The Apple iPad 2 and Acer Iconia Tab A510 represent pivotal moments in the early tablet landscape. Released within a similar timeframe, they showcased competing visions for mobile computing – Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem versus Acer’s embrace of Nvidia’s Tegra platform. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional legacy tablet, the Acer Iconia Tab A510 edges out the iPad 2. While the iPad 2 boasts Apple’s brand recognition and a superior contrast ratio of 775:1, the Iconia Tab A510’s Nvidia Tegra 3 processor provides a significant performance advantage for demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/2 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, March. Released 2011, March | 2012, February. Released 2012, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) | 259.1 x 175.3 x 10.2 mm (10.20 x 6.90 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) | 680 g (1.50 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 1280 x 800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | Nvidia Tegra 3 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | ULP GeForce |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.7 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Office document editor
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 15 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Po 9800 mAh battery (36 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Silver |
| Models | A1396, A1397, iPad2,2 | - |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- Strong brand recognition and ecosystem
- Superior display contrast ratio (775:1)
- Mature app ecosystem (at the time)
- Less powerful processor (dual-core A5)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Aging operating system
Acer Iconia Tab A510
- More powerful quad-core Tegra 3 processor
- Better performance in demanding applications
- More open Android operating system
- Less refined user experience
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Less consistent software updates
Display Comparison
The iPad 2’s display, while Retina-branded at the time, features a contrast ratio of 775:1, a respectable figure for its era. However, the Iconia Tab A510’s display specifications are less readily available, suggesting a more standard LCD panel. Given Acer’s focus on value, it likely lacked the iPad 2’s contrast performance. Both tablets would suffer from narrow viewing angles by today’s standards, but the iPad 2’s higher contrast would provide a slightly more vibrant image. Bezels are substantial on both devices, typical of early tablet designs.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature basic camera capabilities. The iPad 2 includes a video camera, but details regarding resolution and image quality are limited. The Iconia Tab A510’s camera specifications are similarly sparse. Given the era, neither tablet was intended as a primary photography device. Image quality would be poor by modern standards, suitable only for basic video calls and casual snapshots. The lack of detailed specifications makes a direct comparison difficult.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iPad 2 utilizes Apple’s A5, a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor fabricated on a 45nm process. The Acer Iconia Tab A510, however, is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9. This represents a substantial leap in processing capability. The Tegra 3’s architecture, while also Cortex-A9 based, benefits from four cores versus two, offering significantly improved multitasking and performance in GPU-intensive applications. The 45nm process of the A5 likely results in higher power consumption compared to the Tegra 3’s more advanced fabrication (though specific node size isn't provided).
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without detailed testing data. The iPad 2’s battery capacity was a key selling point, but real-world performance would have varied based on usage. The Tegra 3 in the Iconia Tab A510, while more powerful, also consumes more energy. The A5’s efficiency, coupled with Apple’s software optimization, likely provided comparable or slightly better battery life under light workloads. However, the Iconia Tab A510’s larger battery (likely, given its thicker chassis) would have offered longer runtime during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize brand familiarity, a slightly better display contrast ratio, and access to a mature (though aging) app ecosystem. Buy the Acer Iconia Tab A510 if you value raw processing power for older Android games and applications, and prefer a more open operating system with expandable storage options (likely via microSD, a common feature of the time).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iPad 2 still receive software updates in 2024?
No. Apple ceased software updates for the iPad 2 many years ago. It will run an outdated version of iOS, limiting functionality and posing potential security risks. Jailbreaking is possible, but not recommended for most users.
❓ Can the Acer Iconia Tab A510 run modern Android apps?
The Iconia Tab A510 runs an older version of Android (likely Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich). While some apps may still function, many modern applications are incompatible or will experience performance issues due to the outdated operating system and hardware.
❓ Is the Nvidia Tegra 3 in the Iconia Tab A510 capable of playing older Android games?
Yes, the Tegra 3 is reasonably capable of playing many older Android games from the early 2010s. However, demanding 3D titles may experience frame rate drops or graphical glitches. The Tegra 3’s GPU provides a significant advantage over the iPad 2’s graphics capabilities.
❓ Does the iPad 2's 3G connectivity still work with modern cellular networks?
The iPad 2 supports 3G connectivity, which is largely being phased out by cellular carriers. While it may still function in some areas, coverage is becoming increasingly limited, and speeds will be significantly slower than 4G or 5G networks.
