iPad Air M3 front facing camera poor quality in low light or at night with the lights on.

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPad Air M3 front facing camera poor quality in low light or at night with the lights on.

I was disappointed when I switched my FaceTime call from my MacBook Air M3 to my iPad M3. The quality reduced markedly in identical conditions - my bedroom, at night, but with the lights on. A selfie looks horrendous.

I then borrowed a 5th generation iPad Air and side by side a selfie looked less pixilated on that.

It seems that the quality of the front facing camera is very sensitive to light. There is no natural light at night.

Chat GPT analysed the selfie from my iPad vs my iPhone vs my MacBook Air and the difference in quality was markedly reduced on the iPad.

How do I know if something is wrong with my new iPad front facing camera?

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 12:22 AM

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Answer 1

ProustGiulio

Level 10

209,550 points

Mar 22, 2025 3:52 AM in response to JamesYZ

We, just users like you, cannot judge/diagnose that kind of issue remotely, sorry.

If you're sure that nothing (cover, screen protector, dirt) is interfering with the front camera, since your iPad is still covered by warranty, I suggest that you make an appointment (*) and have your device inspected at an Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) among this list:--> https://locate.apple.com/choose-country-region . After checking it out, they'll give you all the available options.

Regards

Giulio

(*) You can do it:

Online:--> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple;
Contacting a local Apple Store or AASP among the list provided above;
Using the "Apple Store" app, available and downloadable from AppStore.

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Answer 2

JamesYZ Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 22, 2025 4:25 AM in response to ProustGiulio

Thank you for the quick reply. Going to Genius Bar later.

I guess it could also be my own expectations, making unfair comparisons. Or simply the lighting in my room. We shall see.

Video calls are important for me, so I would consider returning the iPad Air and getting a Pro instead, but don’t want to do that if the Pro has the same issue for my needs.

The range of Apple products has increased compared to many years ago, so it’s now possible to have the highest end version of one Apple product, and a mid range version of another. So making direct comparisons of picture quality could be unfair. But nevertheless the FaceTime call quality is a core feature for me.

thanks for your help.

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Answer 3

ProustGiulio

Level 10

209,550 points

Mar 22, 2025 4:46 AM in response to JamesYZ

You are most welcome :)

Giulio

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iPad Air M3 front facing camera poor quality in low light or at night with the lights on.