Apple iPad 3 WiFi WiFi (32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The T3 review of the new iPad (iPad 3) highlights its "resolutionary" Retina Display as the standout feature, offering 3.1 million pixels and improved color saturation. While the design is largely unchanged, the device is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate a faster A5X chip with quad-core graphics, which powers high-end gaming and apps like iPhoto. Key improvements also include a 5-megapixel iSight rear camera capable of 1080p video recording, although the front camera remains low resolution. Despite these strengths, the review notes significant drawbacks, including notably long charging times and faster battery depletion compared to the iPad 2. Furthermore, the 4G LTE functionality is useless in the UK, and the increased file sizes for high-resolution content make the 16GB storage capacity insufficient. Overall, the iPad 3 is presented as a refinement focused on display and performance rather than a complete overhaul. T3

The third-generation iPad (2012) offers an incremental update focused on a high-resolution 2048x1536 Retina display and improved 5-megapixel iSight camera, which significantly enhance visual, reading, and photo experiences. Performance is driven by the A5X chip, which maintains speed for daily tasks, but the device is slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, and it may run warmer under heavy load. Despite the minor weight increase, the device is considered a must-have for new users, offering a vastly improved screen, excellent 4G LTE options, and superior camera quality, outweighing the minor drawbacks of increased weight and heat. Macworld

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the iPad 3 highlights its "mesmerising" Retina Display, featuring a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution that offers significantly sharper text and images compared to its predecessor. To power this display, the device utilizes the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, housed within a robust and well-finished aluminium casing. Key strengths include this superior visual experience, improved graphics performance, and a starting price of £399 that the review deems excellent value. Conversely, the review notes several drawbacks, primarily that the device is 60g heavier and thicker than the iPad 2, impacting one-handed usability. Furthermore, the tablet lacks expandable storage, native USB ports, and HDMI output, requiring proprietary adapters for connectivity. Lastly, the device suffers from a notably slow, six-hour-plus charging time and substantial battery drain when using 3G.

The TechRadar review of the 2012 iPad 3 centers on its "revolutionary" Retina Display, boasting a 2048 x 1536 resolution that drastically improves visual fidelity for browsing, photos, and video. Powered by the A5X processor with quad-core graphics, the device boasts improved 1080p recording capabilities and a strong app ecosystem. However, the, increased power demands lead to significant heat output, and the tablet is both thicker and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery. Specific drawbacks highlighted include the 16GB model's limited storage in the face of larger Retina-optimized applications, as well as noticeable weight causing discomfort over extended use. The review notes a "complete" experience marred by minor, but notable, "foibles" in hardware efficiency. Ultimately, it is described as a "superb" media-consumption device with a compromised, heavy design.

The 2012 Bassheadtech review highlights the 3rd generation iPad’s Retina display as a major advancement, offering exceptionally sharp visuals for text and media. Key hardware improvements over the iPad 2 include a 5-megapixel rear camera and increased RAM. Despite its strengths, the device is noted for running noticeably warm, and the slippery aluminum casing often requires a protective case for better handling. The battery, while larger, only maintains a 10-hour lifespan to support the power-intensive display. The review concludes that the "New iPad" is an excellent choice for new users or iPad 1 owners, though not a necessary upgrade for iPad 2 owners. The device's value is driven by the iOS ecosystem, despite its heat issues.

The Guardian's 2012 review of the third-generation iPad highlights the introduction of a Retina display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, creating a significantly sharper visual experience than its predecessor. Key performance upgrades include the A5X processor with quad-core graphics, a 5-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video, and a larger battery to maintain 10-hour life despite higher power demands. While praised for its display and speed, the device is noted for being heavier and thicker, with 4G connectivity that was, at the time, incompatible with UK networks.

