The Apple iPad mini 2, also known as the iPad mini with Retina display, was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering a higher resolution screen and improved performance. Launched in November 2013, this compact tablet supported a wide range of LTE networks, making it a versatile device for both personal and professional use. In this article, we’ll cover the supported LTE networks, full specifications, and provide a detailed review of the iPad mini 2.
Apple iPad mini 2 Supported LTE Networks and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 – A1490 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 – A1491 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | October 2013 |
| Released | November 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) |
| Protection | Oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS 7, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.6 |
| Chipset | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
| Internal Storage | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 5 MP, f/2.4, 33mm (standard), AF |
| Camera Features | HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: 1.2 MP |
| Selfie Camera Features | Face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Selfie Video | 720p@30fps |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) |
| Talk Time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Colors | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White |
| Models | A1489, A1490, A1491, iPad4,6, iPad4,5, iPad4,4 |
| Price | About 270 EUR |
| Tests | Performance: Basemark X: 13286 Display: Contrast ratio: 804:1 (nominal) Camera: Photo / Video Loudspeaker: Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 72dB Audio quality: Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB |
Review of the Apple iPad mini 2
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad mini 2 was a compact and lightweight tablet, ideal for users who wanted a powerful device in a portable form factor. Weighing between 331 g and 341 g, depending on the model, and measuring just 7.5 mm in thickness, the iPad mini 2 was easy to carry and use on the go. The device was available in two classic color options: Space Gray/Black and Silver/White, maintaining Apple’s signature premium aesthetic.
The iPad mini 2 featured a durable aluminum back and frame, with a scratch-resistant glass front protected by an oleophobic coating to minimize fingerprints and smudges. Despite its compact size, the iPad mini 2 felt solid and well-built, making it a reliable device for everyday use.
Display
One of the standout features of the iPad mini 2 was its 7.9-inch Retina display, offering a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and a pixel density of 324 ppi. This high-resolution display provided sharp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for reading, browsing, and media consumption. The IPS LCD technology ensured wide viewing angles and accurate colors, enhancing the overall user experience.
The display’s compact size and high pixel density made it a joy to use, especially for reading ebooks or watching videos on the go. Whether you were working on documents or enjoying your favorite content, the iPad mini 2’s Retina display delivered exceptional clarity and detail.
Performance
The iPad mini 2 was powered by the Apple A7 chipset, the same processor found in the iPhone 5s. This dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone CPU and PowerVR G6430 GPU combination provided smooth and responsive performance across a wide range of tasks. Whether you were multitasking, gaming, or streaming media, the iPad mini 2 handled it all with ease.
Running on iOS 7 out of the box, the iPad mini 2 was upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.6, ensuring it remained compatible with the latest apps and features for several years. The 1GB of RAM, while modest by today’s standards, was sufficient for the device’s needs, allowing for a smooth and efficient user experience.
Camera
The iPad mini 2 featured a 5 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.4 and autofocus capabilities. While the camera was not as advanced as those found in modern devices, it was more than capable of capturing decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions. The HDR feature improved image quality in challenging lighting, while the ability to record 1080p video at 30fps added versatility for video enthusiasts.
The 1.2 MP front-facing camera was adequate for FaceTime calls and selfies, though it was limited by today’s standards. The iPad mini 2 was not primarily designed for photography, but it performed well enough for casual use.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 6470 mAh non-removable battery, the iPad mini 2 offered up to 10 hours of multimedia usage on a single charge. Whether you were browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents, the battery life was sufficient to get you through a full day of use without needing to recharge.
The efficient hardware and software optimization ensured that the iPad mini 2 delivered reliable battery performance, making it a great companion for long trips or busy days.
Verdict
The Apple iPad mini 2 was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a high-resolution Retina display, improved performance, and support for a wide range of LTE networks. Its compact size, solid build quality, and long battery life made it an excellent choice for users who needed a powerful and portable tablet.
While the iPad mini 2 has been discontinued, it remains a popular option for those who value portability and performance. Whether you’re looking for a secondary device for travel or a reliable tablet for everyday use, the iPad mini 2 is a great option, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price.
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