The iPad mini 5 is Apple’s iPad mini (5th generation), introduced in 2019. To check whether a tablet is this model, open Settings > General > About and look for its model number: A2133 is Wi‑Fi; A2124 and A2126 are Wi‑Fi + Cellular; A2125 is the Wi‑Fi + Cellular version for mainland China. The fifth-generation mini has a Home button with Touch ID.
How to identify an iPad mini 5
- Check Settings: On the iPad, open Settings > General > About. Find the model number. If it initially shows a part number, tap it to display the A-number.
- Match the A-number: A2133 identifies the Wi‑Fi model; A2124 and A2126 identify Wi‑Fi + Cellular models; A2125 is the Wi‑Fi + Cellular model for mainland China. Apple’s model-identification guide lists these codes for iPad mini (5th generation): Apple: Identify your iPad model.
- Check the hardware: The fifth-generation model has a 7.9-inch screen, a Home button with Touch ID, and a Lightning connector. These are useful clues, but use the A-number to confirm the exact variant.
The storage capacities Apple lists for this generation are 64GB and 256GB. The model number distinguishes connectivity and regional variants; it does not indicate the storage capacity.
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What are the iPad mini 5’s main specifications?
| Feature | iPad mini (5th generation) |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2019 |
| Display | 7.9-inch Retina display; 2048 × 1536 pixels at 326 ppi |
| Chip | A12 Bionic with Neural Engine |
| Connector and headphone jack | Lightning connector; 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Biometric authentication | Touch ID in the Home button |
| Apple Pencil | Apple Pencil (1st generation) |
| Storage options | 64GB or 256GB |
These specifications are listed on Apple’s iPad mini (5th generation) technical specifications page.
How is it different from the iPad mini 6?
The iPad mini 6 is the next generation and has several clear hardware differences. Compare the screen, connector, Touch ID position, chip, and Pencil support rather than relying on a seller’s shorthand or the tablet’s general appearance.
#1 Best Overall
- 7. 9-Inch Retina Display with True Tone and wide Color
- A12 Bionic chip
- Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
- 8MP back camera, 7MP FaceTime HD Front camera
- Stereo speakers
| Feature | iPad mini 5 | iPad mini 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.9 inches | 8.3 inches |
| Connector | Lightning | USB-C |
| Touch ID | Home button | Top button |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Apple Pencil support | Apple Pencil (1st generation) | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
Apple’s specifications for the iPad mini (6th generation) establish these differences. If you are buying a used iPad, also check the model number, storage capacity, cellular capability, and condition; generation alone does not tell you those details.
What to know about battery life and used devices
Apple’s original estimate was up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi‑Fi, video watching, or music listening, and up to 9 hours of web browsing using cellular data on Wi‑Fi + Cellular models. Apple says these estimates came from tests conducted in February 2019 with preproduction devices; actual battery life varies with settings and use. They are not a measure of a particular used iPad’s current battery condition.
Rank #2
- 7. 9-Inch Retina Display with True Tone and wide Color
- A12 Bionic chip
- Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
- 8MP back camera, 7MP FaceTime HD Front camera
- Stereo speakers
Which Apple Pencil or case fits?
The iPad mini 5 supports Apple Pencil (1st generation), according to Apple’s specifications. Do not assume that the second-generation or USB-C Apple Pencil models listed for the iPad mini 6 are compatible. For a case, check the seller’s compatibility information against the tablet’s exact model number: third-party fit claims can vary.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- iPad Mini 5-256GB - WiFi + Cellular - Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
Rank #4
- 7.9 inch Retina display, Wide color display (P3), True Tone display technology
- Touch ID
- FaceTime HD and iSight cameras
- Apple Pencil (1st generation) support
- Lightning connector
Rank #3
- IOS 11 Operating System; A9 Chip with 64-bit architecture and embedded M9 coprocessor
- 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display with IPS Technology (2048 x 1536 Resolution at 264 ppi) with Fingerprint-Resistant Oleophobic Coating
- 8 Megapixel Camera with Autofocus, Backside Illumination and Panorama (up to 43MP)
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 Technology, FaceTime HD Camera, and Four-Speaker Audio
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