iPad 2 and 4 are different in size. How to distinguish between iPad generations

The American electronics giant Apple produces almost standard equipment, the standards of which many manufacturers strive for, and a rare user does not want to buy a device with the coveted Apple logo.

Comparison and review of two tablet models: iPad 2 and iPad 3

In 2011, the company blew up the world by releasing the iPad 2 tablet with top-end specifications. But already in March 2012, the iPad 3 was released, which caused a sensation among users in the portable electronics market. Despite the fact that both models are far from new, the excellent quality of Apple technology and the not so high price compared to the latest new products maintain demand for these two models.

Many potential buyers have a question about which tablet to choose. We will try to help those in doubt by comparing the iPad 2 and iPad 3.

At first glance, the devices are virtually identical in appearance. The same hardware button on the front panel, rounded edges, small thickness. In terms of dimensions such as width and height, the iPad 2 and iPad 3 are completely identical: 241.2 mm by 185.7 mm. Due to the more powerful hardware, the iPad 3 is slightly thicker than its predecessor (9.4 versus 8.8 mm) and 50 g heavier.

The body assembly is solid, despite the fragile appearance, both tablets do not bend at all. All thanks to the metal body material. Both second and third generation models are available in black and white. On the sides are volume buttons. In a word, there are practically no external differences, except for weight.

Screen

According to this indicator, the newer device is significantly ahead of its competitor. The Apple iPad 2 display has a diagonal of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 1024x768 pixels with a pixel density of 132 ppi. The Apple iPad 3, with the same diagonal, is equipped with a display with a resolution of 2048×1536 pixels and a pixel density of 264 ppi. The performance has been doubled!

This difference is noticeable even to the naked eye, as soon as you put them side by side. On a previous generation device, application icons are blurry and labels are difficult to read. Apple's Retina display features high contrast, much better resolution, improved fine detail and color saturation, and proprietary text anti-aliasing technology that takes reading e-books, browsing websites and documents to the next level. The text is now much more pleasant and convenient to read.

The displays of both tablet models are made using IPS technology, are scratch-resistant and have an oleophobic coating to protect against fingerprints. But the iPad 2 is almost impossible to use in the sun, and the oleophobic coating is not very effective. It's clear that the iPad 3's screen is significantly superior to its competitor.

operating system

All Apple devices run on their own iOS operating system. To date it has been released. Both tablets support updating to the latest OS version.

Processor and performance

iPad 2 is equipped with a dual-core Apple A5 processor with a frequency of 1 GHz with a dual-core PowerVR SGX GPU 543MP2 video adapter. Even large applications and games work quite quickly. Various performance tests show quite decent results.

iPad 3 has on board a slightly improved Apple A5X processor with a frequency of 1 GHz and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 video adapter. It is thanks to the latter that productivity has improved, even though it has doubled in size. Naturally, powerful and demanding games perform even better. There are no stutters when playing high-definition videos.

A faster video card also renders websites and text documents more smoothly. Now you don’t need to strain your eyes again.

Memory

In this indicator, the models have quite noticeable differences. First of all, I would like to pay attention to the amount of RAM. The Apple iPad 2 has 512 megabytes on board. By modern standards, this is not much. But, given that almost all software is adapted to the company’s devices, they may be quite sufficient if you do not load the tablet with super-tasks.

The Apple iPad 3 already has 1 gigabyte of RAM, which is standard today. If 512 megabytes of the second iPad may sometimes not be enough, then the memory of the third is enough for all tasks. You will be able to run all the latest applications. Working on the Internet will also be comfortable, especially if you like to open many pages at the same time.

The second no less important indicator is the amount of built-in flash memory. The fact is that Apple tablets and smartphones do not support memory cards, so if the device has too little memory, it will not be possible to compensate for its lack. Both tablet models are available with memory capacities of 16, 32 and 64 gigabytes. The required memory size depends on your appetite.

Camera

Be that as it may, the camera is not the main strength of tablets, and not just Apple. The American company proved the literalness of this statement in the second generation model. Agree, the main camera resolution of 0.7 megapixels is no good. The photo quality is very mediocre.

But the third generation was copied from the iPhone 4, only the resolution was chosen to be 5 megapixels. The photographs are of quite high quality, like those of a digital point-and-shoot camera, which pleases not too pretentious amateur photographers. In addition, the high resolution of the camera allows you to scan documents with high quality.

The front camera of both devices has a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels and, in principle, is not intended for high-quality photographs. Rather, it is an additional option for making video calls over the Internet. Therefore, selfie lovers will not speed up much.

