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Apple iPad 3 WiFi Complete Guide on Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2012, March 16
Camera
5MP
Battery
11560mAh
Processor
Apple A5X
Screen
9.7"
Storage
16GB/32GB/64GB
Ram
1GB RAM
Operating System
iOS 5.1, up to iOS 9.3.5

Overview

The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi, popularly known as the third-generation iPad, was released in March 2012. It marked a significant milestone in Apple's evolutionary path for tablets. Despite its discontinuation, the iPad 3 remains a poignant symbol of technological advancement, combining remarkable features that appealed to consumers during its release.

Design and Build

The design of the iPad 3 closely followed its predecessor, maintaining the sleek, minimalist aesthetic for which Apple devices are known. It had dimensions of 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm and weighed around 652 grams. The iPad 3 was not only about visual elegance but also about practicality; its build was designed to be robust yet comfortable to hold over prolonged usage. The absence of a SIM slot signifies its Wi-Fi-only connectivity capabilities.

Display

One of the standout features of the iPad 3 was its Retina display. The 9.7-inch IPS LCD screen boasted a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, with a density of approximately 264 pixels per inch. This offered vivid clarity and color reproduction, setting a new standard for display quality at the time. The screen was protected by scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating, which minimized fingerprint smudges and enhanced durability.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPad 3 was powered by the Apple A5X chipset featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 graphics. This combination ensured a smooth performance for multimedia tasks and gaming, although it wasn't the most powerful configuration compared to contemporary devices. The device initially ran on iOS 5.1 and was upgradeable to iOS 9.3.5, offering a wide range of apps and features typical of Apple's ecosystem.

Memory and Storage

The iPad 3 was available in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, each equipped with 1GB of RAM. This was adequate for the time, supporting various applications and media content, though the lack of expandable storage (no card slot was available) may have been a limitation for some users requiring more space for their files and media.

Camera Capabilities

The device featured a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus capability, capable of recording high-definition 1080p video at 30 frames per second. This was accompanied by a VGA front-facing camera for video calls over Wi-Fi. While the camera quality was modest by today's standards, it was competent for basic photography and video conferencing needs at the time of its release.

Audio and Connectivity

The iPad 3 included a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers for audio output. In terms of wireless communication, it supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band) and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, although it lacked cellular and GPS capability. Connectivity options were limited but sufficient for basic internet browsing and local device connections.

Battery Life

Fitted with a non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery, the iPad 3 offered an impressive battery life, supporting up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. This made it particularly appealing for users requiring a reliable device for travel or work on the go, providing continuous operation without frequent recharging.

Innovations and Impact

At its launch, the iPad 3 was lauded for integrating the high-resolution Retina display and improved graphical performance, setting it apart from other tablets. Even though subsequent models quickly eclipsed it, the third-generation iPad remains an important part of Apple's legacy, reflecting their commitment to enhancing user experience through incremental innovation.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi, though discontinued, was a crucial step forward in tablet design and functionality. Combining a high-quality display, reliable performance, and robust battery life, it delivered solid value for both casual and power users of its time. Whether viewed as a collectible piece of technology or a longtime companion for its original owners, the iPad 3 continues to hold a special place in the annals of technology history.

Key Features of Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi

  • 9.7-inch IPS LCD Display with 1536 x 2048 resolution
  • Scratch-resistant glass with oleophobic coating for protection
  • Powered by Apple A5X chipset with dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU
  • Quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 graphics for better visual performance
  • Available in three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB with 1GB RAM
  • 5 MP main camera with autofocus capable of 1080p video recording
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band for fast internet connectivity
  • Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support
  • Strong battery life with a non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery providing up to 10 hours of talk time
  • Available in Black and White colors

Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi Drawbacks

  • No cellular connectivity; limited to Wi-Fi only.
  • No SIM card slot for mobile data usage.
  • Heavy weight at 652 g (1.44 lb), making it less portable.
  • Non-expandable storage due to lack of a microSD card slot.
  • VGA front camera offers low resolution video calling.
  • No GPS positioning feature.
  • Discontinued and no longer officially supported by Apple.
  • Runs on an outdated chipset (Apple A5X), which may lead to slower performance with newer apps.
  • Upgradeable only up to iOS 9.3.5, limiting access to the latest apps and features.
  • No radio functionality.
  • No advanced sensors such as a fingerprint scanner.
Network
Technology No cellular connectivity
2G bands N/A
GPRS No
EDGE No
Launch
Announced 2012, March. Released 2012, March 16
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in)
Weight 652 g (1.44 lb)
SIM No
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density)
Protection Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Platform
OS iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5
Chipset Apple A5X (45 nm)
CPU Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9
GPU PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core graphics)
Memory
Card slot No
Internal 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 5 MP, AF
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only
Video 480p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP
Positioning No
Radio No
USB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Type Non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh)
Stand-by Up to 720 h
Talk time Up to 10 h
Misc
Colors Black, White
Models A1416, iPad3,1
Price About 290 EUR
Tests
Display Contrast ratio: 779:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
Audio quality Noise -90.9dB / Crosstalk -92.7dB

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