Comparison: ipad 2 vs new ipad (2012)
Is the new iPad really that new? That's one of the main questions have been many since the edition destined to be the top end of 2012 in the catalog of tablets from Apple was filed last March 7. At first glance, it does not seem that there are many changes, and even when analyzing the novelties that it brings, some people come to think that some of the updates in features that would have been expected for the future of the competition this year are missing.
However, it is difficult to blame the new iPad for not surviving a comparison with the iPad 2 looking for significant increases in performance. Especially if we take into account that approximately the same prices will be maintained in each of its versions according to internal memory and connectivity ”“ be careful with the section on connections ”“. In any case, we invite you to take a look at this comparison between the new iPad and the not so new iPad 2.
Design and display
As we say, the differences are minimal when it comes to the appearance of the new iPad. The casing of the recently presented device is practically the same, and it only differs by just a slight 0.6 millimeters that it gains in the case of the new device. The weight also shows a small increase of about 49 grams in the two editions that are distinguished by their connection profile. Beyond that, nothing new under the sun: selectable frames in black or white, same location of the front camera and continuity in the presence of the home button.
If we focus on the screen, things change. We continue to observe the same measurements on the panel, with a diagonal that is almost already an emblem that symbolizes the iPad itself: 9.7 inches. However, the resolution it develops has been significantly increased. Specifically, the new iPad has a distribution of 2,048 x 1,534 pixels, ie twice that seen in the previous two editions of the tablet "" with 1,024 x 768 pixels "".
Apple has called this way of understanding the high definition Retina Display, based on a high image quality linked to a powerful density in resolution. In the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, this concentration was defined by a value of 326 dots per inch, but in the new iPad it stays at an already surprising 264 dpi. This device also incorporates IPS technology, taken precisely from the last two apple phones, compared to the backlit LCD of the first and second generation iPads.
Connectivity
Controversial point, this one of connectivity. There are two novelties in this regard. On the one hand, the new iPad allows us to share the mobile data connection "" in the event that we do not acquire the edition that limits its connectivity to the Wi-Fi sensor "". We are talking about the Hotspot function. With this new feature, we could use 3G or LTE Internet traffic "" now we'll talk about it "" on a computer, laptop or other tablet, turning the new iPad into a kind of wireless modem that uses the Wi-Fi connection to signal emitter mode.
On the other hand, this terminal adds to its characteristics the option of accessing fourth generation LTE mobile networks "" Long Term Evolution "". This is where the most controversial point of the technical profile of the new iPad resides. Although it maintains the 3G connection systems, there is no doubt that LTE data traffic is one of the great attractions of the terminal. However, it could be a feature that is not available to all users.
To begin with, there is no precision in the effective deadlines for opening these commercial networks to the general public. For about three years, it is not expected that the vast majority of the Spanish national territory will be mapped under the coverage of the LTE system. Meanwhile, there will be a notable restriction on access to fourth-generation networks. Despite everything, in some parts of our country "" centered on Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia and Bilbao, among a few others "" the LTE is already in operation in the testing phase.
Another problem in this regard is that, as we have learned through bandaancha.eu, in Spain the frequency bands used by the new iPad do not coincide with those used for the data traffic channeled by this standard. In other words, even if we had a super-fast vehicle, we would not have access to the highway without a speed limit where we could put it to the full potential. However, it remains to be seen whether after a new assignment, this situation would change.
Camera
Another improvement of the new iPad is in its camera. Although it does not present the eight megapixels that were rumored for the new sensor, the terminal has a five megapixel unit capable of capturing images of very good quality. To get an idea, this camera combines the best of those that were installed on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, in the sense that it develops the resolution of the first with the technology of the second. The appeal lies in the internal backlight system that expands the sensor's capabilities even in harsh light situations. In the case of the iPad 2, this point was limited to0.7 megapixel deservedly gouged colors to Apple.
In addition, the new camera is compatible with the recording standard in FullHD. This is a record format, not a file type. The basis of FullHD is the development of a capture size of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which is the distribution reached by current consumer televisions. On the other hand, the sequences are obtained with a refresh rate of 30 frames per second. If we compare this result, the new iPad continues to win as is logical: that terminal stayed in 720p HD footage that left a lot to be desired "" precisely because of the problems it registered at those times when light on stage was not one of our allies "".
In both terminals, the secondary chamber on the front of the device is a basic unit that captures images and videos as VGA "" ie, with a size of 640 x 480 pixels "", whose main use is aimed at the development of video calls using the Facetime app. Few changes then in this last section.
Processor and memory
Another especially controversial point. The new iPad insists on a dual-core processor, as opposed to the market's desire for the device that Apple launched in 2012 to switch to quad-core. The quad-core philosophy has been integrated into a dedicated graphics unit "" the one that last year announced that it gave nine times better results in video processes "", but bypasses when it comes to being installed in the central heart of the new iPad. If the iPad 2 boasted an A5 chip, this year we see the new A5x, again a dual-core as we say, which has not revealed the clock frequency that it is capable of developing.
