Apple iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 2: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini 3 offers a slightly improved design with Touch ID and a few more color options, but the performance is virtually identical to the iPad mini 2. If you value the fingerprint sensor and aesthetics, the mini 3 is worth the small premium; otherwise, the mini 2 remains a fantastic value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad mini 3 | Apple iPad mini 2 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 - A1490 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only | 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 |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1601 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1491 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014, October. Released 2014, October | 2013, October. Released 2013, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz) | 331 g (Wi-Fi) / 341 g (3G/LTE) (11.68 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~324 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% 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 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
| Chipset | Apple A7 (28 nm) | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 | iOS 7, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), 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 | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, Gold | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White |
| Models | A1599, A1600, iPad4,7, iPad4,8, iPad4,9 | 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 -93.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB | Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 812 (nominal) | Contrast ratio: 804:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 65dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 70dB | Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | Basemark X: 14781 | Basemark X: 13286 |
| OUR TESTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB | Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 812 (nominal) | Contrast ratio: 804:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 65dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 70dB | Voice 65dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | Basemark X: 14781 | Basemark X: 13286 |
Apple iPad mini 3
- Touch ID for enhanced security
- More color options (Gold, Silver, Space Gray)
- Slightly more modern design
- Higher price than iPad mini 2
- Minimal performance improvement over iPad mini 2
Apple iPad mini 2
- Lower price, excellent value
- Compact and portable design
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Older design without Touch ID
- Limited color options (Silver, Space Gray)
Display Comparison
Both the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 2 feature a 7.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. While the contrast ratios are nominally similar (812:1 vs 804:1), the difference in real-world viewing experience is negligible. Both offer excellent sharpness and color accuracy for a compact tablet.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable on both devices. They both feature a 5MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera, suitable for basic photo and video capture. Image quality is adequate for casual use, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
Powered by the same Apple A7 chip and dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone CPU, performance is virtually identical between the two models. You can expect smooth multitasking, responsive app loading, and enjoyable gaming experiences on both devices. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds by today's standards, but they remain capable for their intended use.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the two devices are very similar. Both offer around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. Real-world usage will vary depending on your activities, but you can expect all-day battery life from either device.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the iPad mini 3? Users who prioritize a modern design with Touch ID for security and convenience, and those who appreciate the additional color options. Who should buy the iPad mini 2? Budget-conscious buyers seeking a powerful and portable tablet for everyday tasks, reading, and entertainment – it offers excellent value for money.