Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I have a Moshi Versa Smart Cover for my iPad mini 2, does anyone know if this will fit on the mini 4?
 
Can someone also confirm if mini 4 has that hollow thump sound when tapping the screen like the iPad mini 2?
 
I got my other question answered after watching Detroit Borg's video the iPad mini 4 is slightly taller so cases for the mini 2 will not fit.
 
I just walked over to the Apple Store during my lunch break to play around with the mini 4. I have an air 2, but originally had the first gen mini. I'm very impressed with the mini 4. The split screen wasn't as crammed up as I thought it would be, even though you can only try it with Apple apps in the store. I'm really considering going back to the mini from what I saw.
 
which shade of Space Gray is used on mini 4, the same as on the Air 2/mini 3, or little darker ?

Same as Air 2 / iPhone 6. I have read that the front seems more black? Not sure if that is true but the whole iPad looks amazing in Space Grey.
 
Wondering how the back is on the new Mini 4, I ordered a Space Grey vrsion. My Mini 2 I used with a smart cover and a Decal girl skin, I was thinking to take advantage of the new light weight of the tablet that I would use it naked (the tablet not me) and just put it in a sleeve, how resistance to scratching is the latest ipad
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pecheneg
I think in general people come in two camps when is comes to screen size of mobile devices. Camp 1, As big as practically possible. Will put up with it being heavier, harder to carry, harder to use one handed. In return have better battery, more immersive screen, able to see more information at the same time.
Camp 2, As small as practically possible. Will put up with bad battery life, smaller touch targets, more scrolling, less immersive screen. In return, lighter device, one handed use, more portable.

People who prefer the mini to the air are usually camp 2, However these camps get more extreme when talking about phones rather than tablets, because the compromises are more extreme.
Agree, with your assessment. I am firmly in Camp #2 ever since the Mini 1. I really did not use my iPad 2 very much as it was quite heavy. I feel the same way about using my wife's iPad Air (she is in Camp 1).

Overall this is terrific upgrade over the original mini-- my original mini was crashing all the time, presumably related to limited RAM. I also love the Touch ID, improved display and the split screen. I am estimating 9-10 hours of battery life after having used it for the past day and a half after giving it to myself for my birthday.
 
Wondering how the back is on the new Mini 4, I ordered a Space Grey vrsion. My Mini 2 I used with a smart cover and a Decal girl skin, I was thinking to take advantage of the new light weight of the tablet that I would use it naked (the tablet not me) and just put it in a sleeve, how resistance to scratching is the latest ipad
The advantages of the smart cover is being able to prop it up in portrait and landscape and the sleep awake feature. I love my Moshi Versa cover however I'm thinking of getting the iPad mini 4 and putting a clear skin on the back and front to take advantage of the lighter and slimmer design. I actually wish I waited and didn't get a refurbished mini 2. The mini 4 looks impressive.
 
I just walked over to the Apple Store during my lunch break to play around with the mini 4. I have an air 2, but originally had the first gen mini. I'm very impressed with the mini 4. The split screen wasn't as crammed up as I thought it would be, even though you can only try it with Apple apps in the store. I'm really considering going back to the mini from what I saw.

Arm strain with Air 2....?
 
Picked up a Mini 4 last night. Space grey, 128gb (went all out!), Wifi. So far, loving it.

The screen was my biggest concern, primarily because of the washed out low-gamut screens the previous 3 generations of Minis inexplicably employed. Happily, I think the Mini 4 screen is a big improvement. With my Samsung Note 4 set to "Basic" colors (essentially this setting provides neutral colors with no selective boosting of reds), I compared it to my Mini 4, and the colors looked nearly identical upon viewing a variety of images. Compared to my Air 2, I think it's very close, with the Air 2 having slightly more saturated reds, but I didn't do a careful comparison, and still had the hazy plastic wrap on my Mini as a makeshift screen protector. I think this bodes well for upcoming Displaymate tests.

In terms of speed, seems plenty zippy. Battery life also seems very good -- after about 5 hours of use I'd say it was using about 10% per hour, so right on target there. Always wanted a Mini, so I think my wife will get my Air 2, and I'll sell her Air (it's pristine).

My only problem at the moment is I can't yet get screen protectors for it by my favorite manufacturer (Spigen on Amazon). So for now I'm using an adapted Note 8 protector I had sitting around. Have a cheap $6 case coming early next week. Wish they hadn't changed the screen size so I could just use existing Mini protectors.
 
I cant believe reading comments from people ditching their Air 2's for the mini 4 :).....Air 2 is slimmer/lighter than ever on iPad line..... and why anyone wouldn't prefer split view on Air 2....?
 
I cant believe reading comments from people ditching their Air 2's for the mini 4 :).....Air 2 is slimmer/lighter than ever on iPad line..... and why anyone wouldn't prefer split view on Air 2....?

The Mini is just easier to take along. Fits inside bags easier, even in some pockets, weighs less, yet offers the same overall functionality of an Air.

Plus, I have a Surface Pro 3 for actual work or heavy web surfing at home. So I don't really need a 10 inch iPad -- slightly redundant device for me.