The iPad 2 camera shoots video at a resolution of 960x720, which isn't even full HD. The iPad 3, thanks to its excellent camera, shoots video in full Full HD 1080. The image is clear, rich, and the video is not blurred when the camera moves. Both cameras are equipped with autofocus and geotargeting (inserting geographic tags to photos).

We can definitely say that the iPad 3 has a much better camera. In iPad 2 it is in order to keep up with competitors.

Battery and runtime

In terms of time, Apple devices have virtually no competitors. Indeed, 10–12 hours of battery life is an excellent indicator. Through experimental tests, it was established how long both devices can last:

• Continuous Internet surfing: iPad 3 - 10 hours 48 minutes, iPad 2 - 11 hours 24 minutes.
• Watching video with Wi-Fi turned off: iPad 3 - 10 hours 8 minutes, iPad 2 - 9 hours 48 minutes.
• Reading a book with the communication modules turned off: iPad 3 - 11 hours 15 minutes, iPad 2 - about 11 hours.

That is, in terms of autonomy, tablets demonstrate excellent results. Despite the significantly improved screen, which requires a lot of energy, the iPad 3 is in no way behind its predecessor.

Wireless modules

Both iPad 2 and iPad 3 are equipped with standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI. iPad 3 supports Bluetooth version 4.0 and A2DP, PBAP, OPP standards. iPad 2 - version 2.1+ EDR. That is, nothing unusual. But the third iPad is preferable for those who are going to use wireless stereo headphones.

As for mobile communication modules, the advantage here is again on the side of the iPad 3. iPad 2 only supports the 3G UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA communication standard; iPad 3, in addition to those listed, also has 4G LTE. Both third and fourth generation networks are represented in Russia. The latter offers much higher Internet speeds, and more and more populated areas are covered by LTE networks. Therefore, choose the tablet that will work with the communication standard you need.

Let us immediately note: We are looking at the evolution between iPad 2 and iPad 4, the third generation iPad is not included in the review.

It so happened that the other day I got my hands on a fourth-generation iPad for a while. Having been an active user of the second version of the most legendary tablet for more than a year now, I immediately rushed to compare the two gadgets, which at first glance are as similar as a drop of water.

There is a difference in weight - about 50 grams, but it is almost unnoticeable. Although, if you are a jeweler and are accustomed to perfect accuracy, you will still feel the difference. But the average user will likely notice that the back of the iPad 4 gets a little warm during use. The temperature is not critical, as the media pointed out at the time, so such a moment will not cause problems. Unless you can put a cool tablet on your body in the summer to lower the temperature at least a little!).

A significant difference is noticeable only at the moment when it comes to charging iPad. The new Lightning Connector is so small that it simply cannot be expressed in words. He's miniature. At the same time, it sits securely in the nest: you hardly have the strength to get it out with one hand. In a word, The new Lightning Connector is not a problem, but a huge plus.

The heart of the new tablet is A6X processor, which is several times faster, more economical and at the same time more productive. This is especially noticeable if you actively use the iPad, constantly moving between dozens of programs. The system quickly loads new objects and brings already launched ones back to life. A significant improvement can be seen in the Pages program. The iPad 2 works great with the app, but it's obviously a bit heavy for its A5. In the case of the iPad 4, everything just flies. Even if not at the speed of light, there is still a qualitative improvement. For testing, we also took the powerful game N.O.V.A. 3 (if you have the opportunity, be sure to play). It’s not that it’s slow on the second iPad, but on the fourth, everything looks clearly better.

Also a noticeable leap was the appearance of Siri, but due to the lack of support for the Russian language, it is of little use. However, on my own behalf I would like to add that Apple is working on improving Siri. The voice assistant began to understand English better than in the first days of its appearance. As soon as the iPhone 4S came out and everyone rushed to talk to Siri, I had the feeling that I was not speaking English, but Romanian. Now the system understands everything perfectly, despite the fact that my English has not improved.

Of course, the highlight of the program is This is a Retina display. He's gorgeous. It is so beautiful that no one is interested in the new processor, nor the Lightning Connector, nor Siri. The picture is juicy, bright, like a page in a glossy magazine. The colors are so saturated that it’s a shame to wish for something better. But, as people say, everything is learned by comparison. Especially when it comes to comparing the second and fourth generation iPads. I will say this: until the moment I picked up the iPad 4, the screen of my tablet seemed quite decent to me. After a week of testing, I realized that I didn’t want to give away the iPad 4. The iPad 2's screen doesn't look creepy, but it does look like something was spilled on it and they forgot to wipe it off.

And this is actually a big problem. After working with the iPad 4 for some time, I simply can’t bear to work with worse-quality screens: they hurt my eyes, the picture seems terrible, and I can’t even read texts without tears in my eyes. And I write this text sincerely, since I myself have to return to the iPad 2.

In general, we get simply fantastic device, which is impossible not to fall in love with. Fast, responsive and with an amazing screen - that's what the 4th generation iPad is all about. Although, as for me, the existing iPad concept has exhausted itself. The fifth generation should definitely change its design and become lighter, because from the last transition from three to four it became clear that there was simply nothing to add.

Our advice:
1) If you have an iPad or iPad 2, you should, if possible, change it to an iPad 4. Your eyes will thank you very much.

2) If you have an iPad 3, then you can leave it. 3 or 1 second of opening a document does not matter to me - the screen is much more important, and it has practically not changed. If every second is important for you, then it makes sense to take the iPad 4.

3) If you have a tablet from another manufacturer, then it’s up to you to decide. Although I would certainly use here the words of the editor-in-chief of the portal imore.com Denis Ritchie: “buy yourself an iPad.”

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Not long ago, a new generation of iPad tablets was released, already in its third version. Even those owners of Apple gadgets who own an iPad 2 tablet will be able to appreciate it. iPad 3 differs in a number of significant advantages from its brother. Before you think about buying an updated tablet, it’s worth finding out in detail: What new features and characteristics did the manufacturer bring there? Our article, in turn, will help you figure this out.

Appearance

The appearance of both of these devices is absolutely similar. Both of them are enclosed in an aluminum case and have the same thickness. However, they still differ in weight. The updated iPad 3 is 51 g heavier than the previous tablet, that is, it weighs 652 g.

Filling

The internal filling of the iPad 3 tablet computer does not have very significant changes compared to the previous generation. The built-in memory remains exactly the same as it was. The processor clock speed is 1 gigahertz. But the processor itself has undergone some updates. In iPad 3 it was replaced from the A5 version to the A5X version.

It is associated with great hopes and expectations of fans of the brand and simply lovers of good technology. With the release of each new device, new software, technical and design solutions are introduced, additional features and features appear. One of the most popular products from Apple is, of course, the iPad tablet. How do the models differ from each other? This article provides a complete comparison between iPad 3 and iPad 4. Let's get started. Go!

Appearance

Let's start, of course, with the appearance. To the delight of the vast majority of fans of the brand, the design of the 4th version has not changed in any way, since, according to a huge number of users and experts, the design can be considered the most convenient and pleasant. The changes affected only the lower part of the device. There is now a much more compact Lightning connector, which replaces the outdated dock connector.

The overall dimensions and weight remained unchanged, but the developers managed to increase the battery capacity, which is good news. After all, battery life is perhaps the most important parameter of any mobile device. The display is still the same, but above it there is a brand new front camera with a resolution of 1.2 megapixels. The traditional “Home” button is in place as always.

Now let's turn the iPad 4 over. What can we say about the back panel? It is made from a single piece of anodized aluminum and looks extremely nice. At the top end there is an analog Mini Jack connector (3.5 mm) and a lock/on/off button. Nearby you will find the iPad's main camera.

If we talk about the screen, then the iPad 4 is in perfect order. And the 9.7-inch Retina screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536, with a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, which makes the picture simply stunning. Detecting pixels is simply unrealistic. It feels like you're looking through a page from a magazine. Among the shortcomings, perhaps, we can only highlight the lack of an anti-reflective coating, which certainly would not hurt. The matrix installed is newer, although it was developed using the same technology as in the iPad 3, but this can hardly be considered a minus, because the colors are still natural and vibrant, and the viewing angles are still quite large, while the detailing has improved.

iPad4 is a device that will delight you with its dimensions and stylish design

Main difference

Now we have come to the main differences between the 4th and 3rd versions. And the whole difference is in the hardware. The iPad 4 features Apple's new 1.4 gigahertz A6X processor. As for graphics, the Apple tablet boasts a quad-core PowerVR SGX 554MP4. Thanks to all this, they are many times superior to their competitors in the form of Android devices in terms of performance, even despite the more powerful hardware installed on them.

In the 4th version of the Apple tablet, the developers decided to arrange the RAM in a new way. Now the device’s RAM is represented by a pair of chips (512 megabytes each), which were removed from the processor chip. As for the rest of the memory, the fourth iPad can be purchased with a capacity of 16, 32, 64 and 128 gigabytes.

The iPad 4 boasts a much improved camera that can now record video at 720p. All fans of video chats via FaceTime, Skype or other services will definitely be pleased. The main camera of the tablet remains the same, but don’t be upset, because it’s already more than decent.

