What are all the differences between the iPad 2 models? Should I still buy an iPad 2 or should I only consider newer options?

The iPad 2 has been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support and more and it can be quite useful for anyone buying or selling an iPad 2 on the used market.

As classified by EveryiPad.com, there originally were three different iPad 2 models -- the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), and iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) -- and these models are differentiated by connectivity and battery life as well as price. EveryiPad.com also dutifully has noted the quietly released iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, iPad2,4) model, although it only varies from its predecessors by small technical details.

There are unique identifiers that also are worth noting for future identification as well as minor differences in weight, which most would not consider to be worth noting.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Device Similarities

The originally released iPad 2 models were offered with either 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of capacity and also are available with a white or black front (and an aluminum back). Apple also quietly added the internally revised iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, iPad2,4) on or around March 25, 2012, but only with 16 GB of storage.

On March 7, 2012, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations, but continued to ship the 16 GB configurations until March 18, 2014.

All iPad 2 models, regardless of release date, share the same 9.7-inch (1024x768, 132 ppi) multitouch "glossy" LED-backlit IPS display. All are powered by a custom-designed 1 GHz dual-core Apple A5 "system on a chip" processor, although the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, iPad2,4) uses a smaller 32 nm, rather than 45 nm, processor of the same speed and general Apple A5 designation. All have 512 MB of RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, an accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, digital compass, a speaker and a built-in mic.

They also have front and rear mounted cameras. The rear camera supports HD video recording (720p up to 30 FPS with audio), and functions as a still camera as well, although Apple does not specify megapixels. The front mounted camera, designed to be used for video conferencing in conjunction with Apple's provided "FaceTime" software over a Wi-Fi network, takes VGA quality photos and video up to 30 FPS.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Smart Cover)

The iPad 2 models additionally support a new magnetic "Smart Cover" -- available at additional cost -- that protects the screen when not in use and automatically wakes up the iPad 2 when the cover is removed and puts it to sleep when the cover is attached.

iOS Support Similarities

All iPad 2 models -- even the subsequently released iPad2,4 model -- were initially configured with a version of iOS 4 and are fully supported running iOS 5 and iOS 6, with the exception of Siri and Panorama.

All iPad 2 models additionally can run iOS 7, but not all features are supported. Specifically, the iPad 2 fully supports all basic functionality -- Control Center, Notification Center, and Multitasking, as well as Safari and iTunes Radio -- but it does not support AirDrop, Filters in Camera, Filters in Photos, or more advanced photo functionality that Apple calls "square and video formats and swipe to capture." It still doesn't support Siri or Panorama, either.

The iPad 2 is compatible with iOS 8 and iOS 9, as well, but support is minimal with no advanced features for either operating system. It also is worth noting that iOS 8 is slower on the iPad 2 and iOS 9 is no faster, so those most interested in performance may prefer to stick with iOS 7.

The iPad 2 is not compatible with iOS 10 or later versions of the iOS at all.

Technical Differences

The technical differences are that the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi) only supports Wi-Fi, the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS) provides GSM and A-GPS support as well as Wi-Fi and the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) supports CDMA and A-GPS as well as Wi-Fi. Battery life is estimated to be ten hours over Wi-Fi for all models and nine hours over 3G, whether GSM or CDMA, for the applicable models.

Identification Differences

Visually, it is not possible to differentiate between the two configurations with 3G capability. It also can be easy to mistake iPad 2 models for other iPad models.

Consequently, Model Numbers are one of the best methods for external identification. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad. The iPad 2 Wi-Fi, GSM, and CDMA models are assigned model numbers A1395, A1396, and A1397, respectively.

The iPad 2 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by opening the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi only configurations of the iPad 2 in black with 16 GB of storage is MC769LL/A.

To pinpoint a specific iPad 2 by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iLookup feature.

Original Pricing Differences

Both black and white models cost the same amount. Original pricing is summarized below:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB
Price with Wi-Fi:	US$499*	US$599	US$699
Price with Wi-Fi, GSM & A-GPS:	US$629*	US$729	US$829
Price with Wi-Fi, CDMA & A-GPS:	US$629*	US$729	US$829

* On March 7, 2012, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations and lowered the price of the 16 GB configurations. The Wi-Fi only 16 GB configuration became US$399 and both the GSM and CDMA 3G-equipped models became US$529. These less expensive options were discontinued on March 18, 2014.

So, which iPad 2 should I buy?

At this point, it would be better to buy a newer iPad. The iPad 2 models do not support a modern version of the iOS and current app support is unlikely. If there is a particular app that is important to you, it would be wise to verify compatibility before purchasing an iPad 2.

Capacity clearly is a personal choice and only you know how many songs, movies, photos, ebooks and apps you intend to use on the device. Color, likewise, is a personal choice and only you can decide if you prefer a black or white model. Black may show fingerprints more in the short run, but white may be more likely to show dirt, grime, and scuffmarks in the long run.

For detailed comparison of the black and white color options, including some excellent points about glare and outdoor use, you also may find this video from DetroitBorg helpful to decide for yourself:

Other than capacity and color, on basic terms, if you only intend to use the iPad in your wireless internet-equipped home or office (and the occasional coffee shop), the Wi-Fi only model is your best choice.

If you intend to use your iPad on-the-go and would find A-GPS support particularly valuable, either a GSM or CDMA equipped model would be ideal. In general, in the US, AT&T's GSM network has the reputation for being less reliable than Verizon's CDMA network, although AT&T's GSM network is faster. Of course, newer iPad models with 4G support are much faster, still.

Newer models offer newer iOS support, better battery life, better performance, and more compact housings, too.

iPad Purchase & Sale Options

There are many places to buy a used iPad 2. However, purchasing from a quality company with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).