Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 128GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Verge's 2014 review characterizes the Apple iPad mini 3 as a significant disappointment, noting it offered almost no hardware improvements over its predecessor, unlike the upgraded iPad Air 2. While retaining the same screen, camera, and A7 processor, the device was framed as a minor update. Key pros included the addition of Touch ID, excellent build quality, a sharp Retina display, and reliable battery life. However, the review strongly criticized the $100 price increase for essentially just adding Touch ID and a gold color option, deeming it a poor value compared to the iPad mini 2. The Verge Copy

The CNET review describes the Apple iPad Mini 3 as a high-quality yet disappointing update, as it is nearly identical to the previous iPad Mini 2. Key pros include the addition of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a new gold color option, while maintaining an excellent 7.9-inch Retina display and solid battery life. Conversely, cons center on a lack of significant hardware upgrades, retaining the older A7 chip and 5-megapixel camera, unlike the simultaneously released iPad Air 2. Due to this stagnation, CNET deems it a tough sell compared to the cheaper Mini 2, recommending the latter as the better value for most users. Copy

According to TechRadar, the iPad mini 3 is a "missed opportunity" that offers minimal improvements over the iPad mini 2, featuring the same premium design, 7.9-inch Retina display, and A7 chip. While it lacks significant internal upgrades, key additions include Touch ID for enhanced security and Apple Pay, a Gold color option, and a 128GB storage tier. The review highlights that the stagnant hardware and higher price point make it difficult to recommend, especially since it lacks the advanced camera features and faster processor found in the iPad Air 2. Ultimately, the device is considered a "rebadged mini 2" that fails to justify its cost compared to its predecessor. Copy

Trusted Reviews describes the Apple iPad mini 3 as a disappointing update that offers almost no hardware improvements over the cheaper, previous-generation iPad mini 2. While featuring a high-quality aluminium design, a sharp 7.9-inch Retina display, and the addition of Touch ID, the device suffers from a lack of innovation. Significant drawbacks include the outdated A7 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a screen that lacks advanced anti-reflective coating, making it poor value for the price.

The Guardian's 2014 review rates the iPad mini 3 four out of five stars, describing it as "a touch more of the same" compared to its predecessor. Featuring a compact design, a crisp screen, 10-hour battery life, and the addition of Touch ID and a gold color option, the device maintains high quality despite retaining the older A7 processor. However, with a high price tag and minimal upgrades, the review finds it difficult to recommend over the cheaper iPad mini 2, noting significant,4:3 screen black bars during video playback.

The Expert Reviews assessment of the iPad mini 3 labels it an underwhelming update, noting that while it maintains Apple's signature, high-quality aluminium design and portable 7.9-inch form factor, it offers virtually no performance advancements over its predecessor. Key pros are limited to the addition of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, a new gold color option, and the retention of the excellent, sharp Retina display. However, the tablet is criticized for utilizing the aging A7 processor, providing no speed improvements over the cheaper, existing mini 2. Significant cons highlighted include the stagnant, 5MP rear camera which lacks modern features, and a lackluster 67.1% sRGB color gamut, making it less ideal for professional work. Because the internal specifications are nearly identical to the previous generation, the review finds the device to be an overpriced "niche product" that is difficult to recommend. Consequently, Expert Reviews concludes that the iPad mini 3 was quickly surpassed by the better value of the mini 2 and superior performance of newer alternatives.

The iPad mini 3 features an identical, premium aluminum design to its predecessor, with the primary additions being a gold color option and the highly accurate Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It maintains a 7.9-inch Retina display and delivers clean, dynamic audio performance, though it lacks the anti-reflective coating found on the larger iPad Air 2 and faces stiff competition regarding audio detail. Ultimately deemed a disappointing upgrade, the device is criticized for utilizing the older A7 processor and having a significantly higher price than the functionally similar iPad mini 2, limiting its value to those specifically requiring Touch ID or larger storage capacities. What Hi-Fi?

The Apple iPad mini 3 is a high-quality, 7.9-inch Retina display tablet that suffers from a lack of significant innovation, featuring the same design and 1.3GHz A7 chip as the previous year's model. While offering a sharp screen and solid performance, it lacks the optical bonding and processor upgrades found in the concurrent iPad Air 2. The primary updates include the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a gold color option. According to PCMag, while Touch ID works reliably for security and Apple Pay, its utility is less crucial on a tablet compared to an iPhone. The inclusion of the Apple SIM allows for easier cellular carrier switching, though it remains a minor feature for most users. Ultimately, the tablet is described as "superb" yet "difficult to recommend" due to its $100 premium over the near-identical iPad mini 2. Key pros include the beautiful design and fast performance, while the high price point and lack of substantive upgrades constitute the main cons.

T3 characterizes the Apple iPad mini 3 as a high-quality, "cracking" tablet that unfortunately offers little innovation, essentially acting as an iPad mini 2 with the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for Apple Pay and a gold color option. The device retains the premium 7.5mm slim design and 7.9-inch Retina display, but it lacks the anti-reflective coating found on the larger iPad Air 2, relying on the older A7 processor. Performance remains smooth, and the battery life hits the impressive 10-hour mark for multimedia use, keeping the same internals as the previous model. However, the review highlights that the lack of hardware upgrades, specifically the outdated processor compared to the Air 2, makes the device feel like a minor refresh. 4 T3 concludes that the iPad mini 3 is a "niche and overpriced product," advising that the significantly cheaper iPad mini 2 is a better value for most users unless Touch ID or 128GB storage is essential. The primary advantages are the added security and higher storage options, while the high price point constitutes a significant drawback. 4

The 3G.co.uk review characterizes the iPad mini 3 as a disappointing, minor update over its predecessor, functioning as a "duplicate" with very few changes. While maintaining a high-quality build and a 7.9-inch Retina display, the primary additions are limited to the inclusion of Touch ID for secure authentication and a new gold color option. 3G.co.ukTechnically, the device is criticized for utilizing the same dual-core A7 chip and 1GB of RAM as the iPad mini 2, leaving it behind current hardware standards and limiting its long-term performance potential. Although the 10-hour battery life and 5-megapixel camera are functional, they do not offer improvements over the cheaper, older model, which represents a significant drawback for the price point. 3 Ultimately, the review finds it difficult to recommend the iPad mini 3 over the iPad mini 2, stating the £80 price premium for Touch ID alone is hard to justify. The final verdict suggests consumers choose the more affordable mini 2 unless the new security features or color options are essential. 3G.co.uk

According to the PhoneArena review, the Apple iPad mini 3 is a minor update featuring a premium aluminum unibody design, the addition of Touch ID for Apple Pay, and a new gold color option. While it retains a sharp 7.9-inch Retina display, it suffers from lower maximum brightness compared to its predecessor. The device keeps the same 5-megapixel camera and lacks significant hardware upgrades, utilizing the same A7 processor as the previous model. Pros include the inclusion of Touch ID, a high-quality build, and solid performance for daily tasks. Cons focus on the lack of internal upgrades, lower display brightness, and shorter battery life compared to the iPad mini 2, which resulted in a 6-hour and 53-minute runtime. The review deems the $399 starting price a "tough sell" given the minimal improvements over the cheaper, older model.

The Tech Advisor review concludes the iPad mini 3 is a premium-built, high-quality tablet that serves as an underwhelming, minor update to its predecessor, primarily introducing Touch ID and a gold color option. While the 7.9-inch Retina display remains sharp at 326ppi, the device retains the older A7 processor, 1GB of RAM, and lacks the anti-reflective coating found on larger models. Because the nearly identical iPad mini 2 was available at a lower price point, the review deems the mini 3 poor value for money.