The Apple iPad mini 3, released in October 2014, was a notable addition to Apple’s tablet lineup. Positioned as a compact yet powerful device, it aimed to cater to users seeking portability without compromising on performance. In this review, we delve into the various aspects of the iPad mini 3, exploring its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build
The iPad mini 3 boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 in) and weighing 331g (Wi-Fi) / 341g (3G/LTE). Its light and slim design makes it perfect for users on the move. Both Nano-SIM and eSIM slots cater to all connectivity needs.
Display Quality
The iPad mini 3‘s 7.9-inch IPS LCD display offers a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. With a pixel density of approximately 324 ppi, images and text appear sharp and detailed, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the display features an oleophobic coating for improved smudge resistance, ensuring clarity even after prolonged use.
Performance and Software
The iPad mini 3 has an Apple A7 chipset with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone processor and PowerVR G6430 quad-core graphics. Although the A7 chipset is not the latest, it still delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption. The iPad originally shipped with iOS 8.1 but can be updated to iPadOS 12.5.6. This upgrade allows access to many apps and services available on the App Store.
Memory and Storage
In terms of memory and storage configurations, the iPad mini 3 has 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB variants, all paired with 1GB of RAM. While the absence of expandable storage may limit flexibility for some users, the available storage options should suffice for typical usage scenarios, including app installations, media storage, and document management.
Camera Capabilities
The iPad mini 3 features a 5 MP primary camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of capturing decent-quality photos and videos. Features like HDR enhance the camera’s versatility, allowing users to capture well-exposed images in various lighting conditions. On the front, there’s a 1.2 MP selfie camera with FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular support, enabling video calls and selfies with friends and family.
Audio and Connectivity
The iPad mini 3 delivers immersive audio playback for multimedia content or g. It comes with stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band support and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and EDR for seamless wireless connectivity. Additionally, the device features GPS and GLONASS for accurate positioning, catering to navigation and location-based services.
Battery Life
The iPad mini 3 has a non-removable Li-Po 6470 mAh battery that can provide up to 10 hours of multimedia usage on a single charge. While the battery capacity may not be the highest, efficient power management ensures extended usage periods, making it suitable for day-to-day productivity and entertainment needs.
Security and Additional Features
Regarding security, the iPad mini 3 offers a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing convenient and secure access to the device. Alongside the fingerprint sensor, the device has a suite of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, enhancing the user experience across various applications and functionalities.
Colour Options and Pricing
The iPad mini 3 is available in three colour options: Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, and Gold, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. As for pricing, the device was initially priced at around 400 EUR, offering a competitive balance between features and affordability within the tablet market segment.
But is it worth considering in 2024?
Compact and Portable Design
One of the iPad Mini 3‘s standout features is its compact and lightweight design. It’s highly portable and easy to carry around, measuring just 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm and weighing between 331g and 341g, depending on the model. Whether commuting, travelling or simply lounging at home, the iPad Mini 3 is convenient to hold and use for extended periods.
Vibrant Display
The iPad Mini 3 sports a vibrant 7.9-inch IPS LCD display with a 1536 x 2048 pixels resolution. With a pixel density of approximately 324 ppi, images and text appear sharp and detailed, delivering an immersive viewing experience. The display’s color accuracy and wide viewing angles suit various tasks, including web browsing, multimedia consumption, and gaming.
Smooth Performance
The iPad Mini 3 has the Apple A7 chipset, a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone processor, and PowerVR G6430 quad-core graphics. Although the A7 chipset is not the latest, it still provides a smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, emailing, social media, and light gaming. The device launches apps quickly, and multitasking is relatively seamless, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable user experience.
iOS Ecosystem and App Support
The iPad Mini 3 is part of the Apple ecosystem and runs on iOS, which provides a smooth and user-friendly interface. iOS offers a wide range of applications optimized for the iPad, including productivity tools, creative applications, and entertainment services. The App Store ensures users can access apps that meet their specific requirements, making the device more versatile and functional.
Decent Camera Quality
Despite being a compact tablet, the iPad Mini 3 features a respectable 5 MP primary camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera can capture detailed photos with accurate colors, especially in well-lit conditions. HDR enhances the camera’s versatility, allowing users to capture high-quality images with improved dynamic range. While not on par with flagship smartphones, the iPad Mini 3‘s camera is more than adequate for casual photography and video recording.
