iPad mini A7 2014

This iPad mini 2 model (A1491) was sold exclusively in mainland China for use on the China Mobile network. Unlike the global cellular iPad mini 2nd Gen (A1490), the A1491 supports TD-SCDMA (1900 (F), 2000 (A)) and TD-LTE (bands 38, 39), but it does not support the 1700/2100 MHz frequency of DC-HSDPA or CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800 and 1900 MHz).

Apart from network connectivity, the iPad mini 2 models, initially named "iPad mini with Retina Display" and later renamed, use casings nearly identical to the original iPad mini. They feature a much higher-resolution "Retina" display, a faster processor, faster Wi-Fi, and expanded LTE on capable models.

All iPad mini (2nd Gen) devices, including this Wi-Fi and cellular A1491 model, are housed in thin white and silver or black and "Space Gray" cases. They come with a 7.9-inch 2048x1536 (326 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive display, a dual-core 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and storage options of 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB (with the 64 GB and 128 GB options discontinued on October 16, 2014, and the 16 GB option on September 7, 2016).

Other notable features 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. They also have dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.0, dual microphones, and speakers. The Lightning port provides power and computer connectivity.

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

The iPad mini with Retina display (A1491), customized for the Chinese market, was praised for bringing two crucial upgrades to the compact tablet form factor: a high-resolution Retina display and the powerful A7 processor. The screen was the highlight, offering exceptional sharpness and color that made the previous non-Retina model feel obsolete. The A7 chip delivered a massive performance boost, ensuring that apps launched quickly and games ran smoothly, on par with its larger sibling, the iPad Air. This specific model's key feature was its tailored cellular support for China Mobile's TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE networks, providing optimized connectivity for a huge segment of users in the region. While it retained the same beloved slim and light design, it was slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate the necessary components for its advanced screen and processor. It was seen as a hugely successful update, offering a premium, no-compromise experience in a portable size, perfectly suited for the Chinese market.