The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi, also known as the iPad with Retina Display, was introduced in 2012 as the fourth generation of Apple’s iPad lineup. Despite being discontinued, it remains a popular choice for users looking for an affordable tablet that offers reliable performance and stunning display quality.
In this article, we will explore its full specifications and provide an in-depth review of its features. Whether you are considering purchasing a used iPad 4 or simply curious about its legacy, this guide will give you all the essential details.
Table of Contents
- Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi Key Specifications
- iPad 4 Wi-Fi
- Design and Build Quality
- Display: Retina Display with Stunning Resolution
- Performance: Apple A6X Chip and iOS Support
- Storage and Memory Options
- Camera Features and Video Capabilities
- Battery Life and Charging
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Features
- Sensors and Additional Features
- Pricing and Availability
- Conclusion
Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi Key Specifications
iPad 4 Wi-Fi
Launched in November 2012, the iPad 4 Wi-Fi was an important milestone in Apple’s tablet evolution. Featuring the new Retina Display, a powerful Apple A6X processor, and improved front and rear cameras, it marked a significant upgrade over its predecessors.
This model was introduced to provide enhanced performance, improved display quality, and a better overall user experience.
It ran on iOS 6, with updates available up to iOS 10.3, making it relevant for several years post-release. Despite being discontinued, many users still appreciate its robust build and reliable performance.
Design and Build Quality
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi has a sleek and minimalist design, typical of Apple’s iPads. With dimensions of 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm, it offers a comfortable grip, making it suitable for both handheld use and placement on flat surfaces. Weighing 652 grams (1.44 pounds), it’s not the lightest tablet on the market, but it still feels solid and well-built.
The device is available in two colors: black and white, allowing users to choose a design that fits their preferences. The aluminum unibody construction ensures durability, and the scratch-resistant glass, along with an oleophobic coating, protects the screen from fingerprints and smudges.
Display: Retina Display with Stunning Resolution
One of the best features of the iPad 4 is its 9.7-inch Retina Display. With a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, this screen offers a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This means images, videos, and text appear sharp and crisp, making it perfect for watching media, reading, and browsing the web. The IPS LCD technology used in the display also ensures excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
The Retina Display was a major selling point at the time, offering a superior visual experience compared to previous iPads. Whether you’re streaming HD videos or playing games, the screen delivers vibrant colors and clarity, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Performance: Apple A6X Chip and iOS Support
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi is powered by the Apple A6X chipset, built on a 32nm process. This dual-core processor clocks in at 1.4 GHz, providing fast and efficient performance. The PowerVR SGX554MP4 graphics processor further enhances the tablet’s ability to handle gaming and graphic-intensive applications with ease.
At launch, the iPad 4 provided a significant boost in performance over its predecessors. With 1GB of RAM and the A6X chip, the tablet can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching videos, and running apps without lag. It runs on iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 10.3, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of apps and features.
While it may not compete with the latest models in terms of raw processing power, the iPad 4 still deliver reliable performance for most users in 2025.
Storage and Memory Options
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi offers a variety of storage options to suit different user needs. You can choose between 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support expandable storage via a memory card slot, which is a limitation for users who need more storage.
However, the available internal storage is sufficient for most users, especially considering that apps and media are stored in the cloud or streamed through services like Apple Music and Netflix. Whether you’re storing documents, photos, or videos, the iPad 4 provides a range of capacities to suit different use cases.
Camera Features and Video Capabilities
Although not known for its camera performance, the iPad 4 Wi-Fi still includes capable photography features. The 5MP rear camera allows users to capture decent-quality photos, with autofocus and support for 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second (fps). While the camera may not compete with modern smartphone cameras, it is still good enough for basic photography needs and capturing video.
The 1.2MP front-facing camera is great for video calls and FaceTime chats. It supports 720p video recording at 30fps, providing clear and smooth video during conversations. Features like face detection help improve the quality of photos and videos, especially when using the rear camera.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or using apps, the tablet offers impressive battery life for a device of its size.
