iPad Air 2 vs iPad mini 3: CPU / RAM
This is where things get interesting. We have the new A8 processor in the iPad mini 3 delivering a tangible performance boost for a whole new level of silky smooth. Apple says the A8 is 20% faster than the old A7 and that translates into speedier response time and the possibility of rendering more demanding graphics than ever before.
The iPad Air 2 has the modified A8X chip to give it a little extra in the performance department.
Detractors have long bemoaned Apple's apparent reticence to put more RAM in its devices. Cupertino tends to stay mute on this subject, but we think it has finally relented, equipping the iPad Air 2 with 2GB of RAM which will help the tablet shine as a multitasker. It looks as though the iPad mini 3 is sticking with 1GB of RAM. We'll have to wait for a teardown to have it confirmed.
iPad Air 2 vs iPad mini 3: Touch ID brings Apple Pay
Ever since Apple's biometric security measure for scanning your fingerprints made its way onto the iPhone there has been talk about it spreading to the iPad line. With the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 you can enjoy the security and convenience of Touch ID.
Since Apple Pay will work with online shopping, as well as in-store, this is a welcome addition for the iPad that will enable fast and secure purchases from the App Store and beyond.
iPad Air 2 vs iPad mini 3: Price
Apple likes to keep its pricing tiers intact and drop the old models down a rung on the ladder when a new flagship release hits the market.
The iPad Air 2 is going to start at £399 (US$499, AU$598) for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version. It will go all the way up to $829 if you want the 128GB version with cellular.
The iPad mini 3 kicks off at £319 (US$399, AU$479) for the Wi-Fi version with 16GB of storage and runs up to $729 for the cellular version with 128GB of storage.
