Apple iPad 3

Quick Facts

Specification	Details
Official model name	The new iPad (3rd generation)
Launch year	2012
Display	9.7-inch Retina IPS display
Resolution	2048 × 1536 pixels at 264 ppi
Processor	Apple A5X chip
Memory	1GB RAM
Storage	16GB, 32GB or 64GB
Rear camera	5MP iSight camera
Front camera	VGA FaceTime camera
Battery	42.5Wh; up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.0 and optional 4G LTE
Charging port	30-pin dock connector
Security	Passcode; no Touch ID
Weight	652g for Wi-Fi; 662g for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Colours	Black or White

Overview

The Apple iPad 3 introduced a high-resolution Retina display to the full-size iPad range. Its 9.7-inch screen can still provide sharp text and images for reading stored documents, viewing photographs and playing downloaded videos.

Its A5X processor and 1GB of RAM are severely dated by current standards. The tablet is limited to iOS 9, meaning most current applications, websites, security features and online services may be unsupported or unable to work correctly.

When buying a used iPad 3, inspect the screen, battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, 30-pin charging port and physical buttons. Confirm that the tablet has been removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account and is not protected by Activation Lock.

Key Highlights

9.7-inch Retina display

The iPad 3 has a 2048 × 1536 Retina display with four times as many pixels as the screen on the iPad 2. It remains the tablet’s main strength for viewing compatible offline content.

Why it matters:

Sharp text for ebooks and documents
Detailed display for stored photographs
Comfortable size for downloaded videos
More screen space than an iPad mini
IPS technology provides consistent viewing angles

Full-size aluminium construction

The iPad 3 uses a solid aluminium enclosure with a physical Home button and familiar tablet layout. However, its 652g starting weight makes it considerably heavier than later iPad Air models.

Why it matters:

Solid construction for stationary use
Large screen is suitable for tabletop viewing
Physical Home button offers familiar navigation
Works in landscape or portrait orientation
Buyers should consider its relatively heavy weight

Optional cellular connectivity

Selected Wi-Fi + Cellular versions support early 4G LTE connections on compatible frequency bands. The tablet also includes Bluetooth 4.0 and a 3.5mm headphone jack for supported accessories.

Why it matters:

Cellular models may connect away from Wi-Fi
Wired headphones work without an adapter
Bluetooth supports some compatible accessories
GPS is available on cellular versions
Mobile compatibility depends on the exact model

Key Features Explained

Feature	What it means for buyers
Apple A5X chip	Supports simple offline activities but is extremely slow by current standards
1GB RAM	Provides very limited multitasking and modern website performance
9.7-inch Retina display	Produces sharper text and images than the non-Retina iPad 2
5MP rear camera	Suitable for basic photographs in good lighting
VGA front camera	Offers low image quality for compatible video calls
Optional 4G LTE	May provide mobile data where the model and network remain compatible
30-pin connector	Requires an older charging cable that differs from Lightning and USB-C
3.5mm headphone jack	Supports standard wired headphones without an adapter
No Touch ID	Unlocking and authentication require a passcode or Apple Account password
No Apple Pencil support	The model does not support any Apple Pencil generation
iOS 9 limit	Most current applications require a later, unsupported operating system
No expandable storage	The built-in storage cannot be increased with a memory card

Compare Related Models

Model	Launch year	Display	Processor	Rear/front camera	Battery	Storage	Network	Weight
iPad 2	2011	9.7-inch, 1024 × 768	A5	Basic rear / VGA front	25Wh	16GB–64GB	Wi-Fi 4, optional 3G	601g / up to 613g
iPad 3	2012	9.7-inch Retina, 2048 × 1536	A5X	5MP / VGA	42.5Wh	16GB–64GB	Wi-Fi 4, optional LTE	652g / 662g
iPad 4	2012	9.7-inch Retina, 2048 × 1536	A6X	5MP / 1.2MP	42.5Wh	16GB–128GB	Wi-Fi 4, optional LTE	652g / 662g
iPad Air	2013	9.7-inch Retina, 2048 × 1536	A7	5MP / 1.2MP	32.4Wh	16GB–128GB	Wi-Fi 4, optional LTE	469g / 478g

Weights show Wi-Fi / cellular models.

Which Model Should You Choose?

Choose this model	Best suited for
iPad 2	Buyers considering a very inexpensive iPad for extremely basic offline content
iPad 3	Buyers who specifically want a Retina display for simple offline viewing
iPad 4	Buyers wanting a faster processor, better front camera and Lightning connector
iPad Air	Buyers wanting a dramatically lighter body and newer hardware
iPad 5th Gen	Buyers wanting substantially better performance and newer software support

Alternatives

If you are comparing before buying, you may also want to check these related SellUp Marketplace pages:

Common Questions

Is the iPad 3 suitable for everyday use?

It may handle stored photographs, ebooks and downloaded videos through compatible applications. Its A5X processor, 1GB of RAM and iOS 9 software limit make it unsuitable for current apps, demanding websites, intensive multitasking or buyers who require modern security support.

Does the iPad 3 support 5G?

No. Selected cellular versions support early 4G LTE connections but not 5G. Compatibility depends on the exact model, supported frequency bands, your Singapore telco, SIM card, plan and local network coverage.

Is the iPad 3 better than the iPad 4?

No. The iPad 4 has a faster A6X processor, a better front camera, Lightning connectivity and support for a newer operating system. Both have similarly sized Retina displays, but the iPad 3 may appeal only when it is considerably cheaper and intended for basic offline use.

Does the iPad 3 support wireless charging?

No. The iPad 3 charges through its 30-pin dock connector and does not support Qi or MagSafe wireless charging.

Is the iPad 3 water resistant?

Apple does not provide the iPad 3 with an official IP water- or dust-resistance rating. Keep it away from rain, spills and high-moisture environments.

Is the iPad 3 worth buying?

It is difficult to recommend because of its age, heavy design, obsolete software and limited application compatibility. It may still suit simple offline viewing at a very low price. Check the battery, screen, cameras, speakers, microphones, charging port, buttons and Activation Lock status before buying.

Why Buy a Used iPad 3?

A used iPad 3 can provide an inexpensive full-size Retina display for reading stored documents, showing photographs and playing downloaded media. Its headphone jack remains convenient, although the older 30-pin connector requires the appropriate charging cable.

Condition and price are especially important because of the tablet’s age. Compare storage capacity, cosmetic condition, battery performance and cellular compatibility carefully, and choose a professionally inspected unit whenever possible.

Compare Apple iPad 3 listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, storage size, and price that suits your budget.