Apple iPad mini 2 vs Apple iPad mini 4

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad mini 2 compared with iPad mini 4
AppleiPad mini 2AppleiPad mini 4
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2013September 2015
Display
Screen size7.9″7.9″
Resolution2048 × 15362048 × 1536
Sharpness324 pixels per inch324 pixels per inch
PanelLCDLCD
Display typeRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCDRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCD (IPS confirmed by Notebookcheck)
Pixel density326 ppi326 ppi
Display featuresOleophobic coatingFully laminated; anti-reflective coating; fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Performance
ChipA7A8
Memory1 GB2 GB (better)
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
CPU64-bit A7 with M7 motion coprocessor; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit64-bit A8; M8 motion coprocessor; 2 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
Cameras
Rear camera5 MP8 MP (better)
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera1.2 MP1.2 MP
Rear cameraiSight; f/2.4 five-element lens; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination; hybrid IR filter; HDR; panoramaf/2.4 five-element lens; autofocus; backside illumination; hybrid IR filter; auto HDR; panorama up to 43 MP; burst; timer; auto image stabilisation; face detection
Front cameraFaceTime HD; face detection; backside illuminationFaceTime HD; f/2.2; backside illumination; auto HDR; burst; timer; face detection
Video recordingRear 1080p with video stabilisation, 3x zoom and time-lapse; front 720pRear 1080p at 30 fps; slow-motion at 120 fps; stabilised time-lapse; video stabilisation; 3x video zoom; front 720p
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity23.8 Wh (better)19.1 Wh
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusNot supportedNot supported
Keyboard made for itNoNo
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsingUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsing
ChargingUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supportedUSB power adapter or USB computer charging
USB-CLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external videoLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack
Wi-FiDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n with MIMODual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth 4.2
Mobile networkLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM; cellular model weighs 341 gLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support; Wi-Fi calling; cellular model weighs 304 g
Stylus supportNo Apple Pencil supportNo Apple Pencil support
KeyboardsNo Smart ConnectorNo Smart Connector
Design
Weight331 g298.8 g (better)
Thickness7.5 mm6.1 mm (better)
Height × width200 × 134.7 mm203.2 × 134.8 mm
Operating systemiOSiPadOS
Biometrics–Touch ID in Home button
SpeakersStereo speakers (Notebookcheck)Built-in stereo speakers
MicrophonesDual microphonesDual microphones
SensorsGyroscope; accelerometer; ambient light; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular modelThree-axis gyro; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium enclosureAluminium enclosure (Apple environmental report)
ColoursSilver, Space GreySilver, Gold, Space Grey
Software at launchiOS 7iOS 9; September 2015 on-sale month corroborated by Macworld; maker environmental report records introduction on 9 September
In the boxiPad mini; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power AdapteriPad mini 4; Lightning to USB cable; USB power adapter

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