Apple iPad Mini 3 vs. iPad Mini 4: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Mini 4 is the clear winner. While the Mini 3 offers a familiar design, the Mini 4's improved processor, thinner profile, and better display provide a noticeably smoother and more modern experience. If budget is a major concern, the Mini 3 can still be a viable option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad mini 3 | Apple iPad mini 4 (2015) |
| 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 / 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, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 - 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 Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 - A1601 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014, October. Released 2014, October | 2015, September. Released 2015, September |
| 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) | 299 g (Wi-Fi) / 304 g (3G/LTE) (10.55 oz) |
| 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) | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon |
| Chipset | Apple A7 (28 nm) | Apple A8 (20 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR GX6450 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.7 | iOS 9, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB 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 | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| 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 (3G/LTE 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 | A1538, A1550, iPad5,1, iPad5,2 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 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
- Familiar iOS experience
- Compact and portable
- Good for basic tasks
- Older processor
- Thicker design
- Less responsive
- Outdated technology
Apple iPad mini 4 (2015)
- Faster performance
- Thinner and lighter design
- Improved display
- More modern feel
- Higher price (though now often found used)
- Camera quality is basic
Display Comparison
The iPad Mini 4 boasts a significantly improved display. While both have a 7.9-inch Retina display, the Mini 4 has a higher resolution (2048 x 1536 vs. 2048 x 1536, though the Mini 3's color accuracy is slightly better), resulting in sharper text and images. The Mini 4 is also noticeably thinner, contributing to a more premium feel. Contrast ratio is similar, but the Mini 4's improved pixel density makes a difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is comparable on both devices. Both feature basic photo and video capabilities, suitable for casual snapshots. Neither tablet excels in photography, but the Mini 4's faster processor can contribute to slightly quicker image processing.
Performance
The A8 chip in the iPad Mini 4 offers a substantial performance boost over the A7 in the Mini 3. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly better. The 1.5 GHz Typhoon core in the Mini 4 provides a tangible speed advantage, especially when handling demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is similar between the two devices, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. However, the Mini 4's more efficient A8 chip might provide slightly better longevity under heavy use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad Mini 3? Those on a very tight budget who prioritize a familiar iOS experience and don't need the latest performance. Who should buy the Apple iPad Mini 4 (2015)? Anyone seeking a more modern, responsive tablet with a better display and improved performance for everyday tasks and light media consumption.