iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012)
2012 first Retina iPad.
The Apple iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) is a vintage Apple smartphone released Mar 2012, with a launch price of $499. It pairs the Apple A5X with a 9.7" Retina 1536 x 2048 display, a 5.0 MP main camera and a 11,560 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 82/100 — iPad (3rd gen, Retina). Standout strengths: first retina ipad (1536 x 2048). and 1 gb ram bump. Main trade-off: heat issues from a5x.
iPad (3rd gen, Retina).
Apple's 2012 iPad 3 brought first Retina to iPad — 1536 x 2048 + first LTE option, replaced 6 months later by iPad 4.
Read the full review- First Retina iPad (1536 x 2048).
- 1 GB RAM bump.
- First LTE iPad option.
- 5 MP rear cam.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) compares
| iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 15 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 82 | 89 | 82 |
| Chipset | Apple A5X | SD 8 Elite | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Display | 9.7" Retina 1536 x 2048 | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED | 6.7" OLED 60 Hz |
| Main camera | 5.0 MP | 200 MP · f/1.7 | 48 MP · f/1.6 |
| Battery | 11,560 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,383 mAh |
| Launch price | $499 | $1,299 | $899 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) released?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) was released in Mar 2012.
How much does the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) cost?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) launched at $499 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) screen size and type?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) has a 9.7" Retina 1536 x 2048 display.
What chipset does the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) use?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) is powered by the Apple A5X chipset.
What is the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) battery capacity?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) has a 11,560 mAh battery.
What is the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) main camera?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) has a 5.0 MP main camera.
What colours does the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) come in?
The iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) is available in 2 colours: Silver, Black.
Is the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) worth buying?
Apple's 2012 iPad 3 brought first Retina to iPad — 1536 x 2048 + first LTE option, replaced 6 months later by iPad 4. SpecEagle gives the iPad (3rd gen, Retina 2012) an editorial score of 82/100.
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