The Apple iPad 2 and Sony Xperia Tablet S represent pivotal moments in the early tablet landscape. Released roughly a year apart, these devices defined competing visions for mobile computing – Apple’s focus on a curated ecosystem versus Sony’s emphasis on multimedia and open platform flexibility. This comparison revisits their core specifications to understand their strengths and weaknesses in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit dated, tablet experience, the Sony Xperia Tablet S edges out the iPad 2. Its Nvidia Tegra 3 processor provides a noticeable performance boost for multimedia and light gaming, while the inclusion of both photo and video capabilities offers greater versatility. However, the iPad 2’s established app ecosystem remains a significant advantage.
| 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, August. Released 2012, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) | 239.8 x 174.4 x 8.8 mm (9.44 x 6.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) | 570 g (1.26 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~161 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.4 inches, 256.2 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LED-backlit LCD, |
| | - | IPX-4 splash proof |
| 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 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | SD, up to 32 GB |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.7 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 3.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 12 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Ion 6000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black/Silver |
| Models | A1396, A1397, iPad2,2 | - |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- Established App Ecosystem: Access to a vast library of apps optimized for iPad.
- Brand Recognition: Apple’s strong brand reputation and customer support.
- Efficient Processor: The A5 chip offered good battery life for basic tasks.
- Limited Performance: The dual-core A5 processor struggles with demanding applications.
- Basic Camera: Only video recording capabilities.
- Outdated Technology: Significantly older hardware compared to the Xperia Tablet S.
Sony Xperia Tablet S
- Superior Performance: The Tegra 3 processor delivers a noticeable performance boost.
- Versatile Camera: Both photo and video recording capabilities.
- Multimedia Focus: Designed for immersive multimedia consumption.
- Less Polished Software: Sony’s software experience may not be as refined as Apple’s.
- App Ecosystem: Smaller app selection compared to the iPad.
- Potential Battery Drain: The Tegra 3 processor may consume more power under load.
Display Comparison
The iPad 2 boasts a contrast ratio of 775:1, a respectable figure for its era, but lacks specifics regarding panel technology or resolution. The Xperia Tablet S, while lacking detailed display specs in the provided data, likely utilized a similar LCD technology. The key difference lies in the intended use case; the iPad 2’s display was optimized for general productivity and content consumption, while the Xperia Tablet S aimed for a more immersive multimedia experience. Bezels were substantial on both devices, typical of early tablet designs.
Camera Comparison
The iPad 2 offered only video recording capabilities, indicating a limited focus on photography. The Sony Xperia Tablet S, conversely, included both photo and video recording, suggesting a broader multimedia appeal. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the inclusion of photo capabilities provides greater versatility for users who want to capture and share images directly from their tablet. The Xperia Tablet S’s camera was likely intended for casual snapshots, not professional photography.
Performance
The core differentiator between these tablets is their chipset. The iPad 2’s Apple A5, a 45nm dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, was efficient but limited by its dual-core architecture. The Sony Xperia Tablet S, powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 with a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, offered a significant performance advantage, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. The Tegra 3’s architecture allowed for more efficient multitasking and smoother gaming experiences. While both used Cortex-A9 cores, the increased core count and Nvidia’s GPU expertise gave the Xperia Tablet S a clear edge.
Battery Life
Battery life data is absent for both devices. However, the iPad 2’s A5 processor, built on a 45nm process, was known for its relatively efficient power consumption. The Tegra 3 in the Xperia Tablet S, while more powerful, was fabricated on a larger process node (likely 40nm), potentially impacting battery life under heavy load. Real-world battery performance would depend heavily on usage patterns, but the iPad 2 likely offered longer runtimes for basic tasks, while the Xperia Tablet S might drain faster during gaming or video playback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize access to a mature app ecosystem and seamless integration with other Apple devices, even if it means sacrificing raw processing power. Buy the Sony Xperia Tablet S if you prefer a more open platform with a stronger focus on multimedia consumption and a more capable processor for its time, accepting a potentially less polished software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Nvidia Tegra 3 in the Xperia Tablet S offer a significant gaming advantage over the iPad 2's A5?
Yes, the Tegra 3's quad-core CPU and more powerful GPU provide a substantial performance boost for gaming. While neither tablet can run modern titles, the Xperia Tablet S will handle games from its era with smoother frame rates and better graphics settings compared to the iPad 2.
❓ Given their age, are either of these tablets still useful in 2024?
Both tablets are quite dated, but can still serve basic functions like reading ebooks, browsing the web (though browser compatibility may be limited), and playing older games. The iPad 2 benefits from continued (though limited) software updates and a larger app library, making it slightly more practical for some users.
❓ Is the lack of a photo camera on the iPad 2 a major drawback?
For users who frequently capture and share photos, the iPad 2's lack of a camera is a significant limitation. The Xperia Tablet S's inclusion of a camera, even if it's not high-quality, provides added convenience and versatility.
