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iPad mini Q&A
Update Published October 22, 2019
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What are all the differences between the original iPad mini (1st Gen) and the iPad mini 2? Which is best for me?
Please note that the original iPad mini and iPad mini 2 both have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS compatibility and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these devices on the used market.
With even a fairly detailed inspection of the original iPad mini models -- the iPad mini (Wi-Fi Only), (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS), and (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) -- and the iPad mini 2 models -- the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi Only), (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi/Cellular), and (Retina/2nd Gen - China) -- one certainly could be forgiven for overlooking the differences entirely as they look very similar.
However, just because the original iPad mini models and the iPad mini 2 models look practically identical does not mean that the differences are minor. The iPad mini 2 models are ever so slightly thicker (0.01 of an inch) and heavier (0.05 or so of a pound), but there are major differences in performance, display quality, connectivity, identifiers, and more. There are some similarities beyond design, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Silver Original iPad mini -- Left, iPad mini 2 -- Right)
External Differences
As the above images clearly demonstrate, the original iPad mini and iPad mini 2 look essentially the same. Those with sharp eyes may notice the small hole toward the top of the back of the iPad mini 2, which reveals the second microphone. This second mic means that the iPad mini 2 provides better noise cancellation than its predecessor's single mic.
Both models use the same design style -- with "unibody" construction, softly rounded rear corners, a chamfered front edge, a "Lightning" connector and stereo speakers on the bottom as well as a glossy glass front and a matte finish aluminum back. Both are available with either a white front and a silver back, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Slate, 1st Gen Only -- Left, Space Gray -- Right)
When first introduced, the original iPad mini also was available with a black front and a dark gray slate back. However, upon the introduction of the iPad mini 2, Apple discontinued this color option and made both lines available with a black front and a medium-toned gunmetal gray back that Apple calls "Space Gray." Apple discontinued all colors of the original iPad mini on September 9, 2015.
Both the original iPad mini and the iPad mini 2 have dual cameras and the rear-mounted 1080p 5 megapixel "iSight" cameras (f/2.4 aperture) are identical. Although the official specifications for the front-mounted 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" cameras are identical as well, iLounge was first to discover that the iPad mini 2 models have a slightly smaller lens (2.15 mm compared to 2.18 mm). In practice, though, the iPad mini 2 "grainy camera produces slightly lighter but otherwise extremely similar images to the old grainy camera."
Display, Storage & Technical Differences
A major point of differentiation between the original iPad mini and the iPad mini 2 is the display. Both are glossy, use IPS technology, and are LED-backlit, but the original model has a non-retina 7.9-inch 1024x768 display at 163 ppi and the 2 model uses a much higher resolution 7.9-inch 2048x1536 display at 326 ppi.
Initially, the original iPad mini was available with either 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, but Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB options when the iPad mini 2 was released (so the original iPad mini in "Space Gray" only exists with 16 GB of storage). At the time of its introduction, the iPad mini 2 models were available with 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, but Apple discontinued the 64 GB and 128 GB options on October 16, 2014.
Consequently, for new devices, the currently available capacities are 16 GB or 32 GB for the iPad mini 2. Of course, both lines in all colors and capacities are available on the used market.
The original iPad mini has a dual core 32-bit 1 GHz Apple A5 processor and 512 MB of RAM, whereas the iPad mini 2 has a much faster dual core 64-bit 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor, M7 motion coprocessor, and 1 GB of RAM.
Identification Differences
It is possible to visually distinguish between the original iPad mini and the iPad mini 2 by the secondary speaker hole on the back (as noted earlier), but because the designs are so similar (and subsequent models also look similar), visual identification is not a good long-term method for differentiation.
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 |
All iPad mini 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 original iPad mini in black and slate with 32 GB of storage is MD529LL/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
All of these models support dual channel 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi -- but the iPad mini 2 models add MIMO capability -- as well as Bluetooth 4.0. Using Wi-Fi, all of these models provide ten hours of battery life and the cellular capable models provide nine hours of battery life when using cellular connectivity.
Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:
| iPad mini | Model Number |
GSM EDGE |
UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA |
CDMA EV-DO |
LTE Bands 4G |
| Wi-Fi Only (1st Gen) |
A1432 | None | None | None | None |
| Wi-Fi/AT&T (1st Gen) |
A1454 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz | None | 4, 17 |
| Wi-Fi/VZ/Sprint (1st Gen) |
A1455 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz | 800, 1900, 2100 MHz | 1, 3, 5, 13, 25 |
| Wi-Fi Only (2nd Gen) |
A1489 | None | None | None | None |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular (2nd Gen) |
A1490 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz | 800, 1900 MHz | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular (2nd Gen - CN) |
A1491 | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz | 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A) | None | 38, 39 (TD-LTE) |
All models with cellular connectivity support A-GPS, as well, whereas the Wi-Fi only models do not.
The cellular capable models all are unlocked and can be switched between carriers with a compatible Nano SIM card. However, some carriers still may require activation or configuration before the iPad will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.
Additionally, note that the original iPad mini Wi-Fi/AT&T (A1454) mostly is intended for use in North America, whereas the original iPad mini Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint (A1455) supports Verizon and Sprint in the US and many countries globally.
The iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1490) supports AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint in the US and many more major carriers globally, all with a single device. The iPad mini (Retina/2nd Gen - China) (A1491), on the other hand, is intended for use on China Mobile in mainland China.
iOS Support Differences
The original iPad mini models first were shipped with a version of iOS 6. The iPad mini 2 models first shipped with iOS 7.0.3 and are not capable of running the earlier iOS 6 operating system.
Both lines are fully supported by iOS 7, with the exception of the "Panorama" and "Filters in Camera" photographic features. Both lines also almost are fully supported by iOS 8 with the exception of the "Health" and "Apple Pay" features. Both lines are supported by iOS 9, but the iPad mini 2 supports the advanced "Slide Over" and "Picture-in-Picture" multitasking options as well as Transit and the original iPad mini does not. Nether line supports "Split View" multitasking.
The original iPad mini, like other iOS devices powered by the Apple A5 processor, is noticeably slower running iOS 9 and if performance is more important to you than app compatibility, you might prefer to stick with an earlier version of the iOS.
Interestingly, Apple quietly added Panorama support to the iPad mini 2 with iOS 8.0.2 (and kept it with iOS 9), but did not add support for this feature for the original iPad mini.
Finally, the iPad mini 2 is supported by iOS 10, iOS 11, and iOS 12, but the original iPad mini is not supported by iOS 10 or later at all. The iPad mini 2 is not supported by iOS 13 (iPadOS) or later. Neither device is compatible with the current version of the iOS.
Original & Subsequent Pricing Differences
All color options within each line cost the same amount. Pricing within lines is solely differentiated by capacity and connectivity.
Original Prices
When the two lines were introduced, they were priced accordingly:
 |
||||
| iPad mini (Original Prices): | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$329 | US$429 | US$529 | |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$459 | US$559 | US$659 | |
 |
||||
| iPad mini 2 (Original Prices): | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$399 | US$499 | US$599 | US$699 |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$529 | US$629 | US$729 | US$829 |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS (China): | RMB 3,788 | RMB 4,488 | RMB 5,188 | RMB 5,888 |
As is evident from the above chart, it is worth noting that Apple actually raised the introductory prices for the iPad mini 2 models compared to their predecessors.
On October 22, 2013, when introducing the iPad mini 2, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations of the original iPad mini, replaced the black and slate option with black and "Space Gray" and lowered the price of the 16 GB configurations to US$299 and US$429 for the Wi-Fi only and cellular capable models, respectively.
