What are the differences between the iPad 2 and the original iPad?

Please note that on March 7, 2012, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations of the iPad 2. Apple continues to sell a 16 GB configuration. The original iPad models have been discontinued.

It would be easy to mistake the original iPad models -- the iPad (Wi-Fi) and iPad (Wi-Fi/3G/A-GPS) -- and the iPad 2 models -- the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), and iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) -- with a quick glance as both lines look similar and have a great deal in common as well. However, there also are notable differences in physical size, technical details, performance, and capabilites that merit in-depth evaluation.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original iPad)

External Differences

Externally, the original iPad and iPad 2 models share the same 9.7-inch (1024x768, 132 ppi) multitouch "glossy" LED-backlit IPS display, and width and height are similar (9.56 inches by 7.47 inches for the original iPad and 9.5 inches by 7.31 inches for the iPad 2), but the depth is notably different as the original iPad is 0.5 of an inch thick and the iPad 2 is 0.34 of an inch thick. The iPad 2 is lighter as well, around 1.3 pounds (which varies slightly depending on network capability) compared to 1.5 pounds for the original line.

The original iPad only is available in black whereas the iPad 2 is available in black or white. Both lines have aluminum backs (with a black plastic area on the top rear of the device for models equipped with 3G). The iPad 2 models also support a new magnetic "Smart Cover" -- available at additional cost -- that protects the screen when not in use and automatically wakes up the iPad 2 when the cover is removed and puts it to sleep when the cover is attached. The Smart Cover is not compatible with the original iPad line.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 2 and Smart Cover)

In a major point of external differentation, the original iPad line lacks a camera whereas the iPad 2 models have front and rear mounted cameras. The rear camera supports HD video recording (720p up to 30 FPS with audio), and functions as a still camera as well, although Apple does not specify megapixels. The front mounted camera, designed to be used for video conferencing in conjunction with Apple's provided "FaceTime" software over a Wi-Fi network, takes VGA quality photos and video up to 30 FPS.

Internal Differences

Both the original iPad models and the iPad 2 lines have 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB capacity options, have 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, an accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, digital compass, a speaker and a built-in mic. 3G-equipped models from both lines -- the original iPad (Wi-Fi/3G/A-GPS) as well as the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS) and iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) have 3G networking (GSM for the original model and a choice of either GSM or CDMA for the iPad 2) in addition to A-GPS capability. The iPad 2 models also have a three-axis gyroscope and support system-wide video mirroring and up to 1080p video out.

The original iPad models are powered by a custom ARM-based 1 GHz Apple A4 and have 256 MB of RAM and the iPad 2 models are powered by a faster, dual core 1 GHz Apple A5 and have 512 MB of RAM. Both lines have an estimated battery life of 10 hours of use over Wi-Fi and 3G-capable models are estimated to provide 9 hours of runtime over 3G.

Identification Differences

In the short-term, the iPad 2 models can easily be identified and differentiated from the original models by the cameras, but as future iPad models have cameras as well (and the iPad 2 GSM and CDMA models are externally identical), it is useful to be able to reference the model numbers on the bottom rear of each device.

The original iPad (Wi-Fi) is model number A1219 and the original iPad (Wi-Fi/3G/A-GPS) is model number A1337, whereas the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), and iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) have model numbers A1395, A1396, and A1397, respectively.

Pricing Differences

Introductory pricing for the original iPad and iPad 2 models is the same and there is no price premium for black or white on the iPad 2 models as well:

Naturally, original iPad models will cost less on the used market than at the time of introduction.

Comparison Chart

The major differences between the original iPad and the iPad 2 are summarized below for your convenience:

	Original iPad	iPad 2
Display Size:	9.7"	9.7"
Resolution:	1024x768	1024x768
Processor Speed:	1 GHz	1 GHz
Processor Cores:	One	Two
Processor Type:	Apple A4	Apple A5
RAM:	256 MB	512 MB
Storage:	16, 32, 64 GB	16, 32, 64 GB
Data Networks:	Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & 3G	Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & 3G
Bluetooth:	2.1+EDR	2.1+EDR
Video Mirroring:	Select Apps	System-Wide
Cameras:	No	Yes (2)
A-GPS:	No/Yes	No/Yes
Digital Compass:	Yes	Yes
3-Axis Gyro:	No	Yes
Smart Cover:	No	Yes
Max Battery Life:	9-10 Hours	9-10 Hours
Color Options:	Black Only	Black or White
Dimensions (In):	9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5	9.50 x 7.31 x 0.34
Weight (Lbs):	1.5	1.33, 1.35, 1.34
Model Numbers:	A1219/A1337	A1395/A1396/A1397
Intro Price:	US$499-US$829	US$499-US$829

You may also find this lightning fast iPad 2 video review, from PCMag, helpful for additional details:

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