iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd Gen): In‑Depth Review, Specs, and More
The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen debuted in 2018 and still pulls its weight against newer rivals. With a powerful A12X Bionic chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, and a robust accessory ecosystem, this tablet remains a compelling choice for creators, professionals, and power users. Below, we dive into its design, performance, and value, and answer the most common questions people have about this generation.
Design and Build
Apple’s third‑generation Pro keeps the clean, minimalist look that fans love. The 12.9‑inch chassis measures 247.6 mm × 174.1 mm × 5.9 mm and weighs 682 g (Wi‑Fi) or 699 g (Wi‑Fi + Cellular). A durable aerospace‑grade aluminum frame surrounds the edges, while the matte glass front protects the Super Retina display from fingerprints and glare. A new Face‑ID sensor replaces Touch ID, giving secure unlocking and authentication without a home button.
Display and Color Accuracy
The 12.9‑inch Liquid Retina panel is a visual treat. With a 2732 × 2048 resolution, 264 ppi pixel density, and 1 billion colors, the screen delivers crisp details and vibrant hues. The 10‑point HDR support (P3 color space) and True Tone technology adapt brightness to ambient lighting, making photos and videos look natural whether you’re in a dim office or bright sun. For professionals, the ProMotion technology offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, smoothing scrolling and improving gaming responsiveness.
Performance and Memory
Beneath the polished exterior lies the A12X Bionic chip, featuring a six‑core CPU (two performance and four efficiency cores) and a four‑core GPU. In real‑world benchmarks, the CPU scores around 20% faster than the A12, while the GPU offers a similar boost. Memory configurations include 6 GB RAM for Wi‑Fi models and 8 GB for cellular, which is more than enough for multitasking, video editing, and CAD applications.
Camera and Audio
- Rear camera: 12 MP wide sensor with 2.5‑x optical zoom. The sensor’s large 1.7 µm pixels capture detail in low light, though it still struggles in very dim environments.
- Front camera: 7 MP TrueDepth sensor, perfect for Face‑Time, selfies, and AR experiences. HDR mode yields sharp portraits.
- Audio: Four-speaker stereo system delivers immersive sound. The built‑in microphones support noise cancellation during calls.
Battery Life and Connectivity
A single charge sustains up to 10 hours of mixed usage—streaming, browsing, and light gaming. The model supports 20 W USB‑C charging, which, coupled with a compatible power adapter, can deliver a 50‑percent charge in about 90 minutes. Connectivity options include Wi‑Fi 802.11ac, optional Gigabit cellular (4G LTE), and Bluetooth 5.0 for peripherals.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The second‑generation Apple Pencil works seamlessly, thanks to magnetic attachment and wireless charging on the side of the tablet. The Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio offer full‑size layouts and backlighting, turning the iPad into a mini laptop. For developers, the USB‑C port supports external storage, displays, and docking stations. iPadOS 17 introduces new multitasking features like Focus modes and improved app switching.
Price and Value
At launch, the Wi‑Fi model started at $999, while the cellular variant began at $1,199. Over the years, prices have slipped, and the 3rd‑gen units are now available for around $800 on refurbished sites. Despite the age, the performance and feature set still justify a premium price for professionals who rely on speed, display accuracy, and a robust app ecosystem.
Verdict
The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen remains a powerhouse for anyone who needs a large, high‑resolution screen and powerful processing on the go. While newer models bring faster chips, 120 Hz displays, and 5G support, the third generation offers a balanced mix of performance, build quality, and an affordable price point now. For creators, designers, and business users who value display fidelity and a mature accessory lineup, this tablet still deserves consideration.
FAQ
- Can I use the 3rd‑gen iPad Pro with the latest iPadOS? Yes—iPadOS 17 is fully compatible, bringing new multitasking and Focus features.
- Does it support 5G? No—only Wi‑Fi and 4G LTE are available. 5G is found only on the 4th‑gen and later.
- Will the Apple Pencil 2 still work? Absolutely. The magnetic charging and pairing remain intact.
- Is the battery still good after a few years? Most users report 80–90% capacity after three years, though performance may dip slightly.
