ipad mini spes and price

Apple iPad 4 and iPad Mini: Are They Worth It?

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.

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ipad mini spes and price

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:

SpecificationsiPad 4iPad MiniiPad 3
Dimension241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm
Weight662 grams312 grams662 grams
CPUApple A6X Dual Core1GHz Apple A5 Dual Core1GHz Apple A5X Dual Core
GPUQuad Core PowerVR SGX543MP4PowerVR SGX543MP2Quad Core PowerVR SGX543MP4
Operating SystemiOS 6iOS 6iOS 5.1
Display9.7 inch, 1536×2084, 264 ppi7.9 inch, 1024×768, 162 ppi9.7 inch, 1536×2084, 264 ppi
Multitouch, Retina DisplayMultitouchMultitouch, Retina Display
Memory16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage, 512MB RAM16GB / 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage, 1GB RAM
Camera Rear5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p5 Megapixels, AF, 1080p
Camera Front1.2 Megapixels, FaceTime, 720p1.2 Megapixels, FaceTime, 720pVGA, 480p
Network2G, 3G, 4G, LTE2G, 3G, 4G, LTE2G, 3G, 4G, LTE
DataDC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 73 MbpsDC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 100 MbpsDC-HSDPA, GRPS, EDGE, LTE, 73 Mbps
WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0
FeaturesAccelerometer, gyro, compassAccelerometer, gyro, compassAccelerometer, gyro, compass
GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASSGPS with A-GPS support and GLONASSGPS with A-GPS support
BatteryLi-Po 11,560 mAh (42.5 Wh)Li-Po 16.2 WhLi-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.

ipad 4 vs ipad 3

Main Difference of iPad 4 vs iPad 3

Below are the main difference or the key difference between iPad 4 and iPad 3:

  1. Front facing camera is upgraded from VGA to 1.3 megapixel camera that now supports 720p captures.
  2. Processor is upgraded from Apple A5X to A6X, twice the performance power.
  3. The iPad 4 runs on iOS 6 out of the box while the iPad 3 runs on iOS 5.
  4. The iPad 4 uses the new Lightning connectivity, that was introduced together with the iPhone 5.
  5. WiFi connectivity is improved with the new iPad 4. It’s more faster than the iPad 3.
  6. 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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Comments

3 responses to “Apple iPad 4 and iPad Mini: Are They Worth It?”

  1. I have to agree with you. I am a big FANGIRL of Apple products. Somewhere or somehow, Apple lost that next big thing. I don’t like Android and I have an Android phone. Maybe I will go for a Window tablet or something. Like you mentioned, the price on the iPad Mini is very high. I really wanted one since it would be lighter than the iPad 3 (which I sleep, breathe, and use daily). I am coming from using the iPad 1. I skipped the iPad 2 thingy. However, the iPad 2 is light and cost $60 more than the iPad Mini.

    I guess those people who waited to upgrade their iPad 1 (and never looked at other tablets), will probably grab a iPad 3 (if they are still selling it)? Or just go straight to IPad 4.

    1. Don’t you just wish that Steve Jobs would be reincarnated. Ahh Apple what happened to you?!

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