Apple iPad 4 vs iPad Air 2: A Detailed Comparison

The iPad has long been the gold standard for tablets, but Apple has released numerous iterations over the years. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iPad 4 and the iPad Air 2. Which one offers the best value and performance for your needs?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad Air 2 is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved display contrast, and a sleeker design. While the iPad 4 remains a capable device, the Air 2's advancements make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users seeking a modern tablet experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular	Apple iPad Air 2

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 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	4, 17 - A1459	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A1567
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 - cellular model only
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460	-

Launch
Announced	2012, October. Released 2012, November	2014, October 16. Released 2014, October 24
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 6.1 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.24 in)
SIM	Micro-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight	662 g (1.46 lb)	437 g (Wi-Fi) / 444 g (3G/LTE) (15.41 oz)

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	Triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon
Chipset	Apple A6X (32 nm)	Apple A8X (20 nm)
GPU	PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics)	PowerVR GXA6850 (octa-core graphics)
OS	iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3	iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular
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	4.0, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS - 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 7340 mAh, non-removable (27.62 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Models	A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6	A1566, A1567, iPad5,3, iPad5,4
Price	About 500 EUR	About 440 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -85.7dB / Crosstalk -85.2dB	Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -83.9dB
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 762:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 1048 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	Voice 67dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB	Voice 75dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB
Performance	-	Basemark X: 29753

Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular

More affordable
Cellular connectivity
Durable build quality

Older processor
Lower display contrast
Thicker and heavier design

Apple iPad Air 2

Faster performance
Improved display
Thinner and lighter design
Dedicated camera

Higher price
Older technology compared to current iPads

Display Comparison

The iPad Air 2 boasts a noticeably improved display with a contrast ratio of 1048:1 compared to the iPad 4's 762:1. This translates to richer colors, deeper blacks, and better overall image quality. Both have the same resolution, but the Air 2's panel technology is superior. The Air 2 is also thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Camera Comparison

While neither iPad has exceptional cameras by today's standards, the iPad Air 2 includes a dedicated photo/video camera, offering slightly better image quality than the iPad 4. Both cameras are adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect professional-grade results.

Performance

The iPad Air 2's A8X chipset and triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon processor provide a substantial performance boost over the iPad 4's A6X and dual-core 1.4 GHz CPU. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Air 2. The A8X also benefits from a more efficient 20nm manufacturing process.

Battery Life

Both iPads offer respectable battery life for their time. While official specs are similar, the iPad Air 2's more efficient chipset allows it to potentially squeeze out slightly longer usage times, especially under heavy load. Real-world battery performance will depend on usage patterns.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular? It's a good option for budget-conscious users needing basic tablet functionality and cellular connectivity. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air 2? Ideal for those prioritizing performance, a better display, and a more modern design, especially for media consumption and light productivity.