Tablet Face-Off: Apple iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom

Published March 2, 2011

By Louis Ramirez, dealnews senior feature writer

Apple schooled its competition this afternoon with the release of the iPad 2. Or did it? We compare the new iPad with the most acclaimed Android tablet, the Motorola Xoom, to find out which tablet offers the better value.

Apple iPad 2 vs Motorola Xoom

	Motorola Xoom	Apple iPad 2
OS	Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb	iOS 4.2.1
Processor	Dual-core 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2	Dual-core 1GHz Apple A5
Display / Resolution	10.1" (1280x800)	9.7" (1024x768)
RAM / Storage	1GB DDR2 RAM 32GB	Not specified yet 16GB¹
Cameras	2MP front 5MP rear	640x480 front Rear not specified yet
Wi-Fi	802.11n	802.11n
Mobile Broadband	3G and 4G²	None³
Battery	10 hours over Wi-Fi	10 hours over Wi-Fi
Ports	Micro USB, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot	30-pin Apple dock, 3.5mm headphone jack
Features	Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR, gyroscope, accelerometer, microSD card slot, 720p video capture	Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR, 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, 720p video capture
Weight	1.6 lbs.	1.3 lbs.
Price	$599 w/ 2-year Verizon contract $799 w/o contract	$499

^{1 For basic model} ^{2 4G service is available via software update} ^{3 3G iPads will also be available from AT&T and Verizon Wireless}

Comparison
As with most Apple revisions, the iPad 2 is now thinner and leaner than its predecessor, not to mention the competition. It also has an edge on apps, by far, especially the iMovie and Garage Band updates announced today. And there is a nifty new magnetic cover for the iPad 2. The two are even, though, when it comes to hardware. Like the Xoom, the iPad 2 has a dual-core processor, which Apple says will deliver graphics up to nine times faster than the original iPad. It also has rear- and front-facing cameras, along with a built-in gyroscope. (Features all found in the Xoom.)

Where the Xoom takes a slight lead to the iPad 2 is in connectivity. The Xoom features a mini USB port and an HDMI port, whereas the iPad only features Apple's 30-pin connector. (Additional connections can be made using optional Apple adapters.) The Xoom also features a miniSD port that can be used to expand its memory. (An option Apple stubbornly refuses to include.) For travelers, the Xoom will support Verizon's 4G network via a software update. However, take note, a 2-year data plan is required for this feature.

Conclusion
Whether you choose the Verizon-branded Xoom (with 2-year contract) or the non-subsidized Xoom, Motorola's tablet will cost you at least $100 more than the entry-level iPad 2. For budget-minded shoppers, that in itself makes the tablet-buying decision an easy one. However, if $499 seems a lot of money to spend on any gadget, we recommend the recently-discounted refurbished original iPad, which is now between $80 to $120 off.

What do you think?

Which do you think is the better tablet?customer surveys

An avid gadget lover, Louis Ramirez has covered technology for Gizmodo, CNET, Laptop, and various other publications. Follow him on Twitter — @LouisRamirez. You can also sign up for an email alert for all dealnews features.

DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

Tablet Face-Off: Apple iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom

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