iPad Air 2 vs. iPad Mini 3: Choosing the Tablet That’s Best for You

By Don Reisinger

The decision between the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 may ultimately come down to how big of a screen a customer wants. Those seeking more mobility and a smaller screen should go with the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 3. The iPad Air 2’s 9.7-inch screen would be best for those seeking more display real estate to watch videos and get work done.

Don’t forget about the power question when comparing the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3. The iPad Mini 3 ships with the same A7 chip that was running in the previous version of the device. The iPad Air 2 boosts its chip to the A8X, which is Apple’s most sophisticated processor and one that should deliver the kind of power companies and gamers want.

Pricing is an obvious concern for folks, so that should be taken into consideration when trying to choose between the two tablets. The iPad Air 2 starts at $499 for a 16GB, WiFi-only model. The iPad Mini 3 comes in at $399 for the same storage in WiFi. One other note: The iPad Air 2 tops out at $829 for the top-of-the-line model. The top-end iPad Mini 3 is $729.

There’s no doubt that when it comes to mobility, Apple has done a fine job of ensuring both the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 can be carted around. However, the iPad Air 2 is more than an inch taller and wider than the iPad Mini 3. It also weighs about 100 grams more than the iPad Mini 3. While that’s not necessarily a big difference, it’s enough for some customers to pick one over the other. Apple is offering the iPad Mini for customers who want a small-tablet experience. And that small, lightweight feel is what the company provides in the iPad Mini 3.

Here’s an obvious question one should ask before choosing either device: Do you already own an iPad Mini or iPad Air? If the answer is yes and you’ve definitely decided to go with a new Apple tablet, choose the model you don’t already own. Neither the iPad Air 2 nor the iPad Mini 3 is a major update over their predecessors. You can’t go wrong by trying the other model.

While the front-facing cameras built into the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 are the same 1.2-megapixel FaceTime units, the rear-facing cameras are quite different. The iPad Mini 3 has a 5-megapixel lens, while the iPad Air 2’s camera has 8 megapixels. The iPad Air 2 also has a Burst mode feature that adds some extra value to the average photographer.

Although the obvious difference between the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 is their size, there are more comparisons to draw. For one thing, the iPad Mini 3 has more pixels per inch—326—than the 264 found in the iPad Air 2. On the other side, Apple has added fully laminated display support and anti-reflective coating to the iPad Air 2’s screen. So, to sum up, the iPad Mini 3 has better pixel density, but the iPad Air 2 will likely perform better in the middle of a sunny, summer day.

The wireless connectivity built into the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 are slightly different. While they both have the same cellular features, the WiFi built into the iPad Air 2 includes 802.11ac. The iPad Mini 3 tops out at 802.11n. Other than that, don’t expect any differences in wireless connectivity between the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2.

Looking for a special color? Don’t look at the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 for any differences. Both devices come in three color options: Space Gray, Silver and Gold. Worth noting: The iPad Mini 2 didn’t come with a gold version, but the iPad Mini 3 does. Nice.

Before deciding which product is best, it’s important to look at the competitive marketplace. Although there are several products available in the higher end, like Microsoft’s Surface Pro, one could argue that the iPad Air 2 is far and away the best option in terms of features and design. The iPad Mini 3, however, is in line with many tablets of similar size, and some could argue other devices have trumped it in terms of available features. So, look at the competitive landscape before deciding on either Apple product. One might discover another option that will make a suitable choice.