The Apple iPad 2 and the Samsung Google Nexus 10 represent pivotal moments in tablet evolution. Released roughly a year apart, they showcase contrasting approaches to hardware and software, with the iPad 2 solidifying Apple’s early tablet dominance and the Nexus 10 aiming to deliver a premium Android experience. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, readily-supported tablet experience, the Samsung Google Nexus 10 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its more powerful Exynos 5250 processor and marginally superior display contrast ratio offer a noticeable performance and visual improvement over the aging Apple A5 chip and 775:1 contrast ratio of the iPad 2.
| 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, October. Released 2012, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) | 263.9 x 177.6 x 8.9 mm (10.39 x 6.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) | 603 g (1.33 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~299 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | Exynos 5250 Dual |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | Mali-T604 MP4 |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 0.7 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.9 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | Yes, dual side |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | Up to 500 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 9 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) | Li-Po 9000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black |
| Models | A1396, A1397, iPad2,2 | GT-P8110 |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.21 W/kg (body) |
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- Established iOS ecosystem and app support.
- Compact and portable form factor.
- Wider availability of accessories.
- Significantly slower processor.
- Lower resolution display.
- Limited to video recording.
Samsung Google Nexus 10 P8110
- More powerful Exynos 5250 processor.
- Higher resolution and contrast ratio display.
- Includes both photo and video camera.
- Discontinued software support.
- Larger and less portable form factor.
- Android fragmentation concerns (even at launch).
Display Comparison
The Samsung Nexus 10 boasts a contrast ratio of 878, a slight improvement over the iPad 2’s 775:1. While both displays utilize LCD technology, the Nexus 10’s larger 10.1-inch screen and higher resolution (2560 x 1600 vs iPad 2’s 1024 x 768) provide a significantly sharper and more immersive viewing experience. The iPad 2’s smaller display is more easily held for extended periods, but lacks the visual fidelity of the Nexus 10. Neither device specifies advanced display features like PWM dimming rates, making it difficult to assess potential eye strain.
Camera Comparison
The Nexus 10 offers both photo and video capabilities, while the iPad 2 is limited to video recording. However, neither device was known for its camera prowess. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the inclusion of a photo camera on the Nexus 10 provides added versatility. The lack of detailed camera specifications suggests neither device was intended as a primary photography tool.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iPad 2’s Apple A5, a 45nm dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, was competitive in 2011, but is demonstrably slower than the Nexus 10’s Exynos 5250 Dual. The Exynos, built on a more advanced process node (though unspecified in the data), features dual 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 cores. This architectural leap translates to significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The Nexus 10 would handle demanding applications and web browsing with greater ease, while the iPad 2 may exhibit noticeable lag with modern web content.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without specific mAh ratings. However, the Exynos 5250’s more efficient architecture suggests the Nexus 10 may offer comparable or slightly better battery life despite its higher performance. The iPad 2’s smaller screen and less demanding processor could contribute to reasonable battery endurance for basic tasks, but the Nexus 10’s larger display and more powerful processor would likely drain the battery faster under heavy load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize a mature ecosystem, extensive app support, and a smaller form factor for portability. Its established presence means a wider range of accessories and continued (though limited) software compatibility. Buy the Samsung Google Nexus 10 P8110 if you prefer a larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption, a more powerful processor for multitasking, and a cleaner Android experience, understanding that software support is effectively discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 5250 in the Nexus 10 suffer from significant thermal throttling under sustained load?
While the Exynos 5250 is a capable processor, its thermal management was not a strong point. Prolonged gaming or demanding tasks could lead to noticeable throttling, reducing performance over time. However, given the age of the device, this is less of a concern for typical usage scenarios today.
❓ Is the iPad 2 still receiving software updates from Apple?
No, Apple officially ended software support for the iPad 2 many years ago. While jailbreaking is possible, it’s not officially supported and carries security risks. Users should be aware that they will be running an outdated version of iOS with potential compatibility issues.
❓ Can I realistically use the Nexus 10 for modern web browsing and video streaming?
Yes, but with caveats. The Nexus 10’s processor is capable of handling basic web browsing and video streaming, but complex websites and high-resolution video may experience lag or buffering. Expect a less fluid experience compared to modern tablets.
