Apple iPad mini 2019 brings powerful A12 processor and Pencil support in a retro package

The iPad mini 5th gen isn't drastically different than its last iteration that came out way back in 2015. Don't expect Face ID, quad speaker systems or anything of the sort, and the outer dimensions have stayed absolutely the same which the nostalgic amongst Apple fans may appreciate more. There's Touch ID on board, of course, and a dual speaker system.

The IPS display has retained its 7.9" diagonal and 2048‑by‑1536 resolution with 326 ppi, but has gained wide color (DCI-P3 gamut) support and Apple's True Tone technology for keeping the white balance of the display the same in appearance to the user, regardless of the ambient light around the screen.

Needless to say, just like the newly-announced iPad Air, the Mini is also powered by Apple's newest A12 processor that has proven to return some industry-topping benchmarks that can only be beaten by its souped-up A12X version in the Pro models. As usual, Apple only writes "A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine," instead of detailing clock speeds and RAM amounts, but judging from our benchmark tests, the chipset in the iPad mini won't have you wanting more for at least the next two years or so. The iPad mini 5 starts with 64GB of storage and has another model that offers 256GB out of the box.

The new mini comes with 8MP rear camera, like its predecessor, but the front selfie-taker has been given a significant upgrade in resolution to a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. Besides the internals brought in line with the rest of its 2018 gang, Apple is adding extra value by introducing a Pencil stylus support. The first-generation Apple Pencil can now be used on the new iPad mini's wide-color screen for doodling, highlighting and other stylus tasks. Needless to say, the Pencil doesn't come with the iPad, and is available as a separate $99 purchase if you so desire.

The iPad mini 2019 will run you $399 in the most basic Wi-Fi-only version with 64 GB storage, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model takes off from $529. The 256-gigger is $549 is you are only going to access the web via Wi-fi, but if you want cellular connectivity, it will run you the respectable $579. Both iPads are available for immediate purchase, and the iPad mini 2019 can be ordered in Gold, Silver and Space Gray. 

Initial availability will be in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE, UK and the US, while China, Mexico, Colombia, Greece, India, Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and others, will be getting it a later day which is yet to be announced by Apple.