iPad 2 vs Dell Streak: Key Differences

The iPad 2 and the Dell Streak are two very different tablets from the early 2010s. The iPad 2 is a 9.7-inch Apple tablet that runs iOS, while the Dell Streak is a 5-inch Android device that sits between a phone and a tablet. The core difference is size and ecosystem: the iPad 2 offers a larger screen and access to Apple’s app store, while the Streak is a compact, pocketable device with Android’s open platform.

Background and Release Timeline

The Dell Streak was announced in 2010, before the iPad 2. It ran Android 1.6 (Donut) at launch, later updated to 2.2 (Froyo). The Streak was notable for its 5-inch screen, which was considered huge for a phone but small for a tablet. Dell marketed it as a “tablet that fits in your pocket.”

The iPad 2 was released in March 2011, following the original iPad. It was thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with a 9.7-inch screen. It ran iOS 4.3 at launch and received updates up to iOS 9.3.5. The iPad 2 was one of the most popular tablets of its era, selling tens of millions of units.

These devices targeted different audiences: the Streak appealed to early adopters who wanted a large phone, while the iPad 2 aimed at consumers wanting a full-size tablet for media, browsing, and apps.

Hardware and Display

The most obvious difference is the display. The iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels (132 ppi). The Dell Streak has a 5-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 800×480 pixels (186 ppi). While the Streak has a higher pixel density, the iPad 2’s larger screen is better for reading, watching videos, and multitasking.

Under the hood, the iPad 2 uses Apple’s dual-core A5 processor with 512 MB of RAM. The Dell Streak uses a single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 at 1 GHz with 512 MB of RAM. The A5 was significantly faster, especially for graphics-intensive apps and games.

Storage options also differ: the iPad 2 came in 16, 32, and 64 GB variants, while the Streak offered 8 or 16 GB, expandable via microSD. The Streak also had a removable battery, which the iPad 2 did not.

Operating System and Software

The iPad 2 runs iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system. It had access to the App Store, which by 2011 had over 500,000 apps. Apple controlled the hardware and software tightly, ensuring a consistent experience. The iPad 2 received updates for several years, but eventually stopped at iOS 9.3.5.

The Dell Streak ran Android, which at the time was more open but less polished. The Streak’s version of Android was heavily customized by Dell, and updates were slow. It launched with Android 1.6 and only received Android 2.2. Many apps were not optimized for the 5-inch screen, leading to compatibility issues.

This software difference is crucial: the iPad 2 had a mature app ecosystem, while the Streak struggled with app compatibility and limited updates. If you wanted a reliable tablet experience, the iPad 2 was the safer choice.

Connectivity and Phone Features

The Dell Streak had a SIM card slot and could make phone calls, send texts, and use cellular data. It was essentially a phablet before the term existed. The iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G models) also had a SIM slot, but it could not make traditional phone calls; it only supported data.

The Streak supported quad-band GSM and dual-band UMTS, with HSPA data. The iPad 2’s 3G model supported AT&T’s network in the US, with a micro-SIM. Both had Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, but the Streak’s phone capability was a unique selling point.

In practice, using the Streak as a phone was awkward due to its size, but it was possible with a Bluetooth headset. The iPad 2 was never intended for voice calls, so this is a major functional difference.

Performance and Battery Life

The iPad 2’s A5 processor was a dual-core chip, while the Streak’s Snapdragon was single-core. In benchmark tests, the iPad 2 was several times faster. This translated to smoother scrolling, faster app launches, and better gaming performance.

Battery life also favored the iPad 2. Apple rated it for about 10 hours of video playback, while the Streak was rated for about 8 hours of talk time or 6 hours of video. The Streak’s smaller battery (1530 mAh) was removable, allowing users to carry spares, but the iPad 2’s larger battery (6930 mAh) lasted longer per charge.

Real-world usage confirmed these numbers: the iPad 2 could easily last a full day of mixed use, while the Streak often needed a charge by evening.

Common Problems and Limitations

Both devices had known issues. The Dell Streak suffered from:

Slow Android updates (only one major update from 1.6 to 2.2)
App compatibility issues due to the unusual screen resolution
Weak GPS performance in some units
Poor battery life compared to modern standards

The iPad 2 had:

No expandable storage
No USB port (required a 30-pin connector)
Limited multitasking (only in iOS 4 and later, with restrictions)
No camera on the back that was good enough for photos (it had a 0.7 MP rear camera)

Also, the iPad 2’s screen was prone to glare, and the Streak’s screen had poor viewing angles. Neither device is supported by current software, so they are obsolete today.

How to Choose Between Them

If you are looking at these devices today, they are vintage tech. But if you are comparing them historically, consider:

Screen size: Do you want a large tablet or a pocketable device?
Operating system: Do you prefer iOS or Android?
Phone capability: Do you need a device that makes calls?
App ecosystem: The iPad 2 had far more apps.
Longevity: The iPad 2 received more updates and had a longer useful life.

For most people, the iPad 2 was the better tablet. The Streak was an interesting experiment but failed to gain traction. If you want a retro device, the iPad 2 is easier to find and has more working apps.

Cost and Availability Today

As of 2025, both devices are no longer sold new. You can find them used on auction sites or second-hand markets. The iPad 2 typically sells for $20-$50, depending on condition. The Dell Streak is rarer and may cost $30-$80, but it is harder to find.

Neither device is recommended for daily use due to outdated software and security vulnerabilities. They are collector’s items or for hobbyists who enjoy retro tech. If you buy one, be aware that apps may not work, and the batteries may have degraded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Dell Streak make phone calls?

Yes, the Dell Streak has a SIM card slot and can make voice calls, send texts, and use cellular data. It was designed as a hybrid phone-tablet. The iPad 2 cannot make traditional phone calls, even with a 3G model.

Which has better battery life?

The iPad 2 has significantly better battery life, rated at about 10 hours of video playback, while the Dell Streak lasts about 6 hours of video. The Streak’s battery is removable, so you can carry spares, but the iPad 2’s larger battery is more efficient.

Can I still use the App Store or Google Play on these devices?

The iPad 2 can still access the App Store, but only for apps compatible with iOS 9.3.5. Many modern apps require newer iOS versions. The Dell Streak’s Google Play Store is no longer functional, and the Android version is too old for most apps.

Are these devices safe to use today?

No, both are unsafe for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping because they no longer receive security updates. They are vulnerable to known exploits. Use them only for offline activities or as collectors’ items.

Which one is better for gaming?

The iPad 2 is much better for gaming due to its faster A5 processor and larger screen. The Dell Streak’s single-core processor and small screen make it poor for games, and most modern games won’t run on its old Android version.

Can I upgrade the Dell Streak to a newer Android version?

There are unofficial custom ROMs that can install Android 4.0 or higher on the Streak, but they are unstable and require technical skill. The iPad 2 cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 9.3.5, and there is no official way to install a newer version.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →