What are all the differences between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3?

Please note that the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 both have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more and can be quite useful for anyone buying or selling either model on the used market.

The iPad mini 2 models -- the iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi Only), (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China) -- and the iPad mini 3 models -- the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only), (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) -- have a great deal in common.

In fact, it certainly seems that Apple must have decided the iPad mini 2 was too competitive with the higher end iPad Air series and barely changed the iPad mini line in 2014 in order to reduce the relative value of the smaller models compared to their higher-end contemporaries. The iPad mini 4, first introduced in 2015, was a much more significant upgrade compared to the iPad mini 3.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 2 - Silver Color Option)

The shortest answer is that the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models are different mainly because of the addition of a gold color option and a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor for the iPad mini 3. However, these models also have different identifiers, different iOS support options, and different capacities as well as different introductory and subsequent prices. There are many similarities that you may like to evaluate, too.

External Similarities & Differences

All iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models use the same thin case design with softly rounded corners and sides and weigh approximately three fourths of a pound.

However, the iPad mini 2 only uses a white front and a silver colored back or a black front and a "Space" gray back whereas the iPad mini 3 was also available with a white front and a gold colored back in addition to the iPad mini 2 color options.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 3 - Gold Color Option)

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 have the same dual cameras -- the rear-mounted 1080p 5 megapixel "iSight" and front-mounted 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" -- are identical.

As mentioned earlier, the iPad mini 3 models also add a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the "Home" button.

Internal Similarities & Differences

All iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 devices have a 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display, dual core, 64-bit 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor and M7 motion coprocessor, 1 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi support as well as Bluetooth 4.0 capability.

Originally, the iPad mini 2 was available with 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, but Apple discontinued the 64 GB and 128 GB options upon introducing the iPad mini 3 and discontinued it altogether on March 21, 2017. The iPad mini 3 was available with 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage (but not 32 GB).

Identification Differences

It is possible to visually distinguish between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 because of the "Touch ID" button on the iPad mini 3 line, but as subsequent models also have Touch ID and can be easy to mistake for one another when not side-by-side, visual identification is not a good long-term method for differentiation.

Furthermore, it is not possible to visually differentiate between the global and China-only cellular capable models in each line, which has become more-and-more of an issue as models have made their way around the world on the secondary market.

Instead, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad mini:

iPad	Model Number
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1489
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1490
iPad mini 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China)	A1491
iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1599
iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1600
iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China)	A1601

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the global Wi-Fi/Cellular configuration of the iPad mini 3 in black and gray with 16 GB of storage is MH3E2LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

Connectivity and battery life is the same for the Wi-Fi only and Cellular capable models from both lines. Using Wi-Fi, the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models all provide ten hours of runtime whereas the cellular capable models provide nine hours of runtime on a cellular connection.

Specifically, all iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models support dual channel 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with MIMO capability as well as Bluetooth 4.0.

Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:

iPad mini	Model Number	GSM EDGE	UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA	CDMA EV-DO	LTE Bands 4G
2 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1489	None	None	None	None
2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1490	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz	800, 1900 MHz	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26
2 (China Mobile)	A1491	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)	None	38, 39 (TD-LTE)
3 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1599	None	None	None	None
3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1600	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz	800, 1900 MHz	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26
3 (China Mobile)	A1601	850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz	850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)	None	38, 39 (TD-LTE)

All models with cellular connectivity support A-GPS, as well, whereas the Wi-Fi only models do not.

The cellular capable models all are unlocked and can be switched between carriers with a compatible Nano SIM card. However, some carriers still may require activation or configuration before the iPad will work properly -- or at all -- on their network. The China specific models are intended for use only in mainland China on China Mobile.

It also is worth noting that in the US and UK, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller -- like site sponsor Adorama -- the cellular capable iPad mini 3 also shipped with a then new "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it has a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers. The iPad mini 2 shipped with an "old fashioned" single carrier Nano SIM, even after its .

iOS Support Differences

The iPad mini 2 models first shipped with iOS 7.0.3 whereas the iPad mini 3 models first shipped with iOS 8.1 and cannot run the earlier iOS 7 operating system.

