Apple iPad 4 vs. iPad Air (2022): A Generational Leap?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) utterly dominates the iPad 4 in almost every category. Its M1 chip delivers blazing-fast performance, a superior display, and improved battery life. While the iPad 4 remains functional, the Air is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone seeking a modern tablet experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular | Apple iPad Air (2022) |
| 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(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1459 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2589 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2589, A2591 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A1460 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2591 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 18 |
| 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) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) |
| - | Stylus support (2nd gen) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) |
| Chipset | Apple A6X (32 nm) | Apple M1 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics) | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3 | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | HDR |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 11560 mAh, non-removable (42.5 Wh) | Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Models | A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6 | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| 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
- Extremely affordable
- Cellular connectivity option
- Compact and lightweight
- Outdated processor
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
- Slow performance
- Limited app compatibility
Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Blazing-fast M1 chip
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
- Excellent battery life
- Improved camera system
- Modern design
- Supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation
- Higher price point
- No headphone jack
Display Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) boasts a stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, offering vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and improved viewing angles. The iPad 4's display is noticeably less sharp and lacks these modern features. The Air's laminated display also reduces reflections, making it easier to use outdoors.
Camera Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) features a much-improved camera system with better image quality and video recording capabilities. While neither tablet is a primary photography device, the Air's cameras are noticeably superior. The iPad 4's cameras are dated and produce mediocre results.
Performance
The M1 chip in the iPad Air (2022) is a game-changer. It provides significantly faster processing speeds and graphics performance compared to the iPad 4's A6X chip. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience. The Air handles demanding tasks like video editing and gaming with ease, while the iPad 4 struggles.
Battery Life
While both tablets offer all-day battery life under moderate usage, the iPad Air (2022) generally provides slightly longer battery life due to its more efficient M1 chip. The iPad 4's battery degrades more noticeably over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular? Primarily those on an extremely tight budget who need basic tablet functionality for tasks like web browsing and light media consumption. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? Anyone seeking a powerful, modern tablet for productivity, creative tasks, gaming, and enjoying multimedia content.