What is the difference between iPad and tablet. What is the difference between an iPad and a tablet

04.09.2014 17:23:00

In one of the articles, we considered the question of how to transfer contacts from phone to PC.

If the processor can be easily compared to the brain of a gadget, then operating system- this is definitely the soul of your device. It is she who determines the perception of the gadget by the user, ease of management and opportunities for its individualization. When comparing two models with exactly the same technical specifications, which better tablet easy to choose according to the capabilities of the operating system. In our article, we will talk about the most popular operating systems today, determine what is better than an iPad or an Android tablet, or maybe the future is for Windows 8?


Which is better iPad or Android tablet?

It is known that the iPad is the first mass-produced tablet, the success of which largely determined the development of the entire market. For many years, the iOS operating system was the clear leader, until in 2012 it lost the palm to Android. iOS has a lot of advantages, including convenient and understandable control, stability, a large number of applications in the AppStore, but one cannot fail to note a number of significant shortcomings before Android and Windows:

  • completely closed program code;
  • closed file system;
  • lack of support for memory cards of any format;
  • the impossibility of correctly displaying a number of formats in the browser;
  • high prices for both the devices themselves and the applications.

All these shortcomings could easily be forgiven for the clear leader, but in the face of competition, sales of iOS devices began to fall. And yet, what is better than an Android tablet or an iPad and what functions do they perform? The popular gadget Flylife Connect 10.1 3G 2 from the British company Fly is in no way inferior to the flagship tablet from Apple, and it also runs on Android!


A fast quad-core processor, a gorgeous 10.1" TFT display, two excellent cameras with Full HD video recording, an excellent 7000 mAh battery, 8 GB of internal memory and the ability to add 32 more microSD card. Yes this Tablet PC deserves your attention! You can buy such a gadget at an incredibly low price for devices of this class - 7990 rubles!

There is also a compact version in the Fly line flagship tablet is Flylife Connect 7.85 3G 2, the embodiment of functionality, comfort and bright, memorable design. Technically, the tablet is in no way inferior to the “big brother”, it runs on Android 4.2.2, is included in the rating budget tablets and you can buy it inexpensively - 4990 rubles. A 5-megapixel camera with autozoom and Full HD video will appeal to lovers of capturing every moment of their lives.


Other smartphones Fly
On our website you can find a catalog with other Fly smartphones on Android.

Which tablet is better Android or Windows?

Microsoft's desire to gain a foothold in the market for software for mobile devices makes very topical issue which tablet is better on android or windows. Objectively speaking, it is not so easy to say which tablet better android or Windows, because there are not so many devices produced on Windows yet.

On the other hand, look at Flylife Connect 7.00 3G 2 - one of the most available tablets with 3G today at a price of 2990 rubles! Android features 4.2.2, combined with the power of a 2-core processor, guarantees stable and fast operation of any applications and the absence of unpleasant “crashes” and “freezes”. The compact device is also lightweight and ergonomic - it fits easily into a bag and will not let your hands get tired from working with it.


Obviously, Android is much more convenient, clearer and faster, and we should not forget that the system is well known to most users, thanks to its unlimited reign in the world of smartphones. Numerous reviews on the topic of which tablet to buy also do not indicate any significant advantages for Windows over Android, although it is possible that these two systems will compete with each other in the near future.

If you are interested, then you can read the article about.

Modern electronic equipment is so diverse that only a few users understand the new models. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to tell right away how the iPad differs from the tablet. Only the fact that in the first case we are talking about an Apple product, and in the second - about keyboardless mobile devices in general.

When there is no fundamental difference, all tablets are perceived equally. What is special about the iPad? Why are the owners apple products» emphatically ignore the word "tablet"? It is worth figuring out if the touchscreen is so good mobile computer Apple, according to his fans.

iPad Specifications:

  • Housing color - metallic, black or white (combination is possible)
  • Maximum possible iOS version - 7.12
  • Battery life in GSM or 3G/4G network - about 9 hours, in standby mode - 700-750 hours
  • Length - within 240-243 mm (mini model is limited to 200 mm)
  • Width - within 169-190 mm (mini model - 134.7 mm)
  • Weight - within 469-670 g (mini model - 312-341 g)
  • RAM - 512-1024 MB
  • Display diagonal - 9.7 inches (mini model - 7.9 inches)
  • Availability of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, rear and front camera, accelerometer, light sensor, gyroscope, two speakers, microphone

If at first glance you can see the difference between a smartphone and a tablet, then the exceptional feature of the iPad seems like a kind of publicity stunt. However, there are some nuances this device, it's not in vain that Apple developers put a lot of effort into its creation.