All improvements in device performance could not but affect battery life, which was the main impetus for developers to increase battery capacity. It was this decision that allowed Apple to continue to hold absolute leadership in the race for the operating time of mobile devices.

Since 2010, 7 generations of iPad, four generations of iPad mini and two generations of iPad Pro have been released:

• iPad 1G, released in 2 varieties: Wi-Fi model and 3G model
• iPad 2 received 4 varieties at once: a model with Wi-Fi only, a model with support for 3G GSM, a CDMA model, as well as a second revision of the Wi-Fi model
• iPad 3 (The new iPad) had three varieties: Wi-Fi, Cellular for GSM networks and Cellular for CDMA networks
• iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display) and iPad mini were produced in three other varieties: Wi-Fi, “global” Cellular model and “American” Cellular model
• iPad Air, iPad mini 2 (previously sold under the name iPad mini with Retina display), iPad mini 3 and 9.7" iPad Pro are available in three varieties: a Wi-Fi model, a "global" LTE model and an "Asian" model. model with support for additional TD-LTE bands
• iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad 5, 12.9" iPad Pro first generation and both iPad Pro second generation are produced in two varieties: a model with Wi-Fi and a universal LTE model
• iPad Pro with Face ID has four hardware models

The first generation iPad did not yet have a streamlined body; on the contrary, it had clearly defined side walls. Wi-Fi and 3G models can be easily distinguished by the absence or presence on the back wall of a large plastic insert for the modem antenna, as well as a tray for a SIM card.

It differs from the iPad 1G in both the thickness and the design of the case, which has no side walls. The speaker has moved to the back wall of the device, where it is located under numerous perforated holes. The two subsequent generations of iPad received a similar design without significant changes, so it is more reliable to distinguish them by the model code printed in small print on the back surface of the gadget:

• A1395 - for Wi-Fi models
• A1396 - for GSM model
• A1397 - for CDMA model

Second revision of iPad 2 (iPad 2 Rev A), which went on sale in the spring of 2012, is equipped with a different type of Apple A5 processor and is less susceptible to jailbreak. It is impossible to distinguish this model externally; you need to connect to a computer and use utilities like redsn0w. Download redsn0w for OS X or Windows, run the utility. Go to the Extras-Even more-Identify menu, in the window that opens, scroll down the text and look at the value in the ProductType line. If there is “iPad2,1”, this is an old version of the iPad 2 Wi-Fi model, and if “iPad2,4” is a new one.

iPad 3, which was originally distributed under the brand "The new iPad", when turned off, can be distinguished from the iPad 2 only by the model code engraved at the bottom of the back of the device:

• A1416 - for Wi-Fi models
• A1430 - for GSM model
• A1403 - for CDMA model

When turned on, the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3 is visible to the naked eye thanks to the Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels.

iPad 4 is a modified version of the iPad 3, which went on sale just 7 months after the release of The new iPad. Main differences iPad with Retina display- in the filling of the gadget, but there is also a significant external difference between the iPad 4 and iPad 3 - this is a port for connecting to a computer. The iPad 4 uses a small Lightning port.

The iPad 4 is available in 3 varieties, but the principle of their separation differs from the iPad 3. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back wall:

• A1458 - for Wi-Fi models
• A1459 - "American" Cellular model
• A1460 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The “American” and “global” iPad 4 models differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands. Unfortunately, none of them can work in Russian LTE networks.

The fifth-generation iPad has received a name and a long-awaited design update. This iPad looks most like a larger version of the iPad mini. The size of the frame around the display has decreased, the thickness of the device has decreased, and paired stereo speakers have appeared in the lower part of the case.

iPad Air is available in 3 varieties, and the principle of their division is again different from previous generations. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back wall:

• A1474 - for Wi-Fi models
• A1475 - for LTE models
• A1476 - for TD-LTE models aimed at Southeast Asia

The iPad Air LTE model is universal; it supports all regional 3G and LTE bands.

The sixth generation of iPad is called . It differs from the previous iPad Air in reduced thickness, changed speaker design, and the absence of a silent mode switch. But the most noticeable and most useful change is the Touch ID scanner on the Home button.

iPad Air comes in only 2 varieties:

• A1566 - for Wi-Fi models
• A1567 - for LTE models

The iPad Air 2 LTE model is also universal; it supports almost all LTE bands used in the world.

You can distinguish iPads from all other iPads very simply by their size. In addition, all the buttons on the iPad mini are made not of plastic, but of metal. The first generation iPad mini does not have a Retina display.

There are three varieties of the first generation iPad mini, differing in the code on the back wall:

• A1453 - Wi-Fi model
• A1454 - "American" Cellular model
• A1455 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The “American” and “global” iPad mini models also differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands.

