The New iPad Mini 3: A Step Backward?

As we take a closer look at the brand new iPad Mini 3, it's hard to help but feel a sense of disappointment. This latest iteration of the iPad Mini series looks identical to its predecessor, the iPad Mini 2. The design is still the same, with no noticeable changes in terms of shape, size, or overall aesthetic. While this may not be an issue for most users, those who are accustomed to the latest and greatest technology might find it hard to justify purchasing this model.

One area where the iPad Mini 3 does offer some improvements is in its storage options. With 128 GB and 64 GB of storage available at a cheaper price than ever before, this is definitely a selling point for those on a budget. However, it's worth noting that these storage options are not significantly faster or more efficient than their previous counterparts. The same is true for the display, which still doesn't quite live up to the standards set by its counterpart, the iPad Air 2. This model features a laminated display with full color gamut and anti-glare technology, making it a significant improvement over the standard iPad Mini 3.

But what about the processor? Unfortunately, the iPad Mini 3 is still rocking the same Apple A7 chip that was used in last year's model. While this might not be an issue for most users, those who are heavy into graphic design or gaming will likely notice a difference. The processor's limitations mean that certain tasks, such as high-end graphics rendering, may feel sluggish or underpowered.

The camera on the iPad Mini 3 is also still stuck in last year's technology. With only a 5 megapixel sensor, this model fails to live up to the standards set by its counterpart, the iPad Air 2. For those who aren't heavy into photography, this might not be an issue, but for those who want top-notch image quality, there are better options available.

So why should you even bother with the iPad Mini 3? The answer lies in its feature set and convenience. With Touch ID now integrated into the model, users can unlock their device with a simple touch of their finger. This feature is particularly useful for those who have used it on their iPhone before, as it provides an added layer of security and convenience.

But what about Apple Pay? The iPad Mini 3 supports this feature, allowing users to make payments online at participating retailers. This is a significant improvement over previous models and is sure to be a hit with those who want to take advantage of this convenient payment method.

One of the biggest differences between the iPad Mini 3 and its counterpart, the iPad Air 2, is the presence of Touch ID on this model. While the iPad Air 2 may offer more advanced features and better performance, the iPad Mini 3 provides a similar level of convenience at a lower price point. For those who want gold, 64 GB or 128 GB storage, or simply want to save some money, the iPad Mini 3 is definitely worth considering.

Ultimately, the iPad Mini 3 is a model that caters to those who want the latest technology in a portable format. While it may not offer all of the features and performance of its counterpart, it provides a convenient and user-friendly experience at an affordable price point. For most users, this will be more than enough to justify purchasing this model.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is Renee from imore.com and right now we're looking at the brand new iPad Mini 3 it looks identical to the iPad Mini 2 but it's got Touch ID now it's got a gold finish option and it's got 128 GB and 64 GB of storage at a cheaper price than ever so the display isn't any better than last year and that's a shame because the iPad Air 2 is now laminated it's got a full color gamut and it's got anti-glare so uh this is lagging behind now not just a step behind but a couple steps behind the processor is also an Apple A7 it's not the new Apple A8 or Apple a8x maybe that's because they can't produce enough maybe that's because they can't get them uh shrunk down enough but either way you have exactly the same externals and internals as you do last year that won't make a difference to most people if you're a photographic professional if you're a gamer if you're doing a lot of high-end graphic stuff then you'll notice the difference most people most of the time it's still going to be fine you've also got the same 5 megapixel camera it wasn't upgraded the way the iPad Air 2 camera was again for most people who aren't doing a lot of Photography it won't matter but if you are for all of these things for the display for the processor for the cameras for the LTE and Wi-Fi radios if you want the latest and the greatest you're going to have to go iPad Air 2 or iPhone 6 iPhone 6 plus the biggest difference with the iPad Mini 3 is you now have Touch ID so you can unlock your iPad with the touch of your finger you can also authorize payments to the Apple to the App Store to the iTunes Store to the iBook store and because it's a touch ID API you can also use it to unlock your password manager or to unlock your banking application and with Apple pay you can even pay online to any retailer that accepts it it's a huge difference in uh convenience if you've had Touch ID before on your iPhone you probably really missed it on your iPad now you can have it on both you're not getting all the latest technology with the iPad Mini what you're getting is last year's technology in the most portable format possible you're getting Touch ID you're getting the gold finish and if you really want 64 GB or 128 GB you're getting them 100 bucks cheaper than you did last year so it's more about want than need if you want gold if you want 64 GB or 128 GB at 100 bucks off if you want Touch ID you're going to want the iPad Mini 3this is Renee from imore.com and right now we're looking at the brand new iPad Mini 3 it looks identical to the iPad Mini 2 but it's got Touch ID now it's got a gold finish option and it's got 128 GB and 64 GB of storage at a cheaper price than ever so the display isn't any better than last year and that's a shame because the iPad Air 2 is now laminated it's got a full color gamut and it's got anti-glare so uh this is lagging behind now not just a step behind but a couple steps behind the processor is also an Apple A7 it's not the new Apple A8 or Apple a8x maybe that's because they can't produce enough maybe that's because they can't get them uh shrunk down enough but either way you have exactly the same externals and internals as you do last year that won't make a difference to most people if you're a photographic professional if you're a gamer if you're doing a lot of high-end graphic stuff then you'll notice the difference most people most of the time it's still going to be fine you've also got the same 5 megapixel camera it wasn't upgraded the way the iPad Air 2 camera was again for most people who aren't doing a lot of Photography it won't matter but if you are for all of these things for the display for the processor for the cameras for the LTE and Wi-Fi radios if you want the latest and the greatest you're going to have to go iPad Air 2 or iPhone 6 iPhone 6 plus the biggest difference with the iPad Mini 3 is you now have Touch ID so you can unlock your iPad with the touch of your finger you can also authorize payments to the Apple to the App Store to the iTunes Store to the iBook store and because it's a touch ID API you can also use it to unlock your password manager or to unlock your banking application and with Apple pay you can even pay online to any retailer that accepts it it's a huge difference in uh convenience if you've had Touch ID before on your iPhone you probably really missed it on your iPad now you can have it on both you're not getting all the latest technology with the iPad Mini what you're getting is last year's technology in the most portable format possible you're getting Touch ID you're getting the gold finish and if you really want 64 GB or 128 GB you're getting them 100 bucks cheaper than you did last year so it's more about want than need if you want gold if you want 64 GB or 128 GB at 100 bucks off if you want Touch ID you're going to want the iPad Mini 3\n"