The Apple iPad is available in several different sizes and versions. Two of the latest iPads are the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. Depending on a buyer's preferences they might choose one of the other.

Let's take a look at some of the similarities and differences between the two tablets, according to MacWorld.

The first obvious difference is size and weight. The iPad Mini 3 is very portable, weighing only 331g. It has measurements of 200mm by 134.7mm and is 7.5mm thick. The iPad Mini 3 can be easily placed in a small bag for transport.

The iPad Air 2 is the bigger device, weighing 437g. It has measurements of 240mm by 169.5mm, but it is somehow thinner than the Mini 3 at 6.1mm. The Air 2 will not be as portable as the Mini 3, but it can be placed in a bigger bag or backpack to be carried around town.

The iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 have very similar screens displaying a resolution of 2048x1536 on Retina screens. However, since the Mini 3's screen is smaller, it has a better pixels per inch rating (ppi) of 326ppi compared to the Air 2's 264ppi. The bigger screen on the Air 2 will be better for watching movies and playing games, but the Mini 3 actually is pleasant for viewing. Users who have watched video content on their iPhones will not be disappointed watching videos on the Mini 3. The Mini 3 has a 7.9 inch screen while the Air 2 has the much larger 9.7 inch display.

The iPad Mini 3 failed to upgrade its processor from the iPad Mini 2, keeping the older A7 processor and M7 coprocessor.

The iPad Air 2 upgraded to the super-powerful A8X processor and M8 coprocessor and also added a barometer as an on-board sensor.

The A7 is a powerful processor but users of the Air 2 will really enjoy the speed and multitasking capabilities of the A8X.

Both tablets will come equipped with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. This will allow users to unlock the devices with their fingerprint rather than typing in a password.

The camera in the iPad Air 2 is 8 megapixels (MP), while the iPad Mini 3 only offers a 5 MP camera. However, due to its size, taking pictures on the Air 2 could be a little awkward. Picture taking with the iPad Mini 3 will feel more natural. 

The price difference between the two is the big difference. The more powerful iPad Air 2 also offers a larger screen, but buyers will pay for that luxury: The entry-level 16 GB model starts at $499.99 at Best Buy. Add $100 for the 64 GB model and add $200 for the 128 GB model.

If portability and price is what a buyer is looking for, the iPad Mini 3 is smaller and cheaper than the Air 2. The entry-level 16 GB model starts at just $349.99 at Best Buy. The 128 GB model is currently on sale for $499.99 (normally $599.99).