Apple has recently unveiled their latest tablets, the Apple iPad 4 and iPad Mini. Both models are available in WiFi and WiFi + Cellular models, just like their predecessors. The Apple iPad 4 has the same size as the iPad 3 and features the same Retina Display, but is powered by an A6X processors that doubles its performance. Both the iPad 4 and iPad Mini features the Lightning connectivity like the iPhone 5.
On the other hand, the iPad Mini is just like a downgraded version of the iPad 3. The iPad Mini sports a 7.9-inch display (not Retina Display), the same Lightning connectivity, a 1.2 megapixel front facing camera capable of capturing 720p resolution videos. It also runs on the latest iOS6 just like the iPhone 5 and iPad 4, but it’s powered by an A5 Dual Core processor and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 graphics processor.
Below is a table comparing the key specifications of the iPad 4 vs iPad Mini vs iPad 3:
Specifications | iPad 4 | iPad Mini | iPad 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Dimension | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm | 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm |
Weight | 662 grams | 312 grams | 662 grams |
CPU | Apple A6X Dual Core | 1GHz Apple A5 Dual Core | 1GHz Apple A5X Dual Core |
GPU | Quad Core PowerVR SGX543MP4 | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | Quad Core PowerVR SGX543MP4 |
Operating System | iOS 6 | iOS 6 | iOS 5.1 |
Display | 9.7 inch, 1536×2084, 264 ppi | 7.9 inch, 1024×768, 162 ppi | 9.7 inch, 1536×2084, 264 ppi |
Multitouch, Retina Display | Multitouch | Multitouch, Retina Display | |
Memory | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage, 512MB RAM | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage, 1GB RAM |
Camera Rear | 5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p | 5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p | 5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p |
Camera Front | 1.2 Megapixels, FaceTime, 720p | 1.2 Megapixels, FaceTime, 720p | VGA, 480p |
Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE | 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE | 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE |
Data | DC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 73 Mbps | DC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 100 Mbps | DC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 73 Mbps |
WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 | WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 | WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 | |
Features | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS | GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS | GPS with A-GPS support | |
Battery | Li-Po 11,560 mAh (42.5 Wh) | Li-Po 16.2 Wh | Li-Po 11,560 (42.5Wh) |
The iPad Mini is Apple’s first small 7-inch tablet. Comparing it with other iPads would be inappropriate since they differ in size and specs. The main contender of the iPad Mini are the Nexus 7, and other 7-inch Android tablets. I’ll post another article for that matter.
Main Difference of iPad 4 vs iPad 3
Below are the main difference or the key difference between iPad 4 and iPad 3:
- Front facing camera is upgraded from VGA to 1.3 megapixel camera that now supports 720p captures.
- Processor is upgraded from Apple A5X to A6X, twice the performance power.
- The iPad 4 runs on iOS 6 out of the box while the iPad 3 runs on iOS 5.
- The iPad 4 uses the new Lightning connectivity, that was introduced together with the iPhone 5.
- WiFi connectivity is improved with the new iPad 4. It’s more faster than the iPad 3.
- Improved 4G connectivity, making it useful in most regions, like in the iPhone 5.
The iPad 4 starts at $499 for the 16GB WiFi only model, followed by $599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 64GB model. While the iPad 4 WiFi + LTE model starts at $629 for the 16GB model.
The iPad Mini starts at $329 with the 16GB WiFi only model, followed by $429 for the 32GB and $529 for the 64GB model. For the WiFi + LTE models just as $130 for each model.
Are They Worth It?
Apple’s new iPad 4 and iPad Mini are a bit pricey compared to it’s Android counter part. But in my opinion, the worth of a product really depends on the user. An Apple fan will definitely choose the iPad Mini and the iPad 4 for one or more reasons despite its higher price tag. But for those who are looking for a great price per specs ratio, most people would be looking at Android tablets like the Nexus 7 or other models.
I’m just disappointed at the development of Apple’s product. There is no really a “next big thing“. There are no major improvements or changes from their product. Most are just upgrades from the previous model. If iPads was a software, I wouldn’t call the iPad 4 as an iPad 4, instead, something like iPad 3.5. They used to be one step ahead from their competitors, but now I think they’re the ones who is catching up.
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