What is the difference between an iPad and a tablet in appearance:

    The presence of a thin aluminum body. Because of this, the iPad is somewhat thinner than other tablet computers (2nd and 3rd are only 8.6mm, while 3rd and 4th are 9.4mm).

    Standard rectangular shape. The second, third and fourth iPads share a common feature: 241mm long and 186mm wide. Standard dimensions are maintained with an accuracy of a tenth of a millimeter.

    The presence of the Apple logo on the back cover. It's hard not to notice the famous bitten apple, which is used as a logo by only one company in the world.

    Black or white body color. Unlike competing organizations that offer customers all sorts of shades of tablets, Apple sticks to only the declared classic colors.

    Tempered glass on the screen for increased protection against scratches and cracks during operation. The durability of every iPad model is undeniable. Thin glass allows touch screen respond to touch, but at the same time retains its integrity even with frequent contact with sharp objects.

Let them often meet “by clothes”, but, sooner or later, they begin to see off “by mind”. It's time to talk about the internal structure of the iPad. If external design can be reconciled to please functionality, then the shortcomings of the operating system or hardware of the device are more significant. However, as well as the advantages of a mobile PC, combined with practicality, they can far outweigh all the disadvantages of appearance.

Hardware and system difference between a tablet and an iPad

The operating system is rightly called the soul of technology. You can change the "internal organs", update some details, but without a good software it won't matter all that much. In general, on tablets you can find one of three OS options:

  1. Windows.
  2. Android.

This is where the main trick lies! One side, installed iOS guarantees user-friendly interface and good performance. On the other hand, most mobile devices are designed to work on the Android system, so iPads are somewhat inferior in terms of the breadth of possibilities. The same mobile applications, which are developed separately by Apple, cost money, which hits the pockets of lovers of "apple products". For ordinary tablets, there are many free software and programs on the network, including flash players.

The functional difference between the iPad and competing tablets is as follows:


Despite many shortcomings, the iPad has a number of advantages that can attract new fans. Apple products are known all over the world, so the number of developments specifically for these devices is constantly growing. Not only is the number of applications on the rise App Store, but also expanding positions in the range of accessories.

Tablet computers are not really anything new. They've been on the market for a long time, but no one paid much attention to them until 2010, when Apple shook up the market with its iPad. Like all devices from Apple, the iPad immediately gained great popularity. In the wake of this popularity, Android tablets also appeared. In this article, we will talk about how an Android tablet differs from an iPad.

The main differences between Android tablets and iPad

Their significant difference is that Android is not analogous to the iPad. The biggest difference between the iPad and Android is the difference in operating systems, since the iPad runs on iOS, while its "rival" Android runs on iOS. Google Android. Both of these systems started on smartphones and are now being used on tablets.

So, how is an Android tablet different from an iPad:

  1. If you, or the company you work for, is heavily tied to Google's infrastructure and its cloud-based applications (such as Gmail and Google Drive), then an Android tablet is probably the best choice for you. But this does not mean at all that you cannot use the iPad, just that the integration of the Google ecosystem is deeper on devices controlled by the operating system. Google system, as expected. Typically, the iPad will try to force you to use Apple's cloud system, and Android will direct you to the same ones from Google.
  2. Size is also a difference: the iPad only came to market in one size, with a roughly A5-sized screen and a bezel around the edge bringing its overall size closer to between A5 and A4, but now there's a new one. iPad mini with 7.9 inch display and thin bezel.
  3. Also, Android tablets differ from iPads in price segment. Although the new iPad mini was predicted to move into Apple's range of cheaper tablets, it still remains in the "premium" price spectrum. If its main competitors are in the range of $100-200, then the iPad mini in this competition takes the path of $269-529, which may also be its distinguishing feature;
  4. If you are an application developer, you are faced with a rather paradoxical choice: when working with Android, it is much easier to build an application with large quantity tools. You can run your development environment on almost any platform, but once the job is done, it's hard to make money selling Android apps. If you've built your app with an iPad, your iPad brethren are more likely to hit the buy button and pirate your work less often. Hence, you will be able to see your money.
  5. It can be difficult to get apps listed in the App Store, but the rules and regulations from Apple that you have to deal with along the way are related to the protection policy of Apple itself, which does not allow a certain type of application, for example, those that you can find in Android stores.

