Released in March 2012, the Apple iPad 3 marked a significant leap in tablet technology. Boasting the first Retina display for iPads, the third-generation model came with impressive features that were groundbreaking at the time. But in 2024, does this outdated tablet hold any value? Let’s take a closer look at the specs, its relevance today, and how it stacks up against alternative options from Google, Huawei, and Samsung tablets from that era.
Historical Context: iPad 3’s Legacy
In the tablet world, 2012 was the year that Apple introduced the iPad 3, also known as “The New iPad,” which came with notable advancements:
- First Retina Display on an iPad: The 9.7-inch screen packed a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, with a pixel density far superior to its competitors.
- Apple A5X Chipset: This dual-core processor was optimized for better graphics performance, and while not a powerhouse today, it could handle a variety of tasks at the time.
- Battery Life: With an 11,560mAh battery, it promised solid battery life, even with the Retina display’s higher power demands.
Detailed Specifications: What Made the iPad 3 Stand Out
Here’s a breakdown of the key technical details for the iPad 3 variants (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + 4G GSM/CDMA):
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 9.7-inch Retina display, 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 aspect ratio |
| Chipset | Apple A5X, Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB (non-expandable) |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 |
| Main Camera | 5 MP, HDR support, 720p video recording |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP, Face detection |
| Battery | 11,560 mAh (Li-Po, non-removable) |
| Operating System | Launched with iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 |
What Do These Specs Mean Today?
- Performance: The A5X chip, though sufficient at the time, struggles with modern apps due to its limited processing power and only 1 GB of RAM. Most resource-intensive apps and games won’t perform well.
- Display: The Retina display is still beautiful, even by today’s standards. It’s ideal for watching videos, reading, and browsing, making it a viable choice for light use.
- Battery: The large battery means it can still last a long time between charges, though the lack of fast charging (12W max) might feel sluggish for today’s users.
How Does the iPad 3 Compare to Today’s Tablets?
Even with its advanced features in 2012, today’s tablets far outperform the iPad 3. Still, it can be useful for specific purposes:
- Basic Media Consumption: Watching Netflix, YouTube, or reading e-books is still possible thanks to the Retina display.
- Kids’ Tablet: With restricted app availability due to iOS limitations, it can make a safe, durable tablet for children.
Common Issues and Modern Fixes
The iPad 3 faces several limitations due to its age:
- App Compatibility: With support stopping at iOS 9.3.5, many apps are no longer compatible, which limits its use.
- Performance Lag: Apps load slowly, and multitasking is practically impossible. However, factory resets and removing unused apps can slightly improve performance.
Alternatives to the iPad 3 from Google, Huawei, and Samsung (2012 Era)
If you’re looking for alternatives from the same generation, here are some options worth considering:
Google Nexus 10 (2012)
- Display: 10.1 inches, 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 aspect ratio.
- Chipset: Exynos 5 Dual (Dual-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15).
- Performance: Outperformed the iPad 3 in benchmarks, especially in gaming and app load times.
- Downside: Build quality wasn’t as premium as the iPad 3’s unibody aluminum design.
Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD (2012)
- Display: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200 pixels.
- Chipset: Huawei K3V2 (Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9).
- Battery: 6600 mAh.
- Downside: The MediaPad 10 FHD suffered from lackluster performance and Huawei’s ecosystem wasn’t as mature at the time.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (2012)
- Display: 10.1 inches, 1280 x 800 pixels.
- Chipset: TI OMAP 4430 (Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9).
- Price: Generally cheaper than the iPad 3 at launch, but with fewer features.
- Downside: The screen resolution was significantly lower, and the plastic build wasn’t as durable as the iPad 3.
Is the iPad 3 Still Worth Buying?
If you’re a collector or looking for a basic media device, the iPad 3 could still hold some value. For most users, though, its limitations make it difficult to recommend as a primary device. However, if you’re nostalgic about iPads or need a cheap, simple tablet for reading or watching videos, it might still have some use.
FAQ
- Can the iPad 3 run modern apps?
- No, the iPad 3’s iOS 9.3.5 limits its compatibility with most modern apps.
- Is the iPad 3 still worth buying in 2024?
- Only if you’re looking for a basic tablet for media consumption or as a collector’s item.
- How does the iPad 3 compare to the Google Nexus 10?
- The Google Nexus 10 offered better performance, but the iPad 3 had a more premium build and better battery life.
Conclusion
While the iPad 3 may not compete with modern tablets, it still holds a nostalgic charm for vintage Apple fans and basic users. If you can find one in good condition for a reasonable price, it could serve as a durable secondary tablet or a piece of tech history. However, if performance and app compatibility are your priority, it’s worth looking at more recent devices, or even exploring other brands like Samsung, Google, or Huawei.