Apple iPad Mini 2 Review: Specs and Performance

Released in November 2013, the Apple iPad Mini 2 marked a major improvement over its predecessor with the introduction of a Retina display, a faster Apple A7 chipset, and overall better performance. Even though it was discontinued a few years after its release, this tablet remains a popular choice for users who value portability, display quality, and affordability. In this detailed review, we will explore its design, performance, camera, battery life, and other key features, while evaluating whether this 7.9-inch tablet still holds its ground in today’s tech ecosystem.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Apple iPad Mini 2 carries the signature Apple design philosophy: sleek, minimalistic, and premium. With its aluminum unibody construction, it has a solid feeling without being bulky. The device measures 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm and weighs only 331g (Wi-Fi model) and 341g (3G/LTE model), making it significantly lighter and more portable than many larger tablets.

The 7.9-inch display strikes an excellent balance between being large enough for a good viewing experience and compact enough to be comfortable for one-handed use. It is particularly suited for those who find larger tablets bulky but still desire a larger screen than smartphones.

Color Options

Available in Space Gray/Black and Silver/White, the iPad Mini 2 offers an elegant and professional look, perfect for both casual users and business professionals alike. The thin design and slim bezel make it easy to carry in a bag or even a jacket pocket.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Display

The 7.9-inch Retina display of the iPad Mini 2 is one of the tablet’s best features. With a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and ~324 ppi (pixels per inch), the display offers sharp, clear text and vibrant visuals. The IPS LCD technology ensures wide viewing angles and accurate colors, making it ideal for watching movies, browsing photos, or reading eBooks.

The contrast ratio of 804:1 further enhances the experience, providing deep blacks and crisp whites that make media content look lifelike. The oleophobic coating helps reduce fingerprints and smudges, keeping the display cleaner for longer periods. However, while the display is still impressive by today’s standards, newer tablets feature higher resolutions and improved color accuracy, making the iPad Mini 2’s display slightly less remarkable in 2025.

Apple A7 Chipset: Power and Efficiency

The Apple iPad Mini 2 is powered by the Apple A7 chip, which features a 1.3 GHz dual-core Cyclone CPU (ARM v8-based) and PowerVR G6430 quad-core GPU. When it was released, the A7 chip was revolutionary, being the first 64-bit architecture in a mobile device. This made the tablet highly capable in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks, providing smooth performance for a variety of applications.

The A7 chip can handle:

• Web browsing (using Safari or Chrome)
• Streaming HD video
• Casual gaming
• Productivity tasks such as document editing and email

It is supported by 1GB of RAM, which is decent for light multitasking and running apps designed for the iPad. However, as apps have become more resource-intensive, this RAM limitation can be felt during heavy multitasking or when using modern apps that require more memory.

Benchmark Performance

The Base mark X score of 13286 illustrates that while the iPad Mini 2 was once a powerhouse, it might struggle with modern heavy apps or multitasking. However, general tasks such as media consumption, social media, and light gaming continue to offer satisfactory performance.

Software Support

At launch, the iPad Mini 2 ran on iOS 7, but it has since been updated to iPadOS 12.5.6. While it doesn’t support the latest iPadOS versions, it can still handle most of the apps that are available on the App Store. However, users may notice slower performance and incompatibility with apps designed for newer devices. Nonetheless, for basic tasks, the device remains more than functional.

Storage and Memory

The iPad Mini 2 comes in multiple storage configurations:

• 16GB
• 32GB
• 64GB
• 128GB

There is no option to expand the storage, as the iPad Mini 2 lacks a microSD card slot. For most casual users, the storage options were sufficient at the time of release. However, today, 16GB or 32GB might feel a bit limiting, especially for users who want to store a lot of media or large apps. The higher storage variants (64GB and 128GB) are ideal for users who need more space but still face limitations.

1GB of RAM

While 1GB of RAM was sufficient when the device was released, it now feels somewhat limiting. With apps becoming more demanding, multitasking is less fluid than it was in the past. While you can easily run several apps, keeping too many apps open or running high-end games might lead to slower performance.

Camera and Multimedia

5MP Rear Camera

The iPad Mini 2 features a 5MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus. The camera performs decently in good lighting conditions, capturing sharp photos with accurate color. However, it is not designed to compete with high-end smartphone cameras. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, which is adequate for casual video shoots.

1.2MP Front Camera

The 1.2MP front-facing camera is suitable for FaceTime calls and selfies. It supports 720p video recording, which is sufficient for video calls over Wi-Fi or cellular. Although it doesn’t deliver the high-quality selfies of modern smartphones, it gets the job done.

Stereo Speakers

The iPad Mini 2 is equipped with stereo speakers, delivering a pleasant audio experience for casual media consumption. Although the sound lacks the deep bass that some users might prefer, the overall output is clear and balanced for everyday use. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also included, allowing users to connect wired headphones or speakers.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Battery Life

The Apple iPad Mini 2 is equipped with a 6470 mAh battery, providing up to 10 hours of multimedia use, including web browsing, watching videos, or reading. This long-lasting battery makes it a great companion for long flights, commutes, or all-day work sessions.

However, modern devices with larger batteries and more efficient chips may outperform it in terms of battery life, but the iPad Mini 2 still offers excellent endurance for light users.

Connectivity and Networking

Wi-Fi and Cellular Options

The Apple iPad Mini 2 comes in two versions:

1. Wi-Fi-only model
2. Wi-Fi + Cellular model

The Wi-Fi-only model supports 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi, providing fast internet connectivity for browsing and streaming.

The Wi-Fi + Cellular model offers support for 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks (including various global LTE bands), allowing for fast cellular data speeds. The HSPA support of 42.2 Mbps (downlink) and 5.76 Mbps (uplink) ensures solid connectivity even when not connected to Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth 4.0

With Bluetooth 4.0 support, the device enables wireless connectivity to accessories like headphones, keyboards, and speakers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 331g, it’s perfect for one-handed use.
• Retina Display: Sharp, crisp visuals with vivid colors.
• Reliable Performance: The Apple A7 chip ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks.
• Long Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of use on a single charge.
• Affordable: Available at lower prices on the second-hand market.

Cons

• Limited RAM: 1GB of RAM may struggle with multitasking in modern apps.
• No Expandable Storage: No microSD card slot for expanding storage.
• Outdated Software: Limited software support, with updates only going up to iPadOS 12.5.6.
• Camera Limitations: The camera is decent for casual use but lacks features of modern devices.

Comparison: Apple iPad mini 2 vs iPad mini 4 vs iPad 5th generation

Here’s a detailed comparison between the Apple iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 4, and iPad (5th Generation). This table presents their key features, specifications, and differences to help you make an informed decision.

Key Differences

The Apple iPad Mini 2 is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who need a smaller, compact tablet with reliable performance for casual tasks. The iPad Mini 4 offers improved performance with a better display and Touch ID, making it an ideal choice for those who want a small tablet with a more modern experience. The iPad (5th Generation), with its larger screen, better performance, and lower price, is best suited for users who want a larger tablet but don’t need the latest features. Depending on your preferences—whether you prioritize portability, performance, or screen size—each model offers distinct advantages.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad Mini 2 still holds a special place in the hearts of users looking for a compact, affordable tablet with a Retina display. While its performance may feel outdated in comparison to newer models, it remains capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, media consumption, and light productivity. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly tablet that offers great portability and a quality display, the iPad Mini 2 is a solid choice.

Even though it no longer receives the latest iPadOS updates, its longevity in the tablet market proves that Apple’s early innovation laid the groundwork for the iPad Miniseries. Whether you’re buying it for casual use or as a secondary device, the iPad Mini 2 still delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience.