Recently I purchased an iPad Mini 2 for personal use but had to make a decision between the iPad Mini 2 vs. iPad Mini 3. In the end, I chose the iPad Mini 2 as the better value for a number of other reasons which I’m going to share with you in this article.
The major differences between the iPad Mini 2 vs. iPad Mini 3 are minimal. The iPad Mini 3 added Touch ID and did away with the 32GB version, kept the 16GB version and added the 64GB and 128GB option. Outside of the Touch ID, there’s very little that makes the iPad Mini 3 worth the extra cash, making the iPad Mini 2 easily the best value decision.
The Price Difference
Price is often part of the decision making process and the iPad Mini 2 is less money. In side by side comparison, the 16GB iPad Mini 2 is $100 cheaper than the iPad Mini 3 and there’s really not much difference in the two. However, there’s no point in purchasing a 16GB anything, anymore.
iPad Mini Memory Options
When it comes to 16GB, Apple should have just did away with it in the iPad Mini 3 because the operating system takes up about 4GB leaving you with about 12GB usable space… That’s not a lot these days and as operating systems update, they tend to use more space so it’s best to skip the 16GB version of anything and go with the 32GB or larger.
When Apple designed the iPad Mini 3, they removed the option for a 32GB version and left the 16GB version. Logically, I think they should have removed the 16GB version and started at 32GB. It just makes more sense.
Hardware and Performance
iPad Mini 3 vs. iPad Mini 2 when it comes to hardware and performance they are identical. They both have the A7 processor and M7 motion co-processor. Both have dual-band wifi connectivity, bluetooth 4.0 and a 10 hour battery. There’s no difference in cameras, there’s no difference in Facetime or camera zoom or anything.
iPad Mini 2 vs. iPad Mini 3 Summary
Unless you need 64GB – 128GB, there’s so little difference in these two iPads that make spending the extra money worth it. When it came to my own decision, I didn’t need the larger capacity since I use an iPhone 6 with 128GB and it’s used more often than the iPad Mini 2 and typically store more data on my iPhone.
My Personal Use of the iPad Mini 2
Why buy an iPad Mini? The reason I purchased the iPad Mini 2 is to use it around the house. Living with a teenage girl and wife, I don’t get much time on the Television so I use my iPad Mini to watch the Golf Channel through the Time Warner app since they took away from the basic cable channels. I also subscribe to a lot of podcasts and Udemy courses so I listen and watch the courses through my iPad Mini 2. 32GB iPad Mini 2 is a perfect size for storing several Podcasts on and is expected to be used for many years to come.
Best Price on the iPad Mini 2
Unboxing Video of the iPad Mini 2
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