Tablet Comparison
Apple iPad 3 vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
iPad 3
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
+
What's good
+
Supports 5G
+
Center Stage is an excellent addition
+
Sets new records for tablet speed and performance
+
The Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing
−
What's not
−
HDR content is the only way to appreciate the new screen tech fully
−
Expensive, especially with accessories.
−
iPadOS still feels a little clunky for productivity use
iPad 3
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
+
Good
+
Supports 5G
+
Center Stage is an excellent addition
+
Sets new records for tablet speed and performance
+
The Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing
−
Not
−
HDR content is the only way to appreciate the new screen tech fully
−
Expensive, especially with accessories.
−
iPadOS still feels a little clunky for productivity use
Spec data
How they compare
iPad 3
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Price (MSRP)
—
$1,099
OS
iOS
iOS
Processor
Dual-core Apple A5X
Apple M1 Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
2×
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
652g (23 oz)
682g (24.1 oz)
Fingerprint
Unknown
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
iPad 3
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
$1,099
OS
iOS
OS
iOS
Processor
Dual-core Apple A5X
Processor
Apple M1 Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
2×
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
652g (23 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Fingerprint
Unknown
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
iPad 3
0.9" × 0.7"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
11" × 8.5"
Thickness · to scale
iPad 3
0"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
0.3"
iPad 3
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Height
0.9" (24.1 mm)
11" (280.6 mm)
Width
0.7" (18.6 mm)
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Depth
0" (0.9 mm)
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Weight
652g (23 oz)
682g (24.1 oz)
Screen
9.7"
12.9"
Height
0.9" (24.1 mm)
Height
11" (280.6 mm)
Width
0.7" (18.6 mm)
Width
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Depth
0" (0.9 mm)
Depth
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Weight
652g (23 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Screen
9.7"
Screen
12.9"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
iPad 3 vs iPad Pro 12.9 (2021): FAQ
Which is better, the iPad 3 or iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)?
Both phones earn identical Compass Scores of 8.8, meaning critics rate them equally overall. The right choice depends entirely on which trade-offs matter more to you. Scroll through the spec-by-spec breakdown above to see where each phone pulls ahead.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →