The new iPad Mini 5th Generation also strikes a balance between portability and power. The device features a 7.9-inch retina display with True Tone technology for a clear display. The device runs on an A12 Bionic chip, powering it at high speed for multitasking and gaming.
It also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil for better productivity and creativity. It allows space storage of up to 64 GB and 256 GB. The design is small, but the iPad Mini is packed with new and advanced features and enables powerful use without a laptop in hand.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications briefly
- Release Date: March 18, 2019
- Display: 7.9-inch Retina Display with True Tone
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Storage Options: 64GB and 256GB
- RAM: 3GB
- Camera: 8 MP (rear), 7 MP (front)
- Operating System: iOS 12.1.3 (upgradable to iPadOS 18.2.1)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Weight: 300.5g (Wi-Fi) / 308.2g (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Release Date and Price
The iPad Mini 5th Generation has been available since March 18, 2019. The prices at the launch were $399 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $549 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model. These started at $529 for 64GB and $679 for 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular.
The iPad Mini 5 might be a miniature tablet, but it is packed with the A12 Bionic chip, and the Apple Pencil supports good value for those who need maximum performance but in a smaller size.
Design and Build
The iPad Mini (2019) measures 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm (8.0 x 5.31 x 0.24 in), maintaining a sleek and portable design perfect for one-handed use. Weighing just 300.5 g (Wi-Fi version) or 308.2 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular version), it is light enough to carry anywhere. The aluminum frame and back, paired with a glass front, ensure sturdy yet premium build quality. It supports a Nano-SIM and eSIM configuration, allowing global connectivity for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Additionally, the device is compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, making it a great tool for artists, note-takers, and students.
The tablet is available in three classic colors—Space Gray, Silver, and Gold—offering a choice for those who prefer a sleek and modern look.
Display
The iPad Mini (2019) features a 7.9-inch IPS LCD with a 1536 x 2048 pixels resolution, giving it an impressive pixel density of 324 PPI. This Retina display provides vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for reading, gaming, and watching videos. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints and smudges.
Notably, the display supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions for a more comfortable viewing experience. This feature, combined with the P3 wide color gamut, ensures accurate color reproduction, making it a suitable choice for photo editing and creative work.
Performance and Processor
The A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit style, the same that powers the iPhone XS and XR, powers the new iPad Mini 5. It is a six-core CPU, meaning this processor will give great performance; hence, the iPad Mini 5 would be able to cope with any apps demanding much memory, gaming, and multitasking.
The A12 Bionic chip also includes a neural engine that boosts machine-learning power for augmented reality and photo editing.
As Apple claims, the iPad Mini 5 has the CPU running at 3 times the speed and graphics 9 times as quick in comparison with the iPad Mini 4. This makes it a very important upgrade for people who want to run such deep apps or play graphically intensive games.
Apple Pencil Support
With support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, one of the icon features associated with the iPad Mini 5 can be stated. This turns the iPad Mini into a versatile, digital notebook perfect for note-taking, sketching, and annotating documents.
Though it does not work with the newer, second-generation Apple Pencil, the first-gen model still works fluidly and responds well, making the iPad Mini 5 a perfect tool for students, artists, and professionals.
Camera and Audio
The iPad Mini 5 has an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture and is capable of 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps. It may not have the advanced features of the iPad Pro models, but it is fine for casual photography, document scanning, or video calling.
The 7MP front camera, with an f/2.2 aperture, captures good-quality shots for FaceTime calls and clear selfies. Dual stereo speakers are attached to the tablet for solid audio quality delivery from a device of this size. The iPad Mini 5 has pretty good sound for watching movies, listening to music, or video chatting.
Connectivity
The iPad Mini 5 has quite a few connectivity features, including:
- 11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in LTE cellular connectivity
The new iPad Mini features 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, which enables super-fast wireless connections. The added Bluetooth 5.0 allows for the connectivity of accessories like wireless headphones. Its optional cellular model supports LTE, keeping users connected even when on the go.
Powered by iPad OS, the iPad Mini 5 gives a fluid and intelligent user experience. It has key features such as Split View and Slide Over for multitasking, Apple Pay, and access to thousands of apps from the App Store.
With the iPad, OS updates, new features, and improvements, the iPad Mini 5 will be effective for many years ahead. The iPad Mini 5 naturally fits into this integration with the Apple Handoff and Universal Clipboard systems, connecting all your activities through iCloud. Use it with a Mac, iPhone, or Apple Watch for seamless use across all devices.
Battery Life
The iPad Mini (2019) features a 5124 mAh Li-Ion battery, providing up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or using productivity apps, the battery life is sufficient for a full day of moderate use.
Charging and Connectivity:
- Charges via a Lightning port.
- Does not support fast charging.
