iPad mini A15 Bionic 2021

It should be noted that this Wi-Fi/Cellular model (A2569), originally exclusive to mainland China, supports GPS/GNSS and 5G NR cellular networking, but not 5G NR mmWave (bands n258, n260, n261). It also lacks support for 4G LTE bands 11 and 21. This model features a physical nano-SIM slot but does not support eSIM.

The iPad mini 6th Gen (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China) is equipped with a fully-laminated, antireflective 8.3" LED-backlit 2266x1488 "Liquid Retina" display (326 ppi, 500 nits), framed by a slim black bezel and housed in a thin case with rounded corners and flat sides. It comes in four metallic finishes: "Space Gray," pink, purple, and "Starlight."

This iPad mini is powered by a six-core Apple A15 Bionic processor, a five-core GPU, and a 16-core "Neural Engine." It has 4 GB of RAM and is available with either 64 GB or 256 GB of flash storage. Key features include a "Touch ID" sensor in the top button and support for the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (A2051, MU8F2AM/A), which charges magnetically. It has a front 12-megapixel "Ultra Wide" FaceTime HD camera with a 122-degree view that records up to 1080p video with cinematic stabilization and "Center Stage" tracking. The rear 12-megapixel camera shoots up to 4K video, also with cinematic stabilization.

In addition to its USB-C port, connectivity includes 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with HT80 with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, 4G/LTE, and the previously mentioned 5G. As stated, it has a single nano-SIM slot and lacks eSIM support. It also features dual microphones and stereo speakers. The battery life is estimated at 10 hours for Wi-Fi web browsing or video playback, and 9 hours for cellular web browsing.

As a significant advancement over its predecessor, the iPad mini 6th Gen models have more in common with the higher-end iPad Air. The removal of the Home button and smaller bezels result in a larger display within a smaller frame. It also boasts a more powerful architecture, better cameras, advanced keyboard support, USB-C (replacing Lightning), and the advanced Apple Pencil 2nd Gen with the convenient top-button "Touch ID" sensor.

The iPad mini 6 (A2569), the model specifically for mainland China, was reviewed as a revolutionary update that brought the compact tablet into the modern era. Its complete redesign, featuring an all-screen front with a larger 8.3-inch display and flat sides, was highly praised for its aesthetics and improved handling. The A15 Bionic chip delivered a massive performance increase, making the device exceptionally fast and capable for any task, from gaming to content creation. A key feature for this market was its robust cellular connectivity, tailored to Chinese networks, providing fast and reliable 4G and 5G access. The move to a USB-C port was seen as a significant step forward, offering greater versatility for connecting accessories. Support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which conveniently charged on the side of the device, transformed the mini into a premier tool for digital artists and note-takers. The repositioned Touch ID sensor on the top button was found to be intuitive and reliable. The upgraded cameras, especially the Center Stage-enabled front camera, were also noted as a major improvement. For consumers in China, the A2569 represented the perfect blend of extreme portability and pro-level features, making it the most exciting iPad mini release in years.