Apple iPad Mini 4 7.9-Inch Wi-Fi 64GB Gold Renewed Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

Mid 2015 Apple iPad Mini 4 (7.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) Gold (Renewed)

Enjoy a stunning 7.9” Retina display with 3.1M pixels, powered by A8 chip for smooth 3D gaming and video editing. Weighs only 0.65 lb, it’s the lightest iPad yet with 10-hour battery life.
Certified Renewed Gold finish, 64GB storage and Wi-Fi connectivity ensure reliable performance. Touch ID security and 8MP HD camera capture every moment with crisp detail.

Despite widespread praise for near-new condition and crisp Retina display, battery performance varies significantly among renewed units.
Serious complaints focus on battery swelling and rapid drain, occasional model mismatches, and inconsistent seller quality control.
Amazon’s Renewed program with a 90-day supplier-backed warranty mitigates risk, but buyers should test battery health and verify device reset on arrival.

Table of contents

Product Overview
Apple iPad Mini 4 Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider Apple iPad Mini 4?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

High-resolution 7.9-inch Retina display packed with 3.1 million pixels.
Renewed by certified suppliers and backed by a minimum 90-day warranty.

The Mid-2015 Apple iPad Mini 4 (7.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) Gold—offered here in a certified Renewed condition—is a compact powerhouse designed to deliver smooth performance and stunning visuals. Sporting a fully laminated 7.9-inch Retina display at 2048 × 1536 resolution (326 ppi), this tablet renders text, photos, and video with exceptional sharpness. Inside, Apple’s A8 chip with 64-bit architecture delivers up to 30% faster CPU speeds and 60% faster graphics compared to its A7-based predecessor, enabling fluid navigation, light video editing, and casual 3D gaming. The integrated Metal API supports low-level hardware acceleration for developers, while an 8 MP rear camera captures HD 1080p video. Weighing just 0.65 lb and measuring 6.1 × 8 × 0.24 inches, the iPad Mini 4 remains one of the lightest and slimmest tablets in Apple’s lineup, making one-handed use comfortable for reading, streaming, or quick web browsing.

As a Renewed device, this iPad Mini 4 has undergone a rigorous process by Amazon-qualified suppliers: full diagnostics, defective part replacement, deep cleaning, and functional testing to look and work “like new.” Packaging and accessories may be generic, but every unit is supported by a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty, allowing returns or replacements for defects discovered after delivery. Buyers should note that Renewed products may show minor cosmetic wear—light scratches or tiny nicks in non-display areas are not uncommon. Overall, this gold-finish, 64 GB Wi-Fi only iPad Mini 4 delivers the core features of Apple’s mid-2015 tablet at a reduced price, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking portability and performance.

Apple iPad Mini 4 Review: Honest Findings

Mostly reliable performance across varied use cases.
Battery health inconsistencies reported by some users.

Across dozens of real-world user reviews, the renewed iPad Mini 4 demonstrates generally reliable performance, with most owners praising its fast boot-up, smooth multitasking, and vivid display for reading, video playback, and light productivity. Users replacing older Android tablets or first-gen iPads consistently note that the A8 processor handles iOS 9 features, streaming apps, web browsing, and e-book reading without hiccups. Many report that the touchscreen remains responsive and that the iPadMini4 feels “like new” after unboxing.

However, battery performance emerges as the most cited pain point among dissatisfied customers. Several reviewers used Apple’s own “battery testing” diagnostics to find charge capacity far below the advertised minimum of 80% life, with some units lasting only a few hours under light reading conditions. A handful of buyers experienced rapid battery drain or noticed percentage jumps from 100% to near zero before shutdown. While Amazon’s renewed guarantee often led to replacements or refunds, inconsistent battery health remains a caveat: prospective buyers are encouraged to test charge cycles immediately and confirm that battery metrics meet expectations before finalizing long-term use.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Many buyers praised the like-new condition and responsiveness.
Ideal for e-book reading and drone control.

On the positive side, an overwhelming number of customers report that their renewed iPad Mini 4 arrives in “excellent condition,” often indistinguishable from a factory-fresh device. Phrases such as “no scratches front or back,” “feels brand new,” and “arrived earlier than promised” pepper the feedback. Users replacing budget Android tablets for dedicated e-reading find the 7.9-inch display to be the perfect size—large enough for comfortable page turns while remaining compact for one-handed reading sessions. Parents laud its weight (just 0.65 lb) for children, noting that it slips easily into bookbags or purses without added bulk.

