iPad mini 4
the iPad mini 4 is the fourth generation of the iPad mini series tablet, designed and marketed by Apple Inc. This innovative model was officially unveiled on September 9, 2015 during a special Apple event titled "Hey Siri." Interestingly, the presentation of the iPad mini 4 took place simultaneously with the announcement of the iPad Pro, but it was not given much attention during the keynote - it was only briefly mentioned at the end of the segment devoted to the iPad Pro.
The launch of the iPad mini 4 coincided with its availability for sale, giving brand enthusiasts immediate access to the latest technology. The device replaced its predecessor, the iPad Mini 3, and remained in Apple's lineup for nearly three and a half years, until March 18, 2019, when it was discontinued in favor of the fifth-generation iPad mini.
iPad mini 4
By Piscopro - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83125638
Design and similarities to the iPad Air 2
In terms of design and specifications, the iPad mini 4 has significant similarities with the iPad Air 2. One of the key features it shares with this model is the use of a laminated display, which contributes to improved image quality and user experience. In addition, the overall design concept also draws inspiration from the iPad Air 2, demonstrating the consistency of Apple's product lineup.
Operating system and compatibility
It is worth noting that the iPad mini 4 was the first device to come preloaded with iOS 9. This version of the system brought with it a number of new features, including the ability to use advanced multitasking features such as Slide Over, Split View and Picture in Picture. Support for these features was made possible by increasing RAM by an additional 1 GB compared to previous generations of the iPad mini, which significantly affected the device's performance and capabilities.
Software development
iPad mini 4 introduced significant changes in software and system compatibility. The device was the first in its class to be equipped with the iOS 9 operating system back at launch. This version of the system has opened up new possibilities for users, especially in the area of multitasking. With the additional RAM, the iPad mini 4 was able to take full advantage of features such as Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture, which significantly increased its functionality in daily use.
Software development for iPad mini 4 didn't stop at iOS 9 version. The device received support for the iOS 9.1 update, released on October 21, 2015. This update brought with it the News app for users in the UK and Australia, expanded the emoji library, and introduced a number of bug fixes, demonstrating the continued improvement of the user experience.
Compatibility with iPadOS
Contrary to earlier speculation, it was announced at WWDC 2019 that the iPad mini 4 will be compatible with iPadOS. This groundbreaking software, dedicated to Apple tablets, has opened up new possibilities for the device. However, due to the Apple A8 processor used, some iPadOS features are not available on this model. Limitations include the lack of support for Memoji stickers, Apple's ARKit-based apps and the Sidecar feature in macOS Catalina.
Despite these limitations, the iPad mini 4 received most of the key features introduced in iPadOS. Users can take advantage of external USB drives (using camera connection kits), a redesigned split-screen interface and multitasking (with the ability to open two apps simultaneously), and support for Haptic Touch (albeit without physical feedback, as iPads are not equipped with haptic motors). The device also received support for iPadOS 14 and 15, although with limited functionality compared to newer models.
It is worth noting that the iPad mini 4's lifecycle in terms of system updates came to an end with the announcement at WWDC 2022 that iPadOS 16 will no longer be supported on this model, just like on the iPad Air 2. This decision closes a phase in the history of the device, while highlighting its longevity in terms of software support.
Design and design changes
the iPad mini 4 brought with it significant design changes, marking the first major redesign of the iPad mini line since its introduction. Despite retaining the same diagonal screen size, the device features slightly larger dimensions - it is slightly taller and wider compared to its predecessors: the iPad mini 2 and mini 3. The most noticeable change, however, is the thickness of the device - the iPad mini 4 matches the iPad Air 2 in this regard, achieving an impressive slimness of just 6.1 millimeters. This change has also translated into the weight of the device, which is 33.2 grams lighter than the previous generation.
Accessories and compatibility
The consequence of these design changes is that the iPad mini 4 is not compatible with accessories designed for earlier models. In response to this challenge, Apple has launched dedicated accessories: the Smart Cover and the Silicone Case, which can be used separately or together, providing full protection for the device. It is worth noting that, unlike the iPad Air 2, there was no leather Smart Case produced by Apple for the iPad mini 4.
Design and color scheme
In terms of design, the iPad mini 4 follows in the footsteps of the iPad Air 2, dispensing with the physical mute switch. This move is in line with the trend of minimizing external elements, characteristic of Apple products of this period. The color palette has remained unchanged from its predecessor - the iPad mini 4 is available in three variants: Space Gray (star gray), Silver (silver) and Gold (gold).
Technical specifications
In terms of technical specifications, the iPad mini 4 represents a significant step forward compared to its predecessors. While the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 were launched in October 2014, the mini 3 was based on the mini 2's components, including the A7 processor. the iPad mini 4 changes this situation by offering significantly improved components, similar to those used in the iPad Air 2.
