Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation)

Quick Facts

Specification	Details
Launch year	2018
Display	12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with ProMotion
Resolution	2732 × 2048 pixels at 264 ppi
Processor	Apple A12X Bionic chip
Memory	4GB RAM on 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models; 6GB RAM on the 1TB model
Storage	64GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
Rear camera	12MP Wide
Front camera	7MP TrueDepth
Battery	36.71Wh; up to 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0; optional 4G LTE cellular
Charging port	USB-C
Weight	631g for Wi-Fi; 633g for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Colours	Silver or Space Grey

Overview

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) introduced an all-screen design, Face ID and USB-C to Apple’s largest tablet range. Its spacious Liquid Retina display includes ProMotion, P3 wide colour and True Tone for smooth movement and responsive Apple Pencil input.

The A12X Bionic chip remains suitable for everyday productivity, illustration, media playback and many games. Four-speaker audio, five microphones and support for compatible keyboard accessories also give it capabilities beyond standard iPads from the same period.

When buying a used unit, inspect the large display for scratches, bright spots, discolouration and touch-response problems. Test the battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, USB-C port, buttons and Face ID, and confirm that Activation Lock has been removed.

Key Highlights

1. Large 12.9-inch ProMotion Display

The fully laminated Liquid Retina display has a 2732 × 2048 resolution, P3 wide colour, True Tone and brightness of up to 600 nits. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother movement.

Why it matters:

Provides a spacious workspace for documents and creative apps
Makes scrolling and animations appear smoother
Improves responsiveness when writing or drawing
Displays vibrant colour for photos and visual work
Reduces reflections with an anti-reflective coating

2. A12X Bionic Performance

The A12X Bionic chip includes an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU and Neural Engine. It remains capable of handling browsing, documents, illustration, photo editing and many graphics-intensive applications.

Why it matters:

Handles everyday productivity applications
Supports illustration and photo-editing workflows
Provides suitable performance for many games
Remains compatible with iPadOS 26
Offers storage capacities of up to 1TB

3. Face ID, USB-C and Four-Speaker Audio

The 7MP TrueDepth camera provides Face ID and portrait effects, while USB-C supports charging and compatible accessories. Four speakers adjust their output according to the tablet’s orientation.

Why it matters:

Provides secure facial authentication
Connects to compatible USB-C accessories
Supports external display output
Produces balanced stereo sound in either orientation
Works with compatible Apple Pencil and keyboard models

Key Features Explained

Feature	What it offers
A12X Bionic chip	An 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU for productivity, creative applications and games
Liquid Retina display	A 12.9-inch IPS panel with 2732 × 2048 resolution and 600-nit brightness
ProMotion	Adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother navigation and Apple Pencil input
Face ID	Provides facial authentication through the TrueDepth camera system
12MP rear camera	Captures photos, scans documents and records video at up to 4K resolution
7MP TrueDepth camera	Supports FaceTime calls, portrait effects, Animoji and Memoji
USB-C	Supports charging, compatible accessories and external display output
Four-speaker audio	Adjusts stereo output according to the tablet’s orientation
Five microphones	Supports calls, video recording and audio recording
Accessory support	Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C) and compatible keyboard models

Compare Related Models

Model	Launch year	Display	Processor	Rear/front camera	Battery	Storage	Network	Weight
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen)	2018	12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple A12X Bionic	12MP Wide / 7MP TrueDepth	36.71Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	64GB–1TB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	631g Wi-Fi; 633g cellular
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Gen)	2017	12.9-inch Retina IPS, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple A10X Fusion	12MP Wide / 7MP FaceTime HD	41Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	64GB–512GB	Wi-Fi 5; optional 4G LTE	677g Wi-Fi; 692g cellular
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Gen)	2020	12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple A12Z Bionic	12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR / 7MP TrueDepth	36.71Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	128GB–1TB	Wi-Fi 6; optional 4G LTE	641g Wi-Fi; 643g cellular
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen)	2021	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple M1	12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR / 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth	40.88Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	128GB–2TB	Wi-Fi 6; optional 5G	682g Wi-Fi; 685g cellular

Which Model Should You Choose?

Choose this model	If you want
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen)	A large ProMotion display, Face ID, four-speaker audio and USB-C at a relatively low used price
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Gen)	The lowest possible price and prefer a Home button or headphone jack
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Gen)	An Ultra Wide rear camera, LiDAR, Wi-Fi 6 and at least 128GB of storage
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen)	M1 performance, a mini-LED XDR display, Thunderbolt, Center Stage, optional 5G and Apple Intelligence support

Alternatives

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

Common Questions

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) good for everyday use?

Yes, for lighter to moderate use. Its A12X Bionic chip handles browsing, streaming, video calls, documents, note-taking and many games, although heavier applications may perform better on an M-series model.

Does the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) support 5G?

No. Wi-Fi + Cellular versions support 4G LTE but not 5G, while Wi-Fi-only models have no cellular connection. Actual LTE speed depends on your Singapore telco plan, nano-SIM or eSIM support, coverage and network conditions.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) better than the 4th Generation?

No, the fourth-generation model is generally better. It has a slightly faster processor, 6GB of RAM across all capacities, an Ultra Wide rear camera, LiDAR and Wi-Fi 6. The third-generation model may provide better value when it costs significantly less.

Does the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) support wireless charging?

No. It does not support Qi or MagSafe wireless charging. The tablet charges through its USB-C port, although the magnetic side connector can charge an Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) water resistant?

Apple does not provide an official IP water- or dust-resistance rating for this model. Keep it away from liquids and inspect a used unit for moisture damage or corrosion around its USB-C port and buttons.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) worth buying used?

It may offer good value if you want a large 120Hz display, Face ID and four-speaker audio at a low price. Before buying, check the screen, battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, port, buttons, Face ID and Activation Lock status.

Why Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation)?

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) remains a practical option for buyers who value a large, smooth display and flexible accessory support. Its A12X Bionic chip can still handle a broad range of everyday and creative tasks.

It is most attractive when priced well below a fourth-generation or M1 iPad Pro. Buyers should consider its age, lack of 5G and Apple Intelligence support, as well as whether its larger dimensions suit their needs.

Compare Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, storage size, and price that suits your budget.