Apple’s devices have always had a peculiar reputation as many people saw them as overpriced and not worth their price, while others have been huge fans of the company and are always waiting for their next big release. Lately, Apple seem to be putting a lot of effort into making their devices more accessible to a wider audience and improving their position on the market. And for the most part, they have been enjoying a good degree of success.
The iPad Mini 4 was a particularly interesting release that came after much anticipation. People were expecting quite a lot from the device, and their expectations were still fulfilled to a large degree. It’s not a powerhouse – the Mini line was never meant to be about that anyway – but it does offer a nice set of features and more importantly, it seems like it’s a good overall package for the price Apple are asking for it.
Sure, it’s probably still a little overpriced compared to some other offers on the market, particularly on the Android side – but of course Apple have a reputation to defend and they can’t just start releasing cheap devices in the middle/low ranges all of a sudden. Even if that’s the company’s long-term plan – and there have been rumors that it is – they will need to introduce the idea gradually or they might end up losing some of their core fans.
So far though, that’s not the case and Apple have actually made a very solid release with this device. Critics have been commenting on various positive aspects in its design, from the touch screen – and overall display quality – to the cameras and added security features. Connectivity seems to have improved with this edition as well, and the new iPad Mini 4 actually fares quite nicely in various conditions.
One of the best improvements is in iOS itself, and even though this is not directly related to the iPad, critics have still pointed out that the device makes proper use of the operating system to its full potential. It’s reportedly a breeze to perform various kinds of tasks through the operating system, and the tablet is great for users who want a little more control over their productivity.
Plus, it’s an iOS device, which of course means access to various useful apps in the iTunes store, many of which can contribute greatly to the user’s daily experience. The app store has actually evolved quite a bit through the time and users are given quite a lot in the way of good tools nowadays.
Other than that, the device retains the characteristic high build quality that Apple products are known for. It uses good materials and feels nice in the hands, and according to most reviewers the form factor is pretty much perfect. The size is right about ideal foe a combination of productivity and entertainment.
With all that in mind, it’s obviously a good iOS device and something that should please Apple fans – but how does it compare to other devices in its class? According to most critics, Apple seem to be making progress in becoming more widely accepted, and the balance between price and features is definitely getting better with time. Sure, it’s still more expensive than other devices with similar parameters, but users also know what they are buying. There is a reason why people associate the company’s products with a sense of luxury and they are definitely continuing to live up to that reputation.