Just like the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the iPad mini 4 sports 2GB of RAM
Even though it just received a quick mention during last week’s jam-packed Apple media event, the new iPad mini 4 has begun to hit the market. And Ars Technica has taken a recent look at the tablet and found some nice improvements compared to the third-generation model.
The iPad mini 4 sports an overclocked A8 processor slightly faster than the same chip found in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. While that’s 20 to 30 percent faster than the iPad mini 3, it’s still around 50 percent slower than the iPad Air 2 and its tri-core A8X chip.
But probably the best new feature is 2GB of RAM, double the amount found in previous versions. That means users will be able to take advantage of all the complex multitasking capabilities in iOS 9 – including the very handy Split View that shows two apps on the main screen simultaneously.
The iPad mini 4’s A8 processor compares nicely to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
After more than three months of beta testing, iOS 9 will officially be released to the public tomorrow – Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Unlike last year’s third-generation model, I’m glad to see Apple truly make an attempt to offer a compelling upgrade with the iPad mini 4. At least in my house, it’s easily the most popular iPad version.
WrapupYou can purchase the iPad mini 4 directly from Apple or other retailers starting at $399 for a 16GB Wi-Fi version. Two other Wi-Fi versions are available – a 64GB and 128GB edition for $499 and $599, respectively.
Wi-Fi + Cellular tablets start at $529 for the 16GB version and top out at $729 for the 128GB version.
Three color choices are available – space gray, silver and gold.
The iPad Mini 2 is still available to order as well. The 16GB edition is $269 while a 32GB edition is $50 more. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models add $129 more to the cost of each version.
For other news today, see: Take your music anywhere, anytime with UE Boom 2, Apple’s Move to iOS app helps Android users make the switch, and Argh mateys, prepare to fight the undead in Braveland Pirate.