Apple · iPad
iPad (4th generation)
The 2012 iPad with an A6X chip, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera, keeping the 9.7-inch Retina display for reading, browsing and media.
Model history · 4 models, 2010–2012
- 2010iPad (1st generation)Compare
- 2011iPad 2Compare
- 2012iPad (3rd generation)Compare
- 2012iPad (4th generation)
- Screen
- 9.7″
- Display
- LCD
- Chip
- A6X
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 16 GB – 128 GB
- Weight
- 652 g
What reviewers say
Reviewers praised the faster performance, sharp display and battery life. Both noted the cost of adapting older accessories; Notebookcheck criticised reflections and weight.
From engadget.com and notebookcheck.net
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specDisplay
- Screen size
- 9.7″
- Resolution
- 2048 × 1536
- Sharpness
- 264 pixels per inch
- Panel
- LCD
- Display type
- Retina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
- Pixel density
- 264 ppi
- Display features
- Oleophobic coating; Multi-Touch
Performance
- Chip
- A6X
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Storage
- 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
- CPU
- Dual-core A6X; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
- GPU
- Quad-core graphics
Cameras
- Rear camera
- 5 MP
- Ultra wide camera
- None
- Front camera
- 1.2 MP
- Rear camera
- iSight; f/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination
- Front camera
- FaceTime HD; face detection; backside illumination
- Video recording
- Rear 1080p with stabilisation; front 720p; geotagging; exposure control
Battery and connections
- Battery life (maker's claim)
- Up to 10 hours
- Battery capacity
- 42.5 Wh
- Mobile data option
- Yes
- Stylus
- Not supported
- Keyboard made for it
- No
- Battery life detail
- Up to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours browsing over cellular
- Charging
- Power adapter or USB computer connection
- USB-C
- Lightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional Digital AV and VGA adapters; Apple support lists external video output up to 720p
- Wi-Fi
- Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n; 802.11n at 2.4 and 5 GHz
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Mobile network
- GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA; LTE bands 1/3/5/13/25 on A1460 or 4/17 on A1459; micro-SIM; 662 g
- Stylus support
- No Apple Pencil support
- Keyboards
- Bluetooth keyboards supported; no dedicated Apple keyboard connector
Design
- Weight
- 652 g
- Thickness
- 9.4 mm
- Height × width
- 241.2 × 185.7 mm
- Operating system
- iOS
- Speakers
- Built-in speaker
- Microphones
- Built-in microphone
- Sensors
- Accelerometer; ambient light; three-axis gyroscope; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
- Materials
- Aluminium enclosure
- Colours
- Black or White front
- Software at launch
- iOS 6; 128 GB version introduced with iOS 6.1 on 5 February 2013
- In the box
- iPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power Adapter
Storage options
| Storage |
|---|
| 16 GB |
| 32 GB |
| 64 GB |
| 128 GB |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Retina display with 2048 x 1536 resolution
- FaceTime HD front camera for 720p video
- Storage options up to 128 GB
Cons
- Older 30-pin accessories need an adapter
- No Apple Pencil support or expandable storage
- Same weight and thickness as the third generation
Closest rivals
Model | Screen | Display | Chip | Memory | Storage | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.7″ | LCD | A5X | 1 GB | 16 GB – 64 GB | 652 g | Mar 2012 | |
| 9.7″ | LCD | A7 | 1 GB | 16 GB – 128 GB | 469 g | Nov 2013 | |
| 9.4″ | LCD | NVIDIA Tegra 3 | 1 GB | 16 GB – 64 GB | 570 g | Sept 2012 |
Previous model: iPad (3rd generation). Newer model: iPad (5th generation).
Sources
- support.apple.com/en-us/111993
- apple.com/uk/newsroom/2012/10/23Apple-Introduces-iPad-mini
- apple.com/uk/newsroom/2013/01/29Apple-Increases-iPad-with-Retina-Display-to-128…
- ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad+4+Wi-Fi+Teardown/11462
Photo: cdsassets.apple.com
