall? I wouldn't hold my breath on any new iPads before spring as it seems like they are trying to do iPhones in the fall and iPads in the spring now...I'm thinking March is more likely. I just just feel like there will be a new Mini in 2016.
Most likely the mini is done....iPhone plus takes its position ......
Most likely the mini is done....iPhone plus takes its position ......
Sorry but thats the most stupid comment ever.ipad mini is the low cost ipad for people that cant lay down a cool grand for the big brother. thats why they kept the 2 around, to beat up the android and amazon 8" tablets. Why buy an android for 199 when you can get an apple Mini for $299 and works with your iphones apps? Now if there is a NEW ipad mini, I bet yes, probably in Oct, which is when the mini 2 was announced.
with prices of the Mini 4 and Air 2 being the same, your theory (preference trumping price) will be put to the test. 🙂Sorry but thats the most stupid comment ever.
People who choose Mini don't do it because uts cheaper,they choose it because they oreger the form factor.
Only a 10 year old (or someone with same brain) will think bigger=better.
I just sold my iPad Pro 9.7 and am considering a Mini 4 or waiting for a Mini 5.
I can easily afford even 12 Inch Pro but I'll take form factor and sweet spot size of Mini over awkward and heavy full size anyday.
Sorry but thats the most stupid comment ever.
People who choose Mini don't do it because uts cheaper,they choose it because they oreger the form factor.
Only a 10 year old (or someone with same brain) will think bigger=better.
I just sold my iPad Pro 9.7 and am considering a Mini 4 or waiting for a Mini 5.
I can easily afford even 12 Inch Pro but I'll take form factor and sweet spot size of Mini over awkward and heavy full size anyday.
Whats the over / under on Apple releasing an ipad mini 5 / ipad pro mini?
Im on a mini 3 and ios10 is really slowing it down. Was thinking of moving to the 4 for better graphics ect, but figured Id wait till the announcement.
Heard a few people saying no ipads released or ipad mini being discontinued.