Introduction
The Apple iPad 4, launched in November 2012, was the next evolution in Apple’s iconic tablet series. With a Retina display, upgraded A6X chip, and a sleek aluminum unibody design, the iPad 4 was designed to dominate the tablet market at its time. But how does it stack up today, over a decade later? Let’s dive into its specs, its relevance in today’s tech world, and how it compares to similar devices from Google, Huawei, and Samsung from the same generation.
Historical Context: The iPad 4’s Place in Tablet Evolution
The iPad 4 was Apple’s fourth-generation tablet, succeeding the iPad 3 just eight months after its launch. It came with key improvements, including the new Apple A6X chip, which brought a significant performance boost. The 9.7-inch Retina display, with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, was ahead of its time, offering unparalleled clarity for reading, watching videos, and more.
In the same era, other major tech players like Google and Samsung were introducing their own contenders in the tablet space. The Google Nexus 10, released in 2012, also boasted a high-resolution display and dual-core performance. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 (2012) aimed at creative users with its integrated stylus, and Huawei was focused on affordable, mid-range tablets like the Huawei MediaPad.
Detailed Specifications: iPad 4 Across All Variants
Here’s a breakdown of the iPad 4’s key specifications across its major variants:
| Feature | iPad 4 (Wi-Fi) | iPad 4 (Wi-Fi + Cellular GSM) | iPad 4 (Wi-Fi + Cellular CDMA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 2, 2012 | November 2, 2012 | November 2, 2012 |
| Initial Price | $499 | $629 | $729 |
| Chipset | Apple A6X | Apple A6X | Apple A6X |
| Display | 9.7-inch Retina | 9.7-inch Retina | 9.7-inch Retina |
| Screen Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16, 32, 64 GB | 16, 32, 64 GB | 16, 32, 64 GB |
| Battery | 11,560 mAh | 11,560 mAh | 11,560 mAh |
| Main Camera | 5 MP HDR | 5 MP HDR | 5 MP HDR |
| Selfie Camera | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | CDMA, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| OS | iOS 6.0.1 (upgradable to iOS 10.3.3) | iOS 6.0.1 (upgradable to iOS 10.3.3) | iOS 6.0.1 (upgradable to iOS 10.3.3) |
| Weight | 652 grams | 662 grams | 667 grams |
Use Cases in Today’s World
The iPad 4, while outdated in terms of modern hardware and software support, can still be useful in several ways. Its 9.7-inch Retina display is perfect for basic tasks like reading eBooks, watching videos, or using older apps. However, with its maximum iOS version capped at iOS 10.3.3, you won’t have access to many modern apps, and multitasking can be slow due to the limited 1 GB of RAM.
What Can You Still Do with an iPad 4?
- Media Consumption: The Retina display remains sharp for watching movies or browsing photos.
- Educational Use: It’s a great tablet for kids, especially for reading and educational apps available up to iOS 10.
- Simple Gaming: While not powerful enough for modern games, many retro and simple iOS games run smoothly.
Common Problems and Limitations
Of course, being an older device, the iPad 4 has several limitations:
- Software Support: The lack of support for newer iOS versions means fewer app compatibility options.
- Performance Issues: Expect slowdowns with modern web browsing and app performance.
- Battery: Over time, the 11,560 mAh battery may not hold its charge as well as it once did.
Competitors from the Same Generation: Google, Huawei, and Samsung
When the iPad 4 was released, other tech giants were also competing in the tablet market. Here’s how the iPad 4 compares to other popular models from the same era:
- Google Nexus 10 (2012)
- Display: 10.1-inch, 2560 x 1600 pixels (higher resolution than the iPad 4)
- Chipset: Exynos 5250, Dual-core 1.7 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB (double the iPad 4’s RAM)
- Pros: Higher resolution, and better multitasking performance.
- Cons: Weaker app ecosystem compared to iOS.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2012)
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixels
- Chipset: Exynos 4412 Quad, Quad-core 1.4 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- Unique Feature: Integrated stylus for creative users.
- Pros: Better for creative tasks, stylus support.
- Cons: Lower display resolution compared to the iPad 4.
- Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD (2012)
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200 pixels
- Chipset: HiSilicon K3V2, Quad-core 1.4 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- Pros: Affordable, decent display for its price.
- Cons: Slower performance and limited software support.
Collectibility and Market Value
As time passes, older Apple devices like the iPad 4 become collectible items. Whether you’re a fan of vintage tech or looking for a budget-friendly iPad, you can often find refurbished iPad 4 units online for under $100. These devices are popular with retro-tech enthusiasts and those who want to explore how Apple’s design and engineering evolved over time.
Conclusion: Is the iPad 4 Still Worth Buying in 2024?
The iPad 4 may be a relic by today’s standards, but it still offers value for specific users. Whether you need a budget tablet for light usage or are interested in collecting vintage Apple products, the iPad 4 still holds a place in 2024. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful, modern tablet, newer models like the iPad Air or competing tablets from Google and Samsung might be more suitable.