What are all the differences between the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4?

Please note that the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 both have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

Although there are tell-tale differences between the iPad mini 3 models introduced in 2014 -- the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) -- and the iPad mini 4 models that replaced them starting in 2015 -- the iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- the most important differences are not readily apparent. Consequently, a detailed comparison of the iPad mini 4 and its predecessor are worthwhile particularly.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc (iPad mini 3 - Left, iPad mini 4 - Right)

External Differences

When they're side-by-side, it is obvious that the iPad mini 3 (on the left) is a bit shorter than the iPad mini 4 (on the right). The iPad mini 4 also drops the physical switch adjacent to the volume buttons in favor of software controls in Control Center and has different microphone placement as well as a different bottom speaker grille. The iPad mini 4 weighs a bit less, also.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 3 & iPad mini 4 Colors)

Case color options are the same for both the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 -- the choice of a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and a "Space Gray" back. Both models also have a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor built into the "Home" button for authentication as well as Apple Pay support in apps.

Both models have a 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display. Apple formally notes that the iPad mini 4 display is "fully laminated" (meaning that the glass cover, touch sensitive digitizer layer, and LCD itself are fused together as a single piece) and it also has an "antireflective" coating, but in detailed testing, the iPad mini 4 display has a much better color gamut, as well.

The iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 both have dual cameras, also. The front-mounted 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" cameras are identical except that the iPad mini 4 adds "Burst Mode" for easier selfies. However, the rear-mounted 1080p "iSight" camera on the iPad mini 3 has a 5 megapixel sensor whereas the iPad mini 4 packs a better quality 8 megapixel sensor.

Internal Differences

Internally, both the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 have 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB storage options, but otherwise have little in common.

The iPad mini 3 models have a 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.

The iPad mini 4 models, on the other hand, are significantly more advanced. These models have a faster dual core, 64-bit 1.5 GHz Apple A8 processor and M8 motion coprocessor, 2 GB of RAM, and 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) as well as Bluetooth 4.2.

Identification Differences

It is possible to visually distinguish between the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 when they are side-by-side because the iPad mini 4 is taller and it lacks the physical switch adjacent to the volume buttons.

However, because it is easy to mistake these models for one another (and other iPad models) when they are 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 iPad mini 3, which has become more-and-more of an issue as models have made their way around the world on the used 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 3 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1599
iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1600
iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China)	A1601
iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1538
iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1550

The iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 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 iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) in gold with 128 GB of storage is MK8F2LL/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

Battery life is the same for the Wi-Fi only and Cellular capable models from both lines. Using Wi-Fi, the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 models all provide ten hours of runtime whereas the cellular capable models provide nine hours of runtime on a cellular connection.

However, the iPad mini 4 models provide more advanced connectivity. The iPad mini 3 models all 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 whereas all iPad mini 4 models support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi (HT80 with MIMO) as well as Bluetooth 4.2.

The iPad mini 4 with cellular connectivity supports many more LTE (4G) bands, as well. Specific cellular data connectivity for these models includes:

iPad mini	Model Number	GSM EDGE	UMTS/HSPA+ DC-HSDPA	CDMA EV-DO	LTE Bands 4G
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)
4 (Wi-Fi Only)	A1538	None	None	None	None
4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular)	A1550	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, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41

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

The cellular capable models from both lines 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 iPad mini 3 is 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 and iPad mini 4 also ship, or shipped, with a 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.

iOS Support Differences

The iPad mini 3 models first shipped with iOS 8.1 whereas the iPad mini 4 models first shipped with iOS 9.0 and cannot run earlier versions of the iOS.

The iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 models both support iOS 9, although the newer iPad mini 4 supports significant "Split View" interface option for improved multitasking and the iPad mini 3 models do not. Both models support iOS 10, also, but neither support the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. Both models support iOS 11 and iOS 12, too.

However, the iPad mini 3 is not supported running versions of the operating system past iOS 12, whereas the iPad mini 4 models support a maximum of iPadOS 15.

Running iPadOS 15, though, the iPad mini 4 does not support a significant number of advanced features (Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, and Visual Look Up as well as Universal Control).

Pricing Differences

When first introduced, the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4 models cost the same amount. The iPad mini 3 was discontinued on September 9, 2015. Pricing within lines only is differentiated by capacity and connectivity rather than housing color.

Original Prices

When these iPad mini models were introduced, they were priced as follows:

iPad mini 3 (Original Prices, 2014):	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
iPad mini 4 (Original Prices, 2015):	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

2016 Prices

On September 7, 2016, Apple introduced 32 GB options for the iPad mini 4, cut the price of the 128 GB options and discontinued the 16 GB and 64 GB options:

iPad mini 4 (2016 Prices):	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	US$399	US$499
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	US$529	US$629

2017 Prices

On March 21, 2017, Apple discontinued the 32 GB options for the iPad mini 4 and lowered the prices for the 128 GB options to the price points that the 32 GB options previosuly occupied:

iPad mini 4 (2017 Prices):	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only:	--	US$399
Wi-Fi, Cellular & A-GPS:	--	US$529

 

Finally, on March 18, 2019, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 4 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 3 and the iPad mini 4 are summarized accordingly:

	iPad mini 3	iPad mini 4
Display Size:	7.9" 2048x1536	7.9" 2048x1536
Color Gamut:	76% sRGB	99% sRGB
Display Surface:	Glossy	Antireflective
Processor:	1.3 GHz Apple A7	1.5 GHz Apple A8
RAM:	1 GB	2 GB
Original Storage:	16, 64, 128 GB	16, 64, 128 GB
Current Storage:	Used Market Only	128 GB
Wi-Fi:	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth:	4.0	4.2
LTE Bands:	14 Bands	20 Bands
Front Camera:	1.2 Megapixel (720p)	1.2 Megapixel (720p)
Rear Camera:	5 Megapixel (1080p)	8 Megapixel (1080p)
Rotation Switch:	Yes	No
Touch ID:	Yes	Yes
Original iOS:	iOS 8	iOS 9
Maximum iOS:	iOS 12	iPadOS 15
Split View Support:	No	Yes
Apple Pay:	Online Only	Online Only
Model Numbers:	A1599/A1600/A1601	A1538/A1550
Dimensions:	7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 in.	8.0 x 5.3 x 0.24 in.
Weight:	0.73-0.75 lbs.	0.65-0.67 lbs.
Original Price (US):	US$399-US$729	US$399-US$729

So, should I buy an iPad mini 3 or an iPad mini 4?

Just compared to one another, and ignoring faster and more capable subsequent models, an iPad mini 4 is the better choice for most users. It (1) supports a much more recent version of the iPadOS, (2) has a much higher quality display with a useful antireflective coating, (3) is roughly 25% faster with twice the RAM, (4) has a better rear camera, and (5) has faster and more global connectivity.

However, for those on a tight budget, the iPad mini 3 is even less expensive on the used market and remains well worth consideration, too, but keep in mind that because it no longer supports a recent version of the iPadOS, not all recent apps will work. Because it no longer supports the current version of the iPadOS, either, app support will continue to wane over time for the iPad mini 4 also.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are many places to purchase an iPad mini. However, buying 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. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

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).