Apple iPad mini 3 Pro Reviews

Separated by only $100, it’s really tough for us to recommend going with the iPad mini 3 – even though it’s the cheaper of the two models, at $399. It’s even tougher to swallow knowing that it doesn’t see any major improvements, or differences, with its own predecessor. Flipping it around, the $500 cost of the iPad Air 2 makes plenty of sense, since it’s boasting the better internals and performance. At the same time, we have to point out that the iPad Air 2’s larger size makes it more ideal for certain things – such as typing up documents, surfing the web, and watching videos. And best of all, it’s incredibly thin with its construction! Unless you prefer the more compact size of the iPad mini 3, don’t waste your money picking it up knowing that the iPad Air 2 is without question the superior tablet.

Despite little in the way of upgrades, Apple's miniature iPad is still as alluring as ever - the old model is better value, though.

As we try to think dearly about Apple’s intent with the iPad mini 3, we’re still having trouble rationalizing the reasoning behind its $400 cost. In all fairness, it’s a pricey investment considering that the only notable new addition is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor – while the rest of the tablet largely remains the same. In fact, it sport’s the same Retina Display, iSight camera, and processor of its predecessor, which of course, is still quite a formidable thing, especially for something that’s now attached with a $300 cost. Sure, there’s now a gold colored option to select from, but the iPad 3 lacks any meaningful changes to warrant the upgrade – more so if you’re holding onto the iPad mini 2. Beyond that, we can’t forget to think about Apple’s other tablet, the iPad Air 2, which seems more valuable with its starting price of $500.

The value in upgrading to the iPad mini 2 from the original was clear; the improvements in stepping up to the iPad mini 3 from its predecessor are more granular. That's not so much a critique of the new model as it is recognition that the iPad mini 2 simply got so much right.Touch ID is a great convenience boon, and the gold finish has probably made some precious-metal fans happy, but neither is a must-have reason to upgrade if you have the last-gen hardware. Conversely, if you're still rocking an original iPad mini then the iPad mini 3 improves it in all dimensions. There's likely to be juggling ahead in Apple's iOS line-up. The larger iPhone 6 Plus arguably treads on the iPad mini's toes now, while the iPad Air 2's even more waifish form-factor leaves it increasingly portable. Nonetheless, for those who want a compact tablet, strong battery life, a solid display, and the growing convenience of Touch ID, Apple Pay, and the well-stocked App Store, the iPad mini 3 is king of its niche. How that niche will evolve over the next 12-18 months remains to be seen.