OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£340RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:7.9 inchesChipset:Apple A7

Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB)
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

90%

5.6

Technical score

10%

8.6

User score

▼Worse than 59% of tablets
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

▼Worse than 63%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

22%

4.8

Performance

20%

5.2

Display

16%

6.1

Camera

14%

4.5

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software & Features

5%

7.3

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

▼Worse than 65%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 82%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
1GB + 16GB1GB + 64GBCheck price1GB + 128GBCheck price
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

22%

4.8

Performance

20%

5.2

Display

16%

6.1

Camera

14%

4.5

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software & Features

5%

7.3

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

5.6
User score
User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) has a user popularity of 7.7 points, which is lower than 74.9% of Tablets.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

6.8
RAM capacity
1 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 1 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 77.8% of tablets and equal to that of 19.3% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process node, which is larger than the node size used in 64.7% of tablets and equal to the node used in 17.8% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 16 GB which is smaller than the storage of 78.5% of tablets and equal to that of 15% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
?
Chipset
Apple A7
This tablet uses the Apple A7 chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 83.6% of tablets and equal to those in 0.5% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
2048×1536
This tablet has a screen resolution of 2048×1536 which is higher than that of 68.7% of tablets and equal to that of 3.8% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 94.8% of tablets and equal to that of 2.1% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a main camera resolution of 5 MP which is lower than that of 63.6% of tablets and equal to that of 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
1.2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 1.2 MP which is lower than in 86.3% of tablets and equal to that in 4.8% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 69.8% of tablets and equal to that of 17.6% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet supports 1xx optical zoom which is higher than in 18.4% of tablets and equal to that in 80.7% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
6,471 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 6,471 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 51.4% of tablets and equal to those in 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 10 W which is slower than in 61% of tablets and equal to speeds in 33.2% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 49.7% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
yes
This tablet supports LTE. 36.8% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
yes
This tablet supports GPS. 17.3% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
?
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
?
Show more
IP rating
IP68
This tablet has an IP rating of IP68 which is higher than that of 94.8% of tablets and equal to that of 3.5% of tablets.
Weight
331 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 331 g which is lighter than 86.5% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.2% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.8% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A7 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A7 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 45.5% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (326 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    326 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • Higher IP rating
    This tablet has a better IP rating than the average tablet (IP68 vs not rated). Water and dust protection are still uncommon on tablets.
    IP68 vs not rated
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This tablet allows manual shutter speed control, the average tablet does not. 21.9% of tablets offer manual shutter speed control.
  • 32.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (331 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    331 g vs 490 g
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • 105 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (326 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    326 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 7% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad Mini 3
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) has a higher user score than the average tablet (8.56 vs 8.000).
    8.56 vs 8
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A7 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A7 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 45.5% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (326 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    326 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • 105 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (326 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    326 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2048×1536 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2048×1536 vs 1920×1200
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This tablet allows manual shutter speed control, the average tablet does not. 21.9% of tablets offer manual shutter speed control.
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • Supports slow-motion recording
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, the average tablet does not. 37.5% of tablets offer slow-mo.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This tablet supports AirPlay, the average tablet does not. 7.6% of tablets are AirPlay compatible.
  • Includes fingerprint scanner
    This tablet offers a better fingerprint scanner setup than the average tablet (yes vs no). Fingerprint scanner quality still varies a lot between tablets.
    Fingerprint scanner in the home button.
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Allows app offloading
    This tablet allows app offloading, the average tablet does not. 26.4% of tablets support app offloading.
  • Higher IP rating
    This tablet has a better IP rating than the average tablet (IP68 vs not rated). Water and dust protection are still uncommon on tablets.
    IP68 vs not rated
  • 32.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (331 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    331 g vs 490 g
  • 40.6 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (134.7 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    134.7 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • 3.8 MP lower front camera megapixels
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 35% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    2 vs 6
  • 3 MP lower main camera megapixels
    This tablet has a lower-resolution main camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a 8 MP main camera.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This tablet uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average tablet uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 3 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (1 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 4 GB
  • 35% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    2 vs 6
  • 75% less storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet uses a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 533 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (1,333 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    1,333 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • Worse GPU
    This tablet uses the PowerVR G6430 GPU, while the average tablet uses the stronger Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    PowerVR G6430 vs Mali-G51
