Apple iPad 3 vs iPad mini 3: A Detailed Comparison

The Apple iPad 3 and iPad mini 3 represent different eras of Apple's tablet lineup. The iPad 3 was a powerhouse in its time, while the iPad mini 3 focused on portability and a more compact design. But which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad mini 3 wins due to its newer chipset (A7) offering better performance and efficiency. While the iPad 3 has a larger screen, the mini 3’s smaller size and improved internals make it the more compelling choice for most users, especially considering their age.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular	Apple iPad mini 3

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	4, 17 - AT&T	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1600
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 - A1601

Launch
Announced	2012, March. Released 2012, March 16	2014, October. Released 2014, October
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 + eSIM (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 8.1, 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, 32mm (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	Fingerprint (front-mounted), 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, Gold
Models	A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3	A1599, A1600, iPad4,7, iPad4,8, iPad4,9
Price	About 400 EUR	About 400 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 812 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 65dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 70dB
Performance	-	Basemark X: 14781

Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular

Larger screen
Potentially lower price (due to age)

Older chipset
Slower performance
Outdated design
Lower efficiency

Apple iPad mini 3

More modern chipset (A7)
More compact and portable
Slightly better performance
Potentially better battery efficiency

Smaller screen
Still an older device
Limited storage options (typically)

Display Comparison

The iPad 3 boasts a 9.7-inch display, offering more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The iPad mini 3 has a 7.9-inch display, making it more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. Both have a nominal contrast ratio of 812, but the iPad 3's larger size provides a more immersive experience for some.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature basic photo/video capabilities. Camera quality on both is quite dated by today's standards. Don't expect high-resolution images or impressive low-light performance from either device. The iPad mini 3 might have a slight edge due to the A7's image processing capabilities, but the difference is minimal.

Performance

Here's where the iPad mini 3 shines. Its A7 chipset (28nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the iPad 3's A5X (45nm). The A7's dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone CPU (ARM v8-based) provides a noticeable performance boost in apps and multitasking compared to the iPad 3's dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9. Expect smoother operation and faster load times on the mini 3.

Battery Life

Battery life is a tricky comparison. The iPad 3 has a larger battery capacity, but the A7's efficiency in the iPad mini 3 can lead to comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life, despite the smaller battery. Usage patterns heavily influence battery performance on both devices.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular? Primarily those seeking a larger screen on a budget and are comfortable with older technology. Who should buy the Apple iPad mini 3? Users prioritizing portability, a more modern (though still dated) processor, and a smaller form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPad 3 still usable in 2024?

Yes, the iPad 3 is still usable for basic tasks like browsing and media consumption, but its performance will be noticeably slower than newer devices. Software updates are no longer supported.

❓ Which iPad is better for reading?

The iPad 3's larger screen makes it slightly better for reading, providing more text on the screen at once. However, the iPad mini 3's portability makes it easier to hold for extended periods.