2014 Prices
On October 16, 2014, Apple lowered the price further for the remaining original iPad mini models to US$249 and US$379, discontinued the 64 GB and 128 GB configurations for the iPad mini 2 and lowered the prices for the remaining 16 GB and 32 GB configurations:
|
||||
| iPad mini: | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$249 | -- | -- | |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$379 | -- | -- | |
|
||||
| iPad mini 2: | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$299 | US$349 | -- | -- |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$429 | US$479 | -- | -- |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS (China): | RMB 3,088 | RMB 3,488 | -- | -- |
2015 Prices
On September 9, 2015, Apple discontinued the original iPad mini altogether and lowered the prices again for the iPad mini 2:
|
||||
| iPad mini 2: | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | US$269 | US$319 | -- | -- |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | US$399 | US$449 | -- | -- |
2016 Prices
On September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 16 GB options for the iPad mini 2 and lowered the prices of the 32 GB options:
|
||||
| iPad mini 2: | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only: | -- | US$269 | -- | -- |
| Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS: | -- | US$399 | -- | -- |
Finally, on March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2 altogether.
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 original iPad mini and the iPad mini 2 are summarized accordingly:
iPad mini (Original) |
iPad mini 2 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 7.9" | 7.9" |
| Resolution: | 1024x768 | 2048x1536 |
| Pixel Density: | 163 ppi | 326 ppi |
| Processor Speed: | 1.0 GHz | 1.3 GHz |
| Processor Type: | Apple A5 | Apple A7 |
| Architecture: | 32-Bit | 64-Bit |
| Motion Coprocessor: | None | Apple M7 |
| RAM: | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| Storage Options: | 16, 32, 64 GB | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB |
| Data Networks: | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & Cellular Data | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & Cellular Data |
| MIMO Support: | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth: | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Front Camera: | 720p (1.2 MP) | 720p (1.2 MP) |
| Rear Camera: | 1080p (5 MP) | 1080p (5 MP) |
| A-GPS: | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Microphone(s): | One | Two |
| Max Battery Life: | 9-10 Hours | 9-10 Hours |
| Original Color Options: | White/Silver, Black/Slate | White/Silver, Black/Gray |
| Current Color Options: | White/Silver, Black/Gray | White/Silver, Black/Gray |
| Original iOS: | iOS 6 | iOS 7 |
| Maximum iOS: | iOS 9 | iOS 13 (iPadOS) |
| Panorama (iOS 7): | No | No |
| Panorama (iOS 8): | No | Yes |
| Slide Over (iOS 9): | No | Yes |
| Split View (iOS 9): | No | No |
| Transit (iOS 9): | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (In): | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.28 | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 |
| Weight (Lbs): | 0.68, 0.69 | 0.73, 0.75 |
| Model Numbers: | A1432/A1454/A1455 | A1489/A1490/A1491 |
| Original Price (US): | US$329-US$659 | US$399-US$829 |
So, which iPad mini is best for me?
For just about everyone, comparing only these two models and ignoring later options, the iPad mini 2 is the better choice. It (1) packs a higher resolution and much better quality display, (2) is jaw-droppingly faster, (3) has better connectivity, (4) more RAM, and (5) more recent iOS support (although neither model support the current version of the iOS).
The global cellular capable model -- the iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- also provides much more universal LTE support, which is a boon to those who frequently travel, particularly internationally.
The original iPad mini is a rather poor value for the savings. Most who find the cost of the iPad mini 2 model to be prohibitively high on the used market would be wise to save more money before purchasing a tablet, even if it means waiting until savings can be accumulated over time. After all, a tablet computer is a decidedly discretionary purchase for most.
However, those with limited funds may find the original iPad mini to be "good enough" for their needs and worth purchasing nevertheless, but these days, make sure that it will run any apps that you particularly want to run as app compatibility is increasingly unlikely. Because the iPad mini 2 also does not support the current version of the iOS, app support will continue to wane for it, as well, but it definitely has more life left.
iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options
There are many companies that sell iPad mini devices. However, purchasing 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 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. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
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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