iPad Mini 5 Teardown: A12 Bionic Processor With 3GB of RAM, Bluetooth 5, True Tone Sensors, and Same Battery Capacity

[MacRumors]

iFixit today shared a teardown of the new iPad mini, confirming specs and providing some additional details about the component parts of Apple's smallest fifth-generation tablet, which is compatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil.

iFixit notes that the only exterior clue that distinguishes the new iPad mini from the earlier model is its model number, A2133, and the removal of regulatory markings on the back, which can now be found in software.

Inside, the new mini has an 8-megapixel rear camera and inherits the 7-megapixel ?/2.2 front-facing camera setup that first appeared in the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, offering a big step up from the 1.2-megapixel sensor in the iPad mini 4.

Other changes in evidence include a faster A12 Bionic processor, 3GB of RAM (up from 2GB), True Tone sensors, a migrated set of microphones now centered near the front-facing camera, and a different battery type in the iPad mini 5, although its 19.32 Wh rating matches that offered by the previous iPad mini.

Like the iPad Air (iFixit teardown due tomorrow), the iPad mini features two speakers for stereo sound, dual microphones, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 802.11ac, Gigabit class LTE on cellular models, and eSIM technology.

While many components are modular and can be replaced independently, iFixit notes that gobs of adhesive hold many parts and cables in place, including the Home button, complicating all repairs. Replacing the battery is also said to be possible, but still unnecessarily difficult. As a result, iPad mini earns an iFixit repairability score of 2/10.

Article Link: iPad Mini 5 Teardown: A12 Bionic Processor With 3GB of RAM, Bluetooth 5, True Tone Sensors, and Same Battery Capacity

 

[44267547]

The Mini 5 was a decent refresh. Not just with the fact they added Apple Pencil support, but I was pleasantly surprised they used the A12 bionic in the mini, and True tone is also a nice addition.

 

[G5isAlive]

wow, a two. that's better than a zero. they must be warming up to Apple.
[doublepost=1554202224][/doublepost]

The Mini 5 was a decent refresh. Not just with the fact they added Apple Pencil support, but I was pleasantly surprised they used the A12 bionic in the mini, and True tone is also a nice addition.

Yep, and people will still complain about what it is not... I guess for those that like it we are lucky it hit our requirements. otherwise to satisfy most they would need at least three different versions of the mini, a return to low power and cheap, this one, and a 'Pro' with promotion, faceID and gen 2 pencil support.

 

[Pelea]

I’m glad they gave it 3gb if ram, otherwise they would have probably needed to make the iPad 1-2cm thicker and NO ONE wants that!

 

[recoil80]

The Mini 5 was a decent refresh. Not just with the fact they added Apple Pencil support, but I was pleasantly surprised they used the A12 bionic in the mini, and True tone is also a nice addition.

The update is really good, the only problem is the 3.5 years between the Mini 4 and this model. I'm sure you can find good deals for the Mini 4, but I wouldn't buy something with a A8 chip in 2019.
Updating every other year would be great, but at least we have a new Mini so I don't want to complain too much...

 

[obiwan]

I'm pretty pleased with this iPad mini refresh. Apple had sense not (or was too lazy) to start screwing around with the design by removing headphone jacks and adding expensive and unnecessary FaceID features etc. They kept what works and gave it an upgrade where it needed it most (the internals). I now have a fairly reasonable upgrade path for my iPhone 6S when it dies. I don't want or need Face ID and I do need the headphone jack. Apple have screwed over users like me with the direction they've been taking with the iPhone and price increases. I'll use an iPad mini instead.

 

[makitango]

Had it in use for several days now and did, amongst other things, play the Tropico ported game which is a fleshed-out port and it did not even warm up the device, and after maybe 2 hours I still had more than 85 % battery power.
I am more than happy with what it offers. It will be a nice travel companion as well.

 

[matrix07]

I'm pretty pleased with this iPad mini refresh. Apple had sense not (or was too lazy) to start screwing around with the design by removing headphone jacks and adding expensive and unnecessary FaceID features etc. They kept what works and gave it an upgrade where it needed it most (the internals). I now have a fairly reasonable upgrade path for my iPhone 6S when it dies. I don't want or need Face ID and I do need the headphone jack. Apple have screwed over users like me with the direction they've been taking with the iPhone and price increases. I'll use an iPad mini instead.

Not sure why you are against FaceID so much. Is it because of price?

 

[lambertjohn]

I think the Mini 5 is a fabulous refresh! The screen might be better off edge-to-edge, but for the most part, they got everything else right. Way to go, Apple!

 

[nfl46]

Solid update and modern specs (Apple standards).

 

[adamw]

Always good to see an iFixit report on new Apple products. Sorry to hear about all that adhesive that they used.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I'm pretty pleased with this iPad mini refresh. Apple had sense not (or was too lazy) to start screwing around with the design by removing headphone jacks and adding expensive and unnecessary FaceID features etc. They kept what works and gave it an upgrade where it needed it most (the internals). I now have a fairly reasonable upgrade path for my iPhone 6S when it dies. I don't want or need Face ID and I do need the headphone jack. Apple have screwed over users like me with the direction they've been taking with the iPhone and price increases. I'll use an iPad mini instead.

