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AnandTech benchmarks the iPad 2, shows huge graphics gains

AnandTech is in the midst of a lengthy analysis of the iPad 2's hardware. The results so far confirm what most of us already knew: the iPad 2's display is virtually identical to the original iPad, the cameras are nothing to write home about, and the CPU is slightly more powerful.

What's most revealing in AnandTech's testing is how greatly improved the iPad 2's graphics are compared to the original iPad. AnandTech tested the iPad 2's PowerVR SGX 543MP2 GPU against the original iPad and the Motorola Xoom, and the iPad 2 outperformed both of them significantly. More than that, actually -- in terms of performance on AnandTech's benchmarks, the iPad 2 destroyed both the original iPad and the Xoom. Neither device was even close to replicating the iPad 2's graphical performance.

A handful of developers have already pushed out updated apps that take advantage of the iPad 2's graphics hardware, including Firemint's Real Racing 2 HD and Chair's Infinity Blade. While the iPad 2's screen resolution is unchanged from the original iPad, its more powerful GPU has allowed developers to increase the level of detail and lighting effects in their games. AnandTech has a mouseover pic comparing Infinity Blade's appearance on the original iPad versus the iPad 2-optimized graphics, and the difference is easy to see.

As more developers begin tailoring their apps' graphics to the iPad 2's impressive hardware, it's entirely possible that gaming might see a new surge on the iOS platform. Meanwhile, if you're interested in a deep dive into the iPad 2's hardware, definitely check out AnandTech's review.



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AnandTech is in the midst of a lengthy analysis of the iPad 2's hardware. The results so far confirm what most of us already knew: the...
 

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ragu6307

[Quote}
...and the CPU is slightly more powerful.
[/end Quote]

Huh? Which benchmarks were you reading? A5 @ ~900MHz appears to be be anywhere from 2-5x faster than A4 in multithreaded int and float ops.

A few single threaded marks were slower, which is to be expected given the core frequency was actually reduced by ~10%.

March 13 2011 at 5:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ben

But wait! What about the Xoom's barometer sensor?!?!

Poor Fandroids. Someday they will get a horse that everyone will actually take bets on. Too bad this one ain't it.

March 13 2011 at 4:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to ben's comment
gZeee

FPS reduces as the resolution goes up. Xoom runs at 30 fps at native 1280x800 resolution.

It would be more interesting to compare how many FPS it can do at 1024x768 (ipad's resolution)

March 13 2011 at 7:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
FightTheFuture

@Gzee - yeah all we have to do is wait till Chair develops infinity blade for the Xoom and we'll have a fair comparison.

March 13 2011 at 11:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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