The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi, also known as the Apple iPad (3rd generation), was announced in March 2012 and marked a significant advancement in the iPad lineup. The iPad 3 introduced a stunning Retina display, improved processing power, and a larger battery to support its high-resolution screen. As the first iPad to feature a Retina display, it set new standards for tablet screens, making it a highly anticipated release. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi.
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | No cellular connectivity |
| 2G bands | N/A |
| GPRS/EDGE | No |
| 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 | 652 g (1.44 lb) |
| SIM | No |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No |
| 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 10 h |
| 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 |
Review of the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi (Early 2012)
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi continued Apple’s tradition of sleek and minimalistic design, with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. The device measured 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm and weighed 652 g, making it slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor due to the inclusion of a larger battery to support the new Retina display. Despite this, the iPad 3 maintained its premium feel, with a solid aluminum back and a glass front that were both durable and stylish.
The device was available in two colors: Black and White, catering to different user preferences. The overall build quality was exceptional, as expected from Apple, and the iPad 3 felt both sturdy and comfortable to use for extended periods.
Display
The standout feature of the iPad 3 Wi-Fi was its 9.7-inch Retina display, which boasted a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels with a pixel density of 264 ppi. This marked a significant improvement over the previous generation, offering incredibly sharp and detailed visuals. The IPS technology ensured wide viewing angles, and the display was bright enough to be used comfortably in various lighting conditions.
The Retina display made reading, watching videos, and playing games on the iPad 3 a visual delight, setting a new standard for tablet screens at the time. The scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating helped maintain the screen’s clarity and resistance to fingerprints, ensuring a pristine viewing experience even with regular use.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad 3 Wi-Fi was powered by the Apple A5X chipset, which featured a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 GPU. This combination provided a noticeable boost in performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks, making the iPad 3 ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption. The device originally ran on iOS 5.1, but it was upgradable to iOS 9.3.5, ensuring access to a wide range of apps and features.
With 1GB of RAM and storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, the iPad 3 offered sufficient space for apps, photos, and videos, though it lacked expandable storage, which was common for Apple devices.
Camera
The iPad 3 Wi-Fi featured a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of capturing decent-quality photos and 1080p video at 30fps. While the camera was not the main focus of the iPad, it provided users with the ability to take quick snaps and record videos with reasonable quality. The front-facing VGA camera was primarily used for FaceTime video calls, offering video recording at 480p@30fps.
Though the camera capabilities were not as advanced as those on contemporary smartphones, they were sufficient for basic photography and video communication.
Battery Life
One of the key upgrades in the iPad 3 was its non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery. This larger battery was necessary to support the power-hungry Retina display and provided up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the activities performed. The battery life was one of the iPad 3’s strong points, allowing users to enjoy extended periods of use without worrying about recharging frequently.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iPad 3 Wi-Fi offered robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band) and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP. However, as a Wi-Fi-only model, it did not support cellular connectivity, which limited its use to areas with Wi-Fi access.
The device also featured a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass. These features made the iPad 3 a versatile device for various tasks, from navigation to media consumption.
Verdict
The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi (Early 2012) was a significant step forward in the evolution of tablets, primarily due to its Retina display, which set a new standard for screen resolution and clarity. Combined with improved performance, a solid design, and excellent battery life, the iPad 3 offered a compelling package for both consumers and professionals.
While it has since been surpassed by newer models, the iPad 3 Wi-Fi remains a notable device in Apple’s product history, representing a key moment in the development of tablet technology.
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