Is It Worth Buying or Upgrading to an iPad Mini 2? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple 209 209 people found this article helpful

Is It Worth Buying or Upgrading to an iPad Mini 2?

Some points to consider regarding Apple's iPad release from 2013

By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 30, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs The iPad Mini 2 was released in late 2013. As far as computers go, it has aged well. The Mini 2 has the same A7 system-on-a-chip that powers the iPad Air and the iPhone 5S. The A7 has proven to be a cut-off point where devices released before it lost official support from Apple. In contrast, devices with A7 or newer chips retain support. What does this mean for the iPad Mini 2? It means the tablet can run the latest version of the Apple iOS operating system and most apps in the App Store. Among the few apps that don't run on the iPad Mini 2 are those designed specifically for the iPad Pro tablets, which are as powerful as a laptop. Even better, Apple iOS 13 can make older devices run faster by tweaking the performance of the underlying operating system.

Is the iPad Mini 2 Still a Good Purchase

While the iPad Mini 2 runs the same operating system and apps that can be found on newer iPads, it is next in line for losing official support from Apple. This doesn't mean it would become immediately useless, but it does have a more limited lifespan than a newer iPad. But that doesn't make it a bad purchase! Refurbished or used iPad Mini 2 models can be found for less than a couple hundred dollars. You might find similar deals on third-party selling apps or websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The one place you won't find a good deal is Apple's refurbished store, which still sells the iPad Mini 2 for an exaggerated price. A new iPad costs at least $200 for an entry-level device. While that entry-level iPad is awesome, you can get a lot of use out of an iPad Mini 2. The decision making depends on how you use the iPad.

Buy the iPad Mini 2 If

You mainly want to surf the web or browse Facebook.You want to check your email.You want to stream video from Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services.You want to play casual games.You want to use it as an educational or entertainment tablet for your kid.You want to use it for productivity, such as writing papers, creating spreadsheets, or other work-related or school-related activities.

Don't Buy the iPad Mini 2 If

You want to play top-of-the-line games.You want to use multitasking capabilities such as watching a video while taking notes.You want to use the Apple Pencil, which isn't supported by the iPad Mini 2.You want an iPad that will still be great in three or more years. You can buy an iPad Air as a refurbished model for slightly more than the iPad Mini 2. The main difference between the two is the 9.7-inch screen on the Air compared to the 7.9-inch on the Mini 2. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire iPad Air vs. iPad mini 2 iPadOS 15: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices How Long Does an iPad Last? New iPad mini Pro: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Connect USB Devices to an iPad Is an iPad Worth It? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One iPad 2 vs. iPad Mini 2 What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? Should You Buy the iPad 2 and Save Money? Behind the Invention and Evolution of the iPad What Is the Newest Generation of the iPad? 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Used iPad iPadOS 16: Release Date, Features, News, and Price The Difference Between the iPad Mini 4 and the Original Mini The 27 Best iPads of 2022 by Lifewire The iPad's Screen Resolution for Different Models Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies