Apple iPad 3 Cellular (16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The InfoWorld review of the 2012 third-generation iPad, dubbed "the new iPad," characterizes the tablet as an incremental evolution rather than a revolutionary leap, justifying Apple's decision to drop version numbering. Key improvements include a high-resolution Retina display, 4G LTE connectivity, and a superior 5-megapixel camera, though the device retains the previous model's form factor. While hardware enhancements are notable, the review cites limited iOS software innovation and annoying, unchanged design elements, such as the volume button placement, ultimately advising against upgrading from an iPad 2. InfoWorld

The Guardian's March 2012 review highlights the third-generation iPad's Retina display, which offers superior, high-definition visual precision that makes the previous model appear "furry". Powered by the A5X chip, the device provides enhanced graphics, an improved 5-megapixel camera, and optional 4G LTE capabilities. However, drawbacks include a slightly heavier, thicker chassis, disappointing voice dictation, and the continued lack of a native USB port or SD card slot.

The 2012 Apple iPad 3rd Generation 4G features a high-resolution 9.7-inch Retina display (2048 x 1536) and a premium aluminum build, though it is slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor. Performance is powered by the A5X chip, which handles the display's increased pixel count, along with 4G LTE support and an improved 5-megapixel rear camera, although day-to-day speed is similar to the iPad 2. Key drawbacks noted include significant heat generation under load, reaching 34–40°C, and slow charging times for the large battery, along with lack of Siri support.

The March 2012 "third-generation" iPad introduced a high-resolution Retina Display (2,048x1,536-pixel) and A5X chip with quad-core graphics, which CNET highlights as a major pro for superior visuals and performance. The device also featured an improved 5-megapixel "iSight" rear camera and 4G LTE connectivity, solidifying its place at the top of the tablet market. However, the 2012 model is slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor, a con attributed to a larger battery needed to power the display, limiting portability. Other drawbacks include increased storage requirements for high-resolution apps and content, and continued reliance on adapters for connectivity. Ultimately, CNET deemed it a "must-buy" for the display quality and ecosystem, even though the hardware design felt familiar and lacked major, non-display innovations. While recommended for new buyers, the review suggested the upgrade was less essential for existing iPad 2 users due to the heavier design.

The third-generation iPad centers on its 2048x1536 Retina Display and A5X chip with quad-core graphics, delivering a fluid, high-resolution visual experience. While the display is a major pro, it comes at the cost of a heavier, thicker chassis that can run warm, and a significantly larger battery that increases charging times. Key hardware upgrades include fast 4G LTE connectivity and a superior 5-megapixel rear camera, though base 16GB storage is limiting for larger, Retina-ready apps. Ultimately, it sets a new standard for tablet displays, but the increased weight, lack of Siri, and heat generation are notable drawbacks compared to its predecessor.

The third-generation iPad's primary upgrade is the Retina display (2048 x 1536), offering superior clarity, alongside a 5-megapixel iSight camera and 4G LTE support. While boasting an A5X chip with quad-core graphics, the device is slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad 2, with everyday performance feeling largely similar. Ultimately deemed a refined companion device rather than a laptop replacement, it maintains market leadership despite minor issues like app stuttering on launch and the lack of Flash support.

The 2012 Reviewed assessment of the 3rd generation iPad highlighted it as a refined, incremental update centered on a groundbreaking 2048 x 1536 "Retina" display, which offered superior color accuracy and resolution for the era. While performance was solid, the review noted that the device mainly offered improved connectivity through 4G LTE and a better 5-megapixel camera, rather than drastic internal speed breakthroughs. Key pros highlighted by the review included the exceptionally sharp 264 DPI screen, premium durable aluminum construction, and a highly responsive touchscreen experience, confirming its status as a top-tier media consumption device. The addition of Bluetooth 4.0 also provided improved peripheral support. Conversely, significant cons included "underwhelming" battery life that failed to match the iPad 2, along with notable overheating issues driven by the power-intensive display and processor. The device was also criticized for being slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor, in addition to having a highly reflective screen that limited outdoor usability. For the full, detailed review, visit Reviewed. Copy

