These two devices are the most common "budget old iPad" options on eBay in 2026. They share the same iOS ceiling (15.8.3), similar chip performance, and similar price points. The differences are more nuanced but genuinely matter for specific use cases.
| Feature | iPad Air 2 (2014) | iPad mini 4 (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 9.7" Retina | 7.9" Retina |
| Chip | A8X | A8 |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Max iOS | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
| Thinness | 5.9mm — thinnest iPad ever | 6.1mm |
| Apple Pencil (1st gen) | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| Smart Keyboard | ❌ | ❌ |
| Weight | 437g | 299g |
| eBay price (Jul 2026) | £30–50 | £40–65 |
Where the iPad Air 2 Wins
- Bigger screen for content consumption — 9.7" vs 7.9" is a meaningful difference for video, reading, and web browsing. The Air 2 is significantly better as a media device.
- Thinner and lighter than it looks — 5.9mm is still jaw-dropping in 2026. The Air 2 feels more premium in hand than its age suggests.
- Cheaper — typically £10–20 less than a comparable mini 4. If price is the deciding factor, the Air 2 wins.
- Better for kitchen/bedside/display use — the larger screen is superior for wall-mounted smart home displays and kitchen recipe tablets.
Where the iPad mini 4 Wins
- Portability — at 299g, the mini 4 is 138g lighter than the Air 2. It fits in a jacket pocket. For travel, commuting, or one-handed use, it's in a different class.
- Apple Pencil (1st gen) — the mini 4 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil (Lightning charging). The Air 2 does not support any Apple Pencil. If you want to draw, annotate, or write, the mini 4 is the only choice between these two.
- Better for gaming — a lighter device held in two hands for extended gaming sessions is more comfortable. The mini 4 is the preferred form factor for mobile gaming.
- Better for reading — the 7.9" screen is closer to a paperback book size. Many people find it more comfortable for extended reading than a 9.7" tablet.
Which to Buy for Each Use Case
- Smart home display / kitchen tablet → iPad Air 2
- Reading and travel → iPad mini 4
- Gaming → iPad mini 4
- Kids' device → iPad mini 4 (lighter, easier to hold)
- Music production → Either — same chip, same apps. Air 2's larger screen is more comfortable for DAW work.
- Note-taking with Apple Pencil → iPad mini 4 only (Air 2 doesn't support Pencil)
- Cheapest option → iPad Air 2
Overall verdict
For most use cases, the iPad mini 4 is the better device — more portable, Apple Pencil support, and better for the two most common old-iPad activities (gaming and reading). The iPad Air 2 wins on price and screen size — if you're building a kitchen/display device or budget is very tight, choose the Air 2.
Find apps for your device
Both run iOS 15 — browse the full compatible catalogue.
Browse iOS 15 iPad apps →Also see: iPad Air 2 detailed guide · iPad mini 4 detailed guide · Best cheap refurb iPads buyer guide