The Resolutionary “New iPad” vs. the iPad 2

It’s neither the iPad 3 nor the iPad HD. It’s just simply called, the “new iPad”. But still the rumors were true — it has a new Retina Display, improved quad-core graphics, upgraded camera and 1080p HD video recording. Check out the improved hardware specs compared to the iPad 2.

Third-generation iPad specs:

• 9.7” IPS LCD Retina Display @ 2048×1536 pixels
• 1GHz A5X dual-core processor, quad-core graphics
• 5MP iSight rear camera with autofocus
• 1080p HD video recording with video stabilization
• 2MP front-facing camera
• 16GB, 32GB & 64GB internal storage
• WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 4G LTE up to 72Mbps
• HSPA+ up to 21Mbps and HSDPA up to 42Mbps
• Updated apps (iLife, iWork, iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band)
• Siri Dictation
• iOS 5.1

Compare that to the old specs of the iPad 2:

Apple iPad 2 specs:
• 1GHz Apple A5 chip dual-core processor
• 9.7″ display @ 1024×768 pixels
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
• UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 7.2Mbps
• 0.7MP rear camera
• 720p video recording @ 30fps
• VGA front-facing camera
• Assisted GPS
• iOS 5

One of the advantages of the new iPad over the iPad 2 is the Siri-like feature. However, people who will buy the new iPad will have to settle for the dictation only feature at the moment. Maybe iOS 6 will bring full Siri assistance in the future.

We’ve also reported earlier that the old iPad 2 prices have been cut down by as much as Php6,000 to make way for the prices of the new iPad. So, the big question is: “Is the new iPad worth the upgrade?”

If you are planning to buy the iPad for the first time and already have the budget, then you might find the new iPad worthy of purchase. But if the beefed-up specs failed to impress you that much, then the iPad 2 is probably a good deal. Plus, you get to keep an extra Php6,000.

For iPad 2 owners, it’s only worth the upgrade if you really need the Retina display, Siri dictation, upgraded optics and new A5X chip. Otherwise, stick to your current affair.

In my opinion, the new iPad is aimed at new iPad users and at those who need an upgraded multimedia powerhouse. But in the end, it’s all about personal preference, finding out which device suits your lifestyle and getting the best value for your money.