iPad · Retina & Beyond · 2019
iPad mini (5th generation)
A surprise resurrection: the dormant mini returned with the fast A12 and Pencil support, becoming a cult favourite for notes and reading.
Revived the mini with flagship A12 power and Apple Pencil support.
iPad (8th generation) (2020)
iPad mini (5th generation): key facts
When was the iPad mini (5th generation) released?
The iPad mini (5th generation) arrived on March 18, 2019. Apple discontinued it in September 2021.
How much did the iPad mini (5th generation) cost?
The iPad mini (5th generation) launched at $399 in 2019, about $491 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple A12 Bionic at 2.49 GHz, 3 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, 7.9" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 display.
Why does the iPad mini (5th generation) matter?
Revived the mini with flagship A12 power and Apple Pencil support.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple A12 Bionic · 2.49 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 6 |
| Memory (RAM) | 3 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Display | 7.9" Retina IPS, 2048×1536 |
| GPU | Apple 4-core GPU |
| Ports | Lightning |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Dimensions | 203.2×134.8×6.1 mm |
| Operating system | iPadOS 12.2 |
| Released | March 18, 2019 |
| Discontinued | September 2021 |
| Launch price | $399 |
How the iPad mini (5th generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 5.3× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 2.49 GHz, the clock is roughly 1.3× 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 16,400 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $399 in 2019, about $491 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?
Pilots love it: it fits perfectly on a kneeboard in the cockpit.
Related iPad models
Open the iPad mini (5th generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11