Apple iPad Air (2022) vs. iPad mini 3: A Generational Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) is the clear winner for most users, offering vastly superior performance, a modern display, and advanced features. However, the iPad mini 3 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing extreme portability and a lower price point, accepting significant compromises in performance.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Air (2022) | Apple iPad mini 3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2589 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1600 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2589, A2591 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2591 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1601 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2014, October. Released 2014, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 18 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz) |
| Stylus support (2nd gen) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), AF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 1.2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, Gold |
| Models | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 | A1599, A1600, iPad4,7, iPad4,8, iPad4,9 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 812 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 70dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark X: 14781 |
| OUR TESTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 812 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 70dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark X: 14781 |
Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Blazing-fast M1 chip
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
- Improved camera system
- Modern design and features
- Excellent for productivity and creativity
- Higher price point
- Larger size compared to the mini
Apple iPad mini 3
- Extremely portable
- Lower price point
- Compact and lightweight
- Outdated A7 chip
- Low resolution display
- Poor camera quality
- Limited storage options
- Slow performance
Display Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) boasts a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, offering vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and a wide color gamut. The iPad mini 3's 7.9-inch display is adequate but lacks the Air's advanced features and resolution. Both have a nominal contrast ratio of 812, but the Air's overall visual experience is significantly better.
Camera Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) features a significantly improved camera system with better image quality and video recording capabilities. While both offer photo and video functionality, the Air's cameras are noticeably superior in terms of detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The iPad mini 3's cameras are adequate for basic snapshots but lack modern features.
Performance
The M1 chip in the iPad Air (2022) is a game-changer, delivering blazing-fast performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPad mini 3's A7 chip feels incredibly dated by comparison, struggling with even moderate workloads. The Air handles graphics-intensive games and professional applications with ease, while the mini 3 is best suited for basic tasks.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer respectable battery life for their respective classes. The iPad Air (2022) generally provides slightly longer usage time due to its more efficient chip. However, usage patterns heavily influence battery performance.
Buying Guide
The iPad Air (2022) is ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a powerful tablet for productivity, creative tasks, and entertainment. The iPad mini 3 is best suited for casual users who prioritize portability and a smaller form factor for reading, browsing, and light media consumption.