Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2 Comparison Review

The Apple iPad 2 was the only tablet worth its salt when it launched in March 2011. Nearly two years old now, it’s positively geriatric compared to the Google-Samsung flagship 10in tablet that launched only two months ago.  Apple is still making and selling its venerable tablet as a cheaper entry point for full-size tablets for people who can’t stretch the extra £70 for the current leading iPad, the Apple iPad 4.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Screen

The Google Nexus 10 has a 2560 x 1600-pixel display that’s 10.055in across, while the Apple iPad 2 has a 1024 x 768-pixel display that’s 9.7in across. The Nexus has a 16:10 aspect ratio and the iPad is 4:3.

Google gives size and weight specifications of 263.9 x 177.6 x 8.9 mm and 603g, while Apple’s are 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm and 601g.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Processor

The Google Nexus 10 has a dual-core ARM processor made by Samsung called an Exynos 5 Dual. It is based on the ARM Cortex-A15 architecture, but the Apple iPad 2 has a dual-core ARM processor made by Samsung called an Apple A5 based on the ARM Cortex-A9 architecture. Google does not cite the clock speed of the processor in the Google Nexus 10 while Apple does not either.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Graphics

Good graphics performance is essential to maintain a slick interface. The Apple iPad 2 has a PowerVR SGX543MP2 but the Google Nexus 10 has a Mali-T604.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Storage

In the Google Nexus 10 there is 2GB of memory and 16GB of flash storage. For the iPad 2 Apple does not specify memory although in this writer’s review we noted it has 512MB. When the Apple iPad 2 launched it was available in 16GB and 32GB capacities but is now only available as a 16GB model.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Camera

The iPad 2 has two video cameras, front and back, that capture frames of 0.3-megapixel and 0.9-megapixel size. The Nexus 10’s camera specifications are 5Mp and 1.9Mp respectively.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Connectivity

Both tablets have 802.11 Wi-Fi capability, the Apple iPad 2 with dual-band 802.11b/g/n while the Google Nexus 10 has dual-band 802.11b/g/n. Both tablets have Bluetooth – v2.1 + enhanced data rate (EDR) for the Apple while Google does not announce the version for the Nexus 10.

The Google Nexus 10 has near-field communications (NFC) capability but the Apple iPad 2 does not.

Besides Wi-Fi for indoor wireless data connections, the Apple iPad 2 is offered with a 3G cellular data modem, used in conjunction with a micro-SIM card from a mobile broadband network provider. The Google Nexus 10 does not have an option for cellular data.

Google Nexus 10 vs Apple iPad 2: Price

The Apple iPad 2 costs £329 or £429 with added 3G capability. The Google Nexus 10 costs £328.99 in 16GB capacity or £398.99 in 32GB capacity.

You can buy the Google tablet in black finish only while the Apple iPad is available in black or white.