iPad Mini 3 vs Microsoft Surface 3: Which One's For You? Specs, Features & Price Roundup

With the rise of plenty of tablet brands, users could have a hard time picking which one to purchase. Microsoft's Surface 3 and Apple's iPad Mini 3 are competitors in this particular arena. We compiled a list of the two tablets' most astounding features to help you determine which device suits you best.

Features

With advancements such as the Touch ID feature, the Retina display, and the latest iOS 8, Apple's iPad Mini 3 is no doubt capable of being one of the best tablets around despite its smaller size. Apple's official site noted that the Touch ID technology breakthrough gives the iPad Mini 3 an exceptional level of security, with one touch from your fingertips enough to unlock the device.

For protection, the iPad Mini 3 is equipped with a Smart Cover or Smart Case made in durable polyurethane and rich aniline-dyed leather. This case, which comes in seven bright new colors, not only protects the front and back of your iPad Mini, it also provides a stylish flourish, the company's website added.

In contrast, Microsoft's Surface 3 doesn't disappoint either. Microsoft's Surface Blog wrote that the device is run by the full 64-bit Windows 8.1, which includes desktop applications and a one-year subscription to Office 36. Surface 3 is also equipped with 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

Like in Microsoft's other hybrid tablets, the Surface 3 also comes with a Type Cover which instantly turns the device into a laptop. According to Surface Blog, users can employ the Surface 3 Docking Station to immediately create a full desktop workstation. A full-size USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD^TM card reader are also included in the gadget.

Specs

The iPad Mini 3 is powered by an A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, which enables the device to have up to 10 hours of battery life. Apple's official site also wrote that the device's incredible wireless performance is due to its two antennas and MIMO technology.

The iPad Mini 3 is also capable of taking crisp and clear photos through its FaceTime HD camera and a 5‑megapixel iSight shooter. Hearing the other person at the end of the line during video calls is not a problem either, given that the tablet is equipped with two microphones which employ noise reduction technology.

Bearing strong resemblance to the Surface Pro 3, the hybrid device is thinner (8.7 mm) and lighter (1.37 pounds) with a 10.8-inch screen, Surface Blog noted. Its 3:2 aspect ratio is great for when the user is holding it in portrait or landscape modes.

Surface 3 is powered by Intel's newest system-on-a-chip, the Quad-core Intel® Atom^TM x7 processor, which, according to Microsoft's blog, is "the highest performing Atom processor on the market." USA Today reported that the tablet's Dolby-enhanced stereo speakers "sound fine but aren't very loud." Just like with Apple's iPad Mini 3, Microsoft claims that the Surface 3's battery could last for up to 10 hours of video playback.

Price

According to Apple's site, the iPad Mini 3 can be bought starting at $399. The Surface 3, meanwhile, has a starting price of $499, USA Today noted.