Apple iPad (1st generation) vs Apple iPad (6th generation)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad (1st generation) compared with iPad (6th generation)
AppleiPad (1st generation)AppleiPad (6th generation)
Overview
ReleasedApril 2010March 2018
Display
Screen size9.7″9.7″
Resolution1024 × 7682048 × 1536 (better)
Sharpness132 pixels per inch264 pixels per inch (better)
PanelLCDLCD
Display typeLED-backlit glossy Multi-Touch display with IPS technologyRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
Pixel density132 ppi264 ppi
Display featuresFingerprint-resistant oleophobic coatingOleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)
Performance
ChipA4A10 Fusion
Memory256 MB2 GB (better)
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB32 GB, 128 GB (better)
CPU1 GHz Apple A4; 256 MB RAM identified by iFixit's corrected teardown64-bit A10 Fusion with embedded M10 coprocessor; 2 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
Cameras
Rear cameraNone8 MP (better)
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera–1.2 MP
Rear camera–f/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illumination
Front camera–FaceTime HD; f/2.2; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timer
Video recording–Rear 1080p; 240 fps slow motion; 3x video zoom; stabilised time-lapse; front 720p
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity25 Wh32.4 Wh (better)
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusNot supportedSupported, sold separately
Keyboard made for itYesNo
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music; up to nine hours surfing the web on 3GUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsing
Charging10W USB Power Adapter included; charging through the dock connectorUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supported
USB-C30-pin dock connector; Dock Connector to USB Cable; 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack; VGA adapter supports 1024 x 768 outputLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external video
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/nDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMO
BluetoothBluetooth 2.1 + EDRBluetooth 4.2
Mobile networkWi-Fi + 3G model supports UMTS/HSDPA and GSM/EDGE data; micro-SIM; assisted GPS; weighs 730 gLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support; cellular model weighs 478 g
Stylus supportNo Apple Pencil supportApple Pencil (1st generation); pressure and tilt sensing; palm rejection
KeyboardsiPad Keyboard Dock, sold separatelyNo Smart Connector (Engadget)
Design
Weight680 g469 g (better)
Thickness13.4 mm7.5 mm (better)
Height × width242.8 × 189.7 mm240 × 169.5 mm
Operating systemiOSiPadOS
Biometrics–Touch ID in Home button
SpeakersBuilt-in speakerStereo speakers
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphone–
SensorsAccelerometer; ambient light sensor; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G modelGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium and glass enclosureAluminium unibody
ColoursSilver enclosure with black frontSilver, Gold, Space Grey
Software at launchiPhone OS 3.2; this generation predates iPadOSiOS 11; orders opened 27 March 2018, with deliveries and store availability later that week
In the boxiPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter, documentationiPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power Adapter

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