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4th Generation iPad Reviews: Faster, Better Camera, Lightning Port

Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:03 pm PDT by Arnold Kim
Besides the iPad mini, Apple is launching another new iPad on Friday -- the 4th Generation iPad. The embargo has been lifted on those reviews as well, though they contain no real surprises. The 4th Generation iPad came out only seven months after the 3rd Generation model.

Image from CNet

The changes include a faster A6X processor running at 1.4GHz allowing the device to run twice as fast as its predecessor. The new processor doesn't worsen battery life. Engadget's testing even showed it to be slightly improved. The front facing camera has been upgraded to take HD video, and the only other external change is the replacement of the 30 pin dock connector with the new smaller Lightning connector. CNet sums it up:
The latest iPad adds several tweaks and improvements to secure its position at the top of the tablet heap. It's better all around, but third-gen owners need not apply.
The other interesting effect the new iPad has on Apple's product line is that it increases the gap between the iPad 2 and the "new iPad". Apple has chosen to keep the iPad 2 at the $399 starting price point and simply retired the 3rd Generation model, replacing it with the new one. That $100 difference between the two models now represent a larger feature gap than before.

Full reviews:

- Engadget
- CNet
- SlashGear
- The Verge

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
[ 130 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

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notjustjay
82 months ago
Lovely. My "new iPad" lasted all of 7 months. Is that the shortest product life cycle ever for an Apple product?

(Of course, it still works fine, and I will continue to use it. It's just never a nice feeling knowing your product got superseded by the new model -- twice as fast even -- while yours isn't even out of warranty yet. Oh well...)
Rating: 22 Votes
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Sixtafoua
82 months ago
The reviews are in: the 4th gen iPad does in fact have a lighting connector.
Rating: 21 Votes
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Supra Mac
82 months ago
The "iPad 3" also known as the "iPad 2 w/Retina display"
Rating: 16 Votes
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bobsimmons
82 months ago
Safari seems snappier. ;-)
Rating: 13 Votes
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AngerDanger
82 months ago
Lightning Port – wow, how insightful. It's nice when reviewers take the time to highlight all the hidden features. :rolleyes:
Rating: 12 Votes
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Gnomepatrol
82 months ago

Got my iPad 3 in April and see no compelling reason to get the 4. Will wait another cycle or 2 as long as this one works for me.


You shouldn't feel compelled at all to upgrade. I am glad you aren't. THe iPad3 is a great piece of hardware and there is no reason to move from it to the new iPad refresh.
Rating: 11 Votes
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davidinva
82 months ago
Got my iPad 3 in April and see no compelling reason to get the 4. Will wait another cycle or 2 as long as this one works for me.
Rating: 9 Votes
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iRCL
82 months ago

Lovely. My "new iPad" lasted all of 7 months. Is that the shortest product life cycle ever for an Apple product?

(Of course, it still works fine, and I will continue to use it. It's just never a nice feeling knowing your product got superseded by the new model -- twice as fast even -- while yours isn't even out of warranty yet. Oh well...)


Sell it on craigslist and buy a new one

Or deal with it
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
ECUpirate44
82 months ago

Got my iPad 3 in April and see no compelling reason to get the 4. Will wait another cycle or 2 as long as this one works for me.


Same here. It runs iOS6 fine and I'm not one of these people.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
crepuscular
82 months ago

... it's not a sweet deal for all of us iPad 3 owners who are having this sh** rubbed in our face!

A refresh so soon is an insult to us lot :mad:


Grow up.
Rating: 6 Votes

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