Apple iPad 2 vs iPad Air
ITC compare the iPad Air and the iPad 2
Apple products are very popular as is demonstrated by the fact that Apple’s net quarterly profit for the last quarter of last year was $8.5 billion. Lately, here at ITC, we have seen an increase in the demand for Apple products and recently we had a new iPad Air in the office for configuration and so have taken the opportunity to compare the iPad Air and its older and very popular iPad 2.
Size Comparison L – R: iPad Air, iPad 2
Looks comparison L – R: iPad Air, iPad 2
Design and Style
Both of the iPads are obviously quite simplistic but attractive like most of the Apple products. The first thing to note is that the iPad air is lighter and very slightly smaller than the iPad 2. Below is a comparison.
| iPad Air | iPad 2 | |
| Weight | 469g | 601g |
| Height | 240mm | 241.2mm |
| Width | 169.5mm | 185.7mm |
| Depth | 7.5mm | 8.8mm |
The iPad 2 and iPhone 4S are now the only iOS device with the older 30-pin connector, which might work in your favour if you have lots of 30-pin accessories. However, adaptors mean than most devices can work with the iPad Air’s new Lightning port.
Display
On a related note: the screen.
| iPad Air | iPad 2 | |
| Screen size | 9.7 inch (diagonal) | 9.7 inch (diagonal) |
| Resolution | 2048×1536 | 1024×768 |
| Pixels per inch | 264 | 132 |
| Extras | Fingerprint- resistant oleophobic coating | Fingerprint- resistant oleophobic coating |
As you can see there is no difference in the screen size itself but there is a marginal difference when it comes to resolution and pixels per inch. This is noticeable when you had the iPads side by side but otherwise it is not noticeable.
Performance
Performance is an important consideration when it comes to buying any technology. Particularly as the technological world is progressing at a rate of knots and you could find your technology is quickly outdated.
| iPad Air | iPad 2 | |
| Processor | A7 chip with 64 bit architecture | 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 |
| Features | M7 motion coprocessor |
This is where the iPad Air leaves the iPad 2 behind. The iPad 2’s A5 processor is around 4x slower than the iPad air, it is also 8x slower meaning that some of the newest apps wont be experienced to their fullest on the iPad 2.
Camera, photos and video recording
The iPad Air certainly outdoes the iPad 2 on the camera front with both the front and the back cameras being greatly improved in quality. The iPad Air also brings the iPad in line with many smart phones with the ability to create panoramic photos an also HDR photos.
| iPad Air | iPad 2 | |
| Back camera | 5MP photos | 0.92MP photos |
| Front camera | 1.2MP photos | 0.3MP photos |
| Video recording | 720p up to 30 frame/s with audio | 720p up to 30 frame/s with audio |
| Extras | Panorama, HDR photos, geotagging, autofocus. | Tap to control exposure for video or stills, geotagging. |
Battery life
Battery wise both of our iPads are good; possessing the ability to last up to 10 hours whilst using your pad.
| iPad Air | iPad 2 | |
| Battery | Built-in 27.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery | Built-in 25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery |
| Life | Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music | Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music |
| Charging | Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system | Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system |
The Apple iPad Air
Overall Verdict?
Overall it seems that the iPad Air is the upgraded version of the iPad 2. They are the same size and basically the same functionality but when you are considering how long it is going to take before the technology is outdated; the iPad 2 is definitely going to be outdated before the Air. However if cost is a consideration and you are on a bit of a tighter budget then the iPad 2 will certainly do the job and as with many Apple converts before you; you will fall in love with it.
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Phone: 023 8024 9820
Email: itc@itcweb.co.uk
