iPad mini 4 (2015, A8 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The longevity of a tablet is heavily influenced by its release date and subsequent software support. These two models, separated by three years, offer different expectations for their practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Mini 4 was released in September 2015, while the iPad Pro 2018 debuted in October 2018. This age difference means the iPad Pro 2018 benefits from a more recent hardware foundation and a longer period of anticipated software updates.
• OS Support: The iPad Mini 4 originally shipped with iOS 9 and received updates up to iPadOS 15.8.7, released in March 2026. The iPad Pro 2018, launching with iOS 12, supports more recent iPadOS versions, including iPadOS 17, and is expected to receive updates for a longer duration.
• Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software support and access to the latest features will find the iPad Pro 2018 to be a more future-proof option. The iPad Mini 4, while still functional for many tasks, has reached the end of its major OS update cycle, which may impact compatibility with newer applications over time.

The performance capabilities of these two tablets reflect the technological advancements made over their three-year release gap, impacting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking efficiency.

• Processing Power: The iPad Mini 4 features a processor that handles everyday tasks and light multitasking smoothly. The iPad Pro 2018, however, is equipped with a significantly more powerful processor, designed for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive operations.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Mini 4, with its 2GB of RAM, supports basic multitasking features like Split View. The iPad Pro 2018, offering 4GB or 6GB of RAM depending on the configuration, provides a much smoother experience for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them.
• Storage Options: The iPad Mini 4 was available with storage options up to 128GB. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a wider range of storage, including options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files, applications, and media.

The display is a primary interaction point for any tablet, and these two models offer distinct visual experiences due to differences in size, technology, and features.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPad Mini 4 features a 7.9-inch LED-backlit IPS Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, offering a pixel density of 326 ppi. The iPad Pro 2018 comes in larger 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD options, with resolutions of 2388x1668 pixels (11-inch) and 2732x2048 pixels (12.9-inch), both at 264 ppi.
• Clarity and Brightness: Both displays offer clear visuals, but the iPad Pro 2018's Liquid Retina display includes features like ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, wide color (P3) support, and True Tone, resulting in a more fluid and color-accurate viewing experience. The iPad Pro 2018 also offers higher peak brightness.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Both models feature a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce glare in various lighting conditions.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. These two iPads offer different capabilities in this regard.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Mini 4 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with a wider aperture, offering improved low-light performance and the ability to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: For video conferencing and selfies, the iPad Mini 4 has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera that records 720p video. The iPad Pro 2018 includes a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, enabling features like Portrait mode, Animoji, and Memoji, and records 1080p HD video.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Mini 4 features dual microphones and stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2018 enhances the audio experience with a four-speaker audio system that adjusts sound based on orientation, providing a more immersive sound for media consumption, along with five microphones for improved audio recording and call clarity.

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two tablet models.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad Mini 4 supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2, and uses a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer. The iPad Pro 2018 upgrades to Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0, and notably features a USB-C port, which offers greater versatility for connecting accessories and external displays.
• Biometric Security: The iPad Mini 4 utilizes Touch ID for secure authentication, integrated into the home button. The iPad Pro 2018 replaces Touch ID with Face ID, enabling facial recognition for unlocking the device and authenticating purchases, and removes the physical home button for a more expansive display.
• Design and Accessories: The iPad Mini 4 maintains a compact and lightweight design. The iPad Pro 2018 features a redesigned, thinner chassis with uniform bezels and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio, enhancing its utility for creative and productivity tasks.