What are the differences between the iPad mini (2, Retina) models - comparison of characteristics. How to distinguish iPad models: external differences and numbers

If we classify iPads according to different criteria, we can distinguish more than 15 types. After all, Apple tablets may differ in color, size, performance and many other characteristics.

Because of this variety, it is easier for manufacturers of counterfeit devices to sell their devices. A scammer can persuade a gullible buyer to purchase a Chinese gadget. Especially if he is not very experienced in technology and chooses a used tablet.

Our article will tell you how to distinguish an iPad from a fake. Let's talk not only about how to distinguish a real iPad, but also consider the differences between different models these devices. After all, it may happen that you wanted to buy one version of the tablet, and they will sell you a completely different (cheaper) one. At the same time, a counterfeit device may look so high quality that you won’t notice the difference and make a rash purchase in a hurry.

If a user decides to buy an Apple device for the first time, one of the first questions that arises before him is how to distinguish a counterfeit device from a real one. How, by what signs can you determine that this is an original tablet? After all, today Chinese craftsmen can do almost everything. They have learned to copy almost any component of expensive equipment and pass it off as the original. So an inexperienced buyer may well pay decent money, as he thinks, for iPad mini, but in reality it will be cheap on Android.

iPad mini and any other tablet from Apple can be calculated by branded packaging. It's not difficult to see what it should look like. There are a lot of photos and descriptions of packaging from Apple technology on the Internet. Please note that the box must be wrapped in film.

One of the side faces should contain an inscription with the name of the gadget model. And on the other there must be an Apple or iCloud symbol.

If the device is purchased offline, and the user can turn it in his hands, it is even easier to determine the quality. First you need to look at the back. There should be a bitten apple in the center. Below is information about the iPad. Even lower - serial number device

Be sure to turn on the tablet. One look at the operating system can tell you everything. After all, the real iOS 7 or 8 cannot be confused with anything:

And in iOS 6, for example, there is a different icon design. But all the same, if the device is Chinese, mistakes will be made. These may be abbreviated names, lack necessary software, the presence of hieroglyphs in inscriptions and much more. Any such sign will indicate that this is a fake.

iPad 1 how to distinguish it

In fact, this is a very simple task. And this is done only by appearance. The body has straight edges and the device is larger.

But what to do if there are no other versions of tablets nearby? What to compare with? Then turn the gadget back. Remember that only the first generation of devices lacks a camera. You will also find speakers there - they are located at the bottom.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the black plastic element, also located at the rear. If you find one on the top side, then this is a 3G model. And if it’s not there either, it means it’s a version with Wi-Fi.

Identifying iPad 2

Starting with this generation of tablets, their cases have changed dramatically. They have become thinner, more elegant and lighter. The manufacturer removed the speaker from below. Now he began to be located at the back.

Various variations of the model can be identified by the code. It is also located on the back, at the bottom. There you will see other elements printed in small symbols.

But the problem with defining a tablet of this line lies elsewhere. There is a version of the second model, which differs from others in its improved processor and more economical energy consumption. But keep in mind that it also requires its own firmware.

So how can you distinguish the first (older) variation of the second line tablet, produced in 2011, from the similar new one (2012)? They are identical in design. And you can find out what kind of device is in front of you like this:

• By entering the main settings.
• By selecting information about this device.
• Going to the diagnostics and usage section and then to the data.
• Open any report and find your model number there.

How to distinguish iPad 3

Again, this is not easy to do by design. But if you turn on the device, then the differences from previous versions you will see the tablets immediately. Just take a closer look at the Retina display! Take a closer look at the system fonts. If the pixels are not visible to the eye, this is the same screen.

So how to distinguish the “troika”? Absolutely the same as the previous model - in terms of encoding. The code is written on the back of the case. What this or that combination of letters and numbers means can be found on the Internet.

How not to make a mistake when choosing the latest model?

This includes the fourth line of devices. You will also recognize iPad 4 by its excellent picture quality. The excellent Retina display is difficult to confuse with another analogue. As in the previous case, try to spot the pixelation. If this fails, it means that this is a real device.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the Model 4 and the Model 3 since their design is the same. The most important external difference between these versions of devices there is a Lightning input. Only from the fourth model did it become a kind of standard for all Apple tablets.