  • 30.8% slower GPU clock
    This tablet has a lower GPU frequency than the average tablet (450 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet has GPU frequency of 650 MHz.
    450 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • 14.1% lower memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a lower memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 2.2 inches smaller screen size
    This tablet has a lower screen size than the average tablet (7.9 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    7.9 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This tablet has a lower contrast ratio than the average tablet (812:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    812:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 18 nits lower peak brightness
    This tablet has a lower peak brightness than the average tablet (383 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    383 nits vs 401 nits
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This tablet has a lower touch sampling rate than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet has touch sampling rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 17 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (383 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    383 nits vs 400 nits
  • 3.8 MP lower front camera megapixels
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • 3 MP lower main camera megapixels
    This tablet has a lower-resolution main camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a 8 MP main camera.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • No burst mode
    This tablet does not support burst mode, the average tablet does. 60.5% of tablets support burst mode.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 44.4% slower charging speed
    This tablet supports slower charging than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This tablet uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average tablet uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.4% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad Mini 3
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average tablet does. 73.6% of tablets allow multiple user profiles.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, the average tablet does. 57.2% of tablets have dark mode.
  • No offline voice recognition
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.1% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • 2 points lower iFixit repairability score
    This tablet has a lower repairability score than the average tablet (2 points vs 4 points). The average tablet repairability score is 4 points.
    2 points vs 4 points
  • 5 older release date
    This tablet is an older model than the average tablet (2014 vs 2019).
    October 2014
    2014 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
Simple Alpaca
≈ estimated
02/04/2023
Long-term use · software support and performance check
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 is not worth buying anymore, except as a sealed collector's item.
3.0
Simple Alpaca
≈ estimated
04/04/2022
Retro review · performance and battery in 2022
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 is not worth buying in 2022; choppy performance and outdated software make it a poor choice.
7.0
ITJungles
≈ estimated
05/02/2020
Long-term review · apps, games and browsing in 2020
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 still handles basic tasks in 2020, but it is slower and can no longer be updated.
4.0
Droz Tech
≈ estimated
24/02/2026
Still worth it review · software, battery and camera tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 doesn't hold up well in 2026; it is only fine for basic reading and video, so another iPad is the better choice.
4.0
Karl Conrad
≈ estimated
25/10/2014
Unboxing · first impressions and performance notes
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 is not worth upgrading from the Mini 2, and other tablets are a better choice for smaller screens.
6.0
ZONEofTECH
≈ estimated
24/10/2014
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Apple iPad Mini 3 is still fluid, but it is nearly identical to last year's model, so the Air or previous Mini makes more sense.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theverge.com
21/10/2014
Review · Small tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is probably the best small tablet, thanks to its iPad app library, though it is last year's model with Touch ID added.
cnet.com
21/10/2014
Hands-on review · Small tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a fine small tablet with an excellent display and battery, but its only upgrade is Touch ID, so the iPad mini 2 is smarter.
techradar.com
06/08/2015
Review · Touch ID tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is essentially the iPad mini 2 with Touch ID and gold, a nice tablet that is hard to recommend over the cheaper older model.
trustedreviews.com
16/10/2014
Hands-on review · Small tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a good tablet with a sharp screen and solid design, but it is nearly the iPad mini 2 at a higher price.
theguardian.com
21/10/2014
Hands-on review · Small tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a solid small tablet with a well-built body and useful Touch ID, but last year's iPad mini 2 is hard to beat on value.
expertreviews.co.uk
11/03/2019
Retrospective review · Older model
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a well-made small tablet, but it is outdated and only worth considering second-hand if you want Touch ID.
whathifi.com
16/12/2014
Audio-focused review · Screen and sound
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is an excellent small tablet with a superb screen and rich, clean sound, though it adds little to last year's model.
pcmag.com
22/10/2014
Lab test · Value comparison
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a superb small tablet, but its near-identical predecessor is the better buy because Touch ID alone doesn't justify the premium.
t3.com
21/10/2014
Hands-on review · Touch ID update
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a sleek small tablet whose only real upgrade is Touch ID, so last year's model is the smarter buy for most people.
3g.co.uk
22/10/2014
Hands-on review · Mini update
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is Apple's best mini yet, but it's a minor upgrade on the mini 2, and its A7 chip lags behind the iPad Air 2.
P
phonearena.com
09/06/2020
Summary of the review
Apple iPad mini 3 Review Would you like to compare the technical specifications of the iPad Mini 3 against its successor, the iPad Mini 4?
techadvisor.com
06/11/2014
Hands-on test · Benchmark comparison
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a great tablet whose only real new feature is Touch ID, so the cheaper iPad mini 2 is the better buy for most people.
reviewed.com
31/12/2014
Lab test · Hands-on review
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a solid, well-built tablet, but it's poor value while the mini 2 is still on sale for less.
E
editorial.recombu.com
27/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Mini 3 Review: In Depth - Recombu
I
independent.co.uk
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
iPad mini 3 review: 'Touch ID' makes a welcome addition to the best small tablet
4
4g.co.uk
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad mini 3 Review
computerbild.de
28/10/2014
Lab test · Compact tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a handy, sharp tablet whose Touch ID is its only real upgrade, so the older model suits anyone who doesn't need it.
netzwelt.de
28/10/2014
Hands-on test · Compact tablet
Verdict
The iPad mini 3 is a well-built, sharp little tablet with fast Touch ID, but it barely changes from its predecessor and is hard to read in direct sunlight.
C
computerwoche.de
15/11/2014
Summary of the review
Das beste Mini-Tablet?: Apple iPad mini 3 im Test - Computerwoche
(Translated)Show original
V
verivox.de
08/06/2015
Summary of the review
Das iPad Mini 3 im Tablet-Test: "Passt in die Sakkotasche" - Verivox
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB)

