Introduction
The iPad Mini (5th Generation), also known as the iPad Mini 2019, marked a triumphant return for Apple’s smallest tablet line after a four-year hiatus. Launched in March 2019, this compact device combined the portability of earlier iPad Mini models with modern performance upgrades. Designed for users who needed a powerful yet compact tablet, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) became a favorite among travelers, avid readers, students, and professionals who appreciated its size and power.
Design
The iPad Mini (5th Gen) retained the classic design of its predecessor, the iPad Mini 4, featuring a 7.9-inch Retina display with wide bezels at the top and bottom and a physical Home button with Touch ID. While the design felt somewhat dated compared to Apple’s newer, bezel-less devices, it maintained the familiarity and compactness that Mini users loved.
At just 6.1mm thick and weighing around 300 grams, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) was incredibly portable, fitting easily into handbags, backpacks, or even large jacket pockets. This lightweight design made it perfect for reading, sketching, or working on the go.
It came in three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold, offering understated elegance for all types of users.
Display
The 7.9-inch Retina display on the iPad Mini (5th Gen) was one of its standout features. It boasted a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels with a pixel density of 326 PPI, making it the sharpest display in the iPad lineup at the time. This high pixel density ensured crisp text and detailed images, making the Mini ideal for reading eBooks, browsing the web, or viewing high-resolution photos.
The display also supported True Tone technology, which adjusted the screen’s color temperature based on ambient lighting, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. Additionally, wide color (P3) and 500 nits of brightness ensured vibrant colors and excellent visibility, even in bright conditions. However, the lack of ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) meant it couldn’t match the smoothness of the iPad Pro’s display.
Performance
Powering the iPad Mini (5th Gen) was the A12 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. This 6-core CPU, combined with a 4-core GPU and Apple’s Neural Engine, delivered impressive performance for a device of its size.
The A12 chip enabled seamless multitasking, smooth app performance, and support for demanding applications like photo editing, gaming, and AR experiences. Tasks like running multiple apps in Split View, drawing with the Apple Pencil, or editing videos on iMovie felt effortless.
Despite being a small device, the iPad Mini could handle almost anything you threw at it, making it suitable for students, professionals, and gamers alike.
Apple Pencil Support
For the first time in the Mini lineup, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) supported the 1st Generation Apple Pencil, transforming it into a creative powerhouse. This made the Mini an excellent tool for artists, designers, and note-takers who preferred a compact device. Whether you wanted to sketch, annotate documents, or take handwritten notes, the Apple Pencil paired perfectly with the Mini’s precise and responsive display.
While it didn’t support the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil with its magnetic charging and attachment, the inclusion of the 1st Generation Pencil was still a significant upgrade for creative users.
Cameras
The iPad Mini (5th Gen) featured an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of capturing decent photos and recording 1080p HD videos. While it wasn’t designed to replace your smartphone camera, the rear camera was sufficient for tasks like scanning documents, taking quick snapshots, or shooting videos.
On the front, the 7MP FaceTime HD camera was a notable upgrade over its predecessor. It delivered sharp selfies and supported 1080p video recording, making it ideal for video calls, online classes, and virtual meetings.
While the camera setup wasn’t groundbreaking, it was functional and practical for a tablet of this size.
Battery Life
Apple claimed an all-day battery life for the iPad Mini (5th Gen), with up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. The battery performance lived up to expectations, making the Mini a reliable companion for long trips, study sessions, or creative work.
Charging was done via the Lightning connector, which was standard for Apple devices at the time. Although it lacked the faster charging capabilities of USB-C found in newer iPads, the battery life itself was sufficient for most users.
Software
The iPad Mini (5th Gen) shipped with iOS 12 and later received updates to iPadOS, which introduced tablet-specific features like enhanced multitasking and Apple Pencil support. Features like Split View, Slide Over, and Scribble made the Mini more productive and versatile, enabling users to make the most of its compact size.
The device continued to receive software updates, ensuring compatibility with new apps and features for years after its release.
Connectivity
The iPad Mini (5th Gen) offered Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, with support for Gigabit-class LTE on cellular versions. This made it a great choice for users who needed constant connectivity, whether for work, travel, or entertainment.
It also supported Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring faster and more reliable connections with accessories like headphones, keyboards, and the Apple Pencil.
Storage Options
The iPad Mini (5th Gen) was available in two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. While 64GB was sufficient for basic tasks and casual use, the 256GB model catered to power users who needed more space for apps, media, and files. However, the absence of expandable storage meant users had to carefully consider their storage needs at the time of purchase.
Price and Value
At launch, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) started at $399 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and went up to $679 for the 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. While it was pricier than some entry-level tablets, its performance, Apple Pencil support, and portability justified the cost for many users.
The Mini was particularly appealing to:
- Readers and Students: Its compact size and sharp display made it perfect for reading eBooks, studying, and taking notes.
- Creatives: With Apple Pencil support, it became a powerful tool for drawing and designing on the go.
- Travelers: Its lightweight design and LTE connectivity made it an ideal travel companion for entertainment and productivity.
Limitations
Despite its many strengths, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) had a few drawbacks:
- Dated Design: While functional, the bezels and Home button felt outdated compared to newer iPads with edge-to-edge displays.
- No Face ID: Touch ID was reliable, but the lack of Face ID was noticeable given its presence in other Apple devices.
- No USB-C: The reliance on the Lightning connector limited its compatibility with modern peripherals.
Conclusion
The iPad Mini (5th Generation) was a powerful and versatile device packed into a compact form factor. It struck the perfect balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for users who needed a small yet capable tablet. Whether you were a student, a creative professional, or someone who simply valued portability, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) delivered exceptional value.
Its introduction of Apple Pencil support and A12 Bionic chip brought the Mini series into the modern era, ensuring it remained relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving tablet market. Despite its dated design, the iPad Mini (5th Gen) proved that good things truly do come in small packages.