The Apple iPad 4, despite its age, remains a relevant option in the tablet space, particularly with its cellular connectivity. However, Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) presents a compelling alternative, boasting a newer chipset and features like wireless charging at a significantly lower price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a refined ecosystem and reliable performance for everyday tasks, the iPad 4 remains a solid choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) offers superior multi-core performance and modern conveniences like wireless charging, making it the better value for media consumption and casual gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1459/ A1460 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1459/ A1460 | - |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1459 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Apple A6X (32 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX554MP4 (quad-core graphics) | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM, 128GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | - |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 11560 mAh, non-removable (42.5 Wh) | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Slate |
| Models | A1459, A1460, iPad3,5, iPad3,6 | T76N2P |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Apple Ecosystem Integration
- Cellular Connectivity Option
- Proven Reliability
- Outdated Chipset
- Higher Price (Generally)
- No Wireless Charging
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Octa-Core Processor for Better Multitasking
- Wireless Charging Support
- Lower Price Point
- Amazon Ecosystem Lock-in
- Potentially Lower Build Quality
- Less Software Support
Display Comparison
The iPad 4 features a display with a contrast ratio of 762:1, suggesting good black levels for the time. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. Given the Fire HD 10 Plus is a more recent device, it likely benefits from improved color accuracy and potentially higher brightness. The iPad 4’s age means it lacks modern display technologies like variable refresh rates, while the Fire HD 10 Plus’s panel technology remains unspecified. The larger screen size of the Fire HD 10 Plus (10.1 inches vs. iPad 4’s 9.7 inches) will be beneficial for media viewing.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera prowess. Given the context data lacks camera specifications for both, a meaningful comparison is impossible. However, considering the iPad 4’s age, its camera is likely significantly inferior to even a basic modern camera found in the Fire HD 10 Plus. We can assume the Fire HD 10 Plus will offer a more usable camera experience, though neither is intended for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iPad 4’s Apple A6X (32nm) is a dual-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. While Apple’s silicon is known for its efficiency, it’s significantly outmatched by the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T (12nm). The Helio P60T boasts an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53), offering superior multi-threaded performance. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio P60T is also more efficient than the A6X’s 32nm process, potentially leading to better battery life under sustained load. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Fire HD 10 Plus, particularly for tasks that can leverage multiple cores.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is unavailable for both devices. However, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s inclusion of wireless charging is a significant advantage, offering convenience and eliminating the need for cables. The more efficient 12nm process of the Helio P60T may also contribute to longer battery life compared to the iPad 4’s older 32nm A6X chip, despite the potential for the iPad 4’s software optimization to mitigate some of that difference. Charging speeds are also unknown for the iPad 4, while the Fire HD 10 Plus supports standard wireless charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular if you need a tablet deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, require cellular connectivity for on-the-go use, and value a proven track record of software support. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and are comfortable within the Amazon ecosystem, seeking a budget-friendly option with more processing cores.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus struggle with demanding games?
While the Helio P60T isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of handling most casual games at medium settings. More demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The A6X in the iPad 4 will likely struggle more with newer, graphically intensive games.
❓ How much does the Amazon ecosystem lock-in affect the Fire HD 10 Plus experience?
The Fire HD 10 Plus heavily promotes Amazon services like Prime Video, Kindle, and the Amazon Appstore. While you can sideload apps, it requires extra effort. The experience is geared towards Amazon users, and accessing Google Play Services is not natively supported.
❓ Is the cellular connectivity on the iPad 4 still useful in 2024?
Yes, cellular connectivity remains valuable for users who need internet access on the go without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots. However, consider the cost of a data plan and whether it justifies the premium over a Wi-Fi-only tablet.
