Whether you’re shopping for a new tablet, or looking to upgrade from the older model, you’ll want to know how the iPad Mini 5 measures up. iPad Mini 5 iPad Mini 4 Size 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm (8.0 x 5.31 x 0.24 inches) 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm (8.0 x 5.31 x 0.24 inches) Weight 300 grams (10.59 oz) 299 grams (10.55 oz) Screen size 7.9 inches 7.9 inches Screen resolution 1536 x 2048 pixels 1536 x 2048 pixels Operating system iOS 12 iOS 12 Storage space 64GB, 256GB 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB MicroSD Card slot No No Tap-to-pay services No No Processor Apple A12 Bionic Apple A8 RAM 3GB 2GB Camera Rear 8MP, front 7MP Rear 8MP, front 1.2MP Video 1,080p at 30fps, 720p at 120fps 1,080p at 30fps, 720p at 120fps Bluetooth version Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 4.0 Ports Lightning Lightning Fingerprint sensor Yes Yes Water resistance No No Battery 5,124mAh 5,124mAh App marketplace Apple App Store Apple App Store Network support All major carriers (Cellular version only) All major carriers (Cellular version only) Colors Silver, Gold, Space Gray Silver, Gold, Space Gray Price $400-plus $400-plus Buy from Amazon Walmart Review score 4 out of 5 stars 3.5 out of 5 stars
Both devices pack batteries with a capacity of 5,124mAh, so you should get about ten hours or so of moderate use out of them before needing to recharge.
The dimensions are identical — the 7.9-inch screen size, Touch ID, even the colors of the aluminum back are all the same.
While both iPad Mini models have a 7.9-inch screen with a 2048 x 1536 pixel-resolution, there are a couple of subtle differences in display quality according to Apple. The newer iPad has a wider color gamut, so colors generally appear a little more vivid, and it supports Apple’s True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts white balance based on the light level around you to keep the screen legible and offer the best viewing experience.
The iPad Mini 5 brings support for the Apple Pencil, which will be a pleasing development for artists and note-takers who prefer to write by hand. Sadly, the iPad Mini 5 is not compatible with the newer, second-generation Apple Pencil. The A12 Bionic processor also allows the iPad Mini 5 to offer augmented reality apps and games, although these remain fairly limited in number at the present moment in time. While Apple no longer manufactures the iPad Mini 4, you can still buy it online through various sellers. The hard truth that so much stayed the same is disappointing, especially if you’ve been craving a compact, truly next-generation Apple tablet.
Apple iPad mini 5 vs iPad mini 4: What’s the difference?
The iPad mini (5th generation) is a 7.9-inch tablet that offers the same design as its predecessors, but a major upgrade in terms of its capability. Both offer an aluminium body with curved edges and rounded corners and both come in Silver, Space Grey and Gold colour options.
On the front, the display features bezels at the top and the bottom and Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor is positioned at the bottom.
The two devices also both opt for a Retina LED backlit IPS LCD screen. The iPad mini 4 and the iPad mini 5 have the same battery capabilities, promising up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music. The iPad mini 5 offers a couple of extra features though, and it is a smoother, faster experience too. None of the iPad mini models offer microSD support. The iPad mini 5 has a 7-megapixel front FaceTime HD camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It is capable of recording 1080p video and it offers a Retina Flash and wide colour capture. The iPad mini 4 meanwhile, has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, offering 720p video. iPad mini 5: Apple Pencil, True Tone iPad mini 4: No Apple Pencil, no True Tone
You’ll also find Apple’s True Tone technology on the iPad mini 5, along with a p3 wide colour gamut, neither of which the iPad mini 4 offers. For those with an iPad mini 4, you’ll likely notice quite a big difference in performance if you upgrade to the mini 5, along with a more capable front camera, Apple Pencil support and the option of more storage. It’s an expensive upgrade though and all the differences are under the hood rather than on the surface, so some may find it hard to justify.
Compared: New 2022 iPad Air vs 2020 iPad Air
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. The fifth-generation iPad Air has launched with an upgrade to M1 and 5G support, but it may be a tough choice for folks that already own the fourth-generation model. Apple’s “Peek Performance” special event had the company reveal an update to the iPad Air, bringing it to the fifth generation.
