In a quadruple-whammy of new product launches, Apple surprised many by announcing a new full-size iPad. But what's the difference between the two models? Here, in an iPad 3 vs iPad 4 comparison review, we take an in-depth look at the specifications of the new iPad with Retina display and the no-longer-new 'new' iPad 3. See our full review of the iPad 3.
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: processor
Arguably the biggest update for the iPad with Retina display is the new Apple A6X processor. This shares a similar dual-core design to the iPhone 5's A6 chip, and also has a quad-core graphics processor embedded.
Apple claims the A6X is twice as fast as the iPad 3's A5X processor, including for graphics, without using any extra battery power. Going by previous Apple performance claims, we're pretty sure this will be borne out in benchmark results, which we'll share as soon as we get our hands on a review unit.
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Lightning
One obvious update is the new Lightning connector. Although this new all-digital interface is seemingly incompatible with just about everything at the moment, it will come into its own over the next months and years as Lightning accessories are launched.
All other ports and buttons remain the same.
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: 4G LTE
Another update which is slightly subtler is an updated 4G LTE modem. Apple went big on 4G with the iPad 3 but then had to backtrack in several countries, including the UK and Australia when it turned out that the frequencies it used weren't compatible with many 4G networks. Plus, there was also the fact that 4G networks didn't exist in many places, so it was a moot point.
The iPad 4 which you'll buy in the UK, though, supports 1800MHz - a crucial number since this is what EE uses for its 4G network in the UK and it currently the only way to get the fastest download speeds on the move. See also: What is 4G? A complete guide.
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Wi-Fi
Apple says the new iPad with Retina display has 'advanced Wi-Fi technology - up to twice as fast as any previous-generation iPad' but actual details of how this is achieved are sketchy. On paper, the Wi-Fi chip appears the same as the one used in both the iPad 2 and iPad 3, but Apple talks about support for channel bonding, which allows speeds up to 150Mbps.
Given that the iPad 2 and iPad 3 are also technically capable of these speeds, it's hard to know before testing the fourth-gen iPad exactly what's going on here. It could be a new antenna design, with a different MIMO configuration, but Apple's careful wording says it all: "Many of the things you do every day MAY start to feel a whole lot faster."
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: cameras
Just as with the iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4S, the iPad with Retina display has upgraded cameras.
The front camera is now a 'FaceTime HD' part, with support for up to 720p video and 1.2Mp photos. This suggests it's the same as the iPhone 5's camera. It's a big step up from the iPad 3's VGA camera, and useful for taking the odd self portrait, as well as providing the person at the other end of your FaceTime or Skype call with better quality video.
On the back, a new 5Mp iSight camera improves on the iPad 3's only in that it now has a back-illuminated sensor. Essentially, it will be hard to tell any difference between photos and videos taken on the iPad 3 and iPad 4, except perhaps those taken in dim light, where the iPad with Retina display should win out with less noise and better colours.
The iPad 3 had video stabilisation, just at the iPad 4 does, as well as face detection for photos. A minor change here is that the fourth-gen iPad gets face recognition in videos, too.
One thing which hasn't been upgraded is the iPad's microphones. Unlike the iPhone 5 and iPod touch, the iPad with Retina display doesn't get a rear mic, nor a front-facing mic for use with FaceTime.
iPad 3 vs iPad 4: screen and everything else
One thing that hasn't changed is the Retina screen. The fourth-gen iPad sticks with the same 2048 x 1536 resolution, LED-backlit IPS screen.
Dimensions and weight are identical to the iPad 3, so cases designed for the 'new iPad' should fit the iPad with Retina display, and any cutout for the older 30-pin connector will simply be larger than necessary, but in the right place.
It's also available in the same colours and storage capacities as before. Prices also remain the same, with the base 16GB black and white Wi-Fi only models starting at £399, rising to £659 for the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and 4G.
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Comments
JosZlov3r_boy said: Just hate that every apple is the same its borin nothing changes maybe its fastsr and blah but the looks the style Nd like the home screen u cant customize it but change a wallpaper no widgets its just boring
Needay83 said: LOVING MY APPLE PRODUCTS THE ONLY WAY I GIVE MINE AWAY IF I HAVE ANOTHER ONE COMING MY WAY
guest said: Except if you are trying of open a corporate video encoded by someone else who doesnt know iPad only have 1 codec for MP4 then yes they are great in nearly everything
Cameron Tele Tubb said: bored of ipads now just same old same old every time Im with android atleast they have some variety and usbhdmimicro sd and sd card slots expandable memory just makes the ipad look shity Google nexus 10 samsung galxy notetab and tab2 are the way forward
Guest said: httpbitsblogsnytimescomYour opinion seems legit
Marc Houde said: If you didnt have a test unit in your handswhy waste your time on a review like this We can all read a spec sheetwhat we want is real world reviews What a waste of time
Paulbds said: You cant jailbreak the new iPad
Bater said: Its quite expensive as a device i wish they upgraded the os to something more reliable and flexible than upgrading the hardware which is still ahead of everything else I want to get rid of my Laptop Apple iPad is not the solution
Discit said: Its called reality and historyJust because most google fans dont want to admit their whole business model is about collecting info on you to make their ads more valuable and they distribute android for free and devices at cost because your info is the real value to them1 Google was caught hacking into both Microsoft and Apple users computers to monitor their browsing history Can you say Apple did that2 Google was caught downloading sensitive data from wifis using their street cars after assuring otherwise data they said they would now use android handsets to collect instead Though now theyre just using them to sniff wifis and not actually get sensitive data packets like they were with their street cars3 Apples business model is privacy by default and you need to opt-in to data collection generally like using iAd Diagnostic data really is diagnostic data with Apple and you can actually go into your phone and see what diagnostic data is There is always some data transferred in using services and cell devices of course but data collection on you that info collected on your habits searches etc gleaned from free services is googles whole business model though You can opt out of personalized ads or the benefits of all that data collection but not the data collection except by not using their services and even then theyve shown no scruples hacking or snooping on non-customers to get more data sometimesDont tell me you dont know this
Echrada said: Really Apple and Privacy Which planet are you from
Discit said: I prefer Apples respect for privacy versus googles constant spyware Nexus is a great deal for some though a fantastic device subsidized by the spyware or adware If android comes out with a fully functional open source project not controlled by google and designed to be crippled without their spyware Ill check it back out but it might not be as slick as their appsIt seems google lets you opt out of personalized ads but not from collecting your info Even though its probably harmless I find their level of tracking and snooping a little creepy sometimes
MacGuy said: Haters gotta hate -- grow upAt least try the product before you spew
Kstew1990 said: I find it so funny as most people who Having worked with computersbah bah 95 of the time say that Apple products are the best there are that is why 80 of the businesses use them professionally Just saying
Roop's Legacy said: Do you ever had Apple products if no then pls dont try to get one Bcoz you are not welcome to Apple family Crappy
Gordonbraithwaite2 said: Having worked on computers for 25 years I have to agree with youTotal crap
Tuts234 said: Shaggy your face is a load of crap And it is spelled ipad not I Pad ipads are the best Go to an Apple store and experience one for yourself Youll see
iFanned said: I had an iPad but after the iOS6 update I experienced a lot of lags and closing of many apps I gave the iPad to my dad and bought a Nexus 7 Right now I think I made the right choice
The Barber (who shaved Shaggy) said: iPads are not crap Theyre great in everything they do I and everyone I know that has one couldnt be happier with them
Shaggy_1986 said: Load of crap as all I pads are
Maxziyi said: you convinced me