Beyond reading, hobbyists—particularly drone pilots—have discovered that the iPad Mini 4’s bright, high-resolution screen and reliable touch performance make it an ideal monitor for FPV (first-person view) flying. One reviewer specifically mentioned the DJI Spark showing “fast video feed” with zero dropouts, a feat not matched by their Samsung devices. Others highlight the convenience of Touch ID for quick unlock, the sharp 8 MP camera for impromptu photography, and the battery life of up to 10 hours under moderate use. Those who purchase renewed units from responsive sellers report seamless exchanges when minor defects arise, underscoring that the Renewed program can deliver excellent value when paired with attentive support. Overall, buyers celebrate the like-new condition, exceptional portability, and robust feature set at a fraction of the cost of a new iPad Mini.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Multiple reports of battery swelling and power failures.
Isolated rumors of incorrect model shipments and unreset devices.

Despite many happy customers, several battery swelling incidents raise red flags: reviewers describe bulging cases that separate the screen from the body, sometimes causing the display to lift and press against the bezel. In extreme cases, the swollen battery forced immediate returns for safety reasons. Other serious complaints include units that shut down at seemingly random percentages (often around 80%), screens that delaminate after minimal use, and charging ports that malfunction—requiring constant cable adjustments or external power to keep the iPad on. These issues are largely related to refurbished battery replacements or aging cells and underscore the importance of thorough battery inspection upon arrival.

Rumors about receiving the wrong iPad generation or pre-owned devices with lingering personal data also circulate. A handful of reviewers report unreset units containing previous owners’ tax forms or social media accounts, indicating inadequate wipe procedures by some sellers. Similarly, isolated cases claim shipments of first-generation iPad Minis instead of the Mini 4, leading to confusion over model numbers and performance expectations. While these incorrect model shipments appear to stem from specific third-party suppliers rather than Amazon’s core Renewed program, they highlight the need for buyers to verify serial codes, ensure a factory reset, and check that the device matches the advertised specifications. Packaging complaints—such as loose devices in flimsy boxes or non-Apple charging cables—add to the cautionary tale, though Amazon’s streamlined returns process and seller reviews normally allow quick resolutions.

Who Should Consider Apple iPad Mini 4?

Users who need a compact form factor for reading or travel.
Hobbyists such as drone pilots seeking reliable FPV monitors.

The renewed Apple iPad Mini 4 appeals most to those prioritizing portability and display quality in a small package. Avid e-book readers, commuters, and travelers will appreciate the compact form factor and up to 10 hours of battery life, while parents seeking a child-friendly tablet often find the Mini’s size and weight ideal for younger hands. Hobbyists—particularly drone and RC enthusiasts—value the low-latency screen for live video feeds, and educators or religious users can leverage its light footprint and crisp Retina panel for note-taking, sermon preparation, or digital Bible studies.

Casual gamers and media streamers will note that, although the A8 chip can handle light gaming and HD video playback, it may struggle with the most demanding modern titles or high-end productivity tasks. Users requiring the latest iOS features or extended future support might consider newer iPad versions instead. However, for budget-minded buyers who simply need a dependable secondary device—be it for reading, photo capture with the 8 MP camera, or quick web access—the Renewed Mini 4 remains an appealing choice. The key is selecting reputable sellers, inspecting for battery performance, and understanding that a refurbished unit may exhibit minor wear not found in brand-new models.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

Renewed Apple iPad Mini 4 is worth the investment if buyer does due diligence.
Always verify battery health and seller credentials before purchase.

In summary, the Mid-2015 Apple iPad Mini 4 (7.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64 GB) Gold—when sourced through Amazon’s Renewed program—offers a compelling balance of affordability, portability, and performance. Most users enjoy a device that looks and feels virtually new, complete with Apple’s Retina display and responsive A8 chipset. However, persistent reports of battery swelling, rapid drain, and occasional model mismatches warrant buyer vigilance. Testing charge cycles immediately, confirming serial numbers and iOS versions upon unboxing, and reviewing seller feedback are essential steps to avoid potential pitfalls.

Thanks to Amazon’s 90-day supplier-backed warranty and streamlined return policies, defects can usually be resolved through replacements or refunds. For those seeking a lightweight, one-handed tablet for reading, streaming, light gaming, or niche uses such as drone control, the renewed iPad Mini 4 remains a viable, budget-friendly option. As long as buyers exercise caution around battery health and choose vendors with strong reputations, this Renewed iPad delivers solid value—making it worth the investment for the right use cases.