iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 show big improvements in JavaScript performance

posted by Ken N.

Mar 08, 2011, 1:59 AM

iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 show big improvements in JavaScript performance

From the hardworking rumor mill that surrounds Apple, we knew the iPad 2 was going to be impressive. But perhaps we weren't prepared. The crew at CNET UK took the liberty of performing benchmark tests with the SunSpider JavaScript Benchmark.

They found that the iPad 2 is up to four times as fast as the original iPad. But that improvement wasn't solely due to hardware improvements. To compare, they loaded an iOS 4.3 beta on an original iPad, and found that the iPad 2 was only 1.5 times as fast. This bodes well for other iOS devices receiving a 4.3 update. The iPhone 4, for example, should become 1.5 times as fast with iOS 4.3.

Comparing the iPad 2 to their Android rivals, CNET UK found that the iPad 2 was three times faster than the Galaxy Tab, and three times faster than a Google Nexus S. Considering both the performance of iOS 4.3, and the recent price-reduction of the original iPad, Android devices might experience more immediate competition from the original iPad, rather than the iPad 2.

We should clarify that JavaScript performance isn't everything. But it does mean a lot, particularly if web-browsing is your primary tablet activity. CNET UK specifically mentions that complicated sites like Facebook will run smoother and quicker, when running on a stronger JavaScript platform.

source: CNET UK via TUAW

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8 Comments

8. clevername

Posts: 1436; Member since: Jul 11, 2008

The naive measure of 1 core = X performance, 2 cores = 2X performance. It works well when you're marketing to people who don't know any better. cnets sunspider test was a flawed test to begin with. You cannot accurately test a dual core processor with sunspider. . For reference, the Tegra 2 LG Optimus 2X only outperforms the Nexus One by 40% on Sunspider, despite the fact that the former is dual core (A9) while the latter is single core. So of course the iPad 2 is going to appear only 50% faster by itself on sunspider. Perform a proper benchmark and the iPad 2 and tegra 2 will both appear significantly faster. Broken tests equal broken results.

posted on Mar 09, 2011, 10:38 AM 0

7. Po0yAn

Posts: 2; Member since: Jan 11, 2011

it seems these guys don't know anything about XOOm! u cant have one, but check anandtech and it's javascript benchmarks for XOOM, you'll get a better idea of the last android product!

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 5:31 AM 0

6. neutral unregistered

Compare it to the Atrix first before talking about the single core.

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 4:48 AM 0

5. IOS5 unregistered

It's true A5 dual core already optimized for the latest IOS that's what I think unlike dual core in Android nexus s still the fastest Android phone with single core comparte to LG optuims 2x and LG optuims 3D.

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 3:50 AM 0

4. chocolatebear76

Posts: 123; Member since: Mar 03, 2011

the dude that wrote this article,to me he's insane.how did he get this job in the first place?how can you compare a single core to a dual core CPU?it just shows is a big ipad fanboy,damn!

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 3:49 AM 1

3. Droid_X_Doug

Posts: 5993; Member since: Dec 22, 2010

In any event, if iOS v. 4.3 speeds up current edition iDevices that run it, the software should be a must-install item. This is rarely the circumstance with MS. Code bloat is the rule for them. But then they seem to be having problems even releasing code for WP7 these days.

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 2:45 AM 0

2. p0rkguy

Posts: 685; Member since: Nov 23, 2010

The iPad 2 better have been faster than the Galaxy Tab or Nexus S. Comparing a dual-core to single-core? A single-core product will be immediate competition to another single-core product?! Saying the Galaxy Tab + Nexus S's single-core is only a competition to the original iPad with single-core and not a dual-core iPad 2? What is this world coming to?! /s Oh yeah, visit the TUAW link. Main, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Video, Photos, App Reviews, Macworld 2011, About Us. The site seems a little bit biased there, don't you think?

posted on Mar 08, 2011, 2:39 AM 1

1. Egar Astawiguna unregistered

Ah, this is good to hear. I don't use iPad, just iPhone 4. But my web browsing activity quite high, usually at night before went to bed. 1.5 times faster is good enough.