The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular, also known as the Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (Early 2012) or Apple iPad (3rd generation), was announced in March 2012 and quickly became a significant upgrade in Apple’s iPad lineup. With the introduction of 4G LTE connectivity, this model allowed users to experience faster internet speeds and greater mobility. The iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular also featured the highly anticipated Retina display, which brought unprecedented clarity and detail to the tablet screen. Below, we delve into the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA Bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 – for Verizon |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO – for Verizon |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 – AT&T 13 – Verizon |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | March 2012 |
| Released | March 16, 2012 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display 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 |
| 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) |
| Internal Storage | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only |
| Selfie Video | 480p@30fps |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh) |
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h |
| Talk Time | Up to 9 h |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3 |
| Price | About 400 EUR |
| Tests | Camera: Photo / Video |
Review of the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (Early 2012)
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular continued to build on Apple’s reputation for sleek and premium design. The device’s dimensions were 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm, and it weighed 662 g, making it slightly heavier than its Wi-Fi-only counterpart due to the additional cellular components. Despite the added weight, the iPad 3 remained a highly portable device, with its aluminum back and glass front giving it a sturdy yet sophisticated appearance.
Available in Black and White, the iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular maintained Apple’s minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and a smooth finish. The build quality was excellent, as expected from Apple, ensuring that the device could withstand regular use while still looking and feeling premium.
Display
The iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular was the first iPad to feature a Retina display, with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels and a pixel density of 264 ppi. This IPS LCD offered stunning visuals, with sharp text, vibrant colors, and impressive brightness levels. The Retina display made the iPad 3 ideal for activities such as reading, watching videos, and browsing the web, providing a more immersive experience than previous models.
The scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating helped protect the display from scratches and smudges, ensuring that the screen remained clear and responsive over time.
Performance
Powered by the Apple A5X chipset, the iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular featured a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 GPU. This hardware combination delivered smooth performance across various tasks, including gaming, multimedia playback, and productivity applications. The iPad 3 originally ran on iOS 5.1 but could be upgraded to iOS 9.3.5, offering a broad range of app compatibility and new features.
With 1GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 16GB to 64GB, the iPad 3 provided ample space for apps, photos, and videos, although it lacked expandable storage, a common limitation in Apple devices.
Camera
The iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular was equipped with a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. The camera offered decent quality for a tablet, allowing users to capture photos and videos on the go. The front-facing VGA camera was primarily designed for FaceTime video calls, providing sufficient quality for video chatting, though it was not intended for high-quality photography.
While the camera was not a standout feature, it was a useful addition for users who needed basic photography and video capabilities on their tablet.
Battery Life
One of the significant strengths of the iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular was its battery life. The device featured a non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery, providing up to 9 hours of usage on a single charge when using cellular data. The large battery was necessary to support the Retina display and the power demands of cellular connectivity, ensuring that users could enjoy extended use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity and Other Features
The addition of 4G LTE connectivity was a major upgrade in the iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular, allowing users to experience faster internet speeds on the go. The device supported various network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it versatile and compatible with multiple carriers, particularly in the US and Canada.
The iPad 3 also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band), Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, and GPS with A-GPS for enhanced location services. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass made the iPad 3 a well-rounded device for various tasks, from navigation to media consumption.
Verdict
The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (Early 2012) was a significant upgrade in the iPad lineup, offering the benefits of 4G LTE connectivity combined with a stunning Retina display. Its powerful performance, solid build quality, and extensive battery life made it a top choice for users looking for a versatile tablet that could handle both work and entertainment on the go.
While the iPad 3 has since been surpassed by newer models, it remains a notable device in Apple’s history, marking the transition to higher-resolution displays and faster mobile connectivity.
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