The Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, launched in November 2012, marked Apple’s entry into the smaller tablet market, offering the power of a full-sized iPad in a more compact and portable design. With support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, the iPad mini was versatile and ideal for users who needed a tablet on the go. This article explores the detailed specifications and provides an in-depth review of the Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – A1454; A1455 CDMA 800 / 1900 / 2100 – A1455 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 – A1454; A1455 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 – A1454 LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 – A1455 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | October 2012 |
| Released | November 2012 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 in) |
| Weight | 312 g (11.01 oz) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 ppi density) |
| Protection | Oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| Internal Storage | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 5 MP, AF |
| 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 4490 mAh, non-removable (16.7 Wh) |
| Talk Time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Colors | Black/Slate, White/Silver |
| Models | A1454, A1455, iPad2,6, iPad2,7 |
| Price | About 300 EUR |
| Tests | Display: Contrast ratio: 812:1 (nominal) Loudspeaker: Voice 68dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 75dB Audio quality: Noise -82.8dB / Crosstalk -80.8dB |
Review of the Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular introduced a new form factor in Apple’s tablet lineup, offering a smaller and more portable device without compromising on build quality or performance. Measuring 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm and weighing just 312 g, the iPad mini was designed for users who needed a tablet that was easy to carry around. Despite its compact size, the device featured a robust aluminum unibody construction, available in Black/Slate and White/Silver colors, giving it a premium look and feel.
The iPad mini’s design emphasized portability, making it a perfect companion for reading, browsing, and media consumption on the go. Its slim profile and lightweight build made it easy to hold for extended periods, whether you were reading a book or watching a movie.
Display
The iPad mini featured a 7.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 162 ppi. While not as sharp as the Retina displays found in other iPad models, the screen offered good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The 4:3 aspect ratio was ideal for web browsing and reading, providing a comfortable and immersive experience.
The display was protected by an oleophobic coating, which helped reduce fingerprints and smudges, ensuring that the screen remained clear and easy to view.
Performance
Powered by the Apple A5 chipset, the iPad mini delivered reliable performance for everyday tasks. The dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU were capable of handling web browsing, media playback, and casual gaming with ease. The device originally ran on iOS 6, but could be upgraded to iOS 9.3.6, allowing users to access the latest apps and features, albeit with some limitations due to the older hardware.
With storage options ranging from 16GB to 64GB and 512MB of RAM, the iPad mini provided sufficient space for apps, media, and documents. However, like other Apple devices, it lacked expandable storage, so users had to choose their storage capacity carefully.
Camera
The iPad mini was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. While the camera was not the device’s primary focus, it performed well for a tablet, allowing users to capture decent-quality photos and videos. The front-facing 1.2 MP camera was designed primarily for FaceTime video calls and offered 720p video recording.
The cameras on the iPad mini were sufficient for basic photography and video chatting, though they were not intended to replace a dedicated camera or smartphone.
Battery Life
One of the iPad mini’s strengths was its long battery life, thanks to the non-removable Li-Po 4490 mAh battery. The device provided up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for extended periods of use, whether for browsing, watching videos, or working on documents.
This impressive battery life ensured that users could rely on the iPad mini throughout the day without needing to frequently recharge.
Connectivity and LTE Networks
The iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular supported a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE. The device was compatible with multiple carriers, particularly in the US, making it versatile and ideal for users who needed fast and reliable mobile connectivity.
The inclusion of LTE allowed for faster internet speeds, enabling smooth web browsing, video streaming, and app downloads. The iPad mini also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band), Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR, and GPS with GLONASS for enhanced location services.
Verdict
The Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular was a significant addition to Apple’s tablet lineup, offering the power of a full-sized iPad in a more compact and portable design. Its combination of a good display, solid performance, and long battery life made it an excellent choice for users who needed a versatile and reliable tablet on the go.
While the iPad mini has since been succeeded by more advanced models, it remains a popular choice for those who prefer a smaller form factor without sacrificing performance or build quality.
Buy from Best Buy
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