Pros and cons of gadgets

Ongoing support is also a challenge, but both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. For example, when Apple releases a new version of its mobile OS, it is immediately available to all iPad users, and in the case of Android, you often have to wait for the tablet vendor to provide you with an update if you are not ready to "hack" your device.

But when it comes to design and build quality, the Apple kit is hard to beat. Android tablets constantly improve their interface, but, unfortunately, are not yet able to surpass the level of the iPad. However, there is an area where Android tramples the iPad, and this is the area of ​​communication. There, Android usually uses standard USB connectors, while the iPad is one of the proprietary connectors, 3G Android uses a standard or micro-SIM card, and finally, when it comes to synchronization with a desktop or laptop computer The iPad needs iTunes, which is really terrible, especially the Windows version.

Since 2010, 7 generations of iPad, four generations of iPad mini and two generations of iPad Pro:

  • iPad 1G released in 2 flavors: Wi-Fi model and 3G model
  • iPad 2 received 4 varieties at once: a Wi-Fi-only model, a 3G GSM model, a CDMA model, and a second revision of the Wi-Fi model
  • iPad 3 (The new iPad) had three flavors: Wi-Fi, Cellular for GSM networks and Cellular for CDMA networks
  • iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display) and the iPad mini came in three other flavors: Wi-Fi, a "global" Cellular model, and an "American" Cellular model.
  • iPad Air, iPad mini 2 (previously sold as iPad mini with Retina display), iPad mini 3 and 9.7" iPad Pro come in three flavors: a Wi-Fi model, a "Global" LTE model, and an "Asian" model with support for additional TD-LTE bands
  • iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad 5, 12.9"" iPad Pro first generations and both second-generation iPad Pros come in two flavors: a Wi-Fi model and an all-in-one LTE model
  • iPad Pro with Face ID has four hardware models

The first generation of the iPad did not yet have a streamlined body, on the contrary, it had clearly defined side walls. Wi-Fi and 3G models are easy to distinguish by the absence or presence on the back of a large plastic insert for the modem antenna, as well as a tray for a SIM card.

It differs from the iPad 1G both in thickness and in the design of the case, which lacks side walls. The speaker has moved to the back of the device, where it is located under numerous perforated holes. Two subsequent generations of the iPad received a similar design without significant changes, so it is more reliable to distinguish them by the model code applied small print on the back of the gadget:

  • A1395 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1396 - for GSM model
  • A1397 - for CDMA model

The second revision of the iPad 2 (iPad 2 Rev A), which went on sale in the spring of 2012, is equipped with a different version of the Apple A5 processor and is less amenable to jailbreak. It is impossible to distinguish this model from the outside, you need to connect to a computer and use utilities like redsn0w. Download redsn0w for OS X or for Windows, run the utility. Go to the Extras-Even more-Identify menu, in the window that opens, scroll down the text and look at the value in the ProductType line. If "iPad2,1" is there, it is the old version of the iPad 2 Wi-Fi model, and if "iPad2,4" is the new one.

iPad 3, which was originally distributed under the brand "The new iPad", when turned off, can be distinguished from the iPad 2 only by the model code engraved on the bottom of the back of the device:

  • A1416 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1430 - for GSM model
  • A1403 - for CDMA model

When turned on, the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3 is visible to the naked eye thanks to the Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels.

iPad 4 - modified iPad version 3, which went on sale just 7 months after the release of The new iPad. Main differences iPad with Retina display- in the filling of the gadget, but there is also a significant external difference between the iPad 4 and iPad 3 - this is a port for connecting to a computer. The iPad 4 uses a small Lightning port.

iPad 4 is available in 3 varieties, but the principle of their separation is different from iPad 3. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back:

  • A1458 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1459 - "American" Cellular model
  • A1460 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The "American" and "global" iPad 4 models differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands. Unfortunately, none of them can work in Russian LTE networks.

The fifth-generation iPad has received a name and a long-awaited design update. This iPad is most like an enlarged copy of the iPad mini. The size of the frame around the display has decreased, the thickness of the device has decreased, paired stereo speakers have appeared in the lower part of the case.

iPad Air is available in 3 varieties, and the principle of their separation again differs from previous generations. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back wall:

  • A1474 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1475 - for LTE models
  • A1476 - for TD-LTE models targeted at Southeast Asia

The iPad Air LTE model is universal, it supports all regional 3G and LTE bands.

