Apple iPad Late 2012 (1GB + 16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2012 Huffington Post UK review characterizes the fourth-generation iPad as a "no surprises" update, offering immense power through the A6X processor and a Lightning connector while maintaining the exact same chassis and Retina display as its predecessor. Key advantages highlighted include significantly improved speed for iOS 6, a better FaceTime HD camera, and consistent 10-hour battery life. However, the review notes the lack of a compelling reason for iPad 3 owners to upgrade, alongside frustrations with long charging times and the tablet's overall weight. Copy

The Apple iPad 4 (4G Version) is a powerful, incremental update featuring a faster A6X processor and, critically for UK users, 4G LTE support that functions on local frequencies. While boasting a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display and solid 10-hour battery life, the device retains the "heftier and chunkier" design of the iPad 3. Key improvements include a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, though the shift to the Lightning connector renders older accessories incompatible without adapters. Considered a top-tier, yet not strictly necessary upgrade for iPad 3 owners, the review highlights pros such as superior performance and 4G connectivity, balanced against cons like a lack of expandable storage and limited portability. 3 Copy

Digital Foundry's review describes the iPad 4 as a significant internal overhaul featuring the A6X chipset, which includes custom 1.4GHz "Swift" CPU cores and a powerful quad-core PowerVR SGX554MP4 GPU. While retaining the heavy, 652g chassis of the previous model, this processor delivers massive performance gains, positioning it as a top-tier mobile gaming device at the time. Key advantages include superior handling of the 2048x1536 Retina display, with demanding games running at higher frame rates and improved resolutions, alongside the introduction of the Lightning connector, enhanced 1.2MP FaceTime camera, and broader 4G LTE support. However, the device is considered a "tweener" release, and its substantial, 11,560 mAh battery takes over six hours to charge, often running warm, while the heavy weight can cause fatigue. Ultimately, while the iPad 4 is deemed a "future-proof" machine for gaming enthusiasts, the review suggests it was not an essential upgrade for existing iPad 3 owners. Digital Foundry

T3's review identifies the iPad 4 as the premier full-size tablet of its time, delivering significant performance improvements via the new A6X chip, which doubles the speed and graphical power of its predecessor. The device boasts a high-quality Retina display, a faster 1.2MP FaceTime camera, and enhanced 4G LTE compatibility alongside the introduction of the reversible Lightning connector. While performance is a major pro, the device shares the same "hefty" design as the third-generation model and requires a costly adapter for older accessories.

The Telegraph reviewed the 4th Generation iPad as a surprising, fast-tracked update featuring the A6X processor, which significantly boosts CPU and graphics performance. Key improvements highlighted include roughly double the speed of its predecessor in app loading and enhanced connectivity with broader 4G LTE support. While the stunning 9.7-inch Retina display was praised, the device's main drawbacks were its unchanged, bulky weight compared to the newly released iPad mini, and the inconvenience of the switch to the Lightning connector for existing users. Despite these criticisms, the review lauded the upgraded 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera and consistent 10-hour battery life. Ultimately, the device was deemed a solid option for first-time buyers, though only a moderate upgrade for existing 3rd-generation owners. 4

The fourth-generation Apple iPad (Wi-Fi) is rated as a top-tier tablet by PCMag UK, featuring significant internal upgrades, including the A6X processor which provides roughly double the speed and graphics performance of its predecessor. Key advantages include the sharp 9.7-inch Retina display, superior app ecosystem, and improved 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, making it highly effective for gaming and media consumption. However, the device suffers from moderate battery life under heavy load, long six-hour charging times, and the introduction of the Lightning connector which renders older 30-pin accessories incompatible.

The iPad 4, released shortly after its predecessor, features the A6X chip, which doubles CPU and GPU speeds to ensure fluid performance on its Retina display. This performance leap makes the tablet future-proof, effectively eliminating the lag and stutter seen in the previous model, particularly during intensive gaming. Physically identical to the iPad 3, the device is criticized for being slightly heavier and thicker than the iPad 2, impacting comfort. However, it introduces the new, convenient Lightning port, which, despite the frustration of requiring new accessories, modernizes the device, while maintaining a strong 10-hour battery life. The iPad 4 is deemed a performance-focused "spec-bump," boasting industry-leading graphics and a robust app ecosystem. Its primary drawbacks include the recycled, heavy design and the transition to the new connector, though it ultimately established itself as the most powerful tablet at the time.

