The Apple iPad 2 CDMA, announced and released in March 2011, marked an evolution in Apple’s tablet lineup, offering enhanced performance and compatibility with CDMA networks. As the successor to the original iPad, the iPad 2 introduced a slimmer design, faster processing power, and new features like dual cameras. Despite being discontinued, the iPad 2 CDMA remains a significant device in the history of tablets, particularly for users on CDMA networks like Verizon. Below, we delve into the detailed specifications and offer a comprehensive review of the Apple iPad 2 CDMA.
Apple iPad 2 CDMA Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | CDMA / EVDO |
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | March 2011 |
| Released | March 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 607 g (1.34 lb) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) |
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 9.2.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| Internal Storage | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 0.7 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: VGA |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Browser | HTML (Safari) |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery (25 Wh) |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | A1397, iPad2,3 |
| Price | About 200 EUR |
Review of the Apple iPad 2 CDMA (Early 2011)
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad 2 CDMA continued Apple’s trend of sleek, minimalist design, but with significant improvements over its predecessor. Measuring 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm and weighing 607 g, the iPad 2 was notably thinner and lighter than the original iPad, making it more portable and comfortable to use for extended periods. The device’s aluminum back and glass front maintained the premium feel typical of Apple products, while the scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating ensured durability and resistance to smudges.
The iPad 2 CDMA’s design was nearly identical to the standard iPad 2, with the key difference being its compatibility with CDMA networks, which made it a popular choice for users on carriers like Verizon.
Display
The iPad 2 CDMA featured a 9.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing ample screen real estate for web browsing, reading, and watching videos. Although the 132 ppi density was not the highest by today’s standards, the display was bright and clear, making it ideal for various tasks. The screen’s 65.1% screen-to-body ratio ensured a good balance between display size and device dimensions, maintaining a manageable form factor.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad 2 CDMA was powered by the Apple A5 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU. This combination delivered a significant performance boost over the original iPad, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved graphics performance in games. The device originally shipped with iOS 4, but was upgradable to iOS 9.2.1, providing access to a wider range of features and applications.
With 512MB of RAM and storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, the iPad 2 CDMA offered sufficient space for apps, media, and documents, although it lacked expandable storage.
Camera
The iPad 2 CDMA introduced dual cameras, a first for the iPad lineup. The rear camera was a 0.7 MP shooter capable of recording 720p video at 30fps. While the camera quality was basic, it was sufficient for casual photography and video recording. The front-facing VGA camera allowed for video calls, making the iPad 2 compatible with FaceTime, a feature that was becoming increasingly popular at the time.
Though the camera capabilities were limited, they represented a step forward for the iPad, offering users more functionality than previous models.
Battery Life
The iPad 2 CDMA was equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 6930 mAh battery, providing up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. This battery life was impressive, given the device’s performance capabilities, and ensured that users could rely on the iPad 2 for a full day of work or entertainment without needing to recharge.
Connectivity and Other Features
One of the key features of the iPad 2 CDMA was its compatibility with CDMA networks, supporting CDMA 800 / 1900 bands and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G connectivity, with speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on EV-DO Rev.A networks. The device also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band) and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, providing robust wireless connectivity options.
The iPad 2 CDMA included a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass. These features, combined with the device’s support for GPS with A-GPS, made it a versatile tool for both navigation and general use.
Verdict
The Apple iPad 2 CDMA (Early 2011) was a significant upgrade over the original iPad, offering improved performance, a thinner and lighter design, and dual cameras. Its compatibility with CDMA networks made it a popular choice for users on carriers like Verizon, expanding the iPad’s reach in the U.S. market. Although it has been discontinued, the iPad 2 CDMA remains a noteworthy device in the history of tablets, representing a key moment in Apple’s development of portable computing devices.
For those interested in the evolution of tablets, the iPad 2 CDMA is a prime example of how Apple continually pushed the boundaries of what was possible in mobile technology.
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