Is 3rd Gen iPad Pro Still Good? A Detailed Review
So, you’re eyeing a used 3rd generation iPad Pro, or maybe you’re just curious if your old one still holds its own. It’s a valid question! Technology moves fast, and what was cutting-edge a few years ago might seem outdated now. But the iPad Pro, especially the 3rd gen models, were pretty darn impressive when they launched.
We’re going to break down everything: the specs, the real-world performance, what it’s like to use day-to-day, and how it stacks up against the newer models and even the competition. We’ll explore if it’s still a smart buy in 2024 (or beyond) and for whom. No fluff, just straight facts to help you decide if it’s the right tablet for you.
Get ready to see if that older iPad Pro is still worth your time and money.
The 3rd Generation iPad Pro: A Blast From the Past?
The 3rd generation iPad Pro, released in late 2018, marked a significant design shift for Apple’s tablet line. It ditched the home button and embraced the all-screen design, similar to the iPhone X. This change brought a larger display in a more compact body, making it feel more modern. Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, these iPads were (and still are) powerhouses.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before we dive deep, let’s refresh our memory with some key specifications. This will provide a foundation for our further analysis.
- Processor: Apple A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Display: Liquid Retina display (ProMotion technology, True Tone)
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options
- Cameras: 12MP wide rear camera, 7MP front-facing camera (TrueDepth)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models available, USB-C port
- Audio: Four-speaker audio system
- Accessories: Compatible with 2nd generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio
The A12X Bionic chip was a beast back in the day, offering incredible performance. The Liquid Retina display was (and still is) gorgeous, with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates thanks to ProMotion. The addition of the USB-C port was a welcome change, making it easier to connect to other devices and accessories.
Design and Build Quality: Still Holding Up?
The design of the 3rd gen iPad Pro is timeless. The flat-edged design, a precursor to the current iPad Pro models, still looks sleek and modern. The build quality is exceptional, as you would expect from Apple. The aluminum unibody feels premium and durable. Even after years of use, these iPads tend to hold up well, with minimal wear and tear if handled with care.
The removal of the home button gave way to a larger display and thinner bezels. This design change, combined with the Face ID feature, modernized the iPad experience. Face ID works reliably in most conditions and adds an extra layer of security.
The bottom line: The design is still attractive, and the build quality remains top-notch. It doesn’t feel outdated compared to the latest models.
Display: A Visual Feast
The Liquid Retina display is one of the standout features of the 3rd gen iPad Pro. With ProMotion technology, the display dynamically adjusts its refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive feel. Whether you’re browsing the web, playing games, or sketching with the Apple Pencil, the display provides an immersive experience.
True Tone technology adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, making it easier on your eyes. The display also boasts excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for creative tasks like photo and video editing. (See Also: Why Does Ipad Battery Drain So Fast )
Key takeaways:
- ProMotion: Smooth scrolling and animations.
- True Tone: Comfortable viewing in any lighting.
- Color Accuracy: Great for creative work.
Performance: Does It Still Pack a Punch?
The A12X Bionic chip, coupled with ample RAM (typically 4GB for the base models and 6GB for the 1TB storage option), provided exceptional performance when it was released. Even now, the 3rd gen iPad Pro handles most tasks with ease. Web browsing, multitasking, video playback, and even demanding games run smoothly.
Real-world usage:
- Multitasking: Split View and Slide Over features work seamlessly, allowing you to run multiple apps side-by-side.
- Gaming: The A12X can handle graphically intensive games, although it might not match the performance of the latest chips.
- Video Editing: Basic video editing tasks are manageable, but complex projects might take a bit longer than on newer models.
While the A12X Bionic isn’t the fastest chip available today, it still offers plenty of power for everyday use. You’re unlikely to experience significant slowdowns or lag unless you’re pushing it with extremely demanding workloads.
Software and User Experience: A Smooth Operator
The 3rd gen iPad Pro runs iPadOS, Apple’s operating system designed specifically for tablets. iPadOS is intuitive and user-friendly, with a focus on productivity and content creation. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate.
Key features of iPadOS:
- Multitasking: Split View and Slide Over allow you to work on multiple apps simultaneously.
- Apple Pencil Support: The 2nd generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, offering a seamless writing and drawing experience.
- App Store: Access to a vast library of apps optimized for iPad.
- Continuity Features: Seamless integration with other Apple devices, such as Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Control (with iPadOS 15.4 or later).
The iPadOS experience is generally smooth and responsive. Apple continues to provide software updates, ensuring that the 3rd gen iPad Pro remains compatible with the latest features and security updates. However, it’s worth noting that older devices might receive updates for a shorter period compared to newer models.
Cameras: Good Enough?
The 3rd gen iPad Pro features a 12MP wide rear camera and a 7MP front-facing TrueDepth camera. The rear camera is capable of taking decent photos and recording 4K video. It’s not a substitute for a dedicated camera, but it’s perfectly adequate for scanning documents or taking quick snapshots.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera enables Face ID and offers good image quality for video calls. The Portrait mode is also available, allowing you to blur the background for a more professional look.
Camera Performance Summary: (See Also: How Old Is My Ipad By Serial Number )
- Rear Camera: 12MP, good for everyday use and 4K video.
- Front Camera: 7MP TrueDepth, excellent for Face ID and video calls.
While the camera system isn’t the primary focus of an iPad, it’s functional and meets the needs of most users.
Battery Life: Still Going Strong?
The battery life of the 3rd gen iPad Pro is generally good. You can expect all-day battery life with moderate usage, such as web browsing, email, and video streaming. Heavy users, especially those playing graphically intensive games, may need to charge their iPads more frequently.