The CNET review of the fourth-generation iPad highlights the device as a powerful, incremental update featuring a new A6X processor, which doubled CPU/graphics performance over its predecessor. Pros include an improved 12.5W charger and exceptional battery life, lasting 13.1 hours in tests, while maintaining the high-resolution Retina display. However, cons include an identical, heavy design, the transition to the Lightning connector rendering old accessories obsolete, and the same 5-megapixel rear camera. Ultimately, CNET found it the best tablet at the time but not a necessary upgrade for 3rd-gen users.

The iPad 4 with Retina Display, powered by the A6X chip and quad-core graphics, is lauded by Macworld as a powerful, future-proofed tablet featuring a stunning 9.7-inch display and an improved 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera. The switch to the Lightning connector is highlighted as a modern improvement, though it renders older 30-pin accessories incompatible without adapters. Despite maintaining the same design as its predecessor, the device faces minor criticism for taking a long time to charge. Copy

The late 2012 iPad (4th generation) is reviewed as a powerful, iterative update featuring the exceptional Retina display, which maintains a 2048 x 1536 resolution for unmatched clarity in media consumption. Key pros include the updated A6X processor offering doubled CPU and graphics performance, the Lightning connector, improved 5-megapixel iSight camera, and fast 4G LTE capabilities. Conversely, cons center on the identical design to the previous iteration, slight increases in weight and thickness, a disappointing low-resolution front camera, and the frustration caused by its quick release after the 3rd generation. The VergeFor a detailed review of the device, see the article at The Verge.

The Apple iPad (Fourth Generation, Wi-Fi), awarded an Editors' Choice by PCMag Australia, is defined by its top-tier A6X processor performance and a sharp 9.7-inch Retina display, making it a market-leading tablet for its time. Its core strengths include excellent gaming capabilities, a high-quality camera, and superior Wi-Fi speeds, offering a more complete ecosystem than competitors. However, the high-resolution display results in significant battery drain at high brightness, and the device requires a lengthy six-hour charge time to reach full capacity. Physically, the fourth-generation model retains the exact, somewhat heavy dimensions of its predecessor, lacking the slimmer, lighter design of newer alternatives. A significant transition in this model is the adoption of the Lightning connector, which renders older 30-pin accessories obsolete without an adapter. Despite this, the refined performance, superior app ecosystem, and rapid screen responsiveness make it an elite choice for users demanding high performance, according to the review.

The 2012 AppleInsider review of the fourth-generation iPad highlights the A6X chip as a major upgrade, doubling CPU and graphical performance, resulting in faster app launches and smoother web browsing. While maintaining the Retina display and 10-hour battery life, the device transitioned to the new Lightning connector and featured a superior 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. Despite these gains, the review noted that early iPad 3 owners might not find the iterative update necessary, especially with the 9.7-inch form factor feeling heavy compared to the newer iPad mini.

In his 2012 review for The Verge, Nilay Patel describes the 4th-generation iPad as a swift update to the previous model, focusing on bringing the device in line with the iPhone 5's technology, including the introduction of the Lightning connector and the A6X processor. The tablet boasts significant performance, with doubled CPU and graphics capabilities, a refined 720p front-facing camera, and faster connectivity without sacrificing its 10-hour battery life. While identifying it as a powerful, future-proof device, the review notes the inconvenience of adopting the new Lightning connector, which renders older accessories obsolete, and critiques the maturing iOS 6 software.

The Apple iPad 4 serves as a performance-focused upgrade featuring a powerful A6X processor and 4G LTE compatibility, alongside a high-quality 9.7-inch Retina display and improved 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera. However, the device is considered bulky, and the introduction of the Lightning connector renders older 30-pin accessories obsolete while lacking expandable storage. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a top-tier choice for media consumption with reliable battery life, making it a recommended, albeit incremental, improvement for users. 4

The CNET review of the 4th Generation iPad highlights it as a "turbo-boosted" tablet, featuring the A6X processor which doubles CPU and graphics performance over the previous model. While physically similar to its predecessor, it introduces a Lightning connector, an improved 720p FaceTime HD front camera, and enhanced battery life lasting over 13 hours. Key pros include unmatched speed and a robust app ecosystem, though cons involve its heavy, thick design and the need for adapters for older accessories.