On the other hand, if we are interested in analyzing the RAM, we go back to puncturing the bone. Last year Apple did not reveal the index it reached in this regard, and it was not until the electronic embarrassments of the iPad 2 were exposed when we learned that it carried a total of 512 MB. This 2012 we are on the same path. Those of Cupertino do not reveal the data, and although from various sources they point out that the rumored GB of RAM will be reached, it is not a confirmed data. We will have to wait until March 16 to make sure.
We could add little if we want to compare the storage memory. Like its two previous editions, the new iPad offers 16, 32 and 64 GB versions without expansion options with external drives, so if we want to use more data, we will have to get hold of cloud hosting accounts.
Autonomy
As they said in El Gatopardo , you have to change so that nothing changes. The new iPad takes Don Fabrizio's reflection at face value, and must have applied his magic wand in the management of the system of this terminal "" in addition to applying a new battery " " so that, despite the new and demanding performance , the autonomy of the device continues in its 10 hours of use. As detailed by the manufacturer, the new iPad develops up to nine hours in LTE use, extending the duration up to a month in total if we have it at rest.
Conclusions
The comparison stands up to multiple interpretations. On the one hand, it can be valid to support the opinion of those who believe that we are facing a punctually improved model, presenting a series of values that help distinguish this terminal from its previous generation and that supports sufficient arguments to affirm that Apple has launched a product competitive.
It would also be worth the confrontation between iPad 2 and the new iPad to underline that Apple does not intend to define true qualitative leaps between its progressive launches, limiting itself to integrating slight improvements with a view to selling the same retouched device every year. And let the cash register ring the more times the better.
In between, there are many nuances, which will be determined by the use that you want to give the iPad, what we consider is appropriate to spend on the acquisition of one of these little gadgets or the fact that we already have one or not. Apple tablet in our possession "" in addition to considering what generation of iPad is the one we already have "".
In any case, those of Cupertino have made an almost total plenary session according to the expectations that the market would have shown, that is, the presence of a super high definition screen, an improved camera, the presence of next-generation connectivity and a autonomy that maintains the usual rates. On the contrary, they have scratched in aspects that in the field of hardware can make it unattractive, such as staying in the dual-core standard as far as the processor is concerned, not integrating a camera at the height of its reference smartphone or, oh the irony, thepossible incompatibility of the terminal's LTE system with European networks.
Comparative sheet
| iPad 2 | new iPad | |
| screen | 9.7 ”LCD (1,024 x 768 pixels)
LED backlight Capacitive multi-touch Accelerometer and proximity sensor Anti-fingerprint coverage |
9.7 ”IPS (2,048 x 1,536 pixels)
LED backlight Capacitive multi-touch Accelerometer and proximity sensor Anti-fingerprint coverage |
| Weight and measurements | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm
601 g (Wi-Fi) 613 g (Wi-Fi + LTE) |
241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm
652 grams (Wi-Fi) 662 grams (Wi-Fi + LTE) |
| Processor | Apple A5 with dual-core architecture | Apple A5x with dual-core architecture |
| RAM | 512 MB | 1 GB "" not confirmed "" |
| HDD | 16, 32 or 64GB internal memory | 16, 32 or 64GB internal memory |
| Operating system | Apple iOS 5.1 "" via update "" | Apple iOS 5.1 |
| Controls | Multitouch touch screen
ON / OFF / Sleep, Mute, Volume and Home buttons |
Multitouch touch screen
ON / OFF / Sleep, Mute, Volume and Home buttons |
| Connectivity | Dock-USB-HDMI connection (via adapter)
microSIM card slot Built-in microphone and speaker Wireless: WiFi (802.11b / g / n), Bluetooth 2.1 and HSDPA 7.2MB / S Integrated A-GPS |
Dock-USB-HDMI connection (via adapter)
microSIM card slot Built-in microphone and speaker Wireless: WiFi (802.11b / g / n), Bluetooth 2.1 and HSDPA 7.2MB / S + Integrated LTE A-GPS |
| Graphic card | ND | Quad-core graphics chip |
| C to camera | Rear: 0.7 megapixels with 720p video
Front: VGA |
Rear: 5 megapixels with 1080p video and front backlighting system
: VGA |
| Audio | Built-
in microphone and speakers 3.5mm audio jack input |
Built-
in microphone and speakers 3.5mm audio jack input |
| Autonomy | 10 hours in operation
1 month standby |
10 hours in operation
9 hours in LTE mode 1 month standby |
| Price | Wi-Fi + 16 GB model: 400 euros
Modern Wi-Fi + 3G +16 GB: 520 euros |
From 490 euros to 790 euros from March 23 |
| + info | Manzana | Manzana |
