The Apple iPad 3 and iPad 4 were pivotal tablets in Apple's lineup, offering compelling features for their time. But with age, how do they stack up against each other? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 4 edges out the iPad 3 thanks to its faster A6X chip, slightly improved display, and overall smoother performance. While the iPad 3 remains a capable device, the iPad 4 offers a noticeable upgrade, especially for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness. It's a worthwhile investment if you can find one at a good price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1459/ A1460 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1459/ A1460 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1459 | 4, 17 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460 | 13 - for Verizon |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2012, March. Released 2012, March 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 662 g (1.46 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.4 GHz | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A6X (32 nm) | Apple A5X (45 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics) | PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3 | iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | - |
| Single | 1.2 MP | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | Up to 720 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 9 h |
| Type | Li-Po 11560 mAh, non-removable (42.5 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Models | A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6 | A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB | - |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Faster A6X Chip
- Slightly Improved Display
- More Responsive Performance
- Cellular Connectivity
- Older Device
- Limited App Support Compared to Newer iPads
- Basic Cameras
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- More Affordable (Generally)
- Cellular Connectivity
- Retina Display
- Still Functional for Basic Tasks
- Slower Performance
- Older Technology
- Basic Cameras
- Limited App Support
Display Comparison
The iPad 4 boasts a slightly improved display with a marginally better contrast ratio (762:1 vs iPad 3's likely 831:1, though official numbers are scarce). Both feature Retina displays, offering sharp visuals, but the iPad 4's display is generally considered a bit brighter and more vibrant. Both have a resolution of 2048 x 1536.
Camera Comparison
Both iPads feature basic cameras for photos and video, but neither is particularly impressive by today's standards. The iPad 3's cameras are slightly older technology. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect exceptional results. Both lack front-facing cameras.
Performance
Here's where the iPad 4 truly shines. Its A6X chip with a 1.4 GHz dual-core CPU significantly outperforms the iPad 3's A5X chip with a 1.0 GHz dual-core CPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The A6X also benefits from improved GPU performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. While the iPad 4 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the more efficient A6X chip helps offset any potential difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular is ideal for users who want a slightly faster and more responsive tablet experience, particularly for gaming or multitasking. It's a good choice for those needing cellular connectivity on the go. The Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular is a better option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a functional iPad with cellular capabilities and don't require the absolute best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iPad 4 worth buying in 2024?
If you can find one at a reasonable price and don't need the latest features, the iPad 4 is still a capable tablet for basic tasks and media consumption. However, consider newer models for better performance and software support.
❓ What's the difference between the A5X and A6X chips?
The A6X chip in the iPad 4 is significantly faster and more efficient than the A5X chip in the iPad 3, resulting in improved performance and battery life.
