Apple iPad Mini 3 (Cover+charger +DataCable )

The **Apple iPad Mini 3** was announced on October 16, 2014, and released on **October 22, 2014**. It is widely regarded as a **minor update** to the iPad Mini 2 (Retina), with the **only major new feature being Touch ID**. Apple marketed it as a compact, secure tablet for on-the-go users who valued portability and biometric convenience. Starting at **$399** for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, it was positioned as a premium small tablet but faced criticism for lacking significant upgrades over its predecessor. The iPad Mini 3 was discontinued in **September 2015** when the iPad Mini 4 launched.

Key Features (and What’s *Not* New)
- **Touch ID**: The **only hardware addition**—a fingerprint sensor built into the home button for secure unlocking, app authentication, and Apple Pay (in apps and online).
- **Design**: **Identical** to iPad Mini 2—same dimensions, weight, display, cameras, processor, and battery. Measures **7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 inches (200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm)** and weighs **0.73 lb (331 g) Wi-Fi / 0.75 lb (341 g) cellular**. Available in **Space Gray**, **Silver**, and new **Gold** (with white front).
- **Display**: 7.9-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD **Retina display**, **2048 x 1536 resolution** at **326 ppi**—same sharp, vibrant panel as Mini 2.
- **Performance**: **Unchanged**—Apple **A7 chip** (64-bit, dual-core 1.3 GHz) with **M7 motion coprocessor** and **1 GB RAM**. Adequate for iOS 8 apps, web, and light gaming, but no performance boost.
- **Storage**: 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB (Apple dropped 32 GB tier).
- **Cameras**: Same as Mini 2—**5 MP rear iSight** (1080p video, HDR) and **1.2 MP front FaceTime HD** (720p).
- **Connectivity**: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (dual-channel MIMO), Bluetooth 4.0, Lightning port, optional **4G LTE** (with GPS/GLONASS on cellular models).
- **Battery Life**: Up to **10 hours** Wi-Fi / **9 hours** cellular—same 6,471 mAh (24.3 Wh) battery.
- **Software**: Launched with **iOS 8.1**, upgradable to **iOS 12.5.7** (final supported version). Supports Split View (iOS 9) but not modern iPadOS features.

 Specifications Table

* Category              | Details                                                                 |
 **Display**           | 7.9-inch Retina IPS LCD, 2048 x 1536 (326 ppi), multi-touch             |
| **Processor**         | Apple A7 (64-bit, dual-core 1.3 GHz) + M7 coprocessor                   |
| **RAM**               | 1 GB DDR3                                                               |
| **Storage**           | 16 / 64 / 128 GB                                                        |
| **Cameras**           | Rear: 5 MP (1080p); Front: 1.2 MP (720p)                                |
| **Battery**           | 6,471 mAh (24.3 Wh), ~10 hours Wi-Fi / 9 hours cellular                 |
| **Connectivity**      | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (MIMO), Bluetooth 4.0, Lightning; optional LTE + GPS|
| **Dimensions**        | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 inches (200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm)                         |
| **Weight**            | 0.73 lb (331 g) Wi-Fi / 0.75 lb (341 g) cellular                        |
| **OS Support**        | iOS 8.1 to iOS 12.5.7 (latest)                                          |
| **Colors**            | Space Gray, Silver, Gold                                                |
| **Sensors**           | **Touch ID**, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, compass          |

Why It Felt Underwhelming
- **No A8 chip** (unlike iPad Air 2, launched same day).
- **No display lamination or anti-reflective coating**.
- **Same cameras, RAM, and battery**.
- Many reviewers called it a “Touch ID upgrade” rather than a new generation.

#### Legacy (as of November 2025)
- **Obsolete** by Apple (over 7 years since discontinuation)—no official repairs or parts.
- Still runs **iOS 12** apps smoothly: great for reading (Kindle, PDF), streaming (Netflix, YouTube), note-taking (with third-party stylus), or as a **dedicated remote/control panel** (HomeKit, music, smart home).
- **Touch ID** remains useful for quick unlock and secure logins.
- **No Apple Pencil support** (Pencil debuted with iPad Pro in 2015; Mini 4 was first Mini with Pencil).
- Security risk: No updates since 2023—avoid banking or sensitive data.

 Best Use Today
- Kids’ tablet (with parental controls)
- E-reader or recipe viewer
- Travel companion (light, long battery)
- Secondary screen or smart home hub

> **Verdict**: The iPad Mini 3 is essentially an **iPad Mini 2 with Touch ID and a Gold color option**. If you need a compact, reliable iOS 12 tablet and already own one, it’s still functional. But for upgrades, skip to **iPad Mini 4 or later** for double RAM, better performance, and Pencil support.