Each of us has to make choices based on how we use the devices. For me, the mini 3 will replace my iPad 3rd generation. I'll appreciate the lighter and smaller form factor for what I use it for (mostly reading books, checking email, web surfing, reading Twitter). I am not interested in content creation at all, and don't care about tablet cameras. While lack 802.11ac is a bummer, TouchID will be sweet. Since I retain my iPhone 5s, and am hopeful they'll release a 4" phone next year (not everyone wants a big phone), the mini is a good step up. If I had a 6 or 6+, the full size iPad Air 2 might've made more sense.