Is the iPad 3 screen really that good?

Yes, even in 2026, its pixel density (264 PPI) is comparable to newer models. Text is super sharp.

Because Apple put a great screen in it, but the processor was too weak to move it.

Are video calls possible?

Technically yes (VGA camera), but the quality is terrible.

Is the battery hard to replace?

Yes, it's huge and strongly glued. Not recommended to try without experience.

Can I use it as a monitor?

Yes, there are apps (if you can find an old version) that turn it into an extra screen for your computer - this is a very good use case due to the Retina panel.

Apple iPad 9.7" 3rd Gen (2012)

2012Support ended

4(400) · Apple Official (Archive), iFixit

Release year2012

Display9.7 inches

ChipA5X (45 nm)

RAM1GB LPDDR2

Camera5MP

Support ended

A5X (45 nm)

2012Today2016

Current version

iOS 9.3.6 (final)

Total support

4 years

Security patches

2016-09

Expert assessment: Shortest lifespan iPad in history - replaced after 7 months.

Price from

25 €– 33 € -95%

New costs 499 €

7 in stock

Color

Storage

Condition

View offers (7)

12-month warranty·Delivery 2-4 days·14-day returns·Verified device

Pros and Cons

Strengths and weaknesses at a glance.

Why choose

Retina Display
Battery Capacity
Affordable
Build Quality
5MP Camera
Bluetooth 4.0

What to consider

Weight
Overheating
Charging Speed
Slow Interface
30-pin Connector

Specifications

Detailed Technical Info

Hardware and features in detail.

Screen size: 9.7 inches
Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
Display type: IPS LCD
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Max brightness: 400 nits
Screen protection: Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating

Display

Screen size: 9.7 inches
Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
Display type: IPS LCD
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Max brightness: 400 nits
Screen protection: Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating

Performance

Processor: Apple A5X (45 nm)
CPU cores: Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9
GPU: PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core)
RAM: 1GB LPDDR2
AnTuTu score: Not applicable

Camera

Main camera: 5 MP, f/2.4, 33mm, AF
Ultra-wide: Not available
Telephoto: Not available
Front camera: VGA (0.3 MP)
Video: 1080p@30fps

Battery

Capacity: 11560 mAh (42.5 Wh)
Charging speed: 10-12W wired
Wireless charging: No
Battery life: Up to 10 hours (new)

Connectivity

5G: No
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Bluetooth: 4.0
NFC: No
USB: 30-pin Dock Connector

Body & Dimensions

Dimensions: 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm
Weight: 652 grams
Materials: Aluminum, glass
Water resistance: None

Condition Classes

All devices are fully tested and working.

Good (B)

from 31 €

Some scratches on the back cover. Screen without major defects.

Acceptable (C)

from 25 €

Clearly visible signs of use. Best price.

Model characteristics

Common issues that may occur with Apple iPad 9.7" 3rd Gen (2012).

Overheating

Moderate

Powerful (for its time) GPU and screen backlight.

Very slow charging

Moderate

Huge 11560 mAh battery and weak 10W charger.

System slowness

Critical

The processor cannot handle moving the 3 million pixels of the Retina display.

Greenfox check:Tested and clear

Repairs and Parts2/10 iFixit

Battery Replacement

Hard

50–70€Estimated cost

The huge battery is strongly glued to the casing.

Screen Replacement

Medium

35–55€Estimated cost

The glass is glued, but separate from the LCD.

Charging Port Repair

Medium

35–55€Estimated cost

The 30-pin connector is tedious to replace (screws + soldering).

Fewer spare parts are available than for the iPad 2, as the model was in production for a short time.

Environmental Impact

Buying a used device saves valuable resources.

This is equivalent to: Charging a smartphone every day for 6 years Car journey (90km)

CO₂ Saved

32 kg CO2e

Water Saved

7000 liters

E-Waste Avoided

652 grams

Reused

95%

Recycled

Methodology: Fraunhofer Institute / Refurbed.com calculation model (2025)

Who Is This For?

This device is especially well-suited for these users.

Photo Album

The Retina display makes it an ideal digital picture frame.

Sharp image
Affordable
IPS panel

Library

For reading static PDFs and books.

Text is clear
Large screen
Battery lasts

Cartoon Machine

For showing cartoons to children in the car (if files are on the device).

Good picture
Durable
Cheap to replace

tele2 Limited4G support questionable nowadays

telia Limited4G support questionable nowadays

The iPad 3 was advertised as a 4G device, but it primarily supports US frequencies. In Europe, it often only works on 3G (which is being phased out) or very limited 4G.

Comparisons With Other Models

How this model differs from the competition.

UpgradevsiPad 2 (2011)

The iPad 3 is thicker and heavier, but the Retina display is worth it. The image is crystal clear compared to the iPad 2's pixels.

Feature	iPad 9.7" 3rd Gen (2012)	iPad 2 (2011)
Resolution	2048 x 1536	1024 x 768
Camera	5MP	0.7MP

UpgradevsiPad 4 (2012)

The iPad 4 came out just a few months later. The new A6X chip made the system much faster and the Lightning connector is more convenient.

Feature	iPad 9.7" 3rd Gen (2012)	iPad 4 (2012)
Processor	A5X	A6X
Charger	30-pin	Lightning

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Frequently Asked Questions

247 €

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