Processor and performance
At the heart of the device is the dual-core A8 processor, which replaced the triple-core A8X known from the iPad Air 2. Despite this difference, Apple claims that the new chip provides 30% better performance in CPU-related tasks and as much as 60% better performance in graphics operations compared to the A7 processor used in previous mini models. Like the iPad Air 2, the mini 4 is equipped with 2GB of RAM, enabling the advanced multitasking features introduced in iOS 9.
Payment functions and biometrics
the iPad mini 4 has made a number of significant improvements in functionality and technical specifications. Like its predecessor, the iPad mini 3, the new model features a Touch ID fingerprint reader for mobile payments via Apple Pay. It is worth noting, however, that this functionality was limited to the app only, as the device did not have the NFC antenna necessary to process payments at merchant terminals. This changed with the introduction of iOS 10, which expanded Apple Pay's capabilities to include support in the Safari browser.
Camera and display
In terms of photography capabilities, the iPad mini 4 matches the iPad Air 2, offering an 8-megapixel camera module with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. The device's screen is still the Retina display familiar from previous models, however, in this iteration it has been fully laminated and equipped with an anti-reflective coating. The result of these modifications is a significant improvement in image quality over its predecessors. Moreover, the iPad mini 4 boasts much better color accuracy, achieving 101% coverage of the sRGB color space, compared to just 62% for earlier models.
Battery and connectivity
Despite a slight reduction in battery capacity compared to previous generations, Apple says the device's runtime remains unchanged at 10 hours. the iPad mini 4 also features an updated wireless connectivity module, offering support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2.
Memory variants and Apple Pencil compatibility
At launch, the iPad mini 4 was available in variants with 16, 32, 64 or 128 GB of internal memory. However, with the launch of the iPad 5. generation in March 2017, only a version with 128 GB of storage remained on offer. It is worth noting that although the Apple Pencil debuted simultaneously with the iPad mini 4 in September 2015, support for this accessory in the mni line only appeared in the 5. generation of the device, to be launched in 2019.
Reviews and feedback
Reviews of the iPad mini 4 were generally positive. The Verge gave the device a 9/10 rating, praising the display, fast performance, good camera and multitasking capabilities. However, the speakers and beveled edges of the device have been criticized. CNET also gave a positive review of the new "more vibrant" display and slimmer design, as well as the new features introduced in iOS 9. However, reviewers noted the higher price compared to other 8-inch tablets and the fact that multitasking features do not work as well on the smaller screen. Criticism was also leveled at the use of the A8 processor, which was already a year-old chip at the time of the device's release, which was seen as a "step backward" compared to the A8X processor in the iPad Air 2 and the A9 in the iPhone 6S.
Technical specifications
| Metrics | iPad Mini 4 |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| Manufacturer | Foxconn |
| Product family | iPad Mini |
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Release date | September 9, 2015 |
| Generation | 4th |
| Lifespan | No data available |
| Initial price | $399 USD £319 GBP $569 AUD $439 CAD €499 EUR |
| Withdrawn | March 18, 2019 |
| Operating system | Original: iOS 9.0 Current: iPadOS 15.8.3 , released July 29, 2024 [ 1 ] |
| Connectivity | No data available |
| PROCESSOR | 1.5GHz dual-core 64-bit ARMv8-A \Typhoon"" |
| Memory | 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM [ 3 ] |
| Storage | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB flash memory |
| Display | 7.9 inches (200 mm) 2048×1536 px (326 ppi) IPS LCD with a 4:3 aspect ratio and anti-glare coating |
| Graphics | PowerVR GX6450ios |
| Camera | Front : 1.2 MP, 720p HD, ƒ/2.2 aperture Rear : 8.0 MP AF, iSight with Five Element Lens, Hybrid IR filter , video stabilization, face detection, HDR, ƒ/2.4 aperture |
| Sound | No data available |
| Power supply | 3.82 V 19.32 W-h (5124 mA-h) [ 4 ] |
| Dimensions | Height: 203.2 mm (8.00 in) Width: 134.8 mm (5.31 in) Depth: 6.1 mm (0.24 in) |
IPad products on telesalon.pl:
- iPad 4 case
- iPad 4 protective glass and films
- iPad spare parts
- apple inductive chargers
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Models and series iPad:
iPad Air
iPad Mini
iPad Pro
IPad products on telesalon.pl:
- iPad mini 4 case
- iPad mini 4 protective glass and film
- iPad spare parts
- apple inductive chargers
- apple car chargers
- apple mains chargers
- apple docking stations