Oct. 23 highlighted Apple's event which bought a series of iDevices, the tech enthusiasts' way, which included the fourth-generation of iPads. The much-anticipated iPad mini was definitely the star attraction but Apple also launched the revamped version of the third-generation iPad.

The question may arise, which of the fourth-generation iPad you will buy - iPad mini or the iPad 4?

The iPad 4 has the same design and chassis as its previous iterations. However, Apple has made several changes to the hardware components, which the company claims speeds up the tablet. On the other hand, the iPad mini has a brand new design with components which were available in the third-generation iPads.

Here are a few points which you may want to consider before buying the iPad mini or the iPad 4.

Display

The iPad mini has a smaller 7.9-inch display which has 1024 x 768 pixels resolution. The iPad 4 sports a 9.7-inch Retina Display and has 2048 x 1436 pixels. A huge difference between the pixel density exists between the two tablets, which is largely attributed to the size. The iPad mini has a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi) vis-à-vis the iPad 4 has 264 ppi.

Size and Weight

The iPad mini measures 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.28 inches and weighs 0.68 pounds. The iPad 4 measures 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37 inches and weighs 1.44 pounds. Many tablet users may find the lighter and thinner iPad mini easy to hold and carry around if compared to the 9.7-inch iPad 4. 

A5 versus A6X

The iPad 4 is equipped with Apple's latest A6X processor, which the company claims is twice as fast as the third-generation model's A5X processor. The iPad mini uses an older A5 processor and if going by what the company claims, then the iPad mini has half the speed of the iPad 4. 

Pricing

The base model of the iPad mini (Wi-Fi only) starts at $329 and the entry-level iPad 4 (Wi-Fi only) has a price tag of $499. With a price difference of $170 many potential tablet buyers may give a second thought before buying the iPad 4. 

Both the iPads have same storage options, LTE 4G options, iOS 6 operating system, Lightning dock, and FaceTime/iSight cameras. User looking for the Wi-Fi and cellular versions of the iPad mini will have to wait for another few weeks.

Verdict
If portability and price are the primary concerns then the iPad mini is a better buy. However, if you want to watch movies and videos, and use the iPad for demanding apps and games then iPad 4 is a better bet.