Factors affecting battery life:
- Screen Brightness: Higher brightness consumes more power.
- App Usage: Some apps are more power-hungry than others.
- Wi-Fi/Cellular: Using cellular data drains the battery faster.
- Age of the Battery: Over time, battery capacity degrades.
In general, the battery life is still respectable, but it’s worth considering the age of the device. If you’re buying a used iPad Pro, check the battery health if possible.
Accessories: Expanding Your Capabilities
The 3rd gen iPad Pro supports a range of accessories that can enhance its functionality and versatility. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil is a must-have for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys taking notes or sketching. The Smart Keyboard Folio provides a comfortable typing experience and protects the iPad.
Compatible Accessories:
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Offers precise input and pressure sensitivity.
- Smart Keyboard Folio: Provides a keyboard and protection.
- USB-C Accessories: Connect to external displays, storage devices, and more.
The availability of accessories significantly expands what you can do with the iPad Pro. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, accessories can help you get the most out of your device.
iPad Pro 3rd Gen vs. Newer Models: How Does It Stack Up?
Let’s compare the 3rd gen iPad Pro to the newer models to see how it fares.
| Feature | 3rd Gen iPad Pro | 5th Gen iPad Pro (2021) | 6th Gen iPad Pro (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A12X Bionic | M1 chip | M2 chip |
| Display | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) | Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) |
| Storage Options | 64GB-1TB | 128GB-2TB | 128GB-2TB |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/16GB | 8GB/16GB |
| Cameras | 12MP wide (rear), 7MP TrueDepth (front) | 12MP wide (rear), 10MP ultrawide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) | 12MP wide (rear), 10MP ultrawide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front) |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | USB-C with Thunderbolt/USB 4, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | USB-C with Thunderbolt/USB 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Other | Face ID | Face ID, Center Stage | Face ID, Center Stage, Apple Pencil hover |
Key Differences:
- Processor: Newer models have significantly more powerful chips (M1 and M2).
- Display: The 5th and 6th gen models with mini-LED displays offer improved contrast and brightness.
- Cameras: Newer models have better camera systems with additional lenses and features.
- Connectivity: Newer models offer faster Wi-Fi and Thunderbolt/USB 4.
- Features: Newer models have Center Stage and Apple Pencil hover.
Is it a deal-breaker? Not necessarily. The A12X Bionic chip in the 3rd gen is still capable. However, if you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks or require the latest features, the newer models are a better choice. (See Also: How Do I Find Out My Ipad Model )
iPad Pro 3rd Gen vs. The Competition: How Does It Compare?
Let’s see how the 3rd gen iPad Pro compares to its main competitors, like high-end Android tablets.
| Feature | 3rd Gen iPad Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7/S8 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iPadOS | Android |
| Processor | A12X Bionic | Varies (Qualcomm Snapdragon) |
| Display | Liquid Retina (ProMotion) | AMOLED (often with high refresh rates) |
| Apple Pencil Support | Yes (2nd gen) | S Pen support |
| Software Ecosystem | Strong app optimization, seamless integration with Apple devices | Large app selection, growing ecosystem |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price (used) | Varies | Varies |
Key Considerations:
- Operating System: iPadOS is known for its user-friendliness and app optimization. Android offers more customization options.
- Ecosystem: Apple’s ecosystem offers seamless integration with other Apple devices. Samsung tablets also integrate well with other Samsung devices.
- App Selection: The iPad App Store generally has more apps optimized for tablets.
- Price: The used price of the 3rd gen iPad Pro can be competitive.
The Verdict: The 3rd gen iPad Pro still holds its own against many Android tablets, especially in terms of app optimization and ecosystem integration. However, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Is the 3rd Gen iPad Pro Still Worth Buying in 2024?
The answer depends on your budget, your needs, and what you plan to use it for. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Who Should Consider It:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking for a powerful tablet without spending a fortune, a used 3rd gen iPad Pro can be a great value.
- Students and Professionals: It’s still excellent for note-taking, document editing, and content creation.
- Creative Users: The Liquid Retina display and Apple Pencil support make it suitable for drawing, sketching, and photo editing.
- Casual Users: It’s perfectly adequate for web browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere:
- Power Users: If you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks, consider a newer model with an M1 or M2 chip.
- Gamers: While the A12X Bionic is still good, the latest chips offer a better gaming experience.
- Those Who Need the Latest Features: If you want features like Center Stage or the Apple Pencil hover, you’ll need a newer iPad Pro.
Factors to Consider Before Buying:
- Condition: Inspect the device carefully for any physical damage or battery issues.
- Price: Compare prices from different sellers to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Storage: Consider your storage needs. 64GB might not be enough if you plan to store a lot of media.
- Warranty: Check if the seller offers any warranty or return policy.
Overall: The 3rd gen iPad Pro remains a capable and versatile tablet. It provides a premium experience for a fraction of the price of newer models. If the price is right and it meets your needs, it’s still a worthwhile purchase.
Verdict
So, is the 3rd gen iPad Pro still good? Absolutely! It might not be the newest kid on the block, but its powerful A12X Bionic chip, stunning Liquid Retina display, and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil make it a compelling option in 2024. It still handles everyday tasks with ease, and is a great choice for creative work, studying, or just enjoying media.
The key is to assess your own needs and budget. If you’re looking for top-tier performance or the latest features, a newer iPad Pro might be a better fit. However, if you’re looking for a great value, a premium tablet experience, and don’t mind missing out on a few of the newest bells and whistles, the 3rd gen iPad Pro is still a fantastic choice that offers a lot of value for its price.
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