What are all the differences between the iPad mini 4 models?

Please note that the iPad mini 4 models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these devices on the used market.

The iPad mini 4 line is simpler than earlier iPad mini lines and only consists of two models -- the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- which vary by connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price.

These differences still are important, though, and the similarities are well worth evaluating, as well.

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

Device Similarities

All iPad mini 4 models share the same general thin case design with gently rounded corners and sides, weigh around two thirds of a pound and have either a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and a "Space Gray" back.

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

All iPad mini 4 devices share the same 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display with an antiglare coating (the glass cover, touch sensitive digitizer layer and LCD all are fused as a single piece), the same dual core, 64-bit 1.5 GHz Apple A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor, 2 GB of RAM, and 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as Bluetooth 4.2. All models are available with either 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, as well.

All iPad mini 4 models also have a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the "Home" button, have two cameras -- a rear 1080p 8 megapixel "iSight" camera with a f/2.4 aperture and a front 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera -- and have a "Lightning" port for power and connectivity to a computer, if desired.

iOS Support Similarities

The iPad mini 4 models first shipped with iOS 9.0 (13A340) and essentially is fully supported by the operating system including the significant "Split View" interface option for enhanced multitasking, although it is worth noting that none of the iPad models support the iOS "Health" functionality that the iPhone supports. Both models support iOS 10, although they do not support the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. Both support iOS 11 and iOS 12, too.

The iPad mini 4 models support iOS 13 (iPadOS), with the exception of the Adjust Portrait Lighting and "High-Key Mono" photography features as well as modest AR features (Motion Capture and People Occlusion) and the last version of iPadOS 14, but they do not support a number of advanced features (ARKit Depth API and Location Anchors, AR RealityKit Video Textures, Spatial Audio via AirPods Pro, and On-Device Dictation).

Finally, the iPad mini 4 models support a maximum of iPadOS 15. However, they do 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).

The iPad mini 4 models do not support later versions of the iPadOS, including the current version of the operating system.

Identification Differences

The iPad mini 4 models -- when side-by-side -- can be differentiated visually because the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) has a solid aluminum back whereas the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) has a plastic portion at the top of the otherwise aluminum back to allow cellular signals to penetrate the housing.

However, as it is easy to confuse these models with other iPad mini devices, 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.

Specifically, the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1538 and the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) is model number A1550.

All iPad 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 Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad mini 4 in silver with 64 GB of storage is MK9H2LL/A.

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

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

As noted in the first sentence of this Q&A, the iPad mini 4 models essentially are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. While using Wi-Fi, both models support up to ten hours of use with the 19.1 watt hour battery whereas the cellular capable model supports up to nine hours of use via cellular connectivity.

The iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) (A1538) supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO.

The iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1550) also supports the same Wi-Fi connectivity, but adds support for UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DCHSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz); and LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41).

The cellular capable iPad mini 4 ships unlocked. In the United States, it works with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but some carriers may still require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.

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 an "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it has a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers.

Finally, the Cellular capable iPad mini 4 supports A-GPS, whereas the Wi-Fi only model does not.

Pricing Comparison Chart

All iPad mini 4 color options cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone.

Original Prices

When originally introduced, the iPad mini 4 models were priced accordingly:

Capacity:	16 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$399	US$499	US$599
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$529	US$629	US$729

2016 Prices

On September 7, 2016, Apple introduced a 32 GB option, cut the price of the 128 GB option and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options:

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$399	US$499
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$529	US$629

2017 Prices

On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the 32 GB models and cut the price of the 128 GB options to match the previous 32 GB price points:

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	--	US$399
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	--	US$529

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 Summary

Ultimately, the iPad mini 4 models essentially are differentiated from one another by connectivity and battery life.

At the time they were first introduced, for someone who wanted a small and high performance tablet, the iPad mini 4 was hard to beat. Of course, subsequent models are faster and more capable, but the iPad mini 4 remains worth consideration on the used market. However, because they no longer support the current version of the iPadOS, app support will continue to wane over time.

Between the two iPad mini 4 models, and ignoring subsequent options, it's essentially a decision as to whether you find the addition of cellular data connectivity and A-GPS to be worth the extra money (originally an extra US$130) or whether you would prefer to save money with a Wi-Fi only model, which likely is sufficient if you plan to primarily use your device in your Wi-Fi equipped home or office and the occasional coffee shop.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are plenty of places to buy a used iPad mini. However, purchasing from a quality company with extensive Apple 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 model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.