The Apple iPad mini 3, announced in October 2014, remains a notable entry in Apple’s mini tablet lineup, offering a lightweight and portable design with LTE connectivity options. This tablet is equipped with the Apple A7 chipset, a 7.9-inch Retina display, and upgradable iPadOS software. Supporting a wide range of LTE bands, the iPad mini 3 is ideal for users who require mobile connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi. Despite being discontinued, the iPad mini 3 continues to be a solid option for users looking for a budget-friendly tablet experience with access to Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple iPad mini 3 Specifications
Here’s a detailed responsive table with the key specifications of the Apple iPad mini 3:
Category | Specifications |
---|---|
Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, CDMA 800 / 1900 |
3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
4G Bands | A1600: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 |
A1601: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 | |
Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm |
Weight | 331 g (Wi-Fi), 341 g (3G/LTE) |
Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
Display Type | IPS LCD, 1536 x 2048 pixels (~324 ppi density) |
Protection | Oleophobic coating |
OS | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.6 |
Chipset | Apple A7 (28 nm) |
CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) |
GPU | PowerVR G6430 (quad-core graphics) |
Internal Memory | 16GB/64GB/128GB, all with 1GB RAM |
Main Camera | 5 MP, f/2.4, HDR, 1080p@30fps |
Selfie Camera | 1.2 MP, 720p@30fps, FaceTime |
Battery | Li-Po 6470 mAh, up to 10 hours |
Colors | Space Gray/Black, Silver/White, Gold |
Price | About 400 EUR |
Apple iPad mini 3 Review
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad mini 3 retains the classic design elements of the iPad mini series, featuring an aluminum frame and glass front. Measuring 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm and weighing 341 grams for the LTE model, the iPad mini 3 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and ideal for one-handed use. The build quality feels premium, with an oleophobic coating on the screen to reduce smudges and fingerprints.
Display Quality
The 7.9-inch Retina IPS LCD display remains one of the device’s highlights. With a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and a pixel density of ~324 ppi, the display is sharp, offering excellent clarity for reading, browsing, and watching videos. The compact size and high pixel density provide a great viewing experience, while the oleophobic coating adds durability and keeps the screen looking clean. The overall contrast ratio of 812:1 ensures good color accuracy, although it’s not the brightest compared to newer models.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Apple A7 chipset with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone CPU and PowerVR G6430 GPU, the iPad mini 3 delivers sufficient performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. The device originally launched with iOS 8.1, but it’s upgradable to iPadOS 12.5.6, which means users can still access modern apps and features. With 1GB of RAM, the device handles multitasking reasonably well, though it may lag when running more memory-intensive applications.
Camera Quality
The 5 MP rear camera on the iPad mini 3 captures decent photos with HDR support. It records 1080p video at 30fps, providing adequate quality for casual photography and video recording. The 1.2 MP front camera is suitable for FaceTime and video calls, though the quality may feel dated compared to modern devices. Nonetheless, for a tablet of this size, the camera performance is more than sufficient for most users.
Battery Life
The 6470 mAh Li-Po battery offers up to 10 hours of use, which is standard for most iPads. This allows for extended browsing, streaming, and reading sessions without needing to recharge frequently. Whether using Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, the battery life holds up well, making the iPad mini 3 reliable for day-to-day use.
Connectivity
The Apple iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular version supports a wide range of LTE bands, making it ideal for users who need mobile data connectivity on the go. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, ensuring fast and stable connections for both internet access and wireless peripherals. While the tablet lacks NFC and modern USB-C, it uses the Lightning connector for charging and data transfer, which is still widely supported across Apple devices.
Storage Options
The iPad mini 3 offers 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options. With no expandable memory via microSD, users need to carefully choose their storage option based on their needs. The 64GB or 128GB versions are more suitable for users who intend to store a lot of media and apps, while the 16GB variant may feel limited over time.
Conclusion
The Apple iPad mini 3 remains a good option for users who need a compact, affordable tablet with reliable performance and LTE connectivity. With its 7.9-inch Retina display, Apple A7 chipset, and access to the latest supported iPadOS software, it offers a well-rounded experience for basic use. However, those looking for more modern features may want to explore newer iPads with better cameras, more powerful processors, and additional connectivity options.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.