HotHardware's 2012 evaluation of the third-generation iPad highlights the Retina display (2048x1536) as a major upgrade, cementing the device's position as the market leader. Key advantages include robust 4G LTE performance, a much-improved 5MP iSight camera, and consistent 10-hour battery life despite the higher-resolution screen. While the A5X chip delivers solid performance, the review notes the device is slightly thicker and heavier, and that the front-facing camera remains low-quality, with potential durability issues for the rear casing. Copy

Pocket-lint’s review of the 3rd-generation Apple iPad identifies the device as the premier tablet of 2012, driven by its "jaw-dropping" Retina Display that offers 264ppi for exceptionally sharp text and images. Performance is managed by the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, ensuring smooth operation for the high-resolution display, alongside a significantly improved 5-megapixel rear camera and added voice dictation functionality. While praised for its 4G LTE capabilities, the device is considered an evolution over its predecessor rather than a total revolution, with cons including a higher, unchanged weight and no improvement to overall battery life. Additionally, the increased storage demands of Retina-optimized apps make the 64GB cap a notable limitation.

The third-generation iPad (iPad 3) is defined by its 2048x1536 Retina display, which delivers 264 pixels per inch and covers nearly 66% of the Adobe RGB gamut, marking a 35% improvement over the iPad 2. The device features a faster A5X chip with enhanced quad-core graphics capable of PS Vita-level gaming, yet general menu navigation does not feel faster than its predecessor. Key limitations include a slightly heavier chassis, slower charging times due to a larger battery, and Safari's tendency to downsample images.

Kris Abel’s review of the 3rd generation iPad highlights a focused update centered on the Retina Display, featuring 3.1 million pixels for crisp visuals, and an upgraded 5MP iSight camera with 1080p video capabilities. While offering superior imagery, the tablet is slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad 2, and although the A5X processor boosts graphics, overall computing power remains similar. The device delivers the same 10-hour battery life as its predecessor and offers features like voice dictation, making it a recommended, though incremental, upgrade mainly for new users or those moving from the first-generation iPad. Copy

Trusted Reviews praises the iPad 3 for its "mesmerising" Retina Display with 2,048 x 1,536 resolution, calling it a major visual leap that sets a new industry standard. This display is powered by the A5X chip, which offers quad-core graphics to maintain a smooth experience despite the increased pixel count. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a thicker, heavier design compared to the iPad 2, and an exceptionally long charging time for the larger battery. Additionally, the unit is noted for running warm during intense tasks, and it lacks expandable storage, featuring only a proprietary 30-pin port. Ultimately deemed a "superb" and "robust" device, the iPad 3 is recommended as a fantastic option for new users rather than a necessary upgrade for existing iPad 2 owners. Copy

The iPad 3 introduces a high-resolution Retina Display (2048 x 1536) and an A5X chip with quad-core graphics, delivering exceptional visual clarity and enhanced gaming performance. Key upgrades include a significantly improved 5MP iSight camera for 1080p video recording, along with 4G LTE connectivity and voice dictation, while retaining the polished iOS ecosystem. However, these improvements result in a thicker, heavier design, longer charging times, and the device becoming uncomfortably warm during intense use. Copy

T3 characterizes the Apple iPad 3 (or "The New iPad") as an evolutionary update that prioritizes high-end hardware, most notably the Retina Display which offers superior color saturation and 3.1 million pixels. Performance is driven by the A5X chip with a quad-core GPU, which powers the screen for high-end gaming and keeps the interface smooth, complemented by a 5-megapixel iSight camera that records 1080p video. While the premium aluminum design remains, the device is slightly thicker and heavier, and includes 4G LTE, though speeds were limited at launch in the UK. The review highlights significant, albeit expected, drawbacks, most notably the "excessive" charge time, requiring over six hours to fully power the larger battery, which also drains faster during heavy usage compared to the iPad 2. Furthermore, the high-resolution display results in larger file sizes, rendering the 16GB entry-level model impractical for many users and favoring higher-capacity, more expensive options. Copy