The Apple iPad, released in 2010, fundamentally reshaped mobile computing. HP’s Slate 7, arriving in 2011, represented an early Android attempt to challenge Apple’s dominance. This comparison dissects the core hardware differences – specifically the Apple A4 and the dual-core Cortex-A9 – to understand how these tablets performed in their era and what compromises were made.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a polished, integrated experience, the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G remains the superior choice despite the HP Slate 7’s faster CPU. Apple’s A4 chipset, while slower on paper, benefits from tighter software optimization and a more mature app ecosystem. The Slate 7 offers a raw performance boost, but lacks the overall refinement.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, January. Released 2010, March | 2013, February. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4 mm (9.56 x 7.47 x 0.53 in) | 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm (7.76 x 4.57 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 730 g (1.61 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 (~63.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | FFS+ LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A4 (45 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 | - |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 5.1.1 | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 256MB RAM, 32GB 256MB RAM, 64GB 256MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 3.15 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| 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, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6600 mAh battery (24.8 Wh) | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black/Silver, Red |
| Models | iPad1,2 | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
- Polished user experience thanks to iOS.
- Access to a mature app ecosystem.
- Reliable 3G connectivity for on-the-go use.
- Slower CPU compared to the Slate 7.
- Limited customization options compared to Android.
HP Slate 7
- Faster dual-core Cortex-A9 processor.
- Android operating system offers greater customization.
- Potentially lower price point at launch.
- Less refined user experience compared to iOS.
- App ecosystem less developed than Apple’s App Store.
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, the iPad, being a first-generation product, likely featured a lower resolution display compared to what would become standard. The Slate 7, aiming to compete, may have offered a slightly higher pixel density. Both would have used LCD technology, and neither would have featured advanced features like variable refresh rates or OLED panels common today. Bezels would have been substantial on both devices, typical of early tablet designs.
Camera Comparison
Context data provides no camera specifications for either device. Given the era, both tablets likely featured low-resolution cameras primarily intended for video conferencing. Image quality would have been poor by modern standards. The iPad, benefiting from Apple’s image processing expertise, may have offered slightly better results, but neither device was designed with photography as a primary function.
Performance
The HP Slate 7’s dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU represents a significant architectural leap over the iPad’s 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 and Apple A4 chipset. The Cortex-A9 features a wider pipeline and out-of-order execution, enabling it to handle more complex tasks and multi-threading more efficiently. While the A4 was a 45nm chip, the A9’s performance gains are substantial despite the lack of process node information. This translates to faster web browsing, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Slate 7. However, Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software likely mitigated some of the A4’s raw performance deficit.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is absent. However, the iPad’s focus on a polished user experience suggests Apple prioritized battery life optimization. The Slate 7, with its more powerful CPU, likely consumed more power, potentially resulting in shorter battery life under heavy load. Charging times would have been slow by today’s standards for both devices, relying on USB charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize a seamless user experience, access to a vast app library, and reliable 3G connectivity for on-the-go use. This is ideal for content consumption and basic productivity. Buy the HP Slate 7 if you prefer the Android operating system and prioritize raw processing power for tasks like web browsing and light gaming, and are willing to accept potential software inconsistencies and a less refined experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Apple A4 chipset struggle with modern web browsing standards?
Yes, the 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 in the iPad’s A4 chipset is significantly underpowered by today’s standards. Modern websites with complex JavaScript and rich media will likely experience slow loading times and sluggish performance. It was designed for the web of 2010, not 2024.
❓ Is the dual-core Cortex-A9 in the HP Slate 7 sufficient for playing Android games from that era?
The 1.6 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 in the Slate 7 was capable of running many Android games available in 2011. However, performance would vary depending on the game’s complexity. Demanding 3D titles may require reduced graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate.
❓ How does the 3G connectivity on the iPad compare to using Wi-Fi on the Slate 7?
The iPad’s integrated 3G connectivity provides a seamless on-the-go experience, allowing access to the internet without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots. The Slate 7, lacking 3G, is limited to Wi-Fi networks, making it less convenient for users who need constant connectivity while traveling.
