Introduction:
The Apple iPad Pro 3rd Generation was released in November 2018, bringing advanced features for its time, including a powerful A12X Bionic chipset, a Liquid Retina display, and Face ID for enhanced security. Though it has since been replaced by newer models, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen remains a solid option for users seeking a versatile and capable tablet, especially for those who don’t require the latest technology. In this post, we will dive into its detailed specifications and compare it with some of its competitors in the market.
Summary of Specifications:
Table 1: iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11-inch, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular) – 512GB
| Model | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $1149 | $1299 | $1499 | $1649 |
| Release Date | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 |
| Operating System | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 512GB | 512GB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable |
| Screen Size | 11 inches | 11 inches | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2388 pixels | 1668 x 2388 pixels | 1668 x 2388 pixels | 1668 x 2388 pixels |
| Display Type | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina |
| Main Camera | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide |
| Battery Capacity | 7812 mAh | 7812 mAh | 7812 mAh | 7812 mAh |
| Weight | 468g | 468g | 468g | 468g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm |
| Colors | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray |
| Water Resistance | None | None | None | None |
Table 2: iPad Pro 3rd Gen (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular) – 512GB
| Model | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $1349 | $1499 | $1749 | $1899 |
| Release Date | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 |
| Operating System | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 512GB | 512GB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable |
| Screen Size | 12.9 inches | 12.9 inches | 12.9 inches | 12.9 inches |
| Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Display Type | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina |
| Main Camera | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide |
| Battery Capacity | 9720 mAh | 9720 mAh | 9720 mAh | 9720 mAh |
| Weight | 631g | 633g | 631g | 633g |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm |
| Colors | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray |
| Water Resistance | None | None | None | None |
Table 3: iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11-inch and 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi and Cellular) – 1TB
| Model | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi) | iPad Pro 3 (12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $1499 | $1649 | $1749 | $1899 |
| Release Date | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 | November 7, 2018 |
| Operating System | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic | Apple A12X Bionic |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz, 4×1.6 GHz) |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU | 12-core GPU |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable |
| Screen Size | 11 inches | 11 inches | 12.9 inches | 12.9 inches |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2388 pixels | 1668 x 2388 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Display Type | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina | IPS LCD Retina |
| Main Camera | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide |
| Battery Capacity | 7812 mAh | 7812 mAh | 9720 mAh | 9720 mAh |
| Weight | 468g | 468g | 631g | 633g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm |
| Colors | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray | Black, White | Silver, Space Gray |
| Water Resistance | None | None | None | None |
Key Highlights:
- Powerful A12X Bionic Chip:
- The iPad Pro 3rd Gen is powered by the Apple A12X Bionic chip, an octa-core processor designed for intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. It significantly outperforms many tablets in its class, delivering desktop-like performance.
- Stunning Retina Display:
- The Liquid Retina Display on both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models offers vivid colors, true-to-life accuracy, and smooth 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive visual experience, making it ideal for creative professionals and media consumption.
- Face ID Security:
- With Face ID for facial recognition, you can unlock your iPad and authorize purchases securely. It’s fast, convenient, and works in both portrait and landscape modes.
- Pro-Level Cameras:
- The 12 MP wide-angle main camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps and HDR photography, allowing you to take professional-quality photos and videos directly from your iPad.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support:
- The iPad Pro 3rd Gen is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), offering wireless charging and magnetic attachment. This stylus is perfect for artists, designers, and note-takers who need precision and fluidity.
- USB-C Port:
- Unlike older iPads, the 3rd Gen iPad Pro features a USB Type-C port, giving users more versatility in connecting external displays, accessories, and even charging other devices.
- Slim, Premium Design:
- With an aluminum unibody construction and a flat-edge design, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen is as sleek as it is durable. It is incredibly thin, measuring just 5.9mm in thickness, making it lightweight and portable.
- Magic Keyboard Compatibility:
- For those who want to use the iPad Pro as a productivity machine, the device supports the Magic Keyboard (sold separately), providing a comfortable typing experience with a built-in trackpad and backlit keys.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit-Class LTE:
- The iPad Pro 3rd Gen supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable internet speeds and Gigabit-Class LTE on cellular models, ensuring smooth performance while on the go.
Supported Accessories:
- Apple Pencil (2nd Generation):
- The Apple Pencil 2 is designed for seamless interaction with the iPad Pro, offering precision, low latency, and pressure sensitivity that artists, designers, and note-takers will appreciate. It magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for wireless charging and easy storage.
- Magic Keyboard:
- The Magic Keyboard is the perfect accessory for turning your iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. It includes backlit keys, a trackpad, and an adjustable hinge that allows for different viewing angles. It connects via the Smart Connector, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or charging.
- Smart Folio:
- The Smart Folio provides front and back protection for your iPad while also doubling as a stand for typing or media consumption. Its magnetic attachment allows it to snap on and off easily.
- USB-C External Devices:
- The USB-C port on the iPad Pro 3rd Gen opens up possibilities for connecting a wide range of external devices, including:
- External storage devices (like SSDs) for quick file transfers.
- External displays for extending your screen real estate, especially useful for productivity and creative tasks.
- USB-C hubs that provide additional ports like HDMI, SD card readers, and more.
- The USB-C port on the iPad Pro 3rd Gen opens up possibilities for connecting a wide range of external devices, including:
- Protective Cases:
- Third-party protective cases and covers are widely available for the iPad Pro, providing added drop protection, while still being compatible with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
- Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds:
- With Bluetooth 5.0, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen supports a wide range of Bluetooth headphones, such as the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and other third-party wireless earphones.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Alternatives:
- While Apple’s own stylus is designed specifically for the iPad Pro, there are other third-party options available that offer similar functionality, often at a lower cost.
- Game Controllers:
- For those interested in gaming, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen supports Bluetooth controllers like the PlayStation DualShock 4 or Xbox Wireless Controller, giving you a console-like gaming experience.
Comparison with Competitors:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 (2018):
- Display: The Galaxy Tab S4 features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than the iPad Pro’s IPS LCD.
- Performance: The Samsung tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset, a solid but slightly older chipset compared to the iPad Pro’s A12X Bionic. While capable, the Snapdragon lags behind in multi-core performance.
- Stylus: Samsung includes the S-Pen in the box, while Apple sells the Apple Pencil 2nd generation separately.
- Battery Life: The Tab S4 offers 7300mAh, slightly lower than the iPad Pro 12.9’s 9720mAh but still adequate for all-day use.
- Price: At launch, the Galaxy Tab S4 was priced lower than the iPad Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option for Android users.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (2018):
- Operating System: The Surface Pro 6 runs full Windows 10, making it more suitable for professionals who need desktop-level software. The iPad Pro is still a more mobile-friendly option.
- Performance: Powered by Intel Core i5/i7 processors, the Surface Pro 6 performs better for productivity tasks, while the iPad Pro excels at graphics-heavy applications.
- Design: Surface Pro 6 comes with a kickstand, while the iPad Pro requires accessories like the Magic Keyboard for a similar setup.
- Battery: The Surface Pro 6 offers up to 9 hours of battery life, slightly below the iPad Pro’s capability.
Conclusion:
The Apple iPad Pro 3rd Generation may be outdated compared to the newer iPad models, but it still holds its ground in terms of performance, design, and functionality. For users looking for a powerful tablet that handles productivity tasks, creative applications, and media consumption seamlessly, the 2018 iPad Pro is a great option, especially if you can get it at a discounted price.
Compared to its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 and Microsoft Surface Pro 6, the iPad Pro excels in raw performance and graphics, but the decision largely depends on your ecosystem preference (iOS, Android, or Windows).