Apple’s New iPad: 4G LTE Version or Only Wi-Fi? Which One Should You Buy?

Apple's New iPad is going to hit the stores Friday morning. As a successor to iPad 2, the new device has been introduced with some exclusive power-packed features like Retina Display, a sharper screen, a speedy and faster processor performance, the all new iSight camera and the snapping new updated operating system.

According to reports, industry analysts have already predicted that the company may be a getting a rise in record at present and is expected to climb up to 19 percent to $700 with the New iPad stocks.

Turning this into reality, it is evident that many Apple fans would have already decided upon buying the New iPad to get a taste of its upgraded features. However, for all those geeky consumers, before going on a purchase spree, it is very necessary to know, which version of the new gadget they should opt for.

Which iPad model of the New iPad you should buy - a 4G LTE or a Wi-Fi? For all those who are confused, here is an analysis which will help you select the version which suits you.

What is New iPad 4G LTE Version?

With the New iPad, Apple has also introduced the new 4G LTE-enabled feature, which is faster than 3G and would allow users to have an internet access to download files or stream movies at network speed between 5Mbps and 12Mbps, even when Wi-Fi network is not available, or especially when a user is not at home or at office or is traveling.

The 4G version of the New iPad will operate on 4G LTE networks available mainly on Verizon and AT&T. Also, it will be available on Rogers, Bell and Telus.

On a further note, GPS would also be an added feature in this version. In addition to granting data access while on the move, the 4G iPad is equipped with an A-GPS chip which would allow the user a more accurate read of their current location as compared to Wi-Fi trilateration.

New iPad Wi-Fi Version

It is known to all that Wi-Fi-only iPad users are limited to connecting their devices to the Internet only where Wi-Fi network is available. This is a big limitation against the 4G LTE models. However, industry analysts have estimated that the consumers may still prefer to buy Wi-Fi versions over 4G advantage.

According to IDC, more than 70 percent of all iPads sold last year were Wi-Fi-only versions. And even among those consumers who have bought carrier-enabled iPads, only a fraction of them have actually activated the devices on a carrier network.

Relatively, here are few factors which can help the consumers decide which version to buy.

Cost and Weight

4G LTE: In the case of 4G LTE version, the buyers will have to shell out $629, $729 and $829 respectively for the 16, 32, and 64 GB variants. And as far as the weight is concerned, the New iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G LTE would weigh around 662 Grams.

In addition to the hefty price tag of the device, buyers would also have to pay a monthly data service fee. Verizon's data packages start at $30 a month for 2GB of data. On the other end, AT&T offers a less expensive package starting at $15 per month, which only offers 250MB of data per month. It also offers a $30-per-month plan with 3GB of data.

While a contract is not necessary for these data plans, Verizon also charges a $35 activation fee to start using the data service, which means that starting and stopping service comes with a penalty. At the same time, it is unclear whether AT&T or Verizon will change the pricing of service plans either upward or downward for the New iPad.

Wi-Fi: Going for this version, would make a financial sense as the Wi-Fi versions of the new iPad are cheaper by $130 as compared to 4G models, with the lowest 16 GB costing only $499 and the other price tags are the following - 32 GB: $599 and 64 GB: $699. Further, the WiFi only iPad is a 652 grams device, 10 grams less than the 4G model.

Network Availability

4G LTE: Both Verizon and AT&T in the U.S. have much less network coverage and also they offer no long contracts though each iPad is specific to its 4G LTE carrier. In other words, the user cannot switch from AT&T one month to Verizon Wireless a few months later.

Wi-Fi: When it comes to connectivity, there is no comparison between the two. The Wi-Fi version can only use the Internet if a hotspot is around. To promote the version, there are unlimited packages unlike all microSIM packages on the market. However, they will only suit the user's needs if they tend to stick around where the Wi-Fi hotspots are.

Battery Life

4G LTE: The addition of LTE on the first Apple product is a significant milestone, especially since Apple claims that the faster network connectivity would not affect battery life much. In general, 4G LTE devices tend to have poorer-performing batteries than devices operating on 3G networks only. But Apple claims that the 4G LTE-enabled iPad can get 9 hours of use on LTE. But it is similar to the iPad 2, so it is nothing different.

Wi-Fi: If you are not accessing the internet, both versions will give you same battery life. However, it is obvious that the 4G iPad tends to shave about two hours off the total battery time as compared to Wi-Fi models, and even Apple have confirmed that this version would provide 10 hours of battery life or a little more. Certainly, it would add a couple of hours more of usage against the 4G model.

Verdict

The new iPad 4G LTE version is preferable for the users, who are mostly traveling on the roads and always away from their Wi-Fi network. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi version would be a practical option for a family that is mainly going to use the iPad at home or someone who wants to check mail, surf Facebook, play apps or stream regular-quality video clips or accomplish official work at office.

Must Read: Apple New iPad Launch Friday, March 16: Pricing, Availability, Trade-ins and Review Roundup