What are all the differences between the iPad mini 3 models?

Please note that the iPad mini 3 models all 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 devices on the used market.

There are three iPad mini 3 models -- the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular), and iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) -- and these devices differ in connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price. The models have a number of similarities that are well worth noting, also.

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

Device Similarities

All iPad mini 3 models share essentially the same thin case design with softly rounded corners and sides, weigh approximately three fourths of a pound, and have either a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and a "Space Gray" back.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 3: Silver, Gold, & Space Gray)

All iPad mini 3 devices have the same 7.9" IPS LED-backlit 2048x1536 (326 ppi) "Retina" display, the same 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. Each is offered with either 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of storage, as well.

All iPad mini 3 models also have a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the "Home" button, have two cameras -- a rear 1080p 5 megapixel "iSight" camera with a f/2.4 aperture and a front 720p 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera -- and have a "Lightning" port for power and connectivity to a computer, if desired.

iOS Support Similarities

The iPad mini 3 models first shipped with iOS 8.1 and are fully supported by the operating system with the exception of "Health" functionality. All other iOS 8 features are supported, including AirDrop, Panorama, Siri, and Continuity.

The iPad mini 3 models also are fully supported by iOS 9 with the exception of the significant "Split View" interface option (and it still does not support "Health" functionality). The iPad mini 3 models are supported by iOS 10, with the exception of the minor "Raise to Wake" and Ride-Booking features. The iPad mini 3 models also are supported by iOS 11 and iOS 12.

However, the iPad mini 3 models are not supported by iOS 13 (iPadOS) or later versions of the iOS, including the current version of the operating system.

Apple Pay is supported in iOS 8 and later, but only within apps. The iPad mini 3 models do not support Apple Pay within retail stores.

Identification Differences

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 3 -- Wi-Fi Only, Left; Wi-Fi/Cellular, Right)

In most markets, it originally was easy to visually differentiate between the Wi-Fi Only and Cellular capable iPad mini 3 models because the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only) has a solid aluminum back and the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) has a plastic portion at the top of the otherwise aluminum back so that cellular signals can penetrate the case.

However, the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) also has a plastic portion at the top of the case and as this model has found its way around the world on the used market, precise identification is important. It's also quite easy to confuse the iPad mini 3 with earlier and later iPad mini models, particularly when the devices are not side-by-side.

Consequently, 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.

Specifically, the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1599, the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) is model number A1600, and the iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) is model number A1601.

All iPad 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 Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad mini 3 in gold with 16 GB of storage is MGYE2LL/A.

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

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

As noted earlier, the iPad mini 3 models effectively are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. While using Wi-Fi, each model supports up to ten hours of use with the 23.8 watt hour battery, but the model with cellular data capability only supports up to nine hours of use when cellular data is active.

The iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi Only) (A1599) supports 802.11a/b/g/n on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) in addition to MIMO.

The iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1600) also supports the same Wi-Fi capabilities as the Wi-Fi Only model and adds support for LTE (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, and 26), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz).

The iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China) (A1601) likewise supports the same Wi-Fi as the other two models, but it supports UMTS (WCDMA)/HSPA+/ DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), TD-SCDMA (1900 (F), 2000 (A)), and TD-LTE (bands 38 and 39). Note that it does not support the 1700/2100 MHz frequency of DC-HSDPA, CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800 and 1900 MHz), or other LTE bands.

Finally, both Cellular capable iPad mini 3 models support A-GPS, whereas the Wi-Fi only model does not.

The global cellular capable iPad mini 3 model (A1600) shipped unlocked. In the United States, the iPad mini 3 works with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but some carriers still may require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.

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 originally 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.

Original Pricing Comparison Chart

All three iPad mini 3 color options cost the same amount. Original pricing was differentiated by capacity and connectivity as well as geographic distribution:

Capacity:	16 GB	64 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$399	US$499	US$599
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$529	US$629	US$729
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price (China):	RMB 3,788	RMB 4,488	RMB 5,188

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 Summary

Ultimately, the iPad mini 3 models mostly are differentiated from one another by connectivity and battery life.

For someone who wants a small and relatively high performance tablet, the iPad mini 3 models are worth considering, although because they no longer support a recent version of the iPadOS, app support will continue to wane over time. Subsequently introduced iPad mini models are much faster and more capable.

Additionally, the differences between these models and the previous iPad mini 2 line are so modest that the iPad mini 2 models originally were a better value, although on the used market, pricing may be more comparable.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are no shortage of places to buy a used iPad mini. However, purchasing from a quality company 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.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad mini models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

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).