Apple · iPad

iPad 2

Released March 2011

The second-generation iPad, with a thinner aluminium enclosure, a dual-core A5 chip and front and rear cameras, introduced in 2011 for browsing, media and FaceTime calls.

Model history · 2 models, 2010–2011

2010iPad (1st generation)Compare
2011iPad 2

Screen: 9.7″
Display: LCD
Chip: A5
Memory: 512 MB
Storage: 16 GB – 64 GB
Weight: 601 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers praised the thinner design, faster performance and long battery life, but criticised the cameras. Notebookcheck also found the limited connections restrictive.

From engadget.com and notebookcheck.net

Specifications

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Display

Screen size: 9.7″
Resolution: 1024 × 768
Sharpness: 132 pixels per inch
Panel: LCD
Display type: LED-backlit glossy Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Pixel density: 132 ppi
Display features: Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating

Performance

Chip: A5
Memory: 512 MB
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
CPU: 1 GHz dual-core Apple A5; 512 MB RAM confirmed by iFixit
GPU: PowerVR SGX543MP2 (Notebookcheck)

Cameras

Rear camera: 0.7 MP
Ultra wide camera: None
Front camera: 0.3 MP
Rear camera: 0.7MP (PhoneArena); still camera with 5x digital zoom; Apple does not publish megapixels
Front camera: 0.3MP VGA (PhoneArena); VGA-quality still camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth
Video recording: Rear 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-Fi

Battery and connections

Battery life (maker's claim): Up to 10 hours
Battery capacity: 25 Wh
Mobile data option: Yes
Stylus: Not supported
Keyboard made for it: Yes
Battery life detail: Up to 10 hours surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music; up to nine hours surfing the web on 3G
Charging: 10W USB Power Adapter included; charging through the dock connector
USB-C: 30-pin dock connector; 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack; video mirroring up to 1080p through Apple Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter, sold separately
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Mobile network: Wi-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 g
Stylus support: No Apple Pencil support
Keyboards: Apple Wireless Keyboard over Bluetooth, sold separately; earlier iPad Keyboard Dock also works (Notebookcheck)

Design

Weight: 601 g
Thickness: 8.8 mm
Height × width: 241.2 × 185.7 mm
Operating system: iOS
Speakers: Built-in speaker
Microphones: Built-in microphone
Sensors: Accelerometer; ambient light sensor; gyroscope; digital compass; assisted GPS on Wi-Fi + 3G model
Materials: Aluminium enclosure
Colours: Black or White front with aluminium back
Software at launch: iOS 4.3
In the box: iPad, Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter

Storage options

Storage
16 GB
32 GB
64 GB

Pros and cons

Pros

Thinner and lighter than the original iPad
Front camera for FaceTime and rear camera for 720p video
Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback

Cons

Same 1024 x 768 display resolution as the original iPad
No Apple Pencil support
Proprietary 30-pin connector and no expandable storage

Closest rivals

Model	Screen	Display	Chip	Memory	Storage	Weight	Released
AppleiPad (1st generation)	9.7″	LCD	A4	256 MB	16 GB – 64 GB	680 g	Apr 2010
AppleiPad (3rd generation)	9.7″	LCD	A5X	1 GB	16 GB – 64 GB	652 g	Mar 2012
AppleiPad (4th generation)	9.7″	LCD	A6X	1 GB	16 GB – 128 GB	652 g	Nov 2012

Previous model: iPad (1st generation). Newer model: iPad (3rd generation).

Sources

Photo: cdsassets.apple.com

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