Apple · iPad
iPad (3rd generation)
The first iPad with a Retina display, introduced in 2012 with an A5X chip and a 5MP rear camera for reading, browsing and media.
Model history · 3 models, 2010–2012
- 2010iPad (1st generation)Compare
- 2011iPad 2Compare
- 2012iPad (3rd generation)
- Screen
- 9.7″
- Display
- LCD
- Chip
- A5X
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 16 GB – 64 GB
- Weight
- 652 g
What reviewers say
Reviewers praised the sharp screen and improved rear camera, while noting the extra weight. Notebookcheck criticised heat, reflections and long charging times.
From engadget.com and notebookcheck.net
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specDisplay
- Screen size
- 9.7″
- Resolution
- 2048 × 1536
- Sharpness
- 264 pixels per inch
- Panel
- LCD
- Display type
- Retina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
- Pixel density
- 264 ppi
- Display features
- Oleophobic coating; Multi-Touch
Performance
- Chip
- A5X
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
- CPU
- Dual-core Apple A5X; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
- GPU
- Quad-core graphics
Cameras
- Rear camera
- 5 MP
- Ultra wide camera
- None
- Front camera
- 0.3 MP
- Rear camera
- iSight; autofocus; tap to focus; face detection; backside illumination
- Front camera
- VGA FaceTime camera; 0.3MP (PhoneArena)
- Video recording
- Rear 1080p at up to 30 fps with stabilisation; front VGA at up to 30 fps; geotagging
Battery and connections
- Battery life (maker's claim)
- Up to 10 hours
- Battery capacity
- 42.5 Wh
- Mobile data option
- Yes
- Stylus
- Not supported
- Keyboard made for it
- Yes
- Battery life detail
- Up to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours browsing over cellular
- Charging
- 10W USB Power Adapter included
- USB-C
- 30-pin dock; 3.5 mm headphone jack; 1080p video output through optional Digital AV or VGA adapter; AirPlay mirroring at 720p
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Mobile network
- UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and GSM/EDGE; micro-SIM; cellular model weighs 662 g; LTE only supported on specified US and Canadian networks
- Stylus support
- No Apple Pencil support
- Keyboards
- Apple keyboard dock supported (Notebookcheck)
Design
- Weight
- 652 g
- Thickness
- 9.4 mm
- Height × width
- 241.2 × 185.7 mm
- Operating system
- iOS
- Speakers
- Built-in speaker
- Microphones
- Built-in microphone
- Sensors
- Accelerometer; ambient light; gyroscope; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
- Materials
- Aluminium and glass enclosure (iFixit)
- Colours
- Black or White front
- Software at launch
- iOS 5.1
- In the box
- iPad; Dock Connector to USB Cable; 10W USB Power Adapter; documentation
Storage options
| Storage |
|---|
| 16 GB |
| 32 GB |
| 64 GB |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Four times the display pixels of iPad 2
- Rear camera records 1080p video
- Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback
Cons
- Thicker and heavier than iPad 2
- Cellular model does not support UK LTE networks
- No Apple Pencil support or expandable storage
Closest rivals
Model | Screen | Display | Chip | Memory | Storage | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.7″ | LCD | A6X | 1 GB | 16 GB – 128 GB | 652 g | Nov 2012 | |
| 9.7″ | LCD | A7 | 1 GB | 16 GB – 128 GB | 469 g | Nov 2013 | |
| 9.4″ | LCD | NVIDIA Tegra 3 | 1 GB | 16 GB – 64 GB | 570 g | Sept 2012 |
Previous model: iPad 2. Newer model: iPad (4th generation).
Sources
- support.apple.com/en-gb/111992
- apple.com/uk/newsroom/2012/03/07Apple-Launches-New-iPad
- ifixit.com/News/1843/new-ipad-teardown
- phonearena.com/phones/Apple-iPad-3_id5715
- notebookcheck.net/Review-Apple-iPad-3rd-Gen-2012-4G-Tablet.71925.0.html
Photo: cdsassets.apple.com
