Buy iPad Mini 4 128GB? or Wait till iPad Mini 5 Announcement?

• 

  n1ck on 01/04/2017 - 17:12

  +1

  Had this exact dilemma 2 weeks ago and I waited for the recent announcement that didn't include the Mini 5. I pulled the trigger on the mini 4 128GB for $549 and it's a great device. I hope they don't release a new one.

• 

  HardQuiz on 01/04/2017 - 17:30

  +1

  Some rumours indicate mini 5 will be in Sep announcement

  • 

    htk421 on 01/04/2017 - 17:32

    Which makes me wonder if I should move on the Mini 4 or the 'New iPad' …

• 

  KitchenSink on 01/04/2017 - 17:43

  +1

  All tech reports tend to speculate about the new iPad Pro being 10.5 inchs.

  Since the recent "refresh" that is
  iPad mini 4 storage increase to 128GB
  iPad (2017) A9 chip, bump in base storage etc
  i doubt there's any releases on the iPad mini and iPad lines for this year.

  The Pro line will probably grab the upgrade this year since they didnt get any refreshes yet since their launch (late 2015 for the 12.9" and early 2016 for 9.7"), but then again, no one knows until Apple announce them.

• 

  bdl on 01/04/2017 - 18:29

  +1

  https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

• 

  p1 ama on 01/04/2017 - 22:53

  +1

  Given the way that Apple's going, I doubt much is going to change. The new iPad is barely any different from the iPad Air 2. You could even argue that the Air 2 is superior in a few ways as well - it's a thinner form + it has a laminated screen that has less glare and is more accurate.

  I think all this talk about performance is really irrelevant. A few years ago when this stuff was all new and everything changed at breakneck pace, just being a few months too late meant a huge disadvantage. Back in 2010 - 2013, I was changing phones every 7 - 8 months, for example, and every time I changed phones, it was a huge improvement. Now, I change phones once every two years and even then, I still feel like they're all the same.

  I own an iPad Air 2 and an iPad Pro 12.9", even though the Pro is much more powerful, they feel exactly the same when in use. In fact, I still have an iPad 4 lying around that works fine as well, so I wouldn't really spend too much time worrying about whether you should wait. Even if the iPad Mini 5 comes around soon, it's unlikely it'll be much different. Perhaps an upgrade to the A9? It's hardly anything to sweat about.

  • 

    htk421 on 01/04/2017 - 23:18

    This is the perspective I was looking for, my hat goes off to you.

    My only concern is the A8 / M8 combo on the iPad Mini 4 is older architecture. That said, my phone is an iPhone 6 with the same chipset and it is still an awesome device.

    I think you're right, nothing wrong with the iPad Mini 4 at all.

• 

  try2bhelpful on 02/04/2017 - 09:10

  +1

  The mini4 will probably do you service for a number of years to come - it is a very nice device, the screen is crisp and bright and I haven't noticed any lag with the apps I use. Mine fits nicely in my bag and goes with me everywhere.

  The only "pause" I can see is there are rumours Apple is looking at reducing the surround edge so the footprint will be the same and the screen size will be bigger. The fact that every other size has a Pro version, and the mini doesn't makes me wonder if this would be the next logical step. However, if you need it now buy it now - if you can wait until September then wait.

• 

  Advv on 02/04/2017 - 17:15

  +1

  Was in the same position as you. Pretty annoyed at apple for delaying the mini launch. From what I've read it seems as though apple will bin the mini line altogether. I'm going to get the new iPad 9.7. I can't justify paying 4-500$ for the A8 processor knowing that it's already outdated and will probably start to lag within the next 1.5 years.

  • 

    htk421 on 02/04/2017 - 18:04

    Yeah I'm the same. The iPad Mini form factor is perfect for me since I want to replace the function of my Kindle Paperwhite and use it for work in meetings and such.

    I can't justify the A8 / M8 combo for the price either. Not if they drop an A9x or A10 out later in the year.

    This is where Apple should have full transparency on their release calendars. Even if it was just indicative of month and not exact dates. Or here is a novel idea, how about sticking to a release schedule?

    • 

      pull the lever on 04/04/2017 - 18:01

      The mini is a great little performer. Hope Apple doesn't leave it lagging.
      I'm still on the Mini 2, and it's great for simple tasks. Can't do the fancy multitasking though.