iPad mini A12 Bionic 2019

It is important to note that this A2124 iPad mini (5th Gen/Early 2019) model supports Gigabit-class LTE, covering bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, and 66, but does not support bands 42 or 71. Although compatible with carriers globally, it was primarily sold in the UK, Europe, Asia, and most other regions except for the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

As a replacement for the much older iPad mini 4, the iPad mini (5th Gen) offers a superior display, significantly faster performance, upgraded connectivity, and introduces support for the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A).

All 5th Gen iPad mini devices come with a fully-laminated, antireflective 7.9-inch LED-backlit 2048x1536 Retina display (326 ppi, DCI-P3 color gamut).

These models are powered by an Apple A12 Bionic processor, include 3 GB of RAM, and are available with either 64 GB or 256 GB of flash storage. They are offered in Black and Space Gray, White and Silver, or White and Gold cases.

Other key features include dual cameras: a rear 8-megapixel "iSight" camera for stills and 1080p HD video, and a front 7-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera also for stills and 1080p HD video. They support dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with HT80 with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0, and have dual microphones and a single set of stereo speakers. A standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, Touch ID, and a Lightning port are also included.

The battery life for this iPad mini 5th Gen model is rated at 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi, video playback, or music, and 9 hours of web surfing on a cellular network. This model includes a software-based eSIM for switching between select carriers and a nano SIM slot for traditional SIM cards.

After a long hiatus, the iPad mini 5th generation was met with widespread approval, largely because it packed modern, powerful internals into the classic, beloved compact form factor. The standout upgrade was the A12 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone XS, which delivered a massive performance boost over the aging A8 in the iPad mini 4. This made the device exceptionally fast and capable of handling demanding apps and games with ease. Another key feature was the long-awaited support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, transforming the mini into a highly portable and versatile digital notebook and sketchbook. The display was also improved with True Tone technology and a wider P3 color gamut, resulting in a more natural and vibrant viewing experience. While the design remained unchanged from the previous generation, which some found dated, many users appreciated the familiarity and the continued presence of the Touch ID Home button and headphone jack. This global cellular model (A2124) was noted for its extensive Gigabit-class LTE band support, ensuring reliable connectivity in numerous countries across Europe and Asia, making it an excellent travel companion. Overall, it was lauded as a mighty, pocketable powerhouse that gave the mini line a much-needed and very successful refresh.