For the fifth-generation model, Apple closes the gap a bit more between the Air and the iPad Pro range, at least in terms of specifications.
iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) iPad Air (4th Gen, 2020) Base price $599 $599 Screen Size (inches) 10.9 10.9 Resolution 2,360 x 1,640 2,360 x 1,640 Pixel Density (dpi) 264 264 Brightness (nits) 500 500 Display Type Liquid Retina, When Apple updated from the third-gen iPad Air to the fourth, it made considerable changes to the overall appearance. For the fifth-gen, both Wi-Fi and Cellular models are listed at 1.02 pounds, with only a gram difference. You’re also getting identical brightnesses at 500 nits, full lamination of the display, Wide color (P3) support, and True Tone.
It consists of an eight-core CPU split evenly with performance and efficiency cores, an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core “next-generation” Neural Engine. Around the front, the 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera has been switched out for a 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide version in the fifth-generation model.
The new camera includes Center Stage support that takes advantage of the viewing angle and zoom in FaceTime. On wireless, the two models equally support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, though things change when it gets to the cellular side.
Apple specifies that the 5G support is for sub-6GHz bands, which provides blanket coverage similar to LTE. There is no support for mmWave, the extremely high-speed element of 5G that is widely marketed as an advantage of the standard.
The 5G Apple includes in the fifth-gen iPad Air is certainly faster than LTE, which it can also connect to, but it isn’t the same as mmWave. Both models stick to Apple’s general tablet standard of up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video.
Audio support hasn’t changed either, with both having two speakers that work in landscape mode. Apple offered five color variations: Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.
The new fifth-generation iPad Air is offered in the same capacities with the same pricing for the Wi-Fi models. For 2022, the color variety retains Space Gray but instead changes the remainder to Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue.
It’s highly plausible that this spec-bump update could offer sufficient enough improvements to make a fourth-gen user upgrade.
Old cases won’t fit the new iPad mini and iPad Air without compromises
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. At the same time, the latest batch of devices don’t appear to have gone through much in the way of physical design changes, at least at first glance. In previous iOS device updates, there was a reasonable chance that accessories bought for earlier models would work with the newer versions, due in part to them having similar sizes, button placements, and other elements that don’t vary that much between generations.
After taking a look at this year’s crop of hardware, it seems that while it may be possible in some circumstances, some users may find themselves having to shell out for another case.
Oddly, the mic placement for the new model is the same as for the iPad mini 3, so it may have lined up quite well had the physical dimensions matched up. Just by the name and previous experiences with the product line, the iPad Air would normally be fine for a case transfer, but due to the radically different design, this wouldn’t be appropriate. While it may work for now, it will be compromised because of slightly different button placement or obscured microphone penetrations, and you should probably shell out for a new case when available.
iPad Mini (5th generation)
It shares a similar design to the iPad Mini 4 and features the Apple A12 Bionic chip, 64 or 256GB storage, a more modernly upgraded 7.9-inch Retina Display with support for Apple Pencil (1st Generation), True Tone display and Bluetooth 5.0. iFixit’s teardown shows this iPad Mini is equipped with an upgraded 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the same as the iPhone XR. It has a True Tone display, which allows the LCD to adapt to ambient lighting to change its color and intensity in different environments.
The Apple A12 Bionic chip powering the iPad Mini (2019) has a 66% higher clock speed than its predecessor, which had a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor; (the Apple A8 in the previous generation was clocked higher than in the iPhone 6). The Verge rated the Mini 5 as a 8.5 out of 10, praising that it has the same specs as the larger iPad Air and had solid performance while noting that it had a “seven-year-old exterior design with huge bezels” and uses a Lightning port instead of USB-C.[9]
Apple iPad mini 5 vs iPad mini 4: What’s the difference?
The iPad mini (5th generation) is a 7.9-inch tablet that offers the same design as its predecessors, but a major upgrade in terms of its capability. Both offer an aluminium body with curved edges and rounded corners and both come in Silver, Space Grey and Gold colour options. On the front, the display features bezels at the top and the bottom and Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor is positioned at the bottom. The two devices also both opt for a Retina LED backlit IPS LCD screen. The iPad mini 4 and the iPad mini 5 have the same battery capabilities, promising up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music. The iPad mini 5 offers a couple of extra features though, and it is a smoother, faster experience too. None of the iPad mini models offer microSD support. The iPad mini 5 has a 7-megapixel front FaceTime HD camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It is capable of recording 1080p video and it offers a Retina Flash and wide colour capture.