The sixth generation of the iPad has been named . It differs from the previous version of the iPad Air in a reduced thickness, a changed speaker design, and a missing mute switch. But the most noticeable and most useful change is the Touch ID scanner on the Home button.

iPad Air comes in just 2 varieties:

  • A1566 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1567 - for LTE models

The iPad Air 2 LTE model is also universal, it supports almost all LTE bands used in the world.

From all other iPads can be distinguished very simply - by size. In addition, all buttons on iPad case mini are not made of plastic, but of metal. The first generation iPad mini does not have a Retina display.

There are three varieties of the first generation iPad mini, distinguished by a code on the back:

  • A1453 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1454 - "American" Cellular model
  • A1455 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The "American" and "global" iPad mini models also differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands.

In the off state, it looks no different from the iPad mini 1G. Once enabled, you can't help but notice the 326ppi Retina display. Previously, the gadget was sold under the name iPad mini with Retina display, but after iPad release mini 3 was renamed iPad mini 2.

There are two varieties of iPad mini that differ in the code on the back:

  • A1489 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1490 - LTE model

As with the iPad Air, the iPad mini 2G LTE model is universal, supporting all regional 3G and LTE bands.

In fact, it is a copy of the iPad mini 2, it has the same equipment, it has exactly the same characteristics. There are only two differences between the third and second generations of the iPad mini: the Touch ID scanner and the new body color - gold.

Three hardware models of the iPad mini 3 are available:

  • A1599 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1600 - LTE model for sale in most countries of the world
  • A1601 - LTE model for Southeast Asian markets

LTE iPad mini 3 models are also universal, they will work in any country with local operators without any restrictions.

It differs from its predecessor not only in a more powerful filling, but also in dimensions - it is slightly longer and thinner. The most important visual difference is the lack of a hardware mute switch. At the end of the iPad mini 4 you will find only the volume control buttons.

There are two hardware models of the iPad mini 4:

  • A1538 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1550 - LTE model

In the line of iPad came to replace the iPad Air. First, a 12.9-inch model was introduced with incredibly productive hardware stuffing, which is hard not to distinguish from other Apple tablets. The iPad Pro debuted a brand new port - the Smart Connector on the side of the device is designed to connect compatible keyboards.

Later, a smaller version of the tablet with a diagonal of 9.7 inches was introduced. In terms of dimensions and weight, it is fully consistent with the iPad Air 2, but it is easy to distinguish due to the protruding camera lens (like on the iPhone 6/6s/Plus) and the presence of a dual flash.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

  • A1584 - Wi-Fi model (capacity 32, 128 or 256 GB)
  • A1652 - LTE model (available with 128 or 256 GB of memory)

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in three hardware models with 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage:

  • A1673 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1675 - LTE model (for China)
  • A1674 - LTE model (for the rest of the world)

iPad 5 (2017 model)

iPad 5 finally confused the situation in the iPad line. This is not the fifth generation of the iPad at all, but Apple calls it the fifth because it wants to completely abandon the iPad Air line and return to the past numbering principles (and before the iPad Air was just the iPad 4). But also new iPad it cannot be recognized, because even in comparison with the iPad Air 2, this is a step backwards. In fact, this budget model iPad in the case from the first iPad Air, but with updated stuffing. The easiest way to distinguish iPad 5 from iPad Air is by the presence of Touch ID and the absence of a hardware volume switch; the rest of the devices are identical externally.

iPad 5 comes in just two hardware models:

  • A1822 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1823 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (gen 2)

The second generation were presented simultaneously in two sizes. The usual 9.7-inch form factor has been replaced by a completely new display size - 10.5 inches. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro model is practically no different from the smaller version (unlike the first generation) and is made in a similar design. These are the first iPads in history to come with 512GB of internal storage (in addition to the 64GB and 256GB models).

