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Apple iPad 2 vs Apple iPad (5th generation)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleiPad 2AppleiPad (5th generation)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2011March 2017
Display
Screen size9.7″9.7″
Resolution1024 × 7682048 × 1536
Sharpness132 pixels per inch264 pixels per inch
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
ChipA5A9
Memory512 MB2 GB
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB32 GB, 128 GB
CPU1 GHz dual-core Apple A5; 512 MB RAM confirmed by iFixit64-bit A9 with embedded M9 coprocessor; 2 GB RAM confirmed by iFixit
GPUPowerVR SGX543MP2 (Notebookcheck)–
Cameras
Rear camera0.7 MP8 MP
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera0.3 MP1.2 MP
Rear camera0.7MP (PhoneArena); still camera with 5x digital zoom; Apple does not publish megapixelsf/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illumination
Front camera0.3MP VGA (PhoneArena); VGA-quality still camera for FaceTime and Photo BoothFaceTime HD; f/2.2; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timer
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 at 30 fps; 120 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
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 cellular browsing
Charging10W USB Power Adapter included; charging through the dock connectorUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supported
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 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/HSUPA and GSM/EDGE data; micro-SIM; assisted GPS; weighs 613 g; US Verizon CDMA EV-DO version weighs 607 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 supportNo Apple Pencil support
KeyboardsApple Wireless Keyboard over Bluetooth, sold separately; earlier iPad Keyboard Dock also works (Notebookcheck)No Smart Connector or Smart Keyboard support (Notebookcheck)
Design
Weight601 g469 g
Thickness8.8 mm7.5 mm
Height × width241.2 × 185.7 mm240 × 169.5 mm
Operating systemiOSiPadOS
Biometrics–Touch ID in Home button
SpeakersBuilt-in speakerStereo speakers
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphone–
SensorsAccelerometer; ambient light sensor; gyroscope; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G modelGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium enclosureAluminium unibody
ColoursBlack or White front with aluminium backSilver, Gold, Space Grey
Software at launchiOS 4.3iOS 10; orders opened 24 March 2017, with deliveries and store availability the following week
In the boxiPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power AdapteriPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power Adapter

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