The iPad mini is the tablet you’re looking for if you want a bigger screen than your iPhone for things like reading news, books, playing games, and enjoying social media. When compared to all other iPads, the iPad mini is cost-effective and offers first-generation Apple Pencil support.

History

The iPad mini was first introduced in October of 2012. Back in the keynote, this iPad contrasted with the standard model: 9.7 inches for the base model, 7.9 inches for the mini one. “Easy to remember,” Apple said at the time.

One year later, in 2013, the company gave this iPad a minor upgrade with the A7 processor and a Retina display. Only in 2014, with the iPad mini 3, Apple introduced the Touch ID on this tablet while adding support for Apple Pay.

Alongside the first iPad Pro, the iPad mini 4 was announced in September of 2015, but with the iPhone 6s and a new Apple TV also presented at this keynote, the iPad mini 4 was overshadowed. It received an A8 processor and its first redesign with a slightly taller and wider body than the previous models.

When everyone thought Apple wouldn’t launch another iPad mini, the company released the fifth-generation in March of 2019. This was the most significant update for the mini line, with a major processor upgrade and the first-generation Apple Pencil support.

iPad mini Specs

The fifth-generation iPad mini has the same 7.9-inch Retina display it already had on the previous model, but now with TrueTone support. With the A12 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone XS, the tablet is three times faster than its predecessor. You also get 3GB of RAM and 64GB and 256GB storage options.

It has an 8MP main camera that can record up to 1080p and a 7MP FaceTime camera that can record videos in Full HD.

The fifth-generation also brought support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. The mini 5 is the only iPad in line that doesn’t support the Smart Keyboard. Apple offers third-part wireless keyboard options for the customers who want to type with a proper keyboard.

It’s available in three colors: Space Grey, Silver, and Gold. You can choose between the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. This iPad offers an “all-day battery life” with 10-hour support and has a Lightning port for charging.

Pricing

The fifth-generation iPad mini pricing starts at $399 for the 64GB storage option with Wi-Fi only. The prices can go up to $679 with the 256GB storage option and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Here are the full prices of the fifth-generation mini Apple sells:

• 64GB with Wi-Fi: $399
• 64GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $529
• 256GB with Wi-Fi: $549
• 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $679

Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store.

iPad mini Review

In our review of the fifth-generation iPad mini, we described it as a “portable powerhouse.”

Until Apple decides to make a folding tablet, the best you can do from a portability standpoint is the iPad mini. If portability is the most important factor in your eyes, then there’s nothing more that needs to be said, the mini 5 is the tablet for you. However, if portability isn’t at the top of your list, then you’ll need to decide between the 9.7-inch iPad and the iPad Air 3. In that case, the deciding factor should boil down to performance versus price.

Although the design of this iPad looks a bit outdated in 2019, it’s still by far the best small-form-factor tablet on the market. And now with the added performance of the A12 Bionic chip, it’s not just portable — it’s a portable powerhouse.

Deals

Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the iPad mini and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.