Apple iPad 2 vs Apple iPad mini (1st generation)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad 2 compared with iPad mini (1st generation)
AppleiPad 2AppleiPad mini (1st generation)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2011November 2012
Display
Screen size9.7″7.9″
Resolution1024 × 7681024 × 768
Sharpness132 pixels per inch162 pixels per inch (better)
PanelLCDLCD
Display typeLED-backlit glossy Multi-Touch display with IPS technologyLED-backlit IPS LCD
Pixel density132 ppi163 ppi
Display featuresFingerprint-resistant oleophobic coatingOleophobic coating
Performance
ChipA5A5
Memory512 MB512 MB
Storage16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
CPU1 GHz dual-core Apple A5; 512 MB RAM confirmed by iFixitDual-core A5; 512 MB RAM confirmed by iFixit
GPUPowerVR SGX543MP2 (Notebookcheck)–
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; autofocus; face detection; backside illumination; hybrid IR filter
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 video stabilisation; front 720p
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity25 Wh (better)16.3 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; Apple lists adapter mirroring up to 720p and video playback up to 1080p
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/nDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n
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 gLTE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and GSM/EDGE; A1455 also supports CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM; cellular model weighs 312 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
Design
Weight601 g308 g (better)
Thickness8.8 mm7.2 mm (better)
Height × width241.2 × 185.7 mm200 × 134.7 mm
Operating systemiOSiOS
SpeakersBuilt-in speakerStereo speakers confirmed by Notebookcheck; Apple lists a built-in speaker without specifying channels
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphoneBuilt-in microphone
SensorsAccelerometer; ambient light sensor; gyroscope; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G modelGyroscope; accelerometer; ambient light; compass; assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium enclosureAluminium enclosure
ColoursBlack or White front with aluminium backBlack and Slate; White and Silver
Software at launchiOS 4.3iOS 6
In the boxiPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power AdapteriPad mini; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power Adapter

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