The battery is designed to last through a full day of moderate use, making it ideal for on-the-go users. The tablet also offers up to 720 hours of standby time, meaning it can remain in low-power mode for extended periods without draining the battery.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Features
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity, allowing for fast internet speeds and reliable connections on dual-band Wi-Fi networks. However, it does not support cellular connectivity, meaning users can only access the internet through Wi-Fi networks.
For wireless accessories, the tablet features Bluetooth 4.0, which enables seamless connection with compatible devices like wireless headphones, speakers, and keyboards. Unfortunately, the iPad 4 lacks NFC and radio support, but it still offers a range of connectivity options suitable for most users.
Sensors and Additional Features
The iPad 4 Wi-Fi includes several sensors to enhance its functionality:
- Accelerometer: Detects the device’s orientation and adjusts the screen’s display accordingly.
- Gyroscope: Improves motion tracking for games and apps.
- Compass: Assists with navigation and location-based apps.
These sensors, along with the device’s built-in Lightning connector for charging and data transfer, add to the iPad 4’s versatility. The tablet also supports FaceTime over Wi-Fi, making it an excellent device for video calling.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, the iPad 4 Wi-Fi was priced at around 350 EUR. However, since it has been discontinued, it is now available at a significantly lower price in the second-hand market. The exact price will vary depending on the condition and storage capacity of the device.
If you’re looking to buy a used iPad 4, you can find it through online retailers or second-hand platforms. It remains a budget-friendly option for those who don’t need the latest features but still want a functional and reliable tablet.
Conclusion
The Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi may not be the newest model in Apple’s lineup, but it remains a solid choice for users who need a reliable tablet for everyday tasks. With its beautiful Retina Display, powerful A6X chip, and solid battery life, it continues to offer good performance for basic tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and using apps.
While its camera and connectivity features may seem outdated compared to newer devices, it still holds up as a budget-friendly option. Whether you’re looking for a tablet for educational purposes, media consumption, or light productivity, the iPad 4 Wi-Fi is a practical choice that provides excellent value for money.
FAQs: Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi Review
Are 4th Generation iPads Good?
The 4th generation iPads are still a reliable choice for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and reading. Featuring a Retina Display, the Apple A6X chipset, and a durable build, these iPads deliver excellent visual quality and smooth performance for everyday use.
While they lack the advanced features of modern iPads, their affordability and long-lasting battery life make them a great option for casual users or as a secondary device.
Why Is My iPad 4 So Slow?
The iPad 4 might feel slow due to outdated hardware, as it uses a dual-core Apple A6X processor and 1GB of RAM, which struggles with modern apps and updates. Running the latest supported version, iOS 10.3, can also put a strain on its resources. Background apps, limited storage, and lack of optimization may further contribute to slower performance.
How Much RAM Is on iPad 4?
The iPad 4 is equipped with 1GB of RAM. While sufficient for light multitasking and everyday activities, it may feel limited when running memory-intensive apps or games by today’s standards.
How Long Will the iPad 4 Last?
The iPad 4 has a sturdy build and a long-lasting 11560mAh battery that provides up to 10 hours of usage. However, as it only supports up to iOS 10.3, software compatibility with newer apps is limited. As a secondary device for browsing or media consumption, it can still serve well for several years if maintained properly.
How Can I Make My iPad 4 Faster?
To improve the performance of your iPad 4, follow these steps:
- Delete Unused Apps: Free up storage space for better performance.
- Clear Browser Cache: Go to Safari settings and clear website data.
- Disable Background App Refresh: Turn off unnecessary background activities.
- Restart the Device Regularly: A restart can refresh the system.
- Turn Off Visual Effects: Disable features like animations under Accessibility settings.
- Reset Settings: Reset to default settings for a clean slate.
How to Check iPad Battery Health?
While iPads don’t offer a built-in battery health feature, you can check your iPad 4’s battery performance using these methods:
- Third-Party Apps: Install apps like Coconut Battery (for macOS) or I Mazing to view battery health details.
- Apple Support: Visit an Apple Store or authorized service center for a professional battery check.
- Battery Behavior: If your iPad drains quickly or takes too long to charge, it may indicate reduced battery health.
