While the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is Apple’s newest iPad, the iPad Mini 4 was only released last October, with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro’s older brother, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, while performance specs and screen size may be the biggest difference between the two, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro additionally has upgraded internals, extra accessory support and a four-speaker system set-up that the iPad Mini 4 lacks.
iPad Mini 4 is currently retailing for $399 for the 16GB model, $499 for the 64GB model, and $599 for the 128GB model. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro retails for $599 for the 32GB version, $749 for the 64GB version and $899 for the 256GB version. Add $130 for a cellular connection.
Screen size wise, the iPad Mini 4’s display is 7.9-inch long diagonally, while the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is, well, 9.7-inches. Resolution wise, both iPads have a retina display with a 2,048-by-1,536 resolution, but the iPad Mini 4 has greater pixels-per-inch density compared to the iPad Pro (326-ppi vs. 264-ppi).
The iPad Mini 4 is powered with the A8X processor chip, the same processor chip used in the iPad Air 2. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro, however, has the A9X processor chip — Apple’s latest. This chip generation was unveiled with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and is currently the chip used in the iPhone SE, Apple’s newest 4-inch smartphone model.
In addition to a bigger screen size and better chipset, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has both better rear-facing and front-facing cameras as compared to the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Pro has a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, while the iPad Mini 4 only has a 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera. This means that, in addition to not having the True Tone or Retina Flash, the iPad Mini 4 cannot record in 4K video like the iPad Pro.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro also the new Smart Connector port, which allows support for Apple official accessories such as the Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil.
Lastly, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro boasts a dynamic speaker set-up, a feature that is only shared with its older brother, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This innovative speakers can tell how the iPad Pro is being held and adjust the treble and bass as appropriate.
In conclusion, while the iPad Mini 4 offers day-to-day versatility and affordability that can make it the more attractive option, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro’s better internal hardware and accessory support mean more longevity.
