4th Gen iPad’s A6X Processor Makes It More Than Twice As Fast As Its Predecessor

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The latest iPad is a speedy fellow.
The latest iPad sure is a speedy fellow.

Shortly before unveiling the iPad mini last week, Apple announced a new fourth-generation iPad — just 7 months after it released the third-generation iPad. In addition to an improved FaceTime camera, faster Wi-Fi, and Apple’s new Lightning connector, the device comes with the latest A6X processor. But is it a worthy upgrade over its predecessor?

Well, if performance is important to you, then yes, it is.

According to the latest Geekbench benchmarks, which were spotted by Primate Labs’ John Poole, the latest iPad is more than twice as fast as its predecessor. Its 1.4GHz dual-core processor, coupled with 1GB of RAM, earns it an impressive Geekbench score of 1,757, whereas the third-generation iPad’s 1GHz dual-core A5X processor achieves just 791.

The fourth-generation iPad is also faster than the iPhone 5, which scores 1,571 on Geekbench. Though that’s hardly surprising, given the iPad uses much the same processor, only with faster graphics for its larger display.

Whether or not you decide to ditch your third-generation iPad for the new one, then, all depends on how badly you need that performance improvement.

If you find your device is already speedy enough for you, and you don’t need the FaceTime HD camera or faster Wi-Fi, then it’s probably best to stick with what you have — at least you’ll still be able to use your existing 30-pin accessories that way.

Source: Primate Labs

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