The best way to determine the model is, again, by code. As we remember, we can find it behind the device. It is placed along with other information about the device and is printed in small characters.

Characteristics of the original iPad Air

Visually, this tablet is distinguished by the presence of a side edge, with display sizes similar to other versions of the device (9.7 inches).

In addition, the volume buttons located on the side of the device, separated from each other, are striking.

The weight of the gadget has also decreased (about 200 grams). A comparison is given with the fourth model.

Specifics of iPad Air 2

This tablet is very similar to the previous model reviewed, but of course there are differences. The device has become thinner and lighter. But a potential buyer will not weigh the equipment before purchasing... Therefore, let’s pay attention to more obvious differences, visible to the eye.

First, let's take a closer look at the side of the device. There shouldn't be a lock button, just elements to toggle the volume. You should find new holes near the camera eye.

Color palette of cases, compared to the first Air model, expanded a little. A golden hue appeared.

The second version of the tablet introduced fingerprint technology. Outwardly, it looks like a steel outline surrounding the Home button. In the OS settings, the password item was renamed to “Touch iD and password.”

This tablet model has only 2 options. You can also find out which one is in front of you by the code. How and where to find it has already been described above.

How to distinguish iPad Mini?

It's probably easiest to identify the iPad Mini, since it differs significantly from other tablets in size. Its display is only 7 inches, and its weight is just over 300 grams. So it’s easy to distinguish the iPad Mini visually.

This model also has speakers that have moved to the lower part. It was almost the same with the first line of iPad. The volume control buttons are separated rather than merged together. This device has a Lightning port (quite narrow), just like the Air model.

The small version of the iPad also has several variations, which are determined by the code. This combination of symbols, as on other devices, is located on the back of the device.

iPad Mini 2 - characteristic features

Some time after the release regular model mini, the Apple company has pleased its fans with a version with a Retina display. And so, more models are no different. The difference can only be revealed by carefully examining the screen image. Of course, the version with more advanced display technology looks much better. The pixelation on the display is impossible to see.

Therefore the most easy method identifying an iPad Mini 2 will identify it by code.

How to distinguish iPad Mini 3?

In essence, this is just a slightly modified variation of the third version. It is difficult to distinguish it from the previous one, but it is possible.

The most important distinguishing feature of the Troika is the presence of a fingerprint scanner. The element looks like a steel circle around “Home”. A password and Touch iD option has appeared in the operating system settings.

Presence of a golden hue in color scheme buildings - too a clear sign this model.

How to distinguish the iPad version by the number of gigabytes

For this purpose it is necessary:

Replaced iPad mini 2(iPad mini with Retina display), is also good, but some people think that paying that kind of money for it is robbery.

It is worth noting that iPad Air 2 got an improved camera, powerful processor A8X, anti-glare coating and fingerprint scanner finger Touch ID. Regarding iPad mini 3, That Apple paid less attention to it - no significant improvements were implemented in the tablet. So, the device received a fingerprint touch sensor ID and golden version - this is where the updates end. In everything else iPad mini 3 identical to last year iPad mini 2– same design, cameras, Wi-Fi module and memory capacity. Engineers Apple deprived mini 3 and a laminated display with anti-glare coating, a barometer and a slow-motion (interval) mode, which the older brother received at the same time iPad Air 2.

Apple didn't even equip iPad mini 3 processor A8, which is present in and 6Plus. However, the cost of the new product is $100 higher than the previous model.

Note that in this case iPad Air 2 significantly different from iPad Air. Thus, the 64-bit A8X chip provides 2.5 times greater performance GPU compared to A7 chip iPad Air And iPad mini 2. In addition, CPU performance has increased by 40%.

Camera iPad Air 2 received an 8-megapixel matrix, which made it possible to shoot video in 1080p format. Let us remember that the previous model was equipped with a 5-megapixel matrix. None of these improvements have been implemented in iPad mini 3. So, the new product is equipped with the same A7 processor, the same cameras and display.

If mini 3 practically no different from mini 2, then why pay $100 more? Just for Touch ID? Note that the cost of the basic model iPad mini 3 is $399, while almost identical iPad mini 2 will cost those interested $299.

