Choosing between older Apple iPads can be tricky. The iPad 3 and iPad mini 2 both offer Apple's ecosystem, but cater to different priorities. This comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide which tablet is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini 2 wins overall thanks to its more modern chipset (A7), smaller and more portable design, and slightly improved performance. While the iPad 3 boasts a larger screen, the mini 2's efficiency and newer tech make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - AT&T | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1490 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 13 - for Verizon | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1491 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, March. Released 2012, March 16 | 2013, October. Released 2013, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
| Chipset | Apple A5X (45 nm) | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | iOS 7, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 33mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only | 1.2 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh) | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White |
| Models | A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3 | A1489, A1490, A1491, iPad4,6, iPad4,5, iPad4,4 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 804:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 72dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 13286 |
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Larger screen for media consumption
- Potentially longer battery life under heavy use
- Cellular connectivity option
- Older chipset (A5X)
- Slower performance
- Larger and less portable
Apple iPad mini 2
- More modern chipset (A7)
- More efficient performance
- More portable and compact design
- ARM v8 architecture
- Smaller screen
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
Display Comparison
The iPad 3 features a 9.7-inch Retina display, offering a larger canvas for viewing content. The iPad mini 2 has a 7.9-inch display, making it more pocketable. Both have a nominal contrast ratio of 804:1, but the iPad 3's larger size can be advantageous for reading and watching videos. The iPad mini 2's smaller size makes it easier to hold for extended periods.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' cameras, indicating basic functionality. Expect similar image quality – adequate for casual snapshots but not exceptional. Neither tablet was known for its camera capabilities, so don't expect high-resolution photos or advanced features.
Performance
The iPad mini 2's A7 chip (28nm) is significantly faster and more efficient than the iPad 3's A5X (45nm). The A7's Cyclone architecture (ARM v8-based) provides a noticeable performance boost in apps and multitasking. While both have dual-core processors, the A7's higher clock speed (1.3 GHz vs 1.0 GHz) and architectural improvements make a difference.
Battery Life
The iPad 3 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering slightly longer battery life under heavy use. However, the iPad mini 2's more efficient A7 chip helps offset this, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance. Both should provide a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular is best for users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and don't mind older technology. The iPad mini 2 is ideal for those seeking portability, a more modern processor, and a balance of features in a compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iPad 3 still worth buying?
The iPad 3 can be a budget-friendly option if you primarily need a large screen for basic tasks. However, the iPad mini 2 offers a better overall experience with its more modern processor.
❓ Which iPad is more portable?
The iPad mini 2 is significantly more portable due to its smaller 7.9-inch display and compact design.