Fingerprint Sensor for Security
The iPad Mini 3 incorporates a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing convenient and secure biometric authentication. Touch ID allows users to unlock the device, authorize app purchases, and easily authenticate transactions. The fingerprint sensor adds an extra layer of security to the device, safeguarding personal data and sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Long Battery Life
Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 6470 mAh battery, the iPad Mini 3 offers impressive battery life. It can provide up to 10 hours of multimedia usage on a single charge. Whether watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the device can easily last throughout the day with moderate to heavy usage. The efficient power management ensures you can stay productive and entertained without worrying about recharging.
Outdated Hardware
Despite its capable performance, the iPad Mini 3 must be improved by its outdated hardware specifications. The device is powered by the Apple A7 chipset, introduced in 2013, making it several generations old by today’s standards. While it performs basic tasks well, it may need help with more demanding applications and intensive multitasking scenarios.
Limited Storage Options
The iPad Mini 3 comes with limited storage options, with variants offering either. With no option for expandable storage via microSD card, users may run out of storage space, especially if they frequently download large apps, games, or media files. The lack of flexibility in storage options can be a significant drawback for users with extensive media libraries or storage-intensive workflows.
Dated Design and Display Technology
While the iPad Mini 3 boasts a sleek and compact design, its overall aesthetic and display technology feel dated compared to newer devices in the market. The device features relatively thick bezels surrounding the display, which detract from its modern appeal. Additionally, while still capable, the use of IPS LCD technology falls short of the vibrant OLED displays found in newer tablets, resulting in less impressive contrast ratios and color reproduction.
Limited Camera Capabilities
While the iPad Mini 3‘s camera performs adequately for casual photography, it lacks modern smartphone cameras’ advanced features and capabilities. The 5 MP primary camera may struggle in low-light conditions, resulting in grainy or noisy images. Additionally, the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) and other advanced camera technologies limits the device’s versatility for photography enthusiasts.
No Split-Screen Multitasking
Despite its relatively large display, the iPad Mini 3 does not support split-screen multitasking. This feature allows users to run two apps simultaneously, side by side. This omission limits productivity and multitasking capabilities, as users need help to reference information from one app while working on another quickly. Split-screen multitasking has become a standard feature in modern tablets, and its absence in the iPad Mini 3 is a notable drawback.
High Price Tag
Upon its release, the iPad Mini 3 carried a premium price tag, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. While prices may have decreased over time, the device still commands a higher price than newer tablets, offering superior hardware specifications and features. The relatively high cost of entry may deter potential buyers, especially considering the device’s outdated hardware and limited storage options.
Limited Software Support
As with older devices, the iPad Mini 3 may face software support and update limitations. While it initially shipped with iOS 8.1 and is upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.6, future software updates may be limited, potentially excluding it from receiving the latest features, security patches, and compatibility updates. This lack of long-term software support can impact the device’s longevity and overall user experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The iPad Mini 3 offers a smaller and more portable form factor than other iPads, making it convenient for on-the-go use and easy to hold with one hand.
- Despite its smaller size, the iPad Mini 3 features a vibrant Retina display with sharp resolution, providing excellent clarity for reading, watching videos, and browsing the web.
- Touch ID makes device unlocking and purchase authorization secure and effortless.
- Apple ecosystem offers optimized apps, games, and services for iPads and seamless integration with iPhones and Macs.
- The iPad Mini 3 is powered by a capable processor, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and multimedia consumption.
Cons
- Compared to newer iPad models, the iPad Mini 3 features older hardware components, which may result in slower performance and limitations in running the latest apps and games.
- The iPad Mini 3 offers limited storage configurations, with no option to expand storage via a microSD card slot, which can be a downside for users who require ample storage space for media files and apps.
- The iPad Mini 3 may be considered relatively expensive for its features and specifications, especially compared to other tablets offering similar or better performance at a lower price point.
- Unlike newer iPad models, the iPad Mini 3 does not support the Apple Pencil, limiting its capabilities for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks that benefit from stylus input.
- While the iPad Mini 3’s battery life is decent for casual use, it may be shorter than that of larger iPads, particularly for tasks that demand higher processing power or continuous multimedia playback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple iPad mini 3 stands out as a compact and capable tablet offering from Apple. With its sleek design, vibrant display, smooth performance, and versatile camera capabilities, the iPad mini 3 caters to users seeking a portable yet powerful computing device. While it may not feature the latest hardware specifications, its reliability, and overall user experience make it a compelling choice for individuals looking for an efficient and reliable tablet solution.