Early iPad 2 JavaScript benchmarks show 4X faster browsing
updated 02:25 pm EST, Thu March 3, 2011
iPad 2 4X faster in SunSpider web tests
Early tests of the iPad 2's web performance have suggested a major lift in speed over the original. The combination of iOS 4.3's Nitro engine in Safari with the dual-core A5 gave the newer tablet a SunSpider JavaScript completion time of 2121.7ms, or just over four times faster than the original iPad's 8594.9ms. SlashGear's benchmarks showd it excelling the most in a 3D raytracing test, scoring over five times faster, but also better than the average in access and cryptography tests.
The graphics test was helped by the PowerVR SGX543 in the iPad, which should be about nine times faster in theoretical performance.
SunSpider focuses primarily on JavaScript and isn't a complete reflection of regular web browsing. Most websites aren't as intensive on the code and can often bring in other elements, such as large images or other scripting, that depend more on the Internet connection or on areas that might be untouchable by the iPad 2's faster hardware or would play on its weak points.
The tests still suggest that many of the core apps of the iPad 2, not just 3D gaming or content creation apps like iMovie and GarageBand, will see a noticeable lift from the new hardware.
