Tablet Comparison
Apple iPad 3 vs Apple iPad mini 2 Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
iPad 3
iPad mini 2
+
What's good
+
Beautiful retina display
+
Fast performance
+
Useful pre-installed apps
+
Solid design
−
What's not
−
Price
−
Mediocre camera
iPad 3
iPad mini 2
+
Good
+
Beautiful retina display
+
Fast performance
+
Useful pre-installed apps
+
Solid design
−
Not
−
Price
−
Mediocre camera
Spec data
How they compare
iPad 3
iPad mini 2
Price (MSRP)
—
—
OS
iOS
iOS
Processor
Dual-core Apple A5X
Apple A7 Dual core
Camera zoom
—
—
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
652g (23 oz)
341g (12 oz)
Fingerprint
Unknown
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
iPad 3
iPad mini 2
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
—
OS
iOS
OS
iOS
Processor
Dual-core Apple A5X
Processor
Apple A7 Dual core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
652g (23 oz)
Weight
341g (12 oz)
Fingerprint
Unknown
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
iPad 3
0.9" × 0.7"
iPad mini 2
7.9" × 5.3"
Thickness · to scale
iPad 3
0"
iPad mini 2
0.3"
iPad 3
iPad mini 2
Height
0.9" (24.1 mm)
7.9" (200 mm)
Width
0.7" (18.6 mm)
5.3" (135 mm)
Depth
0" (0.9 mm)
0.3" (7 mm)
Weight
652g (23 oz)
341g (12 oz)
Screen
9.7"
7.8"
Height
0.9" (24.1 mm)
Height
7.9" (200 mm)
Width
0.7" (18.6 mm)
Width
5.3" (135 mm)
Depth
0" (0.9 mm)
Depth
0.3" (7 mm)
Weight
652g (23 oz)
Weight
341g (12 oz)
Screen
9.7"
Screen
7.8"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
iPad 3 vs iPad mini 2: FAQ
Which is better, the iPad 3 or iPad mini 2?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the iPad 3 earns a Compass Score of 8.8 compared to 8.7 for the iPad mini 2. That 0.1-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →