2012 iPad mini a1432 16gb for $40 refurbished. Is that a good deal?

The first generation iPad mini is fully obsolete.

iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models). iPadOS 17.3.1 is current.

Apple ended update support for the iPad mini1 and similar models in September 2016. The mini1 cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.

Consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available. All 32-bit Apps have been withdrawn from the Apple App Store - which will severely limit the usefulness and utility of this iPad.

As such, if you want or need to access to currently available Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than the iPad mini1 is capable, you’ll need to consider a much newer or current model.

Only you can decide if a cheap refurbished (obsolete) iPad is a worthwhile deal for you.

The iPad mini4, although much newer, is similarly restricted in its ability to be updated - and cannot be updated to the current version of iPadOS.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.1

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.5

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.3.1

• iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later)
• iPad Pro 10.5"
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (6th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Also consider that 16GB internal storage is the very lowest storage tier. The iPadOS Operating System alone will occupy ~10GB. This leaves very little for installed Apps and your photos/data.

Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.

A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 128/256GB storage.

As an absolute minimum, even accepting the associated risk, contemplating any less than 64GB might be considered unwise. Unless you intend to store your data in iCloud or other Cloud service (which may require an ongoing subscription/cost with your chosen provider), you will still need local storage for installed Apps and data.

Personally I wouldn't consider purchase of any iPad that cannot support the current version of iPadOS - as its useful life will be very short. For an iPad mini to meet this criteria, you would need to consider an iPad mini5 or later.