The iPad 2 and HP Slate 7 represent pivotal moments in the early tablet landscape. The iPad 2, a refinement of Apple’s initial success, faced competition from Android-based offerings like the HP Slate 7. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in the context of their time and potential usability today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit dated, tablet experience, the iPad 2 emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior display contrast ratio and established ecosystem outweigh the HP Slate 7’s slightly faster CPU clock speed, offering a more polished and reliable experience.
| 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 | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) | 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm (7.76 x 4.57 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) | 372 g (13.12 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | FFS+ LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | - |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.7 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| 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 |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | No |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 5 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black/Silver, Red |
| Models | A1396, A1397, iPad2,2 | - |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- Superior display contrast ratio (775:1) for better image quality.
- Optimized A5 chipset offers efficient performance.
- Access to Apple’s established app ecosystem.
- Older hardware and limited software updates.
- Lower CPU clock speed compared to the HP Slate 7.
HP Slate 7
- Faster CPU clock speed (1.6 GHz) on paper.
- Lower initial price point (at launch).
- Android operating system offers customization options.
- Likely lower display quality and contrast.
- Potentially limited app compatibility and software support.
- Less optimized chipset and software experience.
Display Comparison
The iPad 2 boasts a contrast ratio of 775:1, a significant advantage over what was typical for Android tablets of the era. While the Slate 7’s display specifications are not provided, it likely featured a lower contrast ratio, resulting in less vibrant colors and poorer visibility in bright conditions. This difference impacts media consumption and overall visual clarity, favoring the iPad 2 for users who value image quality. The iPad 2’s display size was also larger, offering more screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
The iPad 2 includes a video camera, a feature that was becoming increasingly standard. The HP Slate 7’s camera specifications are not provided, but early Android tablets often featured lower-quality cameras. While neither device was intended for serious photography, the iPad 2’s camera likely offered a more usable experience for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Slate 7 makes a direct comparison difficult, but Apple generally prioritized camera quality even in its older devices.
Performance
Both tablets utilize a dual-core Cortex-A9 processor, but the HP Slate 7 edges out the iPad 2 with a 1.6 GHz clock speed compared to the iPad 2’s 1.0 GHz. However, raw clock speed doesn’t tell the whole story. The iPad 2’s A5 chipset, fabricated on a 45nm process, benefits from Apple’s custom silicon design and optimization. This likely translates to more efficient performance and better sustained speeds under load, despite the lower clock speed. The A5’s architecture is also more mature, offering better software support.
Battery Life
Battery life data for both devices is unavailable. However, the iPad 2’s optimized chipset and software likely contributed to better power efficiency. The HP Slate 7, with its faster CPU, may have experienced shorter battery life under similar usage conditions. Without specific mAh ratings or charging wattage information, it’s difficult to definitively assess battery performance, but Apple’s focus on power management gives the iPad 2 an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize a refined user experience, a higher-quality display, and access to a vast app ecosystem, even if it means accepting older hardware. Buy the HP Slate 7 if you are looking for a very budget-friendly Android tablet for basic tasks and are comfortable with a less polished software experience and potentially limited app compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iPad 2 still usable in 2024, and what are its limitations?
While the iPad 2 can still perform basic tasks like web browsing and email, its outdated hardware and limited software support (iOS 9.3.5 is the last supported version) severely restrict its functionality. Modern apps may not be compatible, and performance will be sluggish with demanding tasks. It's best suited for very light use or as a collector's item.
❓ Can I upgrade the operating system on the HP Slate 7 to a newer version of Android?
The HP Slate 7 originally shipped with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and received limited updates. Upgrading to a significantly newer version of Android is unlikely and potentially unsupported. Attempting to flash a custom ROM carries risks and may void any remaining warranty (though it's likely expired).
❓ Which tablet is better for reading ebooks?
The iPad 2's superior display contrast ratio makes it a better choice for reading ebooks, as text will appear sharper and more legible. While both tablets can display ebooks, the iPad 2 offers a more comfortable reading experience, especially for extended periods.
