Leaked iPad 3 images indicate hi-def Sharp Retina display, upgraded iPad 2 camera

Last week a batch of images made their way around the internet, allegedly leaking the iPad 3 back casing.  Images of the supposed iPad 3's outer portion of the back shell, inner casing, and magnetic screws all surfaced leading many to believe that the iPad 3 is, in fact, in production and ready to be announced as early as March.

Since then, tech sites all over have been analyzing the images and comparing them with the iPad 2.  The general consensus seems to be the iPad 3 will have a larger battery, slightly reconfigured logic board, upgraded camera lens, and a hi-def retina display.

Today, Japanese site iLab Factory matched the leaked parts, putting together their own analysis of the alleged iPad 3.

According to their analysis, the slightly thicker case (about 1mm in profile) will house new components and a bigger battery to support more pixles and a dual-LED backlit system.  The site also confirms the rumored 2,048-by-1,536 pixel hi-def screen, allegedly manufactured by Sharp, is a perfect fit.

iLab says the screw holes on the back plate are all in the right places for the Sharp back panel to fit the iPad 3 back plate's mounting screw holes perfectly.  Analyzing the way the LCD panel's cable folds and connects to the base, the iLab writer reasonably concludes the iPad 3 chassis was made for none other than the Sharp Retina Display LCD panel.

Last week's images also suggested an upgraded camera for the iPad 3.  Despite the lack of noticeable size difference in the iPad 2 and iPad 3's alleged camera lens, many sites do claim there will be a distinguishable difference in quality.  Comparing the new iPad to its predecessor, the iPad 2, design differences between the two hint at a "redesigend camera system similar to the iPhone 4S."  Of course, given the iPad 2's low-end camera, an upgraded camera lens and sensor on the iPad 3 is to be expected.

"With iPad 3′s Retina Display being 3-megapixels, upgrading both cameras is a prudent move," suggests 9to5Mac. "Look for 1080p video recording like the iPhone 4S augmented with about 5-megapixel still image resolution."