Also, I'm a gadget addict, so no worries. There's a very good chance I'll be back when the Air 3 (or Pro 2?) comes along. ;-)
 
Thought this would be a good thread for people to give others their impressions to those who have the mini 4. Also to post any pics to those who want to see some hands on.


And to make people like me even more tempted to get one.


And to make people like me even more tempted to get one.[/QUOTE]
I've had a chance to play with the Mini a lot in the past 24 hours. Personally, I'm very impressed with what Apple has done with it. I've been comparing side by side with the Air 2 and the Mini matches up pretty well for the most part (IMO). One observation I wanted to share. I notice some animations appear choppy (i.e. Not smooth) on the Mini vs the Air 2. One is "double clicking" the home button and scrolling through the open apps.....silky smooth on the Air 2, choppy/jittery on the Mini 4 (both on IOS9). This could be a benefit of the A8X in the Air 2.
 
The SmartCover for the Mini 4 protrudes over the right edge of the device. Pretty annoying because it feels as though it doesn't fit.
 
Coming from a plethora of large iPads in the past, I have to say I really love my mini 4. It fits everywhere and is an amazing little media consumption device. I had plans of returning it for iPad pro, but I'm having second thoughts because it's so great.
 
Coming from a plethora of large iPads in the past, I have to say I really love my mini 4. It fits everywhere and is an amazing little media consumption device. I had plans of returning it for iPad pro, but I'm having second thoughts because it's so great.

Great choice!!
 
My mini review in the correct forum!
I received my ipad mini 4 yesterday, I'm really pleased to say It's a great upgrade from my older mini 2.. I'm very impressed with it. No sound vibration issues as(very good and improved speaker performance indeed, not like my parents's ipad air 2...), wonderful new laminated display, with excelent color gamut, on par with ipad air 2 display(and the sense that you are touching each pixel). The cameras are a big upgrade too, and the processor, althought is not an A9(this the only option that Apple could have use in the ipad mini 4 instead of a8, because a8x or a9x need much more space, battery and it runs much warmer), the important difference is 2gb ram. This a key upgrade, because really improve the user experience. About new cases, the solution of two separate partes is a clever option, because you can pull of the cover when you want, and use the ipad that weight less in that way(and ipad is still protected by back case!). So the combination of less heavy ipad mini 4, and the option to pull off the cover really improve the feeling on your hands(ipad mini 2 weights 30 gr more and leather smart case is much bulkier). Of course, the quality of case and cover is top notch BUT...the price is very very high. Please apple...104€ for a complete silicon case??LOL, if the apple products are expensive(a very well spent money in my opinion), their accesories are LUXURY product. Ok, it's Apple...
So very happy for these news.
 
Just wanted to add....I've decided to keep the Mini 4 (over the Air 2), so just mentioning my own personal observations when comparing the Mini 4 to the Air 2.
 
Last edited:
Just wanted to add....I've decided to keep the Mini 4 (over the Air 2), so just mentioning my own personal observations when comparing the Mini 4 to the Air 2.

We want to hear why and some Vs notes...? :)
 
We want to hear why and some Vs notes...? :)
Primarily I'm keeping the Mini because the size works for me and despite the Mini falling just a bit short of the Air 2 (IMO), I think this was a terrific update overall for the Mini (i.e. Not as many compromises to accept as there were with previous versions).

My iPad history: iPad Original (9.7), iPad 2, Miini Original, Mini 2, Air Original (i.e. After balking on the Mini 3), also used Air 2 (my wife's).

I travel for business (4 days/week) and the Mini size just works for me on the road, where I find small and light to be a major asset. Where do I feel the Mini falls just a bit short of the Air 2? (Personal/subjective observations):
-Display: Colors don't have quite the punch (i.e. Not quite as vivid/saturated), but appear to my eye to be a much fuller gamut than previous Mini's and appear to be accurate.
-Battery Liife: I'm finding the battery drains more quickly than the Air though not enough time with it yet to quantify.
Performance: I mentioned another post (above) that some animations on the Mini appear to be choppy/jittery ( i.e. Just not quite as buttery smooth as the same animations on the Air 2). Scrolling the open apps is one example. Seems logical to me this could be due to the A8 in the Mini vs A8x chip in the Air 2 (i.e. better graphic performance of the A8X). Seems to me the Air 2 could have a bit more longevity to better handle future IOS updates due to its having the A8x (purely speculative).

All in all though, I'm happy with the Mini 4, think it was a terrific update and am okay accepting the few (perceived) compromises listed above. But, the main reason I'm keeping the Mini is because the Gold Mini and Midnight blue cover combo is killer. Can't get that on the Air 2! Seriously though...the combo is awsome.
 
Last edited:
I picked up a Gold 16GB Wi-fi mini 4. Amazing how thin and light it is. Coming from the mini 2 it's a huge upgrade. Amazing screen. Extremely snappy. Perfect for traveling. Easy to read email and magazines. Perfect iPad IMO. if you are on the fence I wouldn't hesitate.
 
  • Like
Reactions: joscejrod
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.