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iPad mini Q&A
Update Published October 25, 2019
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What are all the differences between the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5?
Although they are the exact same dimensions, there are major differences between the iPad mini 4 models introduced in 2015 -- the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- and the iPad mini 5 models that replaced them in 2019 -- the iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cellular US/CA/AU/NZ), iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cellular Global), and iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cellular China).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc (iPad mini 4)
Because few, if any, of the differences are obvious, detailed comparison of the iPad mini 4 (above) and its replacement, the iPad mini 5 (below) are particularly worthwhile.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc (iPad mini 5)
External Differences
Because the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 are the same size and offered in the same colors -- the choice of a white front and silver-colored back, a white front and gold-colored back, or a black front and a "Space Gray" back -- they look practically identical. All models from both lines have a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor built into the "Home" button for authentication, have a Lightning port, and support Apple Pay in apps.
Both lines have a "fully laminated" 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display with an "antireflective" coating, but the iPad mini 5 display is higher quality with "wide color" (DCI-P3) support and Apple's "True Tone" technology that automatically makes adjustments based on ambient lighting.
The iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 both have dual cameras, and the rear camera on each has an 8 megapixel sensor and supports 1080p video, but the front camera on the iPad mini 5 is much better quality. Specifically, the iPad mini 4 has a 720p 1.2 megapixel camera on the front whereas the the iPad mini 5 has a 1080p 7 megapixel camera.
The iPad mini 5 adds support for the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A), too.
Internal Differences
Internally, the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 have little in common, as you might expect because the iPad mini 5 was released four years later. They do both support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO), but the iPad mini 5 supports simultaneous dual band.
The iPad mini 4 models have a dual core, 1.5 GHz Apple A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor, 2 GB of RAM, and Bluetooth 4.2. They were offered in 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB capacities at different times.
The iPad mini 5 models, on the other hand have a much faster six core, 2.49 GHz Apple A12 "Bionic" processor and M12 coprocessor, 3 GB of RAM and Bluetooth 5.0. They are sold with 64 GB or 256 GB of storage.
Identification Differences
It is nearly impossible to visually distinguish between the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 and not possible to visually differentiate between the three different cellular-capable iPad mini 5 models at all, so visual identification is not a good option.
Instead, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad mini:
iPad |
Model Number |
*This model is believed to be sold only in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, although it is compatible with carriers worldwide.
The iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cellular US/CA/AU/NZ) in silver with 256 GB of storage is MUXN2LL/A.
To pinpoint an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Connectivity & Battery Life Differences
Battery life is the same for the Wi-Fi only and Cellular capable models from both lines. Using Wi-Fi, the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 models all provide ten hours of runtime whereas the cellular capable models provide nine hours of runtime on a cellular connection.
However, the iPad mini 5 models provide more advanced connectivity. All iPad mini 4 models support dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 whereas the iPad mini 5 models support simultaneous dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
The iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 models with cellular connectivity all support A-GPS, GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz). However, the cellular-capable iPad mini 4 supports CDMA EV-DO whereas the applicable iPad mini 5 models do not support CDMA EV-DO but support additional, and faster LTE cellular bands.
Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:
| iPad mini | Model Number |
CDMA EV-DO |
LTE Bands 4G |
| 4 (Wi-Fi Only) | A1538 | None | None |
| 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) | A1550 | Yes | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5 (Wi-Fi Only) | A2133 | None | None |
| 5 (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA) | A2126 | None | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 |
| 5 (Wi-Fi+Cell Global) | A2124 | None | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 |
| 5 (Wi-Fi+Cell China) | A2125 | None | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 |
All cellular-capable iPad mini 4 iPad mini 5 models ship, or shipped, unlocked. In the United States, the applicable devices work with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but some carriers may still require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.
In the US and UK, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller -- like site sponsor Adorama -- the cellular capable iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 also ship, or shipped, with an "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card. The iPad mini 5 adds support for an eSIM in software, too.
iOS Support Differences
The iPad mini 4 models first shipped with iOS 9, but support iOS 10, iOS 11, and iOS 12, as well as the current version of iOS, iOS 13, with the exception of some minor features.
The current iPad mini 5 fully supports iOS 13. It cannot run earlier versions of the iOS.
Pricing Differences
When first introduced, the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 models each had the same starting price. Pricing within lines only is differentiated by capacity and connectivity rather than housing color.
Because the iPad mini 4 was sold for four years, its pricing and configurations changed significantly during this time, but the original pricing and capacities of each line follows:
 |
|||
| iPad mini 4 (US Original Prices, 2015): | 16 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$399 | US$499 | US$599 |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$529 | US$629 | US$729 |
 |
|||
| iPad mini 5 (US Original Prices, 2019): | -- | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | -- | US$399 | US$529 |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | -- | US$549 | US$679 |
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the iPad mini 4 and the iPad mini 5 are summarized accordingly:
iPad mini 4 |
iPad mini 5 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 7.9" 2048x1536 | 7.9" 2048x1536 |
| Color Gamut: | 99% sRGB | DCI-P3 |
| True Tone: | No | Yes |
| Processor: | 1.5 GHz Apple A8 | 2.49 GHz Apple A12 |
| RAM: | 2 GB | 3 GB |
| Original Storage: | 16, 64, 128 GB | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| Wi-Fi: | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth: | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| LTE Bands: | 20 Bands | 28 Bands |
| CDMA Support: | Yes | None |
| eSIM: | No | Yes |
| Front Camera: | 1.2 Megapixel (720p) | 7 Megapixel (1080p) |
| Rear Camera: | 8 Megapixel (1080p) | 8 Megapixel (1080p) |
| Touch ID: | Yes | Yes |
| Original iOS: | iOS 9 | iOS 13 (iPadOS) |
| Maximum iOS: | iOS 13 (iPadOS) | iOS 13 (iPadOS) |
| Apple Pencil: | Not Supported | 1st Gen |
| Apple Pay: | Online Only | Online Only |
| Hey Siri: | No | Yes |
| Model Numbers: | A1538/A1550 | A2133/A2126 A2124/A2125 |
| Dimensions: | 8.0 x 5.3 x 0.24 in. | 8.0 x 5.3 x 0.24 in. |
| Weight: | 0.65-0.67 lbs. | 0.66-0.68 lbs. |
| Original Price (US): | US$399-US$729 | US$399-US$679 |
So, should I buy an iPad mini 4 or an iPad mini 5?
The majority of users should buy a new iPad mini 5 rather than the much older iPad mini 4. The iPad mini 5 is (1) significantly faster and has more RAM, (2) has a better display, (3) has a much better front camera, (4) has the option of additional storage, (5) has more advanced connectivity, and (6) supports the first generation Apple Pencil (at additional cost). It also likely will support the current version of the iOS for longer going forward, effectively reducing its cost on an annual basis for someone who takes good care of their hardware.
With that said, despite its age, the iPad mini 4 still is quite capable. It still supports the current version of the iOS and the display, cameras, and connectivity still are of solid quality. For someone who wants to save a bit of money on the used market (and potentially use an older CDMA network in the US, which often are cheaper to use, as well), the iPad mini 4 remains well worth consideration, too.
iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options
There are many places to purchase a new iPad mini 5 or a used iPad mini 4. However, buying from a quality business with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).
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