iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 2 comparison
Our Verdict
Realistically the extra £80 for Touch ID and a gold colour on the iPad mini 3 isn’t worth it. Unless you’re happy to spend £479 on the 128 GB capacity, we recommend the now cheaper and almost identical iPad mini 2.
Last week Apple announced the iPad mini 3 so you’re probably wondering what’s different compared to the iPad mini 2 including price, specs and features. Also see:Best tablets
Normally, we would split a comparison into many different sections but here we’re going to simple explain what’s new and what is still the same. You’ll see why.Read:iPad mini 3 first-look review.
iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 2 comparison: What’s new
At its special event in Berlin, the iPad mini 3 got about 10 seconds worth of stage time following a comprehensive introduction of theiPad Air 2. Now we’ve checked the specs of the new pint-sized tablet, we can see why.
Compared to its predecessor, the iPad mini 3 only gets you the Touch ID finger print scanner and is available in gold like the iPhone 6. The storage line-up has been changed as the 32GB model has been dropped so you can now choose from 16-, 64- and 128 GB.
This is bit a bit shocking considering the iPad Air 2 has a thinner and lighter design, new A8X processor, a better 8Mp iSight camera, an anti-reflective coating on the screen and a barometer.See also:Apple iPad Air 2 first-look review.
Typically, the new iPad models come with the same upgrades but that’s not the case this year. Apple has kept the price the same, so the iPad mini 3 starts at £319 and goes up to £479 for that 128 GB model. You can add £100 for 4G connectivity.
While keeping the price the same for a new model is good, the very small amount of changes mean that the iPad mini 2 at a lower price of £239 looks like a far more attractive option. We’re not comparing it full here but it’s worth noting that Apple has kept the original iPad mini on sale for £199. See below for a full price comparison.
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 2
iPad mini
16 GB
£319
£239
£199
32 GB
–
£279
–
64 GB
£399
–
–
128GB
£479
–
–
16 GB + 4G
£419
£339
£299
32 GB + 4G
–
£379
–
64 GB + 4G
£499
–
–
128 GB + 4G
£579
–
–
iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 2 comparison: What’s the same
So, aside from Touch ID, gold option and the lack of a 32 GB capacity, the iPad mini 3 remains identical to the iPad mini 2.
It is still 7.5 mm thick and 331 g with a 7.9in IPS Retina display (2048 x 1536). It still has the A7 processor and M7 co-processor, 5Mp iSight camera, FaceTime HD camera, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Lightning connector and up to 10 hours of battery life.
iPad mini 3 vs iPad mini 2 comparison: In summary
If you’re thinking about upgrading from the iPad mini 2 then you’re going to have to really want the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and the gold model (the additional storage will cost you more anyway).
If you’re considering buying your fist iPad mini then we recommend saving some money and getting the iPad mini 2 since it’s almost identical and still a decent tablet.
Specs
Apple iPad mini 3: Specs
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
