Apple iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini (2019): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini (2019) is the clear winner. Its A12 Bionic chip delivers significantly faster performance, a brighter display, and improved battery life compared to the aging iPad mini 3. While the 3 might be cheaper, the 2019 model offers a vastly superior user experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad mini 3 | Apple iPad mini (2019) |
| 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, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - A2126 |
| 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 Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1601 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - A2124 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014, October. Released 2014, October | 2019, March 18. Released 2019, March 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| 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) | 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm (8.0 x 5.31 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) | 300.5 g (Wi-Fi) / 308.2 g (3G/LTE) (10.86 oz) |
| - | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, 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 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) |
| Chipset | Apple A7 (28 nm) | Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 | iOS 12.1.3, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 32mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | HDR |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 7 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + 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/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 6470 mAh, non-removable (24.3 Wh) | Li-Ion 5124 mAh, non-removable (19.1 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A1599, A1600, iPad4,7, iPad4,8, iPad4,9 | A2126, A2124, A2133, A2125, iPad11,1, iPad11,2 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| 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
- More affordable
- Compact and portable
- Familiar iOS experience
- Outdated processor
- Lower performance
- Dimmer display
- Shorter battery life
Apple iPad mini (2019)
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Improved battery life
- Modern features
- Higher price
- Still a relatively small screen
Display Comparison
The iPad mini (2019) boasts a brighter and more vibrant display thanks to its improved LED backlighting. While both have a resolution of 2048 x 1536, the 2019 model’s better color accuracy and wider viewing angles make a noticeable difference. The contrast ratio is similar, but the overall visual experience is superior on the newer model.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality isn't a primary focus for iPad minis, but the 2019 model offers a slight improvement. Both feature basic photo and video capabilities, but the newer model's image processing is better. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
This is where the 2019 iPad mini truly shines. The A12 Bionic chip is a massive upgrade over the A7 in the iPad mini 3. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding games and applications with ease. The 2019 model's hexa-core CPU provides a substantial performance boost.
Battery Life
The iPad mini (2019) offers improved battery life compared to the iPad mini 3, thanks to its more efficient chip and optimized power management. While both offer all-day battery life for moderate usage, the 2019 model can handle more intensive tasks without draining as quickly.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the iPad mini 3? Budget-conscious users who primarily need a basic tablet for light tasks like browsing and media consumption might find the iPad mini 3 sufficient. Who should buy the iPad mini (2019)? Anyone seeking a responsive, powerful, and modern tablet experience, especially for gaming, creative tasks, or demanding apps.