Why are you so opposed to Face ID? You could literally drop from the ceiling into a sea of droids and say "Hello there!" while looking at your phone and it'll unlock.

Or you could remove your hood while saying "Hello there" and it'll unlock. In fact, saying "Hello there" isn't even necessary!

 

[Joniz]

But still nothing as to the version of Touch ID. Personally, I don’t care, I assume it’s the same as in the iPM 4, but folks seems to be going back and forth about the version.

 

[bookcase]

The update is really good, the only problem is the 3.5 years between the Mini 4 and this model. I'm sure you can find good deals for the Mini 4, but I wouldn't buy something with a A8 chip in 2019.
Updating every other year would be great, but at least we have a new Mini so I don't want to complain too much...

I guess it depends on what you use it for. I got a Mini 4 on Black Friday for $250 and use it mostly as an e-reader and occasionally to surf the web, and it does both effortlessly. I would've been a little upset if it was a completely redesigned Mini, but as it stands, I have absolutely zero buyers remorse.

 

[yngrshr]

I bought the Mini 5 the other day to just try it out (I figured I could return it if it didn't do anything for me since I already have a 2018 12.9" Pro) to use as a magazine/news paper reader.

It's a phenomenal device. I'm shocked how good it is, frankly.

 

[recoil80]

I guess it depends on what you use it for. I got a Mini 4 on Black Friday for $250 and use it mostly as an e-reader and occasionally to surf the web, and it does both effortlessly. I would've been a little upset if it was a completely redesigned Mini, but as it stands, I have absolutely zero buyers remorse.

But on black friday it was the only available model, you had no choice and maybe I'd have done the same.
Today I don't know if I'd buy a Mini 4 considering I can get the faster model, unless I found a new 4 for < $200.
Anyway my point is I'd like them to keep their models up to date, it is ok to keep the same price but at least have a speed bump every other year. The Mini has a market, and I don't think it cost them much to just release a new one with updated internals

 

[usarioclave]

What's surprising is that the used prices of the Mini line haven't changed at all after the new Mini, except for the Mini 1. Apparently people really love these things and basically don't sell them.

 

[theSpringZone]

Why couldn’t they make this Apple Pencil 2 capable?

 

[clayj]

Based on what I saw at the Apple Store on Saturday, the iPad mini 5 also does HDR video playback of HDR movies from iTunes. Pretty sure I'll be picking one of these up soon.

 

[cerberusss]

Why are you so opposed to Face ID?

My problem is that I'm so ugly, that Face ID won't work. So I'm personally holding out for FingerID. It's like FaceID, but you gotta give your iPad the finger and it'll unlock.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

But still nothing as to the version of Touch ID. Personally, I don’t care, I assume it’s the same as in the iPM 4, but folks seems to be going back and forth about the version.

It's Touch-ID 2.0.

Tons of reviewers and people with first hand experience have said so.

 

[socialwill]

I just picked up a mini 5 yesterday and wow, this is a great device! I had not used a mini in a few years and I forgot just how nice it is to use as a reader, movie watcher, web surfer, and all around great iPad. It’s perfect to travel with and just lay in bed watching a movie or surfing. Plus with the A12 all of the games run super smooth!

Typing on the screen of the mini is way better than a regular iPad as it’s not a reach for thumbs. Plus the new screen is bright and looks great! Now I just have to find a nice thin case for it. Tempted to do a dbrand skin

The only thing that could out do this would be a mini Pro with edge to edge screen, but I know that would cost 599

 

[iReality85]

Why are you so opposed to Face ID?

Some people just don't like FaceID. I myself am not particularly sold on it. I like my iPhone 7 Plus with TouchID, and will be holding onto it until I see how FaceID evolves and improves. TouchID works and functions just fine -- especially for iPads -- and IMO Apple shouldn't have done away with it so quickly.

I just picked up a mini 5 yesterday and wow, this is a great device! I had not used a mini in a few years and I forgot just how nice it is to use as a reader, movie watcher, web surfer, and all around great iPad. It’s perfect to travel with and just lay in bed watching a movie or surfing. Plus with the A12 all of the games run super smooth!

Typing on the screen of the mini is way better than a regular iPad as it’s not a reach for thumbs. Plus the new screen is bright and looks great! Now I just have to find a nice thin case for it. Tempted to do a dbrand skin

The only thing that could out do this would be a mini Pro with edge to edge screen, but I know that would cost 599

I used to own an iPad mini 2, and I can't imagine how fast the 5 is now. And all the other nice upgrades. I always enjoyed the mini 2 -- the image quality was sublime even back then, and the size makes it perfect for streaming and ebooks. I only sold due to its age.

 

[Plutonius]

I’m glad they gave it 3gb if ram, otherwise they would have probably needed to make the iPad 1-2cm thicker and NO ONE wants that!

I'm more concerned with the battery.

They did not increase the capacity to offset the upgraded Mini needs.

That 1-2 mm thicker should be a bigger battery.

 

[Rafterman]

Why couldn’t they make this Apple Pencil 2 capable?

No way to charge it, as the Mini does not have a flat side to magnetically attach the pencil on.