When turned off, it looks no different from the iPad mini 1G. Once you turn it on, you can't help but notice the Retina display with a pixel density of 326 ppi. Previously, the gadget was sold under the name iPad mini with Retina display, but after the release of iPad mini 3 it was renamed iPad mini 2.

There are two types of iPad mini, differing by the code on the back wall:

• A1489 - Wi-Fi model
• A1490 - LTE model

As with the iPad Air, the LTE model of the iPad mini 2G is universal, supporting all regional 3G and LTE bands.

In fact, it is a copy of the iPad mini 2, it has the same equipment, it has absolutely the same characteristics. There are only two differences between the third and second generations of iPad mini: a Touch ID scanner and a new body color – gold.

Three hardware models of the iPad mini 3 are available:

• A1599 - Wi-Fi model
• A1600 - LTE model for sale in most countries around the world
• A1601 - LTE model for Southeast Asian markets

LTE models of iPad mini 3 are also universal; they will work in any country with local operators without any restrictions.

It differs from its predecessor not only in its more powerful filling, but also in its dimensions - it is slightly longer and thinner. The most important visual difference is the absence of a hardware silent switch. At the end of the iPad mini 4 you will only find volume control buttons.

There are two hardware models of iPad mini 4:

• A1538 - Wi-Fi model
• A1550 - LTE model

The iPad line has replaced the iPad Air. First, a 12.9-inch model was introduced with incredibly powerful hardware, which is difficult not to distinguish from other Apple tablets. The iPad Pro debuted a completely new port - the Smart Connector on the side of the device is designed to connect compatible keyboards.

Later, a smaller version of the tablet with a diagonal of 9.7 inches was presented. In terms of dimensions and weight, it fully corresponds to the iPad Air 2, but it is easy to distinguish thanks to the protruding camera lens (like on the iPhone 6/6s/Plus) and the presence of a dual flash.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

• A1584 - Wi-Fi model (32, 128 or 256 GB capacity)
• A1652 - LTE model (available with 128 or 256 GB of memory)

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in three hardware models with 32, 128 or 256 GB of internal memory:

• A1673 - Wi-Fi model
• A1675 - LTE model (for China)
• A1674 - LTE model (for the rest of the world)

iPad 5 (2017 model)

The iPad 5 has completely confused the situation in the iPad line. This is not the fifth generation of iPad at all, but Apple calls it the fifth because it wants to finally abandon the iPad Air line and return to previous numbering principles (and before the iPad Air there was just the iPad 4). But it cannot be recognized as a new iPad either, because even in comparison with the iPad Air 2 it is a step back. In fact, this is a budget iPad model in the body of the first iPad Air, but with updated hardware. The easiest way to distinguish iPad 5 from iPad Air is by the presence of Touch ID and the absence of a hardware volume switch; otherwise the devices are identical in appearance.

iPad 5 comes in just two hardware models:

• A1822 - Wi-Fi model
• A1823 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (Generation 2)

The second generation was presented simultaneously in two sizes. The usual 9.7-inch form factor has been replaced by a completely new display size - 10.5 inches. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro model is practically no different in characteristics from the smaller version (unlike the first generation) and has a similar design. These are the first iPads in history to be released with 512 GB of internal memory (in addition to models with 64 and 256 GB).

The second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

• A1670 - Wi-Fi model
• A1821 - LTE model

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro also comes in two hardware models:

• A1701 - Wi-Fi model
• A1709 - LTE model

iPad 6 (2018 model)

The sixth iPad is a follower of the fifth budget generation of Apple tablets. The iPad Air form factor is still used, but the sixth model differs from the fifth, firstly, a more powerful A10 Fusion processor (similar to the iPhone 7), and secondly, support for the Apple Pencil stylus.

iPad 6 comes in two hardware models:

• A1893 - Wi-Fi model
• A1954 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (3rd generation)

The third generation is the most radical redesign in the history of all iPads. Firstly, this is an iPad with Face ID, and the scanner works in both portrait and landscape orientation, which even the iPhone cannot do. Secondly, this is the first iOS device to use a USB-C connector. Like previous iPad Pros, the tablets came in two variants, this time 11- and 12.9-inch. In addition, the maximum memory capacity has doubled, now reaching 1 terabyte.

The third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in 4 hardware models:

• A1876 - Wi-Fi model
• A1983 - LTE model for China
• A2014 - LTE model for America
• A1895 - LTE model for the rest of the world

The 11-inch iPad Pro also comes in 4 hardware models:

• A1980 - Wi-Fi model
• A1979 - LTE model for China
• A2013 - LTE model for America
• A1934 - LTE model for the rest of the world