Apple iPad 2 vs Apple iPad (4th generation)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad 2 compared with iPad (4th generation)
AppleiPad 2AppleiPad (4th generation)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2011November 2012
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; Multi-Touch
Performance
ChipA5A6X
Memory512 MB1 GB (better)
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB (better)
CPU1 GHz dual-core Apple A5; 512 MB RAM confirmed by iFixitDual-core A6X; 1 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
GPUPowerVR SGX543MP2 (Notebookcheck)Quad-core graphics
Cameras
Rear camera0.7 MP5 MP (better)
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera0.3 MP1.2 MP (better)
Rear camera0.7MP (PhoneArena); still camera with 5x digital zoom; Apple does not publish megapixelsiSight; f/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination
Front camera0.3MP VGA (PhoneArena); VGA-quality still camera for FaceTime and Photo BoothFaceTime HD; face detection; backside illumination
Video recordingRear camera records 720p video at up to 30 fps; front camera records VGA video at up to 30 fps; tap to control exposure; photo and video geotagging over Wi-FiRear 1080p with stabilisation; front 720p; geotagging; exposure control
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity25 Wh42.5 Wh (better)
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusNot supportedNot supported
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 browsing over cellular
Charging10W USB Power Adapter included; charging through the dock connectorPower adapter or USB computer connection
USB-C30-pin dock connector; 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack; video mirroring up to 1080p through Apple Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter, sold separatelyLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional Digital AV and VGA adapters; Apple support lists external video output up to 720p
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/nDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n; 802.11n at 2.4 and 5 GHz
BluetoothBluetooth 2.1 + EDRBluetooth 4.0
Mobile networkWi-Fi + 3G model supports UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA and GSM/EDGE data; micro-SIM; assisted GPS; weighs 613 g; US Verizon CDMA EV-DO version weighs 607 gGSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA; LTE bands 1/3/5/13/25 on A1460 or 4/17 on A1459; micro-SIM; 662 g
Stylus supportNo Apple Pencil supportNo Apple Pencil support
KeyboardsApple Wireless Keyboard over Bluetooth, sold separately; earlier iPad Keyboard Dock also works (Notebookcheck)Bluetooth keyboards supported; no dedicated Apple keyboard connector
Design
Weight601 g (better)652 g
Thickness8.8 mm (better)9.4 mm
Height × width241.2 × 185.7 mm241.2 × 185.7 mm
Operating systemiOSiOS
SpeakersBuilt-in speakerBuilt-in speaker
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphoneBuilt-in microphone
SensorsAccelerometer; ambient light sensor; gyroscope; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G modelAccelerometer; ambient light; three-axis gyroscope; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium enclosureAluminium enclosure
ColoursBlack or White front with aluminium backBlack or White front
Software at launchiOS 4.3iOS 6; 128 GB version introduced with iOS 6.1 on 5 February 2013
In the boxiPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power AdapteriPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power Adapter

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