The iPad mini 4 meanwhile, has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, offering 720p video. iPad mini 5: Apple Pencil, True Tone iPad mini 4: No Apple Pencil, no True Tone
You’ll also find Apple’s True Tone technology on the iPad mini 5, along with a p3 wide colour gamut, neither of which the iPad mini 4 offers. For those with an iPad mini 4, you’ll likely notice quite a big difference in performance if you upgrade to the mini 5, along with a more capable front camera, Apple Pencil support and the option of more storage. It’s an expensive upgrade though and all the differences are under the hood rather than on the surface, so some may find it hard to justify.
iPad – Compare Models
Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music
iPad Mini 4 vs. iPad Mini 5: Differences You Should Know About
The iPad mini 5 was announced in March 2019 and its predecessor was released way back in September 2015. After waiting years, many people simply assumed that Apple was no longer going to make any more iPad mini models. Keeping the headphone jack on the iPad mini 5 comes as a surprise since Apple has been replacing audio input with Lightning plugs over the last few years on its iPhones. To charge the iPad mini 5, Apple did not switch over to USB-C so definitely any extra Lightning cables and chargers around.
What makes the mini version of the iPads appealing is that they fit easier in the palm of your hand compared to other models. Apple did not integrate its 3D Touch technology into the iPad mini 5 so you will not be able to push down on app icons and media files for Quick Actions.
Inside of the iPad mini 5 is the powerful A12 processor with Apple’s Neural Engine and an embedded M12 coprocessor. In terms of network connection, the iPad mini 5 has Gigabit LTE and dual-SIM support for the cellular models.
So you won’t notice much picture quality difference between the two models from the rear camera. To charge and pair the first-generation Apple Pencil with the iPad mini 5, you plug it into the Lightning connector at the bottom.
What’s the difference: iPad mini 5 versus iPad mini 4
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. AppleInsider goes deep, highlighting all the changes from the previous iPad mini fourth-generation to the powerful 2019 model.
On the new model, Apple relocated them both — one is now on the back near the top, directly centered horizontally.
What has changed is that it now supports the P3 wide color gamut that makes the display more vibrant.
The camera monitors the ambient light in a room and adjusts the temperature of the display to match, making it more comfortable to use. The iPad Pro line has the A12X Bionic processor which is a bit more capable, but for the size it is robust.
Apple has upgraded the capacity of the iPad mini 5, now coming in 64GB and 256GB compared to the max of 128GB on the previous generation. Both support 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, although the newer model is designated as simultaneous dual band.
The rear retains the 8MP that will do well enough for AR experiences and capturing well-lit photos, but otherwise should be overlooked for your (newer) iPhone or dedicated camera. If you haven’t already, check out the AppleInsider review of the 2019 iPad mini 5 where we give our verdict on how all these changes actually impact the diminutive device.
iPad Mini 5 vs iPad Mini 4: Bringing Apple’s smallest tablet into 2019
The glass frontage meets with a metal unibody sporting rounded edges and hardware controls set into each side. The Retina Display, battery and connectivity options of both marry up almost exactly, albeit with the addition of TrueTone support on the newer model. Things start to deviate when it comes to raw performance, however, with Apple granting the 2019 Mini a long overdue chipset upgrade.
Forthcoming owners of the new iPad Mini 5 will benefit from Apple’s current-generation A12 Bionic SoC, which offers a marked improvement across general performance, graphical fidelity and power efficiency, thanks in part to the 7nm manufacturing process it’s built upon.
Expect improved battery life in day-to-day use too, even if Apple maintains that both Minis dole out the same ten hours of web-surfing over Wi‑Fi. Adding stylus input for the company’s capable digital writing/drawing tool is a promising inclusion that students and artists will no doubt both appreciate. It’s worth highlighting that despite being the latest iPad to join the family, the new Mini 5 still only accepts the first generation Apple Pencil, so it can’t be attached to the tablet’s side and charge wirelessly.
Which iPad mini 4 cases are compatible with the 5th-generation iPad mini?
Case covers using plastic shell with precise cutouts won’t fit, but you can use the ones with flexible frame / Image: Amazon iPad mini 4 and 5 have the same dimensions, but there are two details that make the old case incompatible.
Some of iPad mini 5 rumors were based on a leaked image of a transparent case that suggested that the 2019 model would have the same dimensions as the previous generation.
Therefore, some users we hoping that iPad mini 5 would be faster, more powerful, but still compatible with the case they had used on their current 4th-generation model. There are two design elements that will make it hard to use your iPad mini 4 case on the 2019 model: The buttons are placed exactly in the same position, but they are a tiny bit bigger than in the previous generation.
The compatibility issue applies to cases that use a shell made from hard plastic. There would be also no problem with cases that use corner straps to hold the iPad mini in place.
We’ve already managed to collect a great number of iPad mini 5 cases of all kinds.
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