What are all the differences between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models? Which should I buy?

Please note that the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 both have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest iOS support details and more to help those interested in buying or selling either model on the used market.

Upon introducing the iPad mini 4 models in 2015 -- the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- Apple discontinued the iPad mini 3 but continued to sell 32 GB configurations of the iPad mini 2 -- the iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi Only), (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China).

It certainly seems that Apple discontinued the iPad mini 3 largely to create a more substantially differentiated product mix, because the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 were far too similar for most users to be hooked with an "upsell" from the less expensive older model to the more expensive newer model.

For the iPad mini 4, on the other hand, the original value proposition compared to the iPad mini 2 was much more substantial. Even on the used market, whether or not the difference is substantial enough for you, though, requires a thoughtful evaluation, particularly given even lower prices of the iPad mini 2.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 4)

External Differences

Although both models use a similar style, with softly rounded corners and sides, the iPad mini 4 (above) is not only a bit taller than the iPad mini 2 (below), the iPad mini 4 has a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor built into the "Home" button (like the iPad mini 3), but lacks a physical switch next to the volume buttons in favor of software controls in Control Center.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 2 - Silver Color Option)

The iPad mini 2 only uses a white front and a silver colored back or a black front and a "Space" gray back whereas the iPad mini 4 also is available with a white front and a gold colored back in addition to the iPad mini 2 color options.

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 both have a 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display, but the iPad mini 4 not only has an "antireflective" coating, but in detailed testing, it is much better quality with a significantly improved color gamut, as well.

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 each have dual cameras. The front-mounted 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" cameras are identical except that the iPad mini 4 adds "Burst Mode" for easier selfies. However, the rear-mounted 1080p "iSight" camera on the iPad mini 2 has a 5 megapixel sensor and the iPad mini 4 has a better quality 8 megapixel sensor.

Internal Differences

Originally, the iPad mini 2 was available with 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, but Apple only sold a 32 GB storage option toward the end of its life as a new model.

The iPad mini 4 originally was available with 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage. On September 7, 2016, Apple introduced 32 GB options, cut the price of the 128 GB options, and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options. On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the 32 GB options and cut the price of the 128 GB options. Finally, on March 18, 2019, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 4 entirely.

Of course, on the used market iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models are available in all capacities.

The iPad mini 2 models have a dual core, 64-bit 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor and M7 motion coprocessor, 1 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi support as well as Bluetooth 4.0.

By contrast, the iPad mini 4 models are significantly more capable. These models have a faster dual core, 64-bit 1.5 GHz Apple A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor, 2 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) as well as Bluetooth 4.2.

Identification Differences

It is possible to visually distinguish between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 when they are side-by-side because the iPad mini 4 is taller, lacks the physical switch adjacent to the volume buttons, and has the "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor.

However, because it is easy to mistake these models for one another (and other iPad mini models) when they are not side-by-side, visual identification is not a good long-term method for differentiation. Furthermore, it is not possible to visually differentiate between the global and China-only cellular iPad mini 2 at all.

Consequently, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad mini:

iPad	Model Number
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1489
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1490
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China)	A1491
iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1538
iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1550

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) in space gray with 16 GB of storage is MK862LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

Battery life is the same for the Wi-Fi only and Cellular capable models from each line. Using Wi-Fi, the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models each provide ten hours of runtime whereas the cellular capable models provide nine hours of runtime on a cellular connection.

However, the iPad mini 4 models provide much more advanced connectivity. The iPad mini 2 models support dual channel 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with MIMO capability in addition to Bluetooth 4.0. By contrast, the iPad mini 4 models support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) in addition to Bluetooth 4.2.

The iPad mini 4 with cellular connectivity supports many more LTE (4G) bands, as well. Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:

iPad mini	Model Number	GSM EDGE	UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA	CDMA EV-DO	LTE Bands 4G
2 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1489	None	None	None	None
2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1490	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz	800, 1900 MHz	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26
2 (China Mobile)	A1491	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)	None	38, 39 (TD-LTE)
4 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1538	None	None	None	None
4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1550	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz	800, 1900 MHz	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41

Each model with cellular connectivity supports A-GPS, also, whereas the Wi-Fi only models do not.

All of these cellular capable models are unlocked and can be switched between carriers with a compatible Nano SIM card. However, some carriers still may require activation or configuration before the iPad will work properly -- or at all -- on their network. The China specific iPad mini 2 is intended for use only in mainland China on China Mobile.

It also is worth noting that in the US and UK, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller -- like site sponsor Adorama -- the cellular capable iPad mini 4 also originally shipped with a then new "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it had a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers. The iPad mini 2 shipped with an "old fashioned" single carrier Nano SIM.

iOS Support Differences

The iPad mini 2 models first shipped with iOS 7.0.3 and also are fully supported by iOS 8 whereas the iPad mini 4 models first shipped with iOS 9.0 and cannot run earlier versions of the iOS.

