iPad mini 3 (2015, A8 series) Vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Mini 4, released in September 2015, and the iPad Pro 2018, launched in October of that year, represent distinct eras in Apple's tablet evolution. While the Mini 4 offers a compact form factor, the iPad Pro 2018 introduced a significant redesign and substantial performance upgrades, including a more advanced display and a shift in connectivity. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, providing access to a vast ecosystem of applications, but their capabilities and target users differ considerably.

The longevity of a tablet is often determined by its build quality and ongoing software support. These two iPads, separated by three years, show notable differences in their expected practical lifespans.

• Software Support: The iPad Mini 4 originally shipped with iOS 9 and has received updates up to iPadOS 15.8.7, released in March 2026, indicating a long period of software relevance. The iPad Pro 2018, starting with iOS 12, currently supports iPadOS 17, and is expected to receive updates for a longer duration due to its newer release and more powerful internal components.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature aluminum bodies, offering a robust feel. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced a more modern, squared-off design, which some users found to be aesthetically pleasing, while the Mini 4 retained a more classic iPad design. Repairability scores for both models are generally moderate, with components like the battery being replaceable by skilled technicians.
• Expected Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software support and access to the latest features will find the iPad Pro 2018 to be a more future-proof option. The iPad Mini 4, while still functional for basic tasks, is nearing the end of its major software update cycle.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two tablets, reflecting the advancements in mobile processing technology over three years.

• Processing Power: The iPad Mini 4 is equipped with an A8 chip, which handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro 2018, featuring the A12X Bionic chip, offers significantly greater processing power, enabling seamless multitasking, demanding applications, and graphically intensive games with ease.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 2GB of RAM, the iPad Mini 4 can manage several apps concurrently, though switching between more intensive applications might show some delay. The iPad Pro 2018 typically comes with 4GB of RAM (with some 1TB models featuring 6GB), providing a more fluid and responsive experience for heavy multitasking and professional workflows.
• Storage Options: The iPad Mini 4 was available with storage capacities up to 128GB. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a wider range of storage, from 64GB up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files, applications, and media.

The display experience varies significantly between the compact iPad Mini 4 and the larger, more advanced iPad Pro 2018.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The iPad Mini 4 features a 7.9-inch IPS LCD Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced the Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, available in 11-inch (2388x1668 pixels) and 12.9-inch (2732x2048 pixels) sizes, both at 264 pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Color Accuracy: The Mini 4's display offers good color accuracy with 101% sRGB coverage and a brightness of around 400 nits, along with an anti-reflective coating. The iPad Pro 2018's Liquid Retina display boasts wider color support (P3), True Tone technology for adaptive white balance, and higher typical brightness, making it more suitable for professional creative work and outdoor viewing.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key advantage of the iPad Pro 2018 is its ProMotion technology, which allows for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions compared to the standard 60Hz refresh rate of the iPad Mini 4.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera capabilities have evolved to support various uses, from video calls to document scanning.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Mini 4 includes an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with a wider f/1.8 aperture, supporting 4K video recording, which offers greater detail and improved low-light performance.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: For video conferencing and selfies, the Mini 4 has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera that records 720p video. The iPad Pro 2018 significantly upgrades this to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, enabling 1080p HD video recording, Portrait Mode selfies, and the advanced Face ID facial recognition system.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Mini 4 provides stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2018 enhances the audio experience with a quad-speaker setup, delivering richer and more immersive sound, which is beneficial for media consumption and video calls.