iPad Air 2 Vs iPad Pro 9.7 Vs iPad Mini 4

Strahany on 04/10/2016 - 04:31
Last edited 04/10/2016 - 04:33

Hi everyone,

I currently own an iPad Mini 1st Generation which is no longer used due to a combination of poor performance, and lack of necessity when I have an 11" Air for main tasks, and my iPhone 7 for quick tasks. I am going away with my partner in a few months, and we'd like to take away some kind of tablet with us for media consumption in our down time at the end of busy days. This is where I seek help from the brains trust here at OzBargain.

I plan to sell my 32GB WifI iPad Mini for approximately $100-$150, based on eBay/Gumtree.

iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4 both share the $300-$400 price range for the 16GB/64GB WiFi variants, although the Air 2 has a greater saturation in the market, so perhaps a deal could be had.
The iPad Pro is then roughly double that price. Note, this is all used prices, as new doesn't really appeal to me.

I feel that the Pro is reaching too far up in price range, which won't benefit my needs, apart form the extra processing power and RAM. The Mini 4 is more portable than the Air 2, and has a better resolution (PPI), but smaller screen size is a negative, plus I'd be less likely to use a smaller iPad in day to day activities once I've returned.

Basically, if you were in my situation, what would you do, with respect to cost vs performance / use:
Keep the iPad Mini 1 and cop the poor performance to save some money?
Buy the iPad Air 2? Why?
Buy the iPad Mini 4? Why?
Buy the iPad Pro? Why?

Thanks in advance.

Electrical & Electronics Apple Tablet

Comments

  • ozhunter on 04/10/2016 - 07:14
    +1

    Basically, if you were in my situation, what would you do, with respect to cost vs performance / use:

    Doesn't seem like the Pro would justify the cost in your case. Since you got an 11in air, I think you should get the ipad mini, as it's more in the middle when it comes to size. If you did get the Air 2 instead, it wouldn't be that much of a difference.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2016 - 07:46

    Air 2

    • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2016 - 08:54

      Buy the iPad Air 2? Why?

      • ozhunter on 04/10/2016 - 09:25

        Because he seems like wants a bigger screen.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2016 - 11:50

        It's bigger then then the mini but not as big as the pro which is too big and too exspensive.

  • lupiter on 04/10/2016 - 08:15

    Think about where you're going to use it, and how you're going to get it there. I have the big Pro, and it's just as much of a pain as a laptop to carry around just because of the screen diameter. The Air/Small Pro are about the same size, and if you're not going to be editing documents or doing intense graphics work then the Air should be fine. But an iPad Air is about the same size as an 11" Macbook Air!

    I've taken an iPad Air and an iPad Pro travelling (at different times), and if you're moving around a lot or taking a lot of public transport, then I think the mini would be ideal. The advantage of the mini is you really can take it anywhere. Given your experience with a mini before, do you think you'd use it at all when you get home?

    If it's really just for this trip… why not take the MBA? Unless your partner wants the iPad, in which case get them the one they want ;).

  • mitty on 04/10/2016 - 09:55

    I recently sold my Mum's old 16GB ipad mini gen 1 on Ebay for $227. Granted you have to allow for fees, but I'd imagine if yours is in good condition physically (hers was pristine) then you'll get a similar price or maybe more for a 32gb model.

    • modsec802 on 04/10/2016 - 12:20

      I recently sold my Mum's old 16GB ipad mini gen 1 on Ebay for $227

      That's quite amazing considering you can buy a iPad Mini 2 with a retina screen and 32GB for around $300 new

  • Strahany on 04/10/2016 - 15:03

    Thanks for the responses, everyone.

    I won't be taking my MacBook Air as it's too important for my Uni work. Even with travel insurance, it's still an unnecesssary risk. Plus it could prove a distraction at times!

    On one hand, the Air 2 seems best in the short term because of the bigger screen for videos. It could be good in the long term with some apps for anatomical references and even textbooks.

    On the other hand, the Air 2 may be too cumbersome in the long term, so the Mini 4 could be the better option. Although, it's main draw factor, being it's portability, isn't really an issue since it'd go in a laptop sized backpack either way, if I need to take it elsewhere.

    Decisions, decisions. Maybe I'll just lurk and wait for a bargain to arise for either the Air 2 or Mini 4, and just pull the trigger.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 04/10/2016 - 18:00
    +1

    Curious where you can get Mini4 for $300-400….

    • Strahany on 04/10/2016 - 21:27

      It's second hand prices that were mentioned

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