The second generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

  • A1670 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1821 - LTE model

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro also comes in two hardware models:

  • A1701 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1709 - LTE model

iPad 6 (2018 model)

The sixth iPad is a successor to the fifth budget generation of Apple tablets. The iPad Air form factor is still used, but the sixth model differs from the fifth, firstly, the more powerful A10 Fusion processor (similar to the iPhone 7), and secondly, support for the Apple Pencil stylus.

iPad 6 is available in two hardware models:

  • A1893 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1954 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (Gen 3)

The third generation is the most radical redesign in the history of all iPads. Firstly, this is an iPad with Face ID, and the scanner works in both portrait and landscape orientations, which even the iPhone cannot. Secondly, this is the first iOS device to use a USB-C connector. Like past iPad Pros, the tablets came in two variants, this time 11-inch and 12.9-inch. In addition, doubled maximum volume memory, now it has reached 1 terabyte.

The third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in 4 hardware models:

  • A1876 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1983 - LTE model for China
  • A2014 - LTE model for America
  • A1895 - LTE model for the rest of the world

The 11-inch iPad Pro also comes in 4 hardware models:

  • A1980 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1979 - LTE model for China
  • A2013 - LTE model for America
  • A1934 - LTE model for the rest of the world

Technology is developing rapidly, every day there are new and more advanced devices that help us in our daily lives. A huge variety of devices confuses a person when choosing a device for himself. Let's talk about compact devices that you can take with you every day. When it comes to iPad and tablet, many will say that they are no different and they are 2 identical devices, but no! This is very different devices which have many differences and similarities. What are the differences and similarities between the tablet and iPad? First, let's figure out what a tablet is and what an iPad is.

What is an iPad?

First, let's find out what an iPad is. The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple. The iPad is not only used by ordinary people, now the iPad is used to store and record medical data in medical institutions, as it is used by architects, musicians and many others. The company develops the design, filling, screen, chooses materials for the case and, most importantly, it is a proprietary OS.

Surely, everyone knows that all Apple products run on the IOS operating system, which is only available in Apple products. This system allows the user to create an ecosystem between all Apple devices, which the owner has, which, of course, is very convenient.

What is a tablet?

A tablet is a device designed primarily for browsing the Internet, watching movies and photos. Tablets can run on different systems starting from Android and ending with full Windows. Tablets are developed by many companies, such as: Samsung, Acer, LG, Sony, Microsoft and so on. Android or Windows tablets are best suited for simple tasks, because they have poor application optimization and their number is much less than on the iPad.

While you can make sure that the iPad and the tablet are very similar and have not such strong differences, let's dig deeper and find out absolutely all the similarities and differences between the iPad and the tablet.

What are the similarities between an iPad and a tablet?

First, it is, of course, the same purpose. Both the tablet and the iPad are designed to surf the Internet or simply surf it, watch movies and photos. You can also work with video and photo in special applications, on the big screen convenience increases a lot. However, IOS gives more opportunities in the professional field, thanks to a large number applications and their good optimization by the developer.

Secondly, no matter how manufacturers try to make a unique design, externally, the tablet and iPad are very similar: rectangular shape, the presence of buttons on the ends, similar body shapes. Of course, all tablets are different, however, each has some unique design features.

Thirdly, they have app stores where you can download a lot of games and apps to work with photos, videos, surf the Internet and much more. Although the stores are different, they are almost the same, only the design and the presence or absence of any applications and games distinguish them.

Such are the similarities, but how are they different?

First, this operating system, tablets work on different systems, while the iPad is released only with the IOS system. This system is exclusive, it cannot be put on another tablet, as it is closed and available only to owners of Apple equipment. This closeness allows the user to create an ecosystem between their Apple devices, of course, there is also a certain ecosystem on Windows and Android, but Apple has implemented this much better and continues to develop it.

Secondly, tablets on Android and Windows, although they have their own application stores identical to the Apple store, however, there are fewer applications and games and their quality is lower, because before the application gets into the AppStore (Apple app store), it undergoes a rigorous moderator check and carefully checked for malicious code and virus. Any application can get into the app stores on Android and the user is not immune from viruses until he downloads the antivirus, but he cannot fully protect the device, as viruses also develop.

Thirdly, the iPad uses a proprietary connection connector charger- lightning. While all manufacturers put a standard micro-usb, Apple uses its own, which, of course, causes some inconvenience.

Fourthly, since iPads have their own system, it works better because it is well optimized for the hardware that is in it, so Apple support old devices lasts 3-4 years. Even despite the weak stuffing, the iPad supports many applications for a long time thanks to optimization.

These are all the differences and similarities of these devices, although outwardly they are very similar, but they have differences that may affect the further choice of device. I hope this article helped to understand the differences and similarities between the tablet and iPad.