iPad vs. iPad 2: We compare Apple's two tablets
- — 04 March, 2011 11:06
Apple's iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and faster than its predecessor, but just how much is different?
Apple's hotly anticipated iPad 2 tablet has finally been unveiled, but is it that much better than its predecessor?
Read our comprehensive iPad review and our detailed iPad 2 preview.
The new iPad 2 is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor. It is powered by an Apple designed dual-core processor called the A5. The iPad 2 is 33 per cent thinner (8.8mm) than the original, weighs 613g, and will come in both black and white models.
Apple claims the A5 processor doubles the speed of the iPad 2 compared to the original and makes graphics processing up to nine times faster. The screen resolution hasn't changed, and the iPad 2 doesn't get the Thunderbolt connector that was unveiled on the new MacBook Pro range.
Check out our full specification differences between the original iPad and the iPad 2 below:
Apple iPad vs Apple iPad 2: Specifications
| Feature | iPad | iPad 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display technology | Capacitive IPS | Capacitive IPS |
| Display resolution | 1024 x 768 pixels | 1024 x 768 pixels |
| Display size | 9.7in | 9.7in |
| Processor | Apple A4 (1GHz) | Apple A5 (1GHz dual-core) |
| RAM | 256MB | 512MB (unconfirmed) |
| Internal memory | 16GB/32GB/64GB | 16GB/32GB/64GB |
| Rear camera | None | Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still camera with 5x digital zoom |
| Front camera | None | Video recording, VGA up to 30 frames per second with audio; VGA-quality still camera |
| 3G networks (3G + Wi-Fi models) | HSDPA 850/1900/2100MHz | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100MHz |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 2.1 with A2DP | 2.1 with A2DP |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Accelerometer | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Gyroscope | None | 3-axis |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Expandable memory | No | No |
| Width | 13.4mm | 8.8mm |
| Weight | 680g (Wi-Fi), 730g (Wi-Fi + 3G) | 601g (Wi-Fi), 613g (Wi-Fi + 3G) |
| HDMI-out | Yes, 720p (with optional Digital AV Adapter) | Yes, 1080p (with optional Digital AV Adapter) |
| Adobe Flash support | No | No |
The Apple iPad 2 will be available in Australia on March 25. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the iPad 2 is expected to cost the same as the original iPad.
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Comments
Ross Catanzariti
Thu 10/03/2011 - 10:46
Hi Jmally,
Thanks for the feedback. This was an error on our behalf and has since been corrected.
ipad1 returned
Sun 03/07/2011 - 14:07
definitely ipad2. Ipad1 had so much problems I had to return it. Not enough graphics processing, even for the basic stuff like when you are scrolling any webpage, it'll crash and restart itself. Apple happily refunded fully without hesitation as they know there is design fault in their product. So not ipad 1 but definitely ipad 2.
Davy
Thu 07/07/2011 - 21:42
I have an iPad 1 and I haven't had any problems with it at all, other than the Flash thing, that is annoying I agree.
Darren
Tue 06/09/2011 - 00:34
i'm thinking of getting an iPad 1 as a dedicated ebook reader, and maybe a bit of web browsing. certainly don't need dual processors or cameras for that..
harsha
Mon 10/10/2011 - 17:03
pls tell me.. Ipad 1 & 2 size z deffrent?
ipad 2 pouch are nt matching to ipad 1?
Dave
Wed 12/10/2011 - 02:33
I have the iPd 1. use it for genrsl web (browsing, facebook, email, facebook etc) a few games (scrabble, need for speed, physics bed games) reading books and interactive magzines etc etc and have not hd ONE problem with it. definately ft enough... goodmenough grphicsnetc) no camera but i have no interet in that i dont do video conferences and have a camera for photos. ipad 1 is Fine.
Mona
Wed 30/11/2011 - 13:13
Im using my iPad 2 to look at this and I've been an iPad 1. I think that the second ones are better.
kiwicottage
Wed 07/12/2011 - 17:07
what is the difference between first generation and the next? Does it pay to purchase a refurbished 64 gb for $499.- first generation?
mlynch001
Thu 22/12/2011 - 14:14
I am going to wait for the I-pad 5! This will likely be 8 times better that the 1 and 6 times better than the 2!
Li_
Sat 07/01/2012 - 11:02
I just got new macair. I'm interested in knowing different type of differences:
Will 1/2 sync without connecting to computer?
Will 1/2 send it's calendar/contact info to computer wirelessly after initial manual load.
Can 1/2 manage some apps, computer manage others?
I have only been using my iPad 1, will those apps work on computer?
Will my doc's and stuff move to or intigrate with computer?
Any other operations that 1 can/can't do that 2 can/can't?
Thanks for feedback.
Chris Mansman
Wed 01/02/2012 - 18:36
Have both IPAD1 & IPAD2 as an avid lover (actually refer to them as my I-BABIES) I would say the only noticeable differences are the depth (IPAD2 feels so much skinnier) and the camera. But pics from the camera are extremely low quality, however being able to video-chat in my opinion makes IPAD2 worth it (that & the hubby purchased it, lol)
Campbell Simpson
Fri 04/03/2011 - 16:15
So which one is better??
I think the iPad 1 definitely - it will be a lot cheaper now because of the iPad 2, and it's more than good enough for its tasks...