iPad mini A7 2014

The iPad mini 3 lineup, which includes this Wi-Fi and Cellular A1600 model, is very similar to the earlier iPad mini 2. Key distinctions are the inclusion of a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor and a new white and gold color option, complementing the existing white/silver and black/space gray versions. These models also have a range of different identifiers.

All iPad mini 3 models are equipped with a 7.9-inch 2048x1536 (326 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive display. They run on a dual-core 1.3 GHz Apple A7 processor, have 1 GB of RAM, and are available with 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of flash storage.

Additional notable features comprise a dual-camera setup: a rear 5-megapixel "iSight" camera for photos and 1080p video, and a front 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera for photos and 720p video. They also offer dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.0, dual microphones, and speakers. The Lightning port is used for power and computer connectivity if required.

This iPad mini 3 model's battery life is estimated at 10 hours for "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music," or up to nine hours of web surfing on a cellular data network.

This Wi-Fi/Cellular iPad mini 3 (A1600) supports A-GPS, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, CDMA EV-DO, and notably, LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, and 26. In the US, this single model is compatible with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks and includes an "Apple SIM" for switching between AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. However, AT&T locks the Apple SIM upon activation, negating its flexibility, and Verizon does not support the Apple SIM program.

The cellular-equipped iPad mini 3 was evaluated similarly to its Wi-Fi-only counterpart, offering the same core experience with the added benefit of mobile data connectivity. The introduction of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor was the most significant new feature, providing a more secure and streamlined way to unlock the device and authorize payments. The A7 processor continued to deliver robust performance, ensuring smooth operation for most applications. Its design remained unchanged from the iPad mini 2, which was a positive for its portability and premium feel, but a negative for those expecting more innovation. The Retina display was still a highlight, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The inclusion of broad LTE band support made it a versatile option for users needing internet access on the go across various carriers. However, like the Wi-Fi model, it faced criticism for being a very incremental upgrade over the iPad mini 2. Reviewers pointed out that for a significant price increase, the only major hardware addition was Touch ID, making the older model a more compelling value for many consumers who did not prioritize the new sensor or the gold color option.