This is the iPad mini we've all been waiting for. When the first generation iPad mini debuted in 2012, it was a terrific product. Apple's first stab at a smaller tablet looked more far more elegant than the competition, managed to squeeze a larger 7.9-inch display in a traditionally 7-inch tablet...

Gorgeous 2048 x 1536 pixel display; 10-plus hour battery life will more than serve your cross-country plane flight, or close to a week of casual daily use; A7 processor (with M7 co-processor) offers more power than you may ever need on a 7-inch tablet; Tons of Retina-optimized apps to choose from

Pricey---similar sized and specced tablets go for closer to $200; Stereo speakers both located on one end of the device; Would be nice if it had better networking capabilities

The iPad mini 3 is a great tablet in almost every way, and if that verdict sounds familiar, it's because that was our conclusion about the iPad mini 2. Apart from the Touch ID fingerprint reader and the option of a gold-coloured back, there's no difference between the two models.

With the Apple iPad Mini 3 , Apple once again splits the specs between the larger iPad and its smaller sibling. How does the Mini 3 compare to the rest of the small tablet offerings on the market? Let's see how the reviews look!

Touch ID support; Great battery life; Peppy performance; Apple SIM

Little difference from iPad Mini 2; No NFC; Price

What can I say about the iPad mini 3 that hasn't already been said? No, seriously, what can I say? Apple's latest mini is essentially the same product as the first iPad Mini With Retina display with exactly four upgrades, only three of which are significant.

The iPad Air 2 is Apple's most powerful tablet yet, and is incredibly thin and light. It's a solid upgrade over last year's Air, and should definitely be one of your top tablet considerations.

Beautiful; thin aluminum design; Incredibly powerful A8X chip; Touch ID included; Upgraded camera; Touch ID now comes included; Long battery life; Good performance

Battery life could be better; Some will miss the mute switch; Only a couple of upgrades; Commands a $100 premium over last year's model

For the past few years, most of the technology world has ruled by a cold, hard truth: to get the best thing, you pretty much had to get the biggest thing . Every Android phone was bigger than the last, and the smaller ones were always disappointing. Apple, though, staunchly resisted this trend.

iPad app ecosystem; Strong battery life; Beautiful hardware

Last year's screen; Last year's processor; Last year's camera

For those who are dying to use Apple Pay for online purchases and don't want to bother with passwords, the iPad mini 3 is a solid pick, but the iPad Air 2's faster A8X chip, richer anti-reflective display and better 8-MP camera make that the best tablet in Apple's lineup.

Apple's smaller tablet is about the size of a book and gains a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, gold colour and extra storage option – but that's it

compact; good screen; fingerprint sensor; good battery life; solid build

barely any change from last year; expensive; no expandable storage; square screen

One of 2013's best, the iPad Mini 3 is still a compelling choice despite the lack of upgrades. However, the nearly identical and significantly cheaper iPad Mini 2 is a smarter buy.

Though we're disappointed by the lack of upgrades, Apple's smaller iPad is still a great choice. Both the display and battery life are excellent, and the addition of Touch ID takes care of our biggest complaint from the previous version.

Other than a gold option and Touch ID, the iPad Mini 3 is identical to its predecessor. It lacks the processor and camera upgrade of its big brother, the Air 2, and it's still priced at the high end for midsize tablets.

Blink and you might have missed it. The iPad mini 3 made an especially quiet debut at Apple's latest event, a mere footnote compared with the iPad Air 2 . With the dust now settled, it's easy to see why-aside from a gold paintjob, Touch ID sensor, and Apple SIM, the $399 16GB mini 3 receives no...

Beautifully built; Fast; Sharp screen; Excellent app options

Pricey; Few reasons to buy over the less-expensive, still-available iPad mini 2