iPad Mini 3 In 2023! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

The iPad Mini 3 is outdated and not recommended for purchase in 2023.

Transcript

so let's go ahead and take a look at the iPad Mini 3 and see how the specific iPad holds up in 2023 now what's funny is is that this iPad came off right off the heels of the iPad Mini 2 and it was probably one of the smallest iPad updates we've probably ever seen in our lifetimes so I will break down whether this iPad is worth buying or not spoiler... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛩️ The iPad Mini 3 was released as a small, affordable alternative but has become outdated rapidly.
• 👶 Touch ID is the only significant hardware upgrade from the Mini 2, which isn't compelling enough to warrant a new purchase.
• 🖤 It features a solid aluminum build, but its design lacks novelty and innovation, remaining largely unchanged from earlier models.
• 🎥 Camera capabilities are limited, with performance falling behind contemporary smartphones that offer superior camera technology.
• ❓ The device has been unsupported since around 2018, resulting in potential software incompatibility issues.
• 🎏 Performance is sluggish, with frequent glitches and lag when multitasking or using modern applications.
• 🇦🇪 Buying an iPad Mini 3 is only advisable for collectors wanting a sealed unit, otherwise, better options are available.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the primary differences between the iPad Mini 3 and its predecessor, the Mini 2?

The main difference between the iPad Mini 3 and Mini 2 is the introduction of Touch ID. While the design and screen specifications remain largely unchanged, Touch ID does enhance security. However, the incremental upgrade does not justify purchasing the Mini 3 if a Mini 2 is already owned.

Q: How has the camera performance of the iPad Mini 3 aged compared to current devices?

The iPad Mini 3’s camera features a 5 MP rear camera and a 1.2 MP front camera, which are notably inferior to modern smartphones. Even devices like the iPhone 6s offer significantly better camera quality, making it impractical to rely on the iPad Mini 3 for photography or videography.

Q: What software support does the iPad Mini 3 receive, and why does that matter?

The iPad Mini 3 originally came with iOS 8.1 and has been stuck on iPadOS 12.5 since then. This lack of updates means users miss out on new features and security improvements, making it less safe and efficient for modern usage. Buying an unsupported device is not advisable.

Q: What performance issues are typical with the iPad Mini 3 today?

Users report that the iPad Mini 3 experiences slow performance and glitchiness, especially when running newer applications. The aging Apple A7 chip and just 1 GB of RAM contribute to a frustrating experience, making everyday tasks challenging compared to newer models.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPad Mini 3 features minimal upgrades from the Mini 2, including Touch ID, but it lacks significant advancements, making it less appealing.

• With aging hardware, such as a 5 MP camera and Apple A7 chip, the iPad Mini 3 struggles to perform effectively with current apps and software.

• Since it has been unsupported for years, buying the iPad Mini 3 is impractical, and alternatives like the iPad Mini 5 or iPad 8 are recommended.