In 2013, Apple’s iPad was establishing the modern tablet form factor, while Lenovo aimed to disrupt with more affordable options like the IdeaTab A1000. This comparison revisits these devices, analyzing their core hardware to determine which offered the better experience, and which holds up better as a collector’s item or for light, retro use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, albeit dated, tablet experience, the Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 emerges as the more practical choice. Its dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the iPad’s single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8, making it better suited for multitasking and modern app compatibility, despite its age.
| 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, January. Released 2013, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4 mm (9.56 x 7.47 x 0.53 in) | 199 x 121 x 10.7 mm (7.83 x 4.76 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 730 g (1.61 lb) | 340 g (11.99 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 (~57.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Apple A4 (45 nm) | Mediatek MT8317 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 | PowerVR SGX531u |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 5.1.1 | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 256MB RAM, 32GB 256MB RAM, 64GB 256MB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML (Safari) | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 336 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 6600 mAh battery (24.8 Wh) | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, White |
| Models | iPad1,2 | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
- Strong brand recognition and resale value (even today).
- Polished iOS user experience (at the time).
- Historically significant as a pioneering tablet.
- Significantly slower processor compared to the IdeaTab A1000.
- Limited app compatibility with modern iOS versions.
- Potentially higher cost of repair or replacement.
Lenovo IdeaTab A1000
- More powerful dual-core processor for better multitasking.
- Potentially more flexible Android operating system.
- Lower cost of ownership and repair.
- Less refined build quality compared to the iPad.
- Android updates were likely limited or non-existent.
- Less brand recognition and resale value.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display by modern standards. Specifications for the iPad’s display are not provided, but it was known for its relatively high pixel density for the time. The IdeaTab A1000’s display details are also limited, but its larger size likely resulted in a lower pixel density. The key difference lies in Apple’s tighter control over color calibration and panel quality, which would have resulted in a more visually pleasing experience, even if resolution was similar. However, both displays would suffer from limited viewing angles and poor outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices was rudimentary. Details are scarce, but both tablets featured cameras primarily intended for video calls rather than serious photography. The iPad likely had a slightly more refined image processing pipeline, but the fundamental limitations of the sensors and lenses would have been similar. Focusing on camera quality is irrelevant for a meaningful comparison; both are far below modern standards.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaTab A1000’s Mediatek MT8317 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, represents a significant architectural leap over the Apple A4’s single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8. The Cortex-A9 offers improved instruction set efficiency and the benefit of two cores, allowing for better multitasking and responsiveness. While the A4 was optimized for iOS, the A9 in the IdeaTab A1000 provides a more versatile platform for Android applications. The A4’s 45nm manufacturing process is also less efficient than the likely smaller node used for the MT8317, potentially leading to higher power consumption for similar tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without detailed testing data. The iPad’s battery capacity was a key selling point, but iOS’s power management was also crucial. The IdeaTab A1000, running Android, would have had more variable battery life depending on usage patterns and background processes. The MT8317’s efficiency gains over the A4 could partially offset any capacity differences, but the larger screen on the IdeaTab A1000 would likely consume more power.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G if you prioritize brand recognition, a more polished (though limited) app ecosystem, and the historical significance of owning the device that largely defined the early tablet market. Buy the Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 if you prefer a more capable processor for the price, a potentially more open operating system (depending on custom ROMs), and a tablet that’s slightly less constrained by its age in terms of basic functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can the Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 be upgraded to a more modern version of Android?
While official updates from Lenovo ceased long ago, the IdeaTab A1000’s open nature allows for the possibility of installing custom ROMs based on newer Android versions. However, this process requires technical expertise and carries the risk of bricking the device. Compatibility and performance will vary depending on the ROM chosen.
❓ Is the Apple iPad (original) still usable in 2024 for basic tasks?
The original iPad can still function for very basic tasks like reading ebooks or browsing simple websites, but its limited processing power and outdated software make it frustrating for most modern applications. App compatibility is a major issue, as many apps no longer support older iOS versions.
❓ Which tablet is better for playing older Android/iOS games?
The Lenovo IdeaTab A1000 likely offers a better experience for playing older Android games due to its more capable processor. The iPad’s A4 chip may struggle with even moderately demanding titles from that era. However, both devices will be limited by their outdated graphics capabilities.
