iPad mini 16GB = 11.89GB, what!?

[Erdbeertorte]

Personally I think your storage is reading incorrectly, because other 16GB Apple devices have a lot more spare storage from new with the same apps installed by default. Try doing a fresh install as a brand new device.

My "new" 4s with iOS 9.2 has 12.6GB. That's not really a lot more.

Edit:

And my 128GB 6s Plus has 113GB.

 

[apolloa]

My "new" 4s with iOS 9.2 has 12.6GB. That's not really a lot more.

Edit:

And my 128GB 6s Plus has 113GB.

I was going by the OP's first post, but in reflection the thread title is correct as 12GB spare is normal.

 

[Aydy]

Apparently apple arent the worst offenders where available storage is concerned, in fact they come in tops here..
The link here is based on 16 GB smartphones but can mostly apply to how our tablets utilise space as well.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-much-free-storage-space-does-your-smartphone-really-have/