The 3rd Generation iPad, or "the new iPad," is defined by its "jaw-dropping" Retina Display, boasting 3.1 million pixels for exceptional sharpness and a 5-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video. Performance is driven by the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, maintaining a smooth interface despite the high-resolution demands. Pocket-lintPros highlighted by Pocket-lint include the vastly improved display, better camera capabilities, and 4G LTE functionality, though the latter is limited to the US. The device maintains a luxurious design, described as a, albeit slightly thicker and heavier, evolutionary step from the iPad 2. Pocket-lintCons center on the device taking longer to charge due to increased battery strain and the lack of Siri, offering only voice dictation. Additionally, the lack of expandable storage is noted, combined with the fact that high-resolution apps and content will fill up the maximum 64GB storage quickly. Pocket-lint

The 2012 Apple iPad (third generation) is defined by its 2048 x 1536 resolution Retina display, providing unmatched image sharpness and superior app selection at the time. Performance is bolstered by the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, alongside impressive 4G LTE speeds and a 5-megapixel rear camera. Despite these advancements, the device is slightly heavier and thicker than its predecessor, with limited camera software controls and high-resolution apps pushing the limits of the processor.

The third-generation iPad is defined by its 2048x1536 Retina Display and an A5X chip with quad-core graphics, delivering exceptionally sharp visuals and fluid performance for high-resolution gaming, despite having processing speeds similar to the iPad 2. Key hardware upgrades include 4G LTE connectivity and a 5-megapixel iSight camera, though these additions result in a slightly thicker, heavier device with longer charging times and increased operating temperatures. While the stunning display and app ecosystem make it a significant upgrade, the device is criticized for its heat output and an outdated front-facing camera.

The March 2012 CNET review of the third-generation Apple iPad centers on its high-resolution 2,048x1,536 Retina Display and A5X processor, which delivers significantly sharper visuals and improved graphics performance. Key pros include the upgraded 5-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, optional 4G LTE connectivity, and a maintained 10-hour battery life. Cons identified in the review include a slightly heavier and thicker design compared to the iPad 2, increased storage requirements for high-resolution content, and the lack of native, direct-connect ports.

The TechSpot review of the 2012 third-generation iPad highlights the Retina display (2048 x 1536 resolution) as the defining, revolutionary feature, offering exceptional text clarity and color. While maintaining a similar design to the iPad 2, the device is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate a larger battery and internal components. Performance is driven by the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, ensuring smooth operation, while 4G LTE support provides faster connectivity. Key pros identified include the stunning display, a competitive $499 starting price, and access to a robust app ecosystem. Conversely, cons include the closed iOS system with no storage expansion, a lack of Flash support, and the device running noticeably warmer during intensive tasks. Despite these drawbacks, the review praises the overall user experience. Ultimately, TechSpot recommends the iPad 3 as the premier tablet choice for new buyers, describing it as an evolutionary rather than a necessary upgrade for current iPad 2 owners.

HotHardware's review concludes that the 3rd Gen iPad (2012) remains the best tablet experience available despite not topping every technical benchmark. The "Resolutionary" Retina display is a major highlight, offering exceptional visual quality (2048x1536) that surpasses the competition. While raw synthetic benchmarks were mixed, the subjective experience is described as "silky smooth," and the device delivers 10-hour battery life despite the increased power demands of the screen. Performance is driven by the A5X chip with quad-core graphics, which handles heavy loads efficiently. The addition of 1GB of RAM improves multitasking, and overall, the device offers a premium user experience. Key drawbacks, or "cons," noted in the review include the lack of Flash support, which remains a limitation for web browsing. Physically, the device is slightly thicker and heavier, and the casing is prone to damage, with a front camera that remains "grainy and mostly horrible".

Expert Reviews positions the Apple iPad series as the industry standard, balancing high-end performance with a refined user experience and superior app ecosystem compared to Android. While the 9th-generation (2021) offers excellent value, newer models like the 10th-gen (2022) update the design to a modern 10.9-inch display with USB-C, albeit at a higher price point. Pros include Apple's incredibly powerful silicon, ProMotion 120Hz displays on Pro models, and exceptional, long-term software support. Key cons focus on the high cost of entry and expensive official accessories, which can make the overall package a difficult sell against traditional laptops. Additionally, some users may find iPadOS restrictive, limiting the multitasking capabilities of the powerful hardware, and certain older models lack modern USB-C ports.

The third-generation iPad (2012) features a groundbreaking 2048 x 1536 Retina display, powered by the A5X chip and, for the first time, 4G LTE connectivity. Key benefits include the exceptionally sharp screen, a significantly improved 5-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video, and the maintenance of a 10-hour battery life despite the higher-resolution display. However, the device is slightly thicker and heavier, runs warmer under load, takes longer to charge, and requires a faster-draining cellular connection to use LTE.