97

Conclusion: We like it

Apple's latest iPad is a modest improvement over the third-generation model, adding a new processor, improved Wi-Fi, a better front camera and a Lightning connector. The amazing Retina display -- which still smokes the resolution on the HDTV in your living room -- remains in place, along with access to the best selection of mobile apps and one of the best rear cameras available on a tablet. And it's the same price as the third-generation model and last year's iPad 2. If you're buying a new tablet, you would be crazy not to get the new iPad.

Buy It:

90-Day Price History

now
high
$499
low
$463

Critic reviews

9.1
10 reviews
  • Features
    9.1
  • Display
    10
  • Battery life
    8.7
  • Ease of use
    8.9
  • Storage capacity
    8.0
  • Design and form factor
    8.9
  • Portability (size / weight)
    7.6
  • Durability
    8.0

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User reviews

9.1
32 reviews
9.0
Engadget Oct 30, 2012

Apple's latest iPad is blisteringly quick and offers even better battery life than before. With a beautiful display and a massive app selection, it's the one to get.

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10
PC Mag Nov 9, 2012

The fourth-generation Apple iPad is the only product I have ever personally rated five full stars because it represents the tablet state of the art.

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9.0
TechCrunch Oct 30, 2012

If you were going to get an iPad before, obviously, you’ll want to get this one now. In fact, you don’t even have a choice — Apple has discontinued the third-generation model. The prices remain the same across the board as do all of the other features (WiFi/LTE, Retina display, etc).

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9.0
CNET Oct 30, 2012

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.

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9.0
Ars Technica Nov 6, 2012

No surprise, Apple doesn't play the race to the bottom game when it comes to pricing, and the company seems to be happy with its performance in that respect. Even at $499 to start, the iPad is still a great value overall.

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9.0
Macworld Nov 8, 2012

This is unquestionably Apple’s most powerful iPad to date, and it handles pretty much anything you can throw at it with aplomb.

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9.0
SlashGear Oct 30, 2012

The incredible, high-resolution screen was already enough to justify the $100 premium over the iPad 2 to our mind; the future-proofing of the speed increase (and the new iPad mini, undercutting the iPad 2 by $70) is simply the coup de grâce.

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9.0
Pocket-Lint Nov 6, 2012

The iPad 4 is a powerfull beast of a tablet that builds on the market-leading iPad 3. If you're looking for the best of the best, this is still it. It's a tablet that delivers a superior experience from not only a hardware perspective but also in terms of apps too.

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10
The Telegraph Oct 30, 2012

Anyone buying an iPad for the first time, or upgrading from an iPad 1 or iPad 2, will get their hands on a stunning device with a glorious display and the best range of tablet apps available.

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8.0
TrustedReviews Nov 23, 2012

The new iPad with Retina Display is the best large tablet going with better battery life and performance than both the iPad 3 and the other large tablet competition. It also boasts the best build quality and the most comprehensive selection of truly tablet-oriented apps.

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10
PilotPhil PilotPhil

Ever since my first iPad my pc laptop has been collecting dust. I don't think I need a pc anymore. I might buy a Mac if I need one.

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9.0
ubilla ubilla

It is super fast and it works very well, the retina display is just beautiful. I have had the original iPad and the iPad 2 as well as the nexus 7 and by far this is the best tablet. This device is for content creators and media consumers as well. Apple still has the better app ecosystem (not for...

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9.0
t0m7 t0m7

It's noticeable faster than its predecessor and still got the great Retina display an 10 hours battery life.

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10
brycew331 brycew331

With 128GB of storage for apps, photos, TV shows and movies, you won't need to bring any other device with you on your trip to the store, mom's house, or Cancun.

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9.0
jexner325 jexner325

I absolutely love the iPad 4. The design and A6 make this the best iPad to date. I use my iPad extensively for reading and the retina screen makes reading on the iPad phenomenal. The applications for the iPad are also unique to the iPad; they are not super sized phone applications unlike some...

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7.0
Stormspace Stormspace

Pros I won this iPad in a door prize raffle. Man it's fast. Way faster than previous tablets I've owned, even my first gen iPad. Case accessories are a dime a dozen. Seems like everyone provides cases for these, most at a reasonable price. I like the 4:3 aspect ratio of the screen and it's...

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