Briefly: Is it worth upgrading from iPad mini to iPad mini 2 Retina?
There are only a couple of reasons to replace your old minivan with a new one. The first is that you need a 4G module, also known as LTE (only the new iPad mini supports it) and the second reason is that you want a retina screen. The third reason is that something is slow on your first iPad mini, so last reason: You Apple fan and want to have only the latest models of their devices (although, if this is the case, then you have already bought it and are reading this post just like that :). But the new model has one drawback that upset me...

And now about all this in a little more detail:

02. Differences first iPad mini from the second one starts right from the box: the new model has it twice as thick:

03. The characteristics of the devices are almost similar, so let’s move on to the screen test. I don't see any differences between them in viewing angles. Here and below: on the left is the first iPad mini, on the right is the iPad mini Retina):

04. We look at the text in the browser. Is there a difference? Well, there seems to be a little bit, if you look closely. For me personally it’s all the same :)

05. Let's zoom in, it's a little more noticeable here that old ipad font along the contour is uneven:

06. In fact, I read somewhere that sites are not designed for retina screens at all, and only Apple has rendered its site for new screen resolutions. Let's compare, the difference is really more noticeable here. But I repeat, for me personally there is absolutely no difference when surfing:

07. Externally, both tablets are identical from all sides. There is only one difference: on the back panel at the top, an additional slot was added to the iPad mini Retina - this is a second microphone (as far as I understand). Everything else remains unchanged:

09. Let's move on to performance tests. AnTuTu were launched simultaneously: on the new model the test was already completed, but on the old one, at this time it only reached 80%

10. If we compare the final results, the iPad mini - 13837 parrots, and the iPad mini 2 - 28539 parrots. Those. 2 times faster:

11. If we compare in detail, here it is:

12. And one more thing:

14. In terms of characteristics, the difference is naturally in the processor and screen:

15. Judging by the specification, there is a difference in thickness, but I don’t see it visually, and the case is from old model I got a new one without any problems:

16. The cameras are the same:

17. Has a proximity sensor appeared? Why does he need it?

18. The new model has more capacious battery, however, the operating time of the tablet did not increase, because... The tablet itself began to consume more. But to charge this bigger battery I had to make a new charger, which is 3 times thinner than the first iPad mini. This is the very minus:

If you don’t have an iPad mini and are wondering whether to get the old one or the new one, then get the new one. And if you're thinking of switching from iPad mini to iPad mini 2 Retina, then only if you need LTE. I had 2 reasons: the first was the need for 4G support and the second - the first tablet had only 16 GB of memory and, as practice has shown, for my purposes, this is not enough, so I took the second model with 32 GB (I hope that’s enough) :)

Over to you:
Have you upgraded to the new iPad mini 2?

1. Displays iPad Pro 12.9 inches and 11 inches are rectangles with rounded corners. The display diagonal is measured without taking into account the curves and is 12.9 inches for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 11 inches for the 11-inch iPad Pro. The actual viewing area is smaller.
2. The amount of available space is less than stated and depends on various factors. The standard configuration (including iOS and pre-installed apps) takes approximately 10 to 12 GB depending on the device model and settings. Pre-installed applications occupy about 4 GB; they can be deleted and downloaded again. Tariff plan cellular communication sold separately.
3. Size and weight vary depending on device configuration and manufacturing process.
4. To communicate using FaceTime, both users must have FaceTime-enabled devices and be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Availability of FaceTime over cellular networks varies by carrier; Data charges may apply.
5. Data plan required. Gigabit Class LTE, 4G LTE Advanced and 4G LTE networks are not available in all regions or with all carriers. Speed ​​calculated based on theoretical bandwidth and depends on local conditions. Detailed information about support LTE networks Available from your carrier or from .
6. Cellular plan must be purchased separately. The model you purchase is configured to work with a specific technology cellular networks. For availability information tariff plan cellular service and compatibility, please contact your carrier.
7. Not all telecom operators support cards Apple SIM and eSIM. For additional information Contact your carrier. Not available in China. eSIM technology is supported on the 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation). Apple technology SIM is supported on iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 or later.
8. Battery life depends on device settings and usage. More details on the page

