iPad · Retina & Beyond · 2013
iPad mini 2
The mini grew up fast: a gorgeous Retina screen and the same 64-bit A7 as the full-size iPad, erasing the "lesser tablet" stigma.
Brought the Retina display and 64-bit A7 to the small iPad.
iPad Air 2 (2014)
iPad mini 2: key facts
When was the iPad mini 2 released?
The iPad mini 2 arrived on November 12, 2013. Apple discontinued it in March 2017.
How much did the iPad mini 2 cost?
The iPad mini 2 launched at $399 in 2013, about $549 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple A7 at 1.30 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, 7.9" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 display.
Why does the iPad mini 2 matter?
Brought the Retina display and 64-bit A7 to the small iPad.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple A7 · 1.30 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Display | 7.9" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 |
| Ports | Lightning |
| Weight | 331 g |
| Dimensions | 200×134.7×7.5 mm |
| Operating system | iOS 7 |
| Released | November 12, 2013 |
| Discontinued | March 2017 |
| Launch price | $399 |
How the iPad mini 2 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 16× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1.30 GHz, the clock is roughly 2.5× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 4,100 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $399 in 2013, about $549 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Briefly the best pixel-density-per-dollar tablet Apple sold.
Related iPad models
Open the iPad mini 2 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11