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f0ku5

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 15, 2014
130
136
Hello!
My question is simple. Recently I've received iPad Air (first gen) with 128 GB of storage from my family member. iPad runs OK, have lots of storage capacity, but an old processor and 1 GB RAM makes me a little worried about how long it will run "good".
I have an opportunity to swap for unused (box wrapped and stuff) iPad Mini 4, but with 16 GB of storage.
Should I do it or should I keep my Air?
 
That's a very good question. Can I ask what you would use the iPad for? If you are likely to use a lot of apps, store lots of photos and music or download videos 16 GB of storage doesn't go very far so that would be the main downside of this swap. The upside is that the Mini 4 is a more powerful device and the 2 GB of ram makes a big difference for certain tasks (browsing and multi-tasking mainly). Screen size differences comes down to personal preference. I personally like the Mini for its portability but I really only use mine for content consumption and rely on a laptop or desktop computer to do real work.
 
Well, to be honest - I'm also using my rMBP for 99% of media consumption (YouTube, movies, music and such) and I must say that I'm mainly gaming on my iPad :p
 
Then I will probably stick with my 128 GB Air instead of getting 16 GB Mini 4.
Thanks for the replies! I had my own thoughts about it (that I should keep Air because of amount of storage) but I needed to see other opinions ;)
 
In overall I'm happy with the speed but I was worried that outdated CPU and small amount of RAM will make my iPad unusable in the near future (iOS 10, I'm looking at you...).
 
In overall I'm happy with the speed but I was worried that outdated CPU and small amount of RAM will make my iPad unusable in the near future (iOS 10, I'm looking at you...).

That is a concern. I'd hold off on updating to 10 until we hear from users who do update, to see how the Air runs on iOS 10. But if you are just using the iPad for gaming, i think you'll be fine staying on iOS 9. I expect the majority of new features in 10 will be geared toward productivity uses, and I think most games would continue to work with iOS 9.
 
When I switched from Air to mini, I somewhat regretted it. I love the mini form factor, but there are many scenarios where it's not useful. I eventually gave my mini 3 to my wife and switched back to a bigger iPad. Though I still do pick up the mini 3 and play around with it a bit--I do love that form factor.
 
Well, the Mini 4 has an outdated processor...

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about iOS 10...12 maybe...
I agree. Unless portability is a big concern, the Air is the better choice - 16 GB is horrid.
 
Well, the Mini 4 has an outdated processor...

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about iOS 10...12 maybe...
I agree. Unless portability is a big concern, the Air is the better choice - 16 GB is horrid.

The Mini 4's processor is still a generation ahead of the Air's and twice the RAM helps too.
 
Yeah, I just don't think the Air's processor is 'outdated'.
Problem's more the 1 gb ram. The iPad mini 4 allows for split-screen and PIP, both of which have proven their immense value on my iPad Pro 9.7".

Note - I know you can PIP on an iPad Air, but the less ram makes it a worse experience overall.

If my iPad mini 2 is any indicator, the user experience is extremely laggy, like when you are using the virtual keyboard to type. Everything just feels like it happens a second later than it should.

However, it still ran well for most tasks I use it for, from web browsing to light gaming.

At the end of the day, I would say to stick with your iPad Air.
 
I have a 64gb iPad Mini 4 and an iPad Air 1 that has 32gb...
That said, the iPad Air 1 is fine. Yes slower but not unusable. I don't think I could work with anything that was 16gb any more. Stick with your Air!
 
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