Comparison: iPad Mini 4 vs iPad (5th Gen) vs iPad (8th Generation)
Here’s a detailed comparison of the iPad mini 4, iPad (5th generation), and iPad (8th generation) based on specifications, features, and performance:
| iPad mini 4 | iPad (5th generation) | iPad (8th generation) | |
| Display | 7.9-inch Retina Display, 2048 x 1536 | 9.7-inch Retina Display, 2048 x 1536 | 10.2-inch Retina Display, 2160 x 1620 |
| Display Technology | LED-backlit Multi-Touch, IPS | LED-backlit Multi-Touch, IPS | LED-backlit Multi-Touch, IPS |
| Chipset | A8 chip | A9 chip | A12 Bionic chip |
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core | 6-core (2 performance cores, 4 efficiency) |
| GPU | Quad-core | Quad-core | 4-core GPU |
| Neural Engine | Not available | Not available | 8-core Neural Engine |
| Rear Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1080p video | 8MP, f/2.4, 1080p video | 8MP, f/2.4, 1080p video |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP, f/2.2 | 1.2MP, f/2.4 | 1.2MP, f/2.4 |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (Cellular) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (Cellular) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (Cellular) |
| Charging Port | Lightning connector | Lightning connector | Lightning connector |
| Apple Pencil Support | No | No | Yes, 1st generation |
| Keyboard Support | No | No | Supports Smart Keyboard |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
| Cellular Options | 4G LTE (optional) | 4G LTE (optional) | 4G LTE (optional) |
| Weight (Wi-Fi) | 0.65 lb (298.8 g) | 1.03 lb (469 g) | 1.08 lb (490 g) |
| Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | 0.67 lb (304 g) | 1.05 lb (478 g) | 1.09 lb (495 g) |
| Dimensions (Height) | 8.0 inches (203.2mm) | 9.4 inches (240mm) | 9.8 inches (250.6mm) |
| Dimensions (Width) | 5.3 inches (134.8mm) | 6.6 inches (169.5mm) | 6.8 inches (174.1mm) |
| Dimensions (Depth) | 0.24 inch (6.1mm) | 0.29 inch (7.5mm) | 0.29 inch (7.5mm) |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver, Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Two microphones | Stereo speakers, Two microphones | Stereo speakers, Two microphones |
| FaceTime HD Camera | 1.2MP, f/2.2, Retina Flash | 1.2MP, f/2.4, Retina Flash | 1.2MP, f/2.4, Retina Flash |
| Video Recording | 1080p HD, 3x video zoom | 1080p HD, 3x video zoom | 1080p HD, 3x video zoom |
| Siri | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer | Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer | Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion: Choose the iPad mini 4 for portability and cost-effectiveness, the iPad (5th generation) for balanced performance and price, or the iPad (8th generation) for the best performance, productivity features, and larger display.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip for smooth performance.
- Retina Display with True Tone for excellent visuals.
- Long battery life.
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support.
Cons:
- Outdated design with large bezels.
- No USB-C port; uses Lightning connector.
- Lacks Face ID (relies on Touch ID).
- No expandable storage option.
Conclusion
The iPad Mini 5th Generation is an excellent choice for anyone who requires a powerhouse in a portable tablet for running multiple tasks. The iPad Mini 5 is a small tablet with powerful features. It has a fast A12 Bionic chip, a clear Retina display, and can even work with the Apple Pencil.
This is surprising because it’s usually a feature found in bigger and more expensive iPads. Whether you are a student, professional, or casual user, the iPad Mini 5 is just a star for its price.
FAQs: iPad Mini 5th Generation Review
How Old is a 5th-Generation Mini iPad?
The iPad mini 5, also known as the iPad mini (5th generation), was released on March 18, 2019. As of 2025, the device is approximately 6 years old. Despite its age, it still offers a solid performance with the A12 Bionic chip, making it a great choice for users who need a compact and powerful tablet.
Why is My iPad Mini 5 So Slow?
There are several reasons why your iPad Mini 5 might be running slow:
- Outdated Software: If your device is not updated to the latest iOS version, it may experience slowdowns due to incompatibilities with newer apps or features.
- Storage Full: Having little storage space left on your iPad Mini 5 can cause it to slow down. Try clearing out unused apps, files, or photos to free up space.
- Too Many Background Apps: Running too many apps at once or having many apps in the background can slow down performance. Close unnecessary apps to improve speed.
- Aging Hardware: Although the A12 Bionic chip is still capable, as apps and software become more advanced, the device may struggle to keep up with the latest requirements.
What is the Disadvantage of the iPad Mini?
While the iPad mini offers excellent portability and solid performance, there are a few disadvantages:
- Small Screen Size: The 7.9-inch display might feel cramped for users who prefer larger screens for tasks like multitasking or watching videos.
- No Apple Pencil Support (for earlier models): While the iPad mini 5 supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), earlier models do not, limiting creative and note-taking options.
- Limited Multitasking: The compact size of the iPad mini makes multitasking less efficient compared to larger iPads, especially when using split-screen apps.
- Less Power for Heavy Tasks: While capable of everyday use, the iPad mini may struggle with intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing, particularly on older models.
Will the iPad Mini 5 Get iOS 18?
As of now, the iPad mini 5 will likely receive iOS 18, as Apple has continued to provide software updates for older devices. However, each new iOS release typically drops support for older models after several years. The iPad mini 5 is still compatible with recent versions of iOS, and it’s expected to receive iOS 18 given its relatively recent release in 2019, but it may be one of the last updates for the device.
Is iPad Mini Suitable for Students?
The iPad mini can be a great choice for students, especially those who prioritize portability and ease of use. Here’s why:
- Compact and Lightweight: The 7.9-inch display makes it highly portable and easy to carry around in a backpack or even a large purse.
- Good Performance: With the A12 Bionic chip (iPad mini 5), students can run productivity apps, research, and study tools without lag.
- Apple Pencil Support: The iPad mini 5 supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), which is great for note-taking, drawing, and annotations.
- Affordable Option: Compared to larger iPads, the iPad mini is relatively budget-friendly, making it an accessible option for students.
However, students who need a larger screen for multitasking or media creation might prefer the iPad Air or iPad Pro models for their larger displays.
