What are all the differences between the iPad mini 2 (2nd Gen/Retina) models?

Please note that the iPad mini 2 has 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 models on the used market.

There are three distinct iPad mini 2 models, which Apple originally called the "iPad mini with Retina Display" but rebranded simply "iPad mini 2" (which is what most users called it already) upon the introduction of the iPad mini 3 on October 16, 2014.

Specifically, the three iPad mini 2 models are the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi/Cellular), and iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - China).

Primarily, these models differ in connectivity, battery life, and price. However, there also are identification differences that are important in addition to similarities that can be useful to note, too.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 2)

Device Similarities

All iPad mini 2 models use effectively the same thin design with softly rounded corners, weigh roughly three fourths of a pound, and are available with either a white front and a silver back or a black front and a medium-toned gunmetal gray that Apple has dubbed "Space Gray."

Originally, all iPad mini 2 models could be configured 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. Naturally, all four capacities remain available on the used market.

All iPad mini 2 models have the same 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display, and are powered by the same dual core 64-bit Apple A7 processor and M7 motion coprocessor. As first determined by the third-party Geekbench benchmarking software, the Apple A7 processor runs at 1.3 GHz in these devices.

All models also have two cameras -- a rear 1080p 5 megapixel "iSight" camera with a f/2.4 aperture and a front 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera.

Additional shared features include the "Lightning" port for power and connecting the device to a computer, if desired, support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The standard iPad accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass, and built-in speakers and microphone are shared, too.

iOS Support Similarities

The iPad mini 2 tablets first shipped with iOS 7.0.3 and are fully supported by the operating system except for the "Panorama" and "Filters in Camera" features.

All other iOS 7 features are fully supported. This includes Control Center, Notification Center, Multitasking, Safari, iTunes Radio, Siri, AirDrop, Filters in Photos, and more advanced photo functionality that Apple calls "square and video formats and swipe to capture."

The iPad mini 2 is fully supported by iOS 8 with the exception of the "Health" and "Apple Pay" features. Most interestingly, Apple even quietly added Panorama support to the iPad mini 2 with iOS 8.0.2.

The iPad mini 2 also is fully supported by iOS 9 with the exception of the significant "Split View" interface option (and it still does not support "Health" or "Apple Pay").

The iPad mini 2 likewise is supported by iOS 10, but it does not support the minor "Raise to Wake" or Ride-Booking features. The iPad mini 2 also is supported by iOS 11 and iOS 12.

However, the iPad mini 2 is not supported by iOS 13 (iPadOS) or later versions of the iOS, including the current version of the operating system.

Identification Differences

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 2 -- Wi-Fi Only, Left; Wi-Fi/Cellular, Right)

Originally, even when they were not side-by-side, it was easy to visually differentiate between the iPad mini 2 models because the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi Only) -- on the left -- has a solid aluminum back whereas the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- on the right -- has a plastic portion at the top of the case to allow cellular signals to penetrate the housing.

However, the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - China) also has a plastic portion at the top of the case, so it is not possible to visually differentiate between the "global" model and its China Mobile counterpart, which can be an issue on the used market as devices find their way around the world.

Furthermore, particularly when the display is off, it is simple to mistake the iPad mini 2 line for earlier iPad mini models and they look similar to subsequent iPad mini models, too. Consequently, visual identification is not a good solution.

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.

Specifically, the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1489, the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi/Cellular) is model number A1490, and the iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - China) is model number A1491.

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 2 in black with 16 GB of storage is ME276LL/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 earlier, the iPad mini 2 models mostly are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. While using Wi-Fi, all three models support a maximum of ten hours of runtime using the 23.8 watt hour battery, but the model with cellular data capability only supports a maximum of nine hours of runtime when using cellular data.

AnandTech also tested the cellular capable model as an LTE personal hotspot (which allows other devices to use its Internet connection) and found that it managed to last for nearly nineteen hours. Impressive.

The iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi Only) (A1489) supports 802.11a/b/g/n on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) in addition to MIMO.

The iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1490) has the same Wi-Fi capabilities as the Wi-Fi Only model, but also supports LTE (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, and 26), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz). It supports A-GPS, too.

The iPad mini 2 (Retina/2nd Gen - China) (A1491) additionally has the same Wi-Fi and A-GPS capabilities as its global counterpart, but it supports UMTS (WCDMA)/HSPA+/ DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), TD-SCDMA (1900 (F), 2000 (A)), and TD-LTE (bands 38 and 39). Note that it does not support the 1700/2100 MHz frequency of DC-HSDPA, CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800 and 1900 MHz), or other LTE bands.

The global cellular capable model (A1490) has a Nano SIM card and is unlocked. In the US, it works with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but some carriers still may require activation or configuration before the iPad will work properly -- or at all -- on their network. Sprint also will not activate devices originally intended for another company's network.

Pricing Comparison Chart

Both iPad mini 2 color options cost the same amount. Pricing was differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$399	US$499	US$599	US$699
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$529	US$629	US$729	US$829

On October 16, 2014, Apple discontinued the 64 GB and 128 GB configurations and lowered the price of the 16 GB and 32 GB options:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$299	US$349	--	--
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$429	US$479	--	--

On September 9, 2015, Apple again cut the price of the 16 GB and 32 GB options:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$269	US$319	--	--
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$399	US$449	--	--

On September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 16 GB options and cut the price of the 32 GB options:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	--	US$269	--	--
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	--	US$399	--	--

Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2 entirely on March 21, 2017.

The iPad mini (Retina/2nd Gen - China) (A1491) model, sold only in mainland China, and intended for use on China Mobile originally was RMB 3,788, RMB 4,488, RMB 5,188, and RMB 5,888 for 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB of storage, respectively.

On October 16, 2014, Apple discontinued the 64 GB and 128 GB configurations and cut the price of the 16 GB and 32 GB options to RMB 3,088 and RMB 3,488, respectively.

On September 9, 2015, Apple again cut the pricing on the 16 GB and 32 GB options to RMB 2,888 and RMB 3,288, respectively. Finally, on September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 16 GB option and cut the price of the 32 GB option to RMB 1,988.

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, for quite some time, for anyone who wanted a small and relatively high performance tablet, the iPad mini 2 models were a solid choice for those on a tight budget even compared to the subsequently introduced (and now also discontinued) iPad mini 3 models. In particular, the global cellular capable model supports a wide range of LTE frequencies and given its low price, small size, and long battery life made it an excellent option for travel.

Because the iPad mini 2 no longer is supported by the current version of the iOS, app support will continue to wane quickly from here, although a user with minimal needs still might be able to put it to good use. An iPad mini 4 or newer would be a better choice for the majority of users.

iPad mini 2 Purchase & Sale Options

There are many companies that sell the iPad mini 2 on the used market. However, purchasing from a quality 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 to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).