After the disappointing iPad mini 3 last year, Apple finally releases a decent upgrade of its 7.9″ inches tablet: iPad mini 4. The latest generation of iPad mini is lighter, thinner, but slightly taller than the previous models. This significant change in the form factor makes most cases for iPad mini 1, 2 and 3 will not be compatible with iPad mini 4.
Apple iPad mini 4 is powered by A8 processor. Not the latest A9 powering iPhone 6S, but certainly way better than A7 processor in iPad mini 2 and 3. This A8 processor is not as powerful as A8X in iPad Air 2, yet it delivers 30% faster CPU and 60% faster GPU compared to previous iPad minis. iPad mini 4 weighs 299 gr (WiFi), 304 gr (WiFi+Cel), the dimension is 203.2 mm x 134.8 mm x 6.1 mm. For comparison, iPad mini 2 & 3 weigh 331 gr (WiFi), 341 gr (WiFi+Cel), their dimensions are 200 mm x 134.7 mm x 7.5 mm.
The new iPad mini also features better back-camera (8 MP) with burst mode and slow motion video, laminated display, anti-reflective coating, Bluetooth 4.2, barometer and Touch ID. The screen resolution stays at 2048-by-1536. The front-camera stays at 1.2 MP. The hardware switch (can be used to toggle mute or orientation lock) from previous models is no longer exist in this model because of its super thin body.
Enough with technical specs, now let’s talk about the actual user experience. I am a happy user of iPad mini 2. I quickly pre-ordered iPad mini 4 from the very first day of its announcement and the new iPad finally arrives today. Does this version is worth the upgrade? Well, it varies from one person to another. For me, it’s an absolute yes.
First, the wight difference matters. Especially for a person who uses iPad mini for long-duration readings. Holding the iPad mini 4 with one hand feels much better than holding iPad mini 2 after around 20+ minutes. The thinner body is a nice bonus, but since the iPad mini 2 was already thin enough for my liking (just not lightweight enough), having a new model that’s 1.4 mm thinner feels nice at hand, but not a wow factor.
Next, the screen is noticeably better. Comparing iPad mini 2 and 4 side by side shows huge difference from the very first glance. The color looks more “alive”, but not looking unrealistic like some other tablets with AMOLED display. The icons (and other things on the screen) does appear to be “closer” to our finger when doing interaction. The absence of physical switch to toggle orientation lock took some time for me to adjust. Having Touch ID in a tablet demands another habit change. Typing 6 digits PIN does not feel very practical, yet I kept doing it because of old habit. It became worse since I made frequent mistakes by typing my old 4-digits PIN. I’m sure I can get used to use the Touch ID after a few days. I managed to do the same with iPhone 5S.
The faster processor does not really show in everyday usage. Some of the games I sometimes play do open faster and snappier. Since my main usage is for note-taking and reading, I quickly noticed that some reading apps that shows the cover of my books (huge collection) loads up a LOT faster. That’s a good thing.
Finally, the new iOS 9 brings Slide Over and Split View features. I instantly fell in love with these 2 features. I can stay reading my book while answering messages. Working with multiple apps from Microsoft Office suite becomes faster and more productive.
In conclusion, iPad mini 4 is a very decent upgrade. It’s still evolutionary instead of revolutionary. But it’s a good evolution and I can actually feel some better user experiences in everyday usage.
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