iPad mini A5 2012

According to Apple's description, the iPad mini line represents a more compact version of the larger iPads that came before it, featuring a smaller physical design but with a display that has the same pixel resolution as the first-generation iPad or iPad 2 (though fewer pixels than the Retina display-equipped iPad 3rd or 4th Gen).

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

This specific iPad mini A1455 model also includes support for A-GPS and GLONASS, CDMA EV-DO, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, and LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 13, and 25. In the U.S., it was designed for use on the Verizon or Sprint networks.

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

Initially, this model was available with either a black front and "slate" back or a white front and silver back. On October 22, 2013, Apple discontinued the black/slate option and introduced a version with a black front and a medium-toned "Space Gray" back. This "Space Gray" model was only offered with 16 GB of storage and had its own order numbers (MF453LL/A for Sprint and MF450LL/A for Verizon).

The CDMA version of the first-generation iPad mini, model A1455, was evaluated as a versatile and ultra-portable tablet for users on the Verizon and Sprint networks. Its standout feature was its incredibly light and thin design, which made it a joy to hold and carry. While it didn't boast a Retina display, its 7.9-inch screen was considered crisp and perfectly adequate for reading, browsing, and watching videos. The inclusion of widespread cellular support, covering not only CDMA networks but also numerous global GSM and LTE bands, made it a particularly flexible device for travelers. The performance of the A5 chip was sufficient for core tablet functions, although it clearly lagged behind the more powerful chips in Apple's larger tablets. The camera quality was basic but functional for quick snaps and video calls. Its major trade-offs were the lack of a high-resolution display and a processor that would show its age with more complex apps and newer iOS updates. However, for customers on CDMA carriers who wanted the iPad experience in a smaller, more affordable package with the freedom of cellular data, the A1455 was widely seen as a very successful and appealing product.