Unveiling the Apple iPad 4 WiFi Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview and Launch

The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi, also known as the 4th generation iPad or iPad 4, was announced in October 2012 and released in November of the same year. This device was positioned as a successor to the iPad 3 and brought with it several enhancements in terms of performance and design. Although it was eventually discontinued, the iPad 4 left a significant mark in the tablet market during its presence.

Design and Build

The iPad 4 sports dimensions of 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) and weighs approximately 652 g (1.44 lb). The design maintains the classic feel of Apple’s tablet line, with smooth edges and an ergonomic build. Available in Black and White, the device was crafted with a durable aluminum back, contributing to its sleek and premium design. Although it lacks the modern fingerprint sensor, its classic design was well-received during its era.

Display

The iPad 4 features a 9.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, offering a density of approximately 264 ppi. This enabled sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for consuming media, reading, and gaming. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating, which helped reduce fingerprints and smudges.

Performance

At the heart of the iPad 4 is the Apple A6X chipset, which was a significant upgrade from its predecessor. It houses a dual-core 1.4 GHz CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX554MP4 GPU. The device came with 1GB of RAM, which, at the time, provided ample support for multitasking and running iOS 6. The operating system was upgradable to iOS 10.3, extending the device’s life cycle in terms of software capabilities.

Storage Options

The iPad 4 was available in several storage variants, including 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities. Unfortunately, like many Apple devices, it did not support expandable storage via microSD cards, necessitating the choice of storage size based on user needs at purchase.

Camera Capabilities

On the rear, the iPad 4 is equipped with a 5 MP autofocus camera capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. The clarity and quality were suitable for casual photography and video recording. The front-facing camera, at 1.2 MP, supports 720p video recording and includes features such as face detection and FaceTime over Wi-Fi, enhancing the video call experience.

Battery Life

The power needs of the iPad 4 are met by a non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh). This substantial battery capacity allows for up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for prolonged daily usage without frequent recharging. Additionally, it promises a stand-by time of up to 720 hours.

Network and Connectivity

The iPad 4 is exclusively a Wi-Fi model with no cellular connectivity options, as indicated by its lack of a SIM slot. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, enabling fast and reliable Internet access. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is available for connecting peripherals, but there is no NFC or GPS functionality. For physical connections, the device features a Lightning connector for USB 2.0 data transfer.

Audio and Other Features

This iPad is equipped with a loudspeaker and retains the 3.5mm audio jack, allowing for versatile audio output. It also includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and compass. While not groundbreaking by today's standards, these features provided a solid base for various apps and games.

Price and Availability

Priced around 350 EUR at its initial release, the iPad 4 was positioned as a premium device intended to provide strong performance and reliability. However, as with many Apple products, it was eventually discontinued and replaced by newer models, though it remains a valued piece of technology for collectors and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi represented a significant step in Apple’s tablet lineage at the time of its release. With its robust build, high-resolution display, and competent processing power, it appealed to a wide range of users from students to professionals. Even though technological advancements have continued to evolve, the iPad 4 continues to be remembered fondly by its users for its role in the early years of the tablet era.