What are all the differences between the original iPad mini (1st Gen) models?

Please note that the original iPad mini models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with current iOS support details and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

As documented by EveryiPad.com, there are three original iPad mini models -- the iPad mini (Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS), intended for use on AT&T's (and later T-Mobile's) network in the US, and the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS), intended for use on Verizon or Sprint's network in the US.

International carrier support varies by country, and the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) also was sold in Canada (on Bell, Rogers and Telus), but in general, the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) was the model available outside of North America.

Although each looks practically identical, there are critical differences in connectivity and identification as well as notable differences in battery life, original price, and more.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Device Similarities

The original iPad mini models provide 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of storage and use compact cases -- less than eight inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and a mere 0.28 of an inch deep -- with a glossy glass front and a matte finish aluminum back.

As originally shipped on October 23, 2012, the original iPad mini models were available with either a black front and a dark gray "slate" back or a white front and a silver back in all capacities. However, on October 22, 2013, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations and replaced the black and dark gray slate option with a black and medium-toned gunmetal gray choice that Apple refers to as "Space Gray". Naturally, all colors and configurations remain available on the used market.

The iPad mini models share the same non-retina 7.9-inch 1024x768 (163 ppi) multitouch glossy LED-backlit display with IPS technology, are powered by a dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5 processor and have 512 MB of RAM. Each have dual cameras -- a rear-mounted 5 megapixel "iSight" camera capable of shooting both stills and 1080p video and a front-mounted "FaceTime HD" camera capable of shooting 1.2 megapixel stills and 720p video, although it is intended mostly for FaceTime video conferencing as the name implies.

Other similarities include a "Lightning" port for power and computer connectivity, if desired, support for 802.11n Wi-Fi on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies as well as Bluetooth 4.0 in addition to an accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, digital compass, stereo speakers, and a built-in microphone. The iPad mini models are the first in the iPad line to have stereo speakers.

iOS Support Similarities

The original iPad mini models first were shipped with a version of iOS 6 and are fully supported by iOS 7, iOS 8, and iOS 9 with the exception of some features. Note that once an iPad mini has been updated to a later version of the iOS it essentially cannot be "downgraded" without resorting to "jailbreaks" or other hacks.

Running iOS 7, the original iPad mini most notably does not support the "Panorama" and "Filters in Camera" photographic features. Running iOS 8 or higher, they do not support the "Health" and "Apple Pay" features. Running iOS 9, they support Transit, but do not support any of the more advanced multitasking features -- Slide Over, Picture-in-Picture, or Split View.

The original iPad mini, like other iOS devices powered by the Apple A5 processor, also is noticeably slower running iOS 8 and iOS 9 and if performance is more important to you than app compatibility, you might prefer to stick with iOS 7.

The original iPad mini models do not support iOS 10 or later versions of the iOS at all, including the current version of the iPadOS.

Identification Differences

Visually, it is possible to differentiate between the Wi-Fi and the 4G LTE-equipped original iPad mini models as the Wi-Fi model has a solid metal back and the 4G LTE models have a plastic portion at the top of the back of the case (color matched to the bezel on the glass front) as well as a Nano SIM slot.

However, it is not possible to visually distinguish the two different 4G LTE models. Consequently, Model Numbers are one of the best methods for external identification. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.

The iPad mini (Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1432, the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) is model number A1454, and the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) is model number A1455.

These 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 with 16 GB of storage is MD528LL/A.

To pinpoint a precise iPad mini by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

The original iPad mini models are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. On Wi-Fi, all these models provide ten hours of runtime and the LTE capable models provide nine hours of runtime when using LTE connectivity.

The iPad mini (Wi-Fi Only) only supports dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), whereas the iPad mini (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) and iPad mini (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) support 4G LTE cellular data networking, A-GPS and GLONASS as well as dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi. Although it is unlikely to matter to all but the most detail oriented, the 4G LTE-capable models also weigh slightly more (0.69 of a pound compared to 0.68 of a pound for the Wi-Fi only models).

The A1454 iPad mini (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) -- mostly intended for use in the US and Canada -- supports LTE bands 4 and 17 as well as GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz).

By contrast, the A1455 iPad mini (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) -- intended for use in many countries around the world on a large number of carriers and in the US on the Verizon and Sprint networks -- supports LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 13, and 25 as well as the same GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA networks, but also adds CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz) capability. It's not uncommon to see the A1455 model called the "CDMA" iPad mini, but as it also supports GSM, it can be confusing to refer to it in this manner.

Pricing Comparison Charts

All color options cost the same amount when released. Original pricing was differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB
Original - Wi-Fi Only:	US$329	US$429	US$529
Original - Wi-Fi, 4G (AT&T) & A-GPS/GLONASS:	US$459	US$559	US$659
Original - Wi-Fi, 4G (VZ/Sprint) & A-GPS/GLONASS:	US$459	US$559	US$659

On October 22, 2013, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations, replaced the black and slate option with black and "Space Gray" and lowered the price of the remaining devices. On October 16, 2014, Apple cut the price again to US$249 for the Wi-Fi only option and US$379 for the Wi-Fi and Cellular equipped options. On September 9, 2015, Apple discontinued these models altogether. Naturally, pricing now is lower still on the used market.

For 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.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are no shortage of vendors who sell the iPad mini. 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. 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).