PERFORMANCE. We evaluate how fast a tablet can perform calculations and see how long it takes to complete different tasks. The Apple iPad Mini 4 (128GB) has very good speeds when running everyday tasks, such as web browsing or email. Copying a set of files took an average amount of time.
DISPLAY. We also score the attributes of a tablet's display. This device has a display resolution of 2048 x 1536, and produces very fine detail at 325 pixels per inch. The very bright screen and its reduced glare will be easy to view when used outdoors or in bright rooms. Testers found the display quality is not as bright as it could be, but black levels display well. Viewing angles are very wide with minimal changes in color, good for sharing a slideshow or movie.
CONVENIENCE. To gauge a tablet's ease of use, we look at the intuitiveness of its controls, as well as how quickly it takes to perform common tasks, such as connecting to a WiFi router or transferring files. The on-screen keyboard had a more comfortable size than on other tablets, and buttons were intuitively placed or easy to use. The touchscreen accurately interpreted touch gestures and it showed little, if any, lag in response. This tablet's initial setup process was quick and simple to personalize. It was fast in connecting to a wireless network. There were limitations when transferring files to and from different computers, and you may need to use a flash drive or similar intermediary storage solution. You can display two apps at once on this tablet, making it easier to multi-task and view more information on the screen.
SPECIFIC TASKS. Looking at how easy it is to perform a set of everyday tasks can show how functional a tablet will be. This tablet scored very good, with some tasks easy to perform. Very few common file types are supported by default; you may need additional apps to view certain files. Some unsupported formats include: txt, rtf, MSOffice files. The tablet includes a video conference app by default for making video calls. The camera video records in HD, good for creating movies for playback on TV. The webcam video records in HD, good for making video calls. Video playback was smooth and had little lag, and sound quality from the built-in speakers is thin but acceptable. Photos produced from the camera had natural colors, and videos were mostly clear with lots of detail. Text was clear and easy to read under various lighting conditions. There was some sluggishness when using the web browser.
VERSATILITY. The features that are available on a tablet and other physical characteristics can affect its usability. It has no USB port. It has no HDMI port. Without a keyboard, it weighs 0.7 lbs. The tablet has a solid feel, with little to no flex in its construction.
BATTERY LIFE. A longer battery life is important for mobility, whether using it while outside traveling, or even just at home as you carry the tablet between rooms. While browsing the web, the tablet can last 9.6 hours, and while playing back movies, it can last 11.7 hours. After partially charging a drained battery for 30 minutes, the tablet can last 2.5 hours. There was no battery saving mode on this tablet, so you'll need to manually adjust settings, such as dimming screen brightness, to get the most time out of your battery.