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 models both support iOS 9, although the newer iPad mini 4 supports significant "Split View" interface option for improved multitasking and the iPad mini 2 models do not. The iPad mini 4 also supports Apple Pay, but only for apps and not for use within retail stores. Neither support the iOS "Health" functionality that the iPhone supports.

Both the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 support iOS 10, but do not support the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. Both support iOS 11 and iOS 12, too.

However, the iPad mini 2 models do not support versions of the operating system past iOS 12, whereas the iPad mini 4 models support a maximum of iPadOS 15.

Running iPadOS 15, though, the iPad mini 4 does not support a significant number of advanced features (Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, and Visual Look Up as well as Universal Control).

Pricing Differences

All color options within each line cost the same amount. Pricing within a line was differentiated by capacity and connectivity rather than color.

Original Prices

When the iPad mini 2 models first were introduced, they were priced accordingly:

iPad mini 2 (Original Prices):	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$399	US$499	US$599	US$699
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$529	US$629	US$729	US$829

2015 Prices

When the iPad mini 4 was introduced, Apple dropped the price of the remaining iPad mini 2 options accordingly:

iPad mini 2:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$269	US$319	--	--
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$399	US$449	--	--
iPad mini 4:	16 GB		64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$399		US$499	US$599
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$529		US$629	US$729

2016 Prices

On September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 16 GB options for the iPad mini 2 as well as introduced a 32 GB option for the iPad mini 4, cut the price of the 128 GB option, and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options.

Consequently, the 2016 options and prices were:

iPad mini 2:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	--	US$269	--	--
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	--	US$399	--	--
iPad mini 4:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	--	US$399	--	US$499
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	--	US$529	--	US$629

2017 Prices

On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2, as well as the 32 GB configurations of the iPad mini 4, and cut the price of the remaining 128 GB iPad mini 4 options:

iPad mini 4:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	--	--	--	US$399
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	--	--	--	US$529

Finally, on March 18, 2019, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 4 entirely.

For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Comparison Chart

The major differences between the iPad mini 2 and the iPad mini 4 are summarized accordingly:

	iPad mini 2	iPad mini 4
Display Size:	7.9" 2048x1536	7.9" 2048x1536
Color Gamut:	76% sRGB	99% sRGB
Display Surface:	Glossy	Antireflective
Processor:	1.3 GHz Apple A7	1.5 GHz Apple A8
RAM:	1 GB	2 GB
Original Storage:	16, 32, 64, 128 GB	16, 64, 128 GB
Wi-Fi:	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth:	4.0	4.2
LTE Bands:	14 Bands	20 Bands
Front Camera:	1.2 Megapixel (720p)	1.2 Megapixel (720p)
Rear Camera:	5 Megapixel (1080p)	8 Megapixel (1080p)
Rotation Switch:	Yes	No
Touch ID:	No	Yes
Color Options:	White/Silver, Black/Gray	White/Silver, White/Gold, Black/Gray
Original iOS:	iOS 7	iOS 9
Maximum iOS:	iOS 12	iPadOS 15
Split View (iOS 9):	No	Yes
Apple Pay:	No	Online Only
Model Numbers:	A1489/A1490/A1491	A1538/A1550
Dimensions:	7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 in.	8.0 x 5.3 x 0.24 in.
Weight:	0.73-0.75 lbs.	0.65-0.67 lbs.
Original Price (US):	US$399-US$829	US$399-US$729

So, should I buy an iPad mini 2 or an iPad mini 4?

Just compared to one another, and ignoring faster and more capable models introduced subsequently, the iPad mini 4 is a better choice than the iPad mini 2.

The iPad mini 4 (1) supports a significantly newer version of the iPadOS, (2) has a much better quality display, (3) is at least 25% faster with twice the RAM, (4) has a higher quality rear camera, (5) has faster and more global LTE connectivity, and (6) has useful "Touch ID" capability. For many users, the display, RAM, or connectivity improvements alone would be worth the extra money.

However, the iPad mini 2 is very cheap on the used market and remains worth consideration for someone who has minimal usage needs. Keep in mind that because the iPad mini 2 does not support a recent version of the iPadOS, many newer apps will not work. The iPad mini 4 does not support the current version of the iPadOS, either, and app support will continue to wane over time. At this point, most users would be better off with a newer iPad mini model, but the iPad mini 4 still could get the job done for a while longer.

iPad Purchase & Sale Options

There are an abundance of places to buy a new or used iPad. However, buying your iPad from a quality company with extensive knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).