You’ve waited this long and you’re finally thinking about getting that iPad you’ve always wanted. But how do you choose between the popular iPad 2 and the resolutionary new iPad? We are going to sort out what is similar and different between the two iPads to help you decide which one is right for you!
Similarities
Here are the similarities between the iPad 2 and the new iPad:
- 9.7-inch LED backlit display
- iOS5 software
- Front-facing cameras are VGA quality
- Apple’s 30-pin dock connector and 3.5mm headphone jack
- Storage capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
- WiFi Price: 16GB – $499, 32GB – $599, 64GB – $699
- 4G Price: 16GB – $629, 32GB – $729, 64GB – $829
- Same sleek design, just a sliver larger
Differences
Screen Resolution
The first difference you will spot immediately is the screen resolution. First, what is a pixel? A pixel is made up of red, green, and blue sub-pixels with a signal telling each one when and how much to light up. This is how colors are made on your devices.
The new iPad has a Retina display with screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, an upgrade from the iPad 2 that has 1024 x 768 pixels. To put this into perspective, your HDTV has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This means that the new iPad, with 3.1 million pixels, has a million more pixels than your HDTV! The pixels are so small and so close together that the human eye cannot even distinguish them, allowing you to see the whole picture in ways you never could before.
Processor
The new iPad has an A5X processor, upgraded from the iPad 2’s A5 processor. This new quad-core graphics processor is what allows the new iPad to feature the Retina display. It is powerful enough to run the 3.1 million pixels while still making everything feel incredibly responsive. The A5X processor has twice the processing power of the A5 processor.
Camera
While the front camera is the same on both the iPad 2 and the new iPad, the rear camera is a completely different story. The iPad 2 features a less than 1 megapixel rear camera and records video in 720p HD video. The iPad 3 has upped the ante significantly with a 5-megapixel iSight camera that records 1080p HD video!
The iSight Camera features a backside illumination sensor that allows the iPad 3 to capture great pictures during the day or night. With built-in face detection, the camera is able to automatically balance focus and exposure across up to 10 faces. The camera also features autofocus, tap to focus, and tap to set exposure functions to help make every photo frameworthy.
4G LTE
You have probably heard a lot about 4G LTE lately from Verizon and AT&T. 4G networks are faster than traditional 3G networks, which for you will add up to faster mobile data speeds than you are used to. The iPad 2 was available with either AT&T or Verizon’s 3G network, but the new iPad has been upgraded to support AT&T or Verizon’s 4G network. The data speeds are noticeable faster and you still do not have to sign up for a 2-year data plan.
The new iPad, with it’s 4G LTE network, improved camera, faster processor, and stunning Retina display, is certainly an awe-inspiring device. If you have been waiting to invest in an iPad, there is no time better than now! Come on in and check out the new iPad!