Apple iPad mini 3 launched, features TouchID, 7.9-inch Retina display, and 5-megapixel camera
In addition to the iPad Air 2, Apple also introduced the iPad mini 3. Much like last year’s iPad mini with Retina, which was gifted with major hardware improvements, the iPad mini 3 also flaunts several significant changes, while maintaining the same $399 price tag.
Last year when Apple launched iPad mini with Retina, there were noticeable changes not only in the technical specs sheet, but the appearance of the device as well. It looked a lot like the iPad Air which itself had striking resemblance to the first generation iPad mini. The iPad mini with Retina was simply as good as a tablet gets. Although it was slightly thicker and heavier than first generation iPad mini, thanks to the hardware improvements – Retina display, 64-bit processor, and twice the RAM, there wasn’t anything left to complain about.
As far as the iPad mini 3 is concerned, it has the same display resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, the same A7 processor, and the same amount of RAM as well. The processor is paired with M7 coprocessor. The biggest boost is the inclusion of Touch ID fingerprint scanner, which will now allow users to unlock the device and easily make the purchases without having to enter the password every time. As for the camera, it has a 5-megapixel iSight camera.
Price and Availability
Unlike last year’s model, the iPad mini 3 doesn’t come with a 32GB variant, leaving users with three storage options – 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB. Apple hasn’t altered the pricing. The 16GB Wi-Fi model still costs $399, while the 64GB and 128GB models cost $499 and $599 respectively. The Wi-Fi + Cellular 16GB variant costs $529, while the 64GB and 128GB models are priced at $629 and $729 respectively. The tablet will be up for preorders from tomorrow onwards, and it will start shipping next week.
