iPad mini A5 2012

As described by Apple, the iPad mini line is a "concentration" of the larger iPad models that preceded it, offering a physically smaller device with a display pixel count equal to the original iPad (1st Gen) or iPad 2 (though lower than the Retina display-equipped iPad 3rd Gen or 4th Gen).

All first-generation iPad mini models feature a 7.9-inch 1024x768 (163 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive display, a dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5 processor, and 512 MB of RAM. They were available with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of flash storage and include dual cameras: a rear 5-megapixel "iSight" camera for stills and 1080p video, and a front 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera for stills and 720p video. Other features include dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and stereo speakers, with a Lightning port for connectivity and power.

This particular iPad mini A1454 model adds support for A-GPS and GLONASS, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, and LTE bands 4 and 17. In the U.S., it was initially designed for the AT&T network, with T-Mobile compatibility added later.

The battery life is rated for up to 10 hours of "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music" and 9 hours of "surfing the web using cellular data."

Originally, the model was offered with a black front and "slate" back or a white front and silver back. On October 22, 2013, Apple replaced the black/slate version with a black front and a medium-toned "Space Gray" back. This "Space Gray" variant was only available with 16 GB of storage and had its own order numbers (MF442LL/A for AT&T and MF743LL/A for T-Mobile).

The first-generation iPad mini with AT&T cellular connectivity was judged as a highly convenient and portable package for users on the go. Its key strength was its design: it was significantly thinner and lighter than the full-sized iPads, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy to carry anywhere. The addition of LTE connectivity on AT&T's network (and later T-Mobile's) meant users had reliable internet access without needing to hunt for Wi-Fi. Performance from the A5 chip was deemed sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and media consumption, though it was a step behind the more powerful processors in the larger iPads of the era. The 1024x768 display, while not a high-resolution Retina screen, was considered sharp enough for its size. The primary drawbacks noted by reviewers were the non-Retina display, which felt dated compared to other Apple devices, and a processor that was not future-proofed for more demanding applications. Despite this, for users on the AT&T network who valued portability and constant connectivity above raw power or screen resolution, the A1454 model was a compelling and well-received option.