The iPad mini 2 models are fully supported by iOS 8 with the exception of the "Health" and "Apple Pay" features, whereas the iPad mini 3 models also do not support "Health" although they do support Apple Pay, albeit only for apps and not for use within retail stores.

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models also are fully supported by iOS 9 with the exception of the significant "Split View" interface option (and maintain the same feature "Health" and "Apple Pay" limitations from iOS 8, as well).

The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 models additionally are supported by iOS 10, but neither support the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. The iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 both are supported by iOS 11 and iOS 12, too.

However, neither the iPad mini 2 or iPad mini 3 are supported by iOS 13 (iPadOS) or later versions of the iOS. They cannot run the current version of the iOS.

Pricing Differences

All color options within each line originally cost the same amount. Pricing within lines only was differentiated by capacity and connectivity.

Original Prices

When the iPad mini 2 models were introduced, they were priced accordingly:

iPad mini 2 (Original Prices):	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$399	US$499	US$599	US$699
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$529	US$629	US$729	US$829

2014 Prices

When the iPad mini 3 models were introduced on October 16, 2014, Apple discontinued the higher capacity iPad mini 2 options and cut the price of the remaining ones. The iPad mini 3 inherited the same price points as the iPad mini 2 line at the time of its introduction, but a 32 GB option was no longer offered:

iPad mini 2:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$299	US$349	--	--
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$429	US$479	--	--
iPad mini 3 (Original Prices):	16 GB		64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$399		US$499	US$599
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$529		US$629	US$729

2015 Prices

On September 9, 2015, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 3 altogether and cut the prices on the iPad mini 2 once more:

iPad mini 2:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$269	US$319	--	--
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$399	US$449	--	--

2016 Prices

On September 7, 2016, Apple discontinued the 32 GB configuration of the iPad mini 2:

iPad mini 2:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$269	--	--	--
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$399	--	--	--

On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2 entirely.

For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Comparison Chart

The major differences between the iPad mini 2 and the iPad mini 3 are summarized accordingly:

	iPad mini 2	iPad mini 3
Storage Options:	16, 32, 64, 128 GB	16, 64, 128 GB
Touch ID:	No	Yes
Color Options:	White/Silver, Black/Gray	White/Silver, White/Gold, Black/Gray
Original iOS:	iOS 7	iOS 8
Maximum iOS:	iOS 12	iOS 12
Panorama:	Yes (iOS 8.0.2+)	Yes
Apple Pay:	No	Limited
Apple SIM:	No	Yes
Model Numbers:	A1489/A1490/A1491	A1599/A1600/A1601
Original Price (US):	US$399-US$829	US$399-US$729

So, should I buy an iPad mini 2 or an iPad mini 3?

When both models were new, the iPad mini 2 was the clear choice for most users over the iPad mini 3. Now, especially because neither device supports the current version of the iOS, subsequent models are a better choice than either for most users.

However, just compared to each other, the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 have the same high quality display and connectivity, are the same speed, and even have the same general design, but the iPad mini 2 originally cost US$100 less for the same 16 GB of capacity or US$50 less for 16 GB more capacity.

The iPad mini 3 really only originally made sense for someone who (1) needed 64 GB or 128 GB of storage capacity in a small package and who did not want to consider a used iPad mini 2, (2) forgot his or her password so much that the "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor would be well worth a US$100 premium for the reduced frustration, or (3) really loved the gold color.

On the used market, the iPad mini 3 is much more competitive than it was when new and it is certainly worth consideration for one who does not need the much faster performance of the iPad mini 4 or subsequent models and is on a tight budget. At even lower prices, the iPad mini 2 is well worth consideration, too. However, to reiterate, because neither device supports the current version of the iOS, app support will start to wane. Most users would be better off buying a newer iPad mini accordingly.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are many companies that sell iPad mini devices. However, purchasing from a quality business with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).