Is iPad Mini 4th Gen Worth Buying in 2025
Introduction
The iPad Mini 4th Gen, released in 2015, was once Apple’s answer to users who wanted a compact yet powerful tablet. With its lightweight design, Retina display, and support for the Apple Pencil (1st Gen), it quickly became a favorite among students, travelers, and anyone who valued portability.
Fast forward to 2025, the iPad Mini 4 still looks appealing on the surface. Its slim design and low price make it tempting for budget-conscious buyers. But when evaluating whether it’s still worth buying today, software support, performance, and longevity are the real factors that matter.
iPad Mini 4th Gen in 2025 — Price and Features
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Mini 4 models now start at around $100+. At this price point, it’s one of the cheapest iPads available in 2025.
Key features of the iPad Mini 4 include:
- 7.9-inch Retina Display with True Tone
- Apple A8 processor with M8 motion coprocessor
- 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera
- Touch ID home button
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen) compatibility
While these specs were impressive a decade ago, in 2025 the hardware is showing its age. On paper, the iPad Mini 4 still works for basic functions like reading, streaming, or light browsing. However, once you consider the lack of software updates and performance bottlenecks, the value starts to decline.
Limitations of the iPad Mini 4th Gen in 2025
While the iPad Mini 4th Gen may look appealing at $100+, its age and lack of support make it a poor investment in 2025. Here are the biggest drawbacks:
Outdated Software
The iPad Mini 4 is capped at iPadOS 15 and will never receive iPadOS 26. This means no access to the newest features, updates, or long-term support from Apple.
Performance Issues
Powered by the aging A8 processor, the Mini 4 struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Even basic tasks like web browsing or streaming can feel slow compared to newer models.
App Compatibility
As more developers optimize apps for iPadOS 26 and beyond, the Mini 4 loses compatibility with updated versions. Over time, this makes it harder to use for daily productivity.
Security Risks
Without ongoing iOS updates, the Mini 4 becomes increasingly vulnerable to security threats. This poses risks for personal data and online safety.
Age and Battery Degradation
Released in 2015, the iPad Mini 4 is now 10 years old. Even refurbished units often come with worn batteries, shorter runtimes, and overall reduced reliability.
In short, while the Mini 4 might still handle casual tasks, it’s not a future-proof option in 2025. Buyers will likely need to upgrade again soon, negating any savings from its low upfront cost.
Better Alternative — iPad Mini 5th Gen ($150+)
If you like the portability of the iPad Mini but want a device that will actually last, the iPad Mini 5th Gen is the smarter choice in 2025. Starting at around $150+ for Certified Used or Refurbished models, it delivers much stronger performance and, more importantly, full iPadOS 26 support.
Specs Comparison - iPad Mini 4th Gen vs 5th Gen
| Feature | iPad Mini 4th Gen | iPad Mini 5th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 | 2019 |
| Display | 7.9-inch Retina | 7.9-inch Retina with True Tone |
| Processor | A8 | A12 Bionic |
| iPadOS Support | iPadOS 15 (ended) | iPadOS 26 (fully supported) |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Gen | 1st Gen |
| Authentication | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $100+ | $150+ |
Key Differences
Performance Upgrade
The iPad Mini 5th Gen comes with the A12 Bionic processor, a huge leap from the A8 in the Mini 4. This makes everyday tasks smoother and allows the Mini 5 to handle gaming, productivity apps, and multitasking with ease.
iPadOS 26 Support
Unlike the Mini 4, the Mini 5 is still fully supported in 2025 with iPadOS 26. This guarantees ongoing software updates, security patches, and compatibility with modern apps.
Improved Front Camera
The Mini 5 upgrades the front-facing camera from 1.2MP to 7MP, making it much better for FaceTime, Zoom, and video calls — a clear advantage for remote work and online learning.
Same Compact Size
Both devices keep the 7.9-inch form factor, so the Mini 5 still feels lightweight and portable. For users who loved the Mini 4’s size, the Mini 5 offers the same design but with modern power and software support.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the iPad Mini 4th Gen in 2025?
At first glance, the iPad Mini 4th Gen is a bargain at $100 or more. However, the reality is that this 10-year-old device is no longer worth it in 2025. With support ending at iPadOS 15, buyers face shrinking app compatibility, security risks, and sluggish performance which makes it impractical as a long-term tablet.
For just a little more, the iPad Mini 5th Gen at $150+ is a far better choice. It keeps the same compact size but comes with a much faster processor, a better camera, and — most importantly — full iPadOS 26 support. That means years of updates, stronger performance, and better value for money.
If you’re shopping for a compact iPad in 2025, consider skipping the Mini 4 and opting for the Mini 5 instead.
FAQ: Buying the iPad Mini 4th Gen in 2025
1. How much does the iPad Mini 4 cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Mini 4th Gen models typically sell for around $100+.
2. How old is the iPad Mini 4th Gen?
The iPad Mini 4 was released in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.
3. Does the iPad Mini 4 still get updates?
No. The iPad Mini 4 is capped at iPadOS 15 and no longer receives major software updates or security patches.
4. Will the iPad Mini 4 get iPadOS 26?
No. The Mini 4 does not support iPadOS 26, which is a major reason why it is not recommended in 2025.
5. Is the iPad Mini 4 still usable for basic tasks?
Yes, but only for very light use such as web browsing, reading, or streaming. However, app compatibility and performance are limited.
6. What’s the best alternative to the iPad Mini 4?
The iPad Mini 5th Gen, starting at $150+, is the best alternative. It offers the same compact size with a much faster processor, better cameras, and iPadOS 26 support.
7. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished iPads?
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPads from trusted sellers like Apple, BestBuy, and Amazon.
8. Is the iPad Mini 4th Generation still supported?
No. Apple officially ended major support for the iPad Mini 4 with iPadOS 15. It no longer receives updates or new features.
9. Is an iPad Mini 4 out of date?
Yes. In 2025, the iPad Mini 4 is considered outdated. It lacks software updates, runs on very old hardware, and is not compatible with most new apps.
10. Is the iPad Mini 4 still good?
Only for very basic tasks like reading eBooks, browsing simple websites, or streaming videos. For most users, its outdated software and weak performance make it a poor choice.
11. How long should an iPad Mini 4 last?
At this point, most Mini 4 units are already past their expected lifespan. Even refurbished models may suffer from battery degradation and hardware wear, limiting their usability to 1–2 more years at best.
12. What is the difference between the iPad Mini 4 and 5?
The iPad Mini 5 features a much faster A12 Bionic chip, a 7MP front camera (vs. 1.2MP on Mini 4), and support for iPadOS 26. Both have the same 7.9-inch Retina display, but the Mini 5 is significantly more powerful and future-proof.
