Apple iPad 4 vs. iPad 9.7 (2017): A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between older Apple iPads can be tricky. The iPad 4 and the 2017 iPad 9.7 are both capable devices, but they represent different generations of Apple's tablet technology. This comparison will break down their key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad 9.7 (2017) is the clear winner. Its A9 chip provides significantly better performance, a brighter display, and improved camera capabilities compared to the iPad 4. While the iPad 4 might be cheaper, the 9.7 offers a much more modern and enjoyable user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular	Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)

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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	4, 17 - A1459	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, 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	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2012, October. Released 2012, November	2017, March. Released 2017, March
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	-	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in)	240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.30 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	662 g (1.46 lb)	469 g (Wi-Fi) / 478 g (LTE) (1.03 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 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Dual-core 1.4 GHz	Dual-core 1.84 GHz (Twister)
Chipset	Apple A6X (32 nm)	Apple A9 (14 nm)
GPU	PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics)	PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics)
OS	iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3	iOS 10.3, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM	32GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	5 MP, AF	8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.

Selfie camera
Features	face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular	Face detection, HDR, panorama
Single	1.2 MP	1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)
Video	720p@30fps	720p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	-	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP	4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	Lightning, USB 2.0	Lightning, USB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, compass	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 720 h	-
Talk time	Up to 9 h	Up to 10 h (multimedia)
Type	Li-Po 11560 mAh, non-removable (42.5 Wh)	Li-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Silver, Gold, Space Gray
Models	A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6	A1822, A1823, iPad6,11, iPad6,12
Price	About 500 EUR	About 390 EUR
SAR	-	1.18 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.99 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB	-

Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular

Affordable
Cellular connectivity
Compact and lightweight

Outdated processor
Dim display
Lower camera quality
Limited app compatibility

Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)

Faster performance
Brighter display
Improved camera
Modern design
Better app compatibility

More expensive than iPad 4
Older design compared to newer iPads

Display Comparison

The iPad 9.7 (2017) boasts a brighter display with improved color accuracy compared to the iPad 4. While both have a 9.7-inch screen, the 2017 model's anti-reflective coating makes it easier to use outdoors. The iPad 4's contrast ratio of 762:1 is decent, but the 9.7's display is noticeably more vibrant.

Camera Comparison

The iPad 9.7 (2017) features an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera, a substantial improvement over the iPad 4's 5MP rear and 1.2MP front cameras. Image quality is noticeably better on the 2017 model, especially in low-light conditions. The front camera also offers better video calling quality.

Performance

This is where the iPad 9.7 (2017) truly shines. The A9 chip is a significant upgrade over the iPad 4's A6X. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 9.7's dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister processor easily outpaces the iPad 4's 1.4 GHz dual-core chip.

Battery Life

Both iPads offer respectable battery life, typically around 10 hours of web browsing. However, the iPad 9.7 (2017)'s more efficient A9 chip might provide slightly longer usage times under heavy load.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular? Budget-conscious users needing basic tablet functionality for reading, browsing, and light tasks. Who should buy the Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)? Anyone seeking a more responsive and modern tablet experience with better performance, a brighter screen, and a more capable camera.