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iPad mini Q&A
Update Published October 19, 2024
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What are all the differences between the iPad mini 5th Gen models?
Please note that the iPad mini 5th Gen models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these devices on the used market.
There are four different iPad mini 5th Gen models -- commonly called the iPad mini 5 line -- 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+Cell China). These models vary by location originally sold, connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 5th Gen)
Device Similarities
All iPad mini 5 models share the same general thin case design with gently rounded corners and sides, weigh around 2/3 of a pound and have either a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and a "Space Gray" back.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 5th Gen Color Options)
Each iPad mini 5 shares the same "fully-laminated" 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display with an antireflective coating, "wide color" (DCI-P3) support and Apple's "True Tone" technology. Each also shares the same six core, 64-bit 2.49 GHz Apple A12 "Bionic" processor and M12 coprocessor, 3 GB of RAM, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as Bluetooth 5.0. All four models are available with either 64 GB or 256 GB of storage, as well.
All iPad mini 5 models also have a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the "Home" button, have two cameras -- a rear 1080p 8 megapixel "iSight" camera with a f/2.4 aperture and a front 1080p 7 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera -- and have a "Lightning" port for power as well as connectivity to a computer, if desired. All support the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A), too.
iOS Support Similarities
The iPad mini 5 models first shipped with iOS 12.2 and later shipped with iOS 13 (iPadOS).
The iPad mini 5 models also fully support the final version of iPadOS 14, with the exception of the ARKit Depth AP and fully support iPadOS 15.
The iPad mini 5 models support iPadOS 16, but do not support the advanced Stage Manager, Reference Mode, Accessibility Detection, and Virtual Memory Swap features as well as Apple Music Sing (Karaoke); support iPadOS 17, but lack support for the React with Your Hands; Screen Distance; More Accurate Autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish; Inline Predictions (English); and External Camera for FaceTime features.
Finally, the iPad mini 5 lineup support the current version of the iPadOS -- iPadOS 18 -- but it lacks support for the Apple Intelligence (AI), Handwriting with Smart Script, and Eye Tracking features.
Identification Differences
The Wi-Fi only and cellular iPad mini 5 models -- when side-by-side -- can be differentiated visually because the iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi Only) has a solid aluminum back. The cellular-capable iPad mini 5 models, on the other hand, have a line toward the top of the back of each device:
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 5th Gen - Back, Cellular Models)
However, it is not possible to visually distinguish between the three different cellular-capable iPad mini 5 models and it is easy to mix up all of these with other iPad mini devices, as well. Consequently, 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:
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.
Initially, these cellular-capable models likely will not cross paths because of their different geographic distribution, but over time, they will inevitably find their way around the globe.
All iPad 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 Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad mini 5 in gold with 64 GB of storage is MUQY2LL/A.
To pinpoint an exact iPad mini by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Connectivity & Battery Life Differences
As noted in the first sentence of this Q&A, the iPad mini 5 models have significant differences in connectivity. All iPad mini 5 models support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0.
All cellular-capable iPad mini 5 models support A-GPS, GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), but Gigabit-class LTE cellular connectivity varies accordingly:
| iPad mini | Model | 4G LTE Bands |
| 5 (Wi-Fi Only) | A2133 | None |
| 5 (Wi-Fi+Cellular US/Canada) | A2126 | 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+Cellular Global) | A2124 | 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+Cellular China) | A2125 | 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 |
In terms of battery life, Apple estimates that any iPad mini 5 provides up to ten hours of runtime on Wi-Fi whereas the cellular-equipped models provide up to nine hours of runtime while using a cellular network.
All cellular-capable iPad mini 5 models shipped unlocked. In the United States, the applicable device works 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 5 also shipped with an "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card.
Pricing Comparison Chart
All iPad mini 5 color options cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone:
| Capacity: | 64 GB | 256 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$399 | US$549 |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$529 | 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 Summary
Ultimately, the iPad mini 5 models are differentiated from one another by connectivity and battery life. When it was released, if you wanted the smallest new iPad you can buy, an iPad mini 5 was your best option. Of course, newer iPad mini models now are faster, sleeker, and more capable, but the iPad mini 5 remains well worth consideration on the used market. It has plenty of life left.
Choosing between the Wi-Fi only model or cellular connectivity, and ignoring later models, it effectively is a decision as to whether or not you feel like A-GPS and cellular-data capability is worth the additional money (originally an extra US$130). This was a steep price increase for what likely only cost Apple a few dollars extra, but it could have been well worth it to you to always have on the go connectivity. On the used market, the price difference tends to be more modest between options and lower across the board, too.
Of course, if you plan to use your iPad mini just in your Wi-Fi equipped home, office, and coffee shop (and don't mind occasionally tethering your iPad mini to a cellular-equipped device like an iPhone or Android mobile), the Wi-Fi only model could prove to be more than adequate.
iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options
There are plenty of places to buy a new or used iPad mini. However, purchasing from a solid company 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 sells 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.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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