Apple IPAD and Apple IPAD 2 tablet devices from Apple. The iPad was the first of all tablets, the iPad 2 is its next modification. iPad and iPad 2 are based on the Apple Propriety operating system Apple iOS and processors from Apple. The iPad was released by Apple with an A4 processor, and the iPad 2 with an A5 processor. The iPad currently runs on iOS 4.2.1 while the iPad 2 runs on iOS 4.3. The iPad operating system can be upgraded to iOS 4.3. Basics iPad difference from iPad 2 this is the processor speed, operating system, front and rear built-in cameras, RAM capacity and power. Clock frequency The new A5 processor in iPad 2 is twice as powerful as the iPad's processor. Additionally, the GPU performance in iPad 2 is nine times better than the iPad. The RAM size is also twice as large in the iPad 2, and the iPad 2 has two cameras, which the iPad has. In terms of design, the iPad 2 is thinner and lighter. This is one of the thinnest tablet computers on the market 8.8 mm.

Basic iPad competitors 2: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, LG Optimus Pad, Motorola Xoom, Blackberry PlayBook, Dell Streek 7 and HTC Flyer.

U Apple iPad 9.7 inch multi-touch LCD display with LED backlight using IPS technology, which allows you to view at a wide angle of 178 degrees, the screen has an oleophobic coating that protects against fingerprints and damage. The display is designed to display content in any position, portrait or landscape orientation. The device has its own operating system Apple system iOS 4.2.1. The iPad was originally on iOS 3.2, it can also be upgraded to latest iOS 4.3.

Some of the features of iOS 4.x: Multitasking, AirPrint, AirPlay and Find My iPhone. Moreover, it supports multiple languages ​​simultaneously. Mail app optimized for large screens, can be viewed in landscape orientation open messages and description of incoming mail "side-by-side" in split-screen mode. You can also open different mailboxes in several screens or in a single mailbox. Using AirPrint you can print a message over Wi-Fi or 3G.

The Apple Safari browser on the iPad works great on big screen with multitouch interface. You can simply double-click a section on a page to make it larger or smaller. The thumbnail mode is also very convenient, which shows everything open pages in a grid format, allowing you to quickly move from one page to another. Another notable feature of the iPad is the time battery life up to 10 hours when surfing the Internet via Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music and transferring data over a 3G network up to 9 hours.

Access to the Apple Apps Store, with over 300,000 apps and iTunes attractive iPad features

Apple iPad 2 review

The iPad 2 has excellent multitasking capabilities, powered by a 1GHz dual-core high-performance A5 processor, 512MB of RAM and an updated iOS 4.3 operating system.

iPad 2 is amazingly thin and light, at just 8.8 mm thick and weighing 603 grams, which is 33% thinner and 15% lighter than the iPad. The clock speed of the new A5 processor is twice as fast as the A4 and 9 times faster with graphics, while power consumption remains the same.

New operating room iOS system 4.3 also improved, there were additional features: iTunes home sharing, iMovie improvements, AirPlay improvements and improved performance Safari browser with Nitro javascript. With enhanced AirPlay, you can stream your media content to your HDTV or speakers via AppleTV.

The iPad 2 added a number of new features, such as cameras with a gyroscope and a new software Photobooth, 720o video camera, front camera FaceTime for video conferencing, plus two apps—an improved iMovie and GarageBand—turn your iPad 2 into a small musical instrument. The iPad 2 has HDMI—meaning you can connect to an HDTV through an Apple digital audio adapter, which must be purchased separately.

iPad 2 supports 3G-UMTS/HSPA networks and 3G-CDMA networks and Wi-Fi

iPad 2 is available in black and white and uses the same battery as the iPad

Below is a comparison of the ipad and ipad 2 with each other in the form of tables.

Difference between iPad 1 and iPad 2

1. iPad 2 comes with a faster processor and RAM. The new A5 processor clocks twice as fast as the A4 and is 9 times faster for graphics, while maintaining the same power consumption.
2. iPad 2 is equipped with 2 cameras, one on the front and the other on the back.
3. iPad 2 ships with Apple's new iOS 4.3, with some improved features and improved browser performance.
4. iPad 2 is 33% thinner and 15% lighter than the iPad.
5. iOS 4.3 has two new apps, an enhanced iMovie and GarageBand. A mail client especially for Gmail
6. iPad 2 has Bluetooth support modem, while the iPad does not.