- The iPad mini 3's Screen Size and Resolution
- The iPad mini 3 Offers Decent Processing Power
- A Few Important Decisions Relating to Which iPad Mini 3 to Acquire
- Select the Right Amount of Internal Storage to Meet Your Needs
- Final Thoughts?
From the book
From the book
From the book
The iPad mini 3 Offers Decent Processing Power
Beyond just their size and weight differences, the iPad Air 3 takes full advantage of Apple’s proprietary and cutting-edge A8X processor chip with 64-bit architectures and M8 motion coprocessor. This is the fastest and most powerful processor used within an iPad to date. The iPad mini 3, however, continues to utilize Apple’s A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor. This is the same processor that was used in last year’s iPad Air and iPad mini 2 models.
For many applications, the performance of the A7 versus A8X processor within the iPad isn’t too noticeable, and for the average user, it’s inconsequential. So, your primary decision when choosing between the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 is which screen size is preferred, and which tablet is most comfortable for you to hold and work with.
That being said, if you’ll be using the tablet with graphic-intensive apps, for example, or that require a tremendous amount of computing power to function, you’ll notice better overall performance from the iPad Air 2. This is most obvious when playing high-action, graphic-oriented games.
One feature Apple has integrated into both the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 is the Touch ID sensor within the Home button. Amongst other things, the Touch ID allows you to unlock the device using a fingerprint scan.
The front facing camera built into both the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 are also equivalent. This FaceTime HD camera is ideal for video calling (via FaceTime or Skype) and for taking 1.2 mega-pixel (MP) resolution selfies. This camera can also capture 720p HD video. One thing to consider, however, is that the rear-facing iSight camera built into the iPad mini 3 allows for 5MP digital images and 1080p HD video to be captured, while the iPad Air 2 offers a higher-resolution 8MP rear-facing camera.
Both tablet models offer faster Wi-Fi Internet connection speeds than previous iPads, as well as Bluetooth 4.0 technology, a Lightning port, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, and a battery life of up to 10 hours per charge.
Most importantly, both the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 run the latest version of iOS 8, as well as all of the iPad-specific and iPhone/iPad hybrid apps that are currently available from the App Store. These apps automatically adjust to the screen size of the device you’re using.
Thus, from a technology standpoint, the iPad Air 2 is slightly more advanced than the iPad mini 3 in certain areas, but depending on how you’ll be using the tablet, these differences may be insignificant, which brings you back to the primary decision of selecting a tablet with a 7.9-inch (diagonal) screen or a 9.7-inch (diagonal) screen.
From a size standpoint, the best way to choose which tablet is best for you is to visit an Apple Store or Apple authorized dealer and to hold the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in your hands to see which is more comfortable, and which screen size is more appealing.