  • Addition of Touch ID fingerprint sensor for improved security and convenience.
  • High-resolution 7.9-inch Retina display with excellent sharpness and viewing angles.
  • Compact and lightweight aluminum design that is highly portable and premium to the touch.
  • Strong battery life, consistently meeting the 10-hour usage claim for media and browsing.
  • Expanded storage options, including a 128GB model not available for the previous generation at the time.

What customers don't like about Apple iPad Mini 3 (1GB + 16GB)

  • Minimal upgrades over the iPad mini 2, with no improvements to the processor or camera.
  • Higher price point compared to the nearly identical iPad mini 2, leading many to view it as poor value.
  • Lacks the anti-reflective coating and bonded glass display found on the contemporaneous iPad Air 2.
  • Performance limitations with 1GB of RAM, which can lead to tab refreshing and slower multitasking.
  • Cameras perform poorly in low-light conditions, producing grainy or undefined images.

Verdict

The Apple iPad Mini 3 is a compact tablet featuring a 7.9-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, powered by a dual-core 1.3GHz A7 chip, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of non-expandable storage. Its primary characteristics include a premium aluminum build, a 5MP rear iSight camera, a 1.2MP front FaceTime camera, and the introduction of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Main pros include its highly portable design, excellent screen sharpness at 326 ppi, and reliable 10-hour battery life for media consumption. However, notable cons include its lack of hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor (sharing the same processor and display), limited 16GB storage which fills up quickly, and its status as an older device that no longer supports the latest iPadOS versions.

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