Apple iPad mini 2 vs Apple iPad mini 3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad mini 2 compared with iPad mini 3
AppleiPad mini 2AppleiPad mini 3
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2013October 2014
Display
Screen size7.9″7.9″
Resolution2048 × 15362048 × 1536
Sharpness324 pixels per inch324 pixels per inch
PanelLCDLCD
Display typeRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCDRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
Pixel density326 ppi326 ppi
Display featuresOleophobic coatingOleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)
Performance
ChipA7A7
Memory1 GB1 GB
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
CPU64-bit A7 with M7 motion coprocessor; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit64-bit A7 with M7 motion coprocessor; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
Cameras
Rear camera5 MP5 MP
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera1.2 MP1.2 MP
Rear cameraiSight; f/2.4 five-element lens; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination; hybrid IR filter; HDR; panoramaiSight; f/2.4 five-element lens; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination; hybrid IR filter; HDR; panorama; timer
Front cameraFaceTime HD; face detection; backside illuminationFaceTime HD; face detection; backside illumination; panorama; timer
Video recordingRear 1080p with video stabilisation, 3x zoom and time-lapse; front 720pRear 1080p at 30 fps with stabilisation, 3x zoom and time-lapse; front 720p
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity23.8 Wh23.8 Wh
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusNot supportedNot supported
Keyboard made for itNoNo
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsingUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsing
ChargingUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supportedPower adapter or USB computer charging
USB-CLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external videoLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external video
Wi-FiDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n with MIMODual-band 802.11a/b/g/n with MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth 4.0
Mobile networkLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM; cellular model weighs 341 gLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; Apple SIM supplied in UK and US; cellular model weighs 341 g
Stylus supportNo Apple Pencil supportNo Apple Pencil support
KeyboardsNo Smart ConnectorNo Smart Connector
Design
Weight331 g331 g
Thickness7.5 mm7.5 mm
Height × width200 × 134.7 mm200 × 134.7 mm
Operating systemiOSiOS
Biometrics–Touch ID fingerprint sensor in Home button
SpeakersStereo speakers (Notebookcheck)Stereo speakers (Notebookcheck)
MicrophonesDual microphonesDual microphones
SensorsGyroscope; accelerometer; ambient light; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular modelGyroscope; accelerometer; ambient light; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium enclosureAluminium enclosure (Notebookcheck)
ColoursSilver, Space GreySilver, Gold, Space Grey
Software at launchiOS 7iOS 8.1; orders opened 17 October 2014 with availability the following week
In the boxiPad mini; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power AdapteriPad mini; USB power adapter; Lightning to USB cable (Notebookcheck)

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