The new iPad compared against its most touted Android counterparts

Amidst all the brouhaha and confusion over the new iPad's christening (which is incidentally the product's name), the 2012 version is packed with quite a few advanced features, both major and minor. Some important ones among them include a brilliant screen display, minor upgrades on the processor and operating system front, 4G LTE capability, along with a much improved camera system. However, this time, we are more interested in how the progressive attributes of the iPad 2012 individually fare against the champions of the Android realm. So, without further ado, let us check out if the newest iPad lives up to its exalted status.

The new iPad

Fit and Finish

New iPad:

There is not much to say about the exterior form of the new iPad, except for it exhibits the same level of finesse and structural bearing as its predecessor. In fact, it also looks almost identical to its second generation cousin, with a slightly increased thickness of 0.37 inch (9.4 mm), as compared to 0.34 inch (8.6 mm) of iPad 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

From an unbiased perspective, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 still remains one of the most portable tablets available in the market. Though, exhibiting a similar thickness to iPad 2, this device is lighter (at 565 g or1.25 lb) than any iPad model (with the 2012 version being marked at around 660 g).

Sony Tablet S:

Showcasing a clear wedge shaped bearing from its side facade; the Sony Tablet S's style might appeal to some. Around 15 mm thick at this upper bulbous point, with a rear grid like pattern, the designers tout the design as being ergonomically effective.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

The overall 'plasticky' demeanor obviously doesn't live up to iPad's standard. Moreover, its 10.1 inch screen is surrounded by an impractically conceived outer edge metallic border, thus excessively adding to the form factor.

Winner:

Given the wide range of user preferences in these sorts of style related attributes, it is very difficult to pick out a clear 'winner'. However, keeping the factor of portability in mind, we would just about go with Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Processor

New iPad:

If claimed declarations are anything to go by, Apple touts its A5X processor to be four times faster than Nvidia's Tegra 3 quad core beast. However, this upgraded processor has a quad core GPU (which is graphical), as opposed to the conventional quad core nature of CPU.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

It boasts of a Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core processor, clocked at one 1GHz.

Sony Tablet S:

Similar to Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, this device is also powered by a Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core processor, clocked at one 1GHz.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

While this product line is infused with a Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core processor, the Prime variety is upgraded to a true Nvidia's Tegra 3 quad core system.

Winner:

We are still not sure about Apple's claim that the new iPad's processor is 4X times faster than the third generation Kal-El series. However, the iPad definitely emerges as the clear winner, given its superior power train to the compared Android machines (except for Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime).

Camera

New iPad:

This is one of those areas, where the new iPad got a major revamp. In fact, its rear camera has advanced from a paltry 0.7 MP with 720p video capture capabilities, to 5 MP iSight system with 1080p HD capacity. However, the front video calling camera still remains unchanged.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

Galaxy Tab 10.1 incorporates a 3.1 MP rear camera; along with a 2.0 MP front facing mechanism. The bulkier V model is included with a 8 MP rear camera.

Sony Tablet S:

Similar in specs to the new iPad, the Sony Tablet S also boasts of a 5 MP and 0.3 MP rear and front camera.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

Among all the mentioned devices, the Eee Pad Transformer scores the highest in terms of megapixels, as it sports a 5 MP and 1.2 MP rear and front camera respectively.

Winner:

We would still go with the new iPad, because beyond the pixel induced figures, this device has a slew of user friendly attributes ranging from auto focus lock, image stabilization to tap-to-focus and video geo-tagging features.

Display

New iPad:

Without any doubt, the greatest feature of the 2012 iPad is its 9.7-inch screen's whopping resolution of 2048 x 1536 at 264 ppi, complimented by Apple's celebrated Retina Display technology.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

The Galaxy Tab 10.1, as the name suggests, exhibits a 10.1 inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution display.

Sony Tablet S:

Packed with 9.4 inch screen, the Sony Tablet S exhibits a similar 1280 x 800 resolution display, which is obviously better than 720p HD.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

The Eee Pad Transformer also showcases a 1280 x 800 resolution display, but its touchscreen is remarkably supported by a whopping ten multi-touch points.

Winner:

This is one aspect where Apple can truly claim its iPad to be eons ahead of any other commercially available tablet. As a matter of fact, the breathtaking details of the screen can even exceed the high levels presented by bigger devices such as PCs and laptops.

Battery life

New iPad:

Before its release, we did hear rumors about the third generation iPad boasting of a double sized Li-Polymer battery, as compared to its predecessor. However, this was certainly not the case, with the new iPad exhibiting around 10 hours of battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

Infused with a 7000 mAh Li-Polymer battery the Galaxy Tab 10.1 also shows around 10 hours of charge.

Sony Tablet S:

Despite its unique design considerations, PlayStation games accessibility and a universal remote control, the battery life is seen to only last for 8-9 hours of heavy usage.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

The Eee Pad Transformer also showcases a battery life of around 9-10 hours. However, it has the added advantage of a dock, which can significantly improve the charge to about 16 hours.

Winner:

Eee Pad Transformer poses as the only credible tablet that offers some serious battery oriented competition to the new iPad. But, we should also consider that in spite of iPad's state-of-the-art, power hungry display, the battery life remains more than satisfactory. Hence, in this regard we would stick with the iPad.

Connectivity

New iPad:

The last generation iPad is the first and only LTE capable device from Apple. Hence, the tablet's 4G variant will be available in the US, with services provided by carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Moreover, all the 4G models will also have a global 3G capability, with support for HSPA+ (21Mbps) and DC-HSDPA (42Mbps).

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1:

The slimmer variety of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 does support 4G connectivity, along with optional quad-band GPRS/EDGE and tri-band 3G with HSDPA 21 Mbps net speed.

Sony Tablet S:

At the present stage, the Tablet S is only available in its Wi-Fi models. But, there is a distinct possibility of its future iterations to have cellular connectivity.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer:

Similar to Sony's Tablet S, the Eee Pad Transformer has an 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi module, but completely lacks 3G connectivity.

Winner:

Without, any shred of doubt, it is the new iPad all the way. And it's not just because of its whopping 73 Mbps 4G support, but also because of global collective advantage of 3G.

Overall winner

It was the exalted first generation iPad that put forth tablets as a credible and commercially successful form of computer device. iPad 2 followed up that much deserved success with its uniquely slim design. And, finally, the new iPad (with similar design) provides the much required icing on the cake, with its nigh impossible level of screen resolution. As a matter of fact, there are a number of areas of this fascinating device that aficionados can be gleeful about; be it processing power, camera system or connectivity. So, at the end of the day, yes; it is the new iPad that justifiably takes the honors, in spite of some heavy Android fueled onslaught.