iPad 3 vs iPad 2

iPad 3 vs iPad 2 – performance

The iPad 3's dual-core A5X processor has four graphics processing cores versus the two found in the iPad 2's A5 chip – so we were worried, with four times the resolution, that the iPad 3 would struggle to keep up. But Retina Display games ran smoothly with no lag, and there wasn't much in it in terms of transitions. Even graphically intensive apps like Galaxy on Fire 2 HD load more quickly and run more smoothly on the third-gen iPad.

That huge 11,666mAh battery means you can get 10 hours of regular use out of the iPad 3 (and a few more with connectivity turned off) but it also means that charging from dead takes a whopping five and a half hours. That's a lot longer than the iPad 2 – but the compromise means that Apple's new tablet should match the iPad 2 for all-day usage skills.

The all-new 5MP rear camera gives similar results to the iPhone 4 in daylight and is a big improvement – just beware, the Retina Display will show up your tablet snaps no end.