Apple iPad mini 3 vs iPad Air (2022): A Detailed Comparison

The Apple iPad mini 3 remains a compact classic, while the iPad Air (2022) represents Apple's modern mid-range tablet. But which one is right for you? This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad Air (2022) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster M1 chip, a superior display, and longer battery life. While the iPad mini 3 offers portability, its outdated specs make it a tough sell against the Air's power and features for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad mini 3	Apple iPad Air (2022)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1600	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
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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1601	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

Launch
Announced	2014, October. Released 2014, October	2022, March 08
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, March 18

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in)	247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz)	461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb)
	-	Stylus support (2nd gen)

Display
Protection	Oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution	1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density)	1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density)
Size	7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio)	10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based)	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)
Chipset	Apple A7 (28 nm)	Apple M1
GPU	PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7	iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM	64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	5 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), AF	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular	HDR
Single	1.2 MP	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP, EDR	5.0, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only	GPS, GLONASS (5G model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	Lightning, USB 2.0	USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer

Battery
Talk time	Up to 10 h (multimedia)	-
Type	Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh)	Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, Gold	Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue
Models	A1599, A1600, iPad4,7, iPad4,8, iPad4,9	A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17
Price	About 400 EUR	About 550 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 mini 3

Extremely portable
Affordable
Compact design

Outdated processor
Limited storage options
Lower resolution display
Short battery life

Apple iPad Air (2022)

Powerful M1 chip
Stunning Liquid Retina display
Long battery life
Advanced camera system
Modern design

More expensive
Larger than the mini 3

Display Comparison

The iPad Air (2022) features a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The iPad mini 3 has a smaller 7.9-inch Retina display, but lacks the advanced features of the Air. The Air's larger size and superior technology make it the clear winner for visual experiences.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the iPad Air (2022) has a more advanced camera system with improved image quality and video recording features. While neither is a primary photography device, the Air's camera is noticeably better.

Performance

The iPad Air (2022)'s M1 chip provides a massive performance leap over the iPad mini 3's A7 chip. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding games and creative apps with ease. The mini 3 struggles with modern apps and multitasking.

Battery Life

The iPad Air (2022) offers significantly longer battery life than the iPad mini 3, allowing for all-day use. The mini 3's battery life is adequate for light use, but it won't last as long under heavy load.

Buying Guide

The iPad mini 3 is best suited for users prioritizing extreme portability and a budget-friendly option for basic tasks like reading and light browsing. The iPad Air (2022) is ideal for students, creatives, and anyone needing a powerful, versatile tablet for demanding apps, multitasking, and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPad mini 3 still worth buying?

Only if you absolutely need the smallest possible iPad and are on a very tight budget. Otherwise, the iPad Air (2022) offers far better value.

❓ What is the difference between the iPad mini 3 and iPad Air (2022)?

The iPad Air (2022) has a significantly more powerful processor (M1 vs A7), a better display, longer battery life, and an improved camera system. The iPad mini 3 is smaller and more affordable, but its outdated specs limit its capabilities.