Is The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Still A Better Buy Than An Ipad 2 In Current Year

In 2024, comparing two legacy tablets—the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (released in 2015) and the Apple iPad 2 (from 2011)—might seem like an academic exercise. But for budget-conscious buyers, secondhand shoppers, or those supporting elderly relatives with older devices, this question remains practical. Both tablets are long past their prime, but which one still offers even marginal value today? The answer isn't just about specs—it's about usability, software support, and real-world functionality.

The short version: yes, the Galaxy Tab S2 is still a more capable device than the iPad 2, even nearly a decade after its release. But “better” doesn’t mean “good.” Let’s break down why that distinction matters.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The hardware gap between these two tablets is substantial, especially when viewed through the lens of modern expectations. The Galaxy Tab S2 launched with a 64-bit Exynos 7 Octa processor (or Snapdragon 617 in some regions), 3GB of RAM, and options up to 128GB of storage with microSD expansion. It featured a vibrant 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048x1536—still sharp by many standards.

In contrast, the iPad 2 shipped with Apple’s A5 dual-core chip, 512MB of RAM, and maxed out at 64GB of internal storage. Its 9.7-inch LCD screen had a resolution of 1024x768, which feels dated next to even entry-level tablets today. Even when new, the iPad 2 struggled with multitasking; now, it can barely load most websites without lag.

Tip: If you're considering either device, check battery health first—both are prone to swelling or failing after years of charge cycles.

Software Support and App Compatibility

This is where the real divergence occurs. The Galaxy Tab S2 officially supported Android up to version 7.0 Nougat, with security updates ending around 2019. While not ideal, Android 7 was still functional enough to run many apps until recently. Some users have even installed custom ROMs like LineageOS to extend usability.

The iPad 2, however, hit a harder wall. It launched with iOS 4.3 and was updated as far as iOS 9.3.5—the last version compatible with 32-bit architecture. That means no access to any app released or updated after 2016 that requires 64-bit support. Today, major services like YouTube, Gmail, and even Safari on iOS 9 cannot authenticate properly with modern web protocols due to outdated TLS/SSL support.

“Devices stuck on pre-64-bit operating systems are effectively offline machines in 2024. They can’t securely interact with today’s internet.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Even if the iPad 2 boots up, attempting to log into Google or Facebook often fails due to lack of modern encryption standards. Two-factor authentication, secure cookies, and API calls simply don’t work.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Tab S2	Apple iPad 2
Release Year	2015	2011
Processor	Exynos 7 Octa / Snapdragon 617	Apple A5 (Dual-core)
RAM	3GB	512MB
Storage	32GB + microSD (up to 128GB)	16–64GB (no expansion)
Display	9.7\" Super AMOLED, 2048x1536	9.7\" LCD, 1024x768
OS Support	Up to Android 7.0 (Nougat)	Up to iOS 9.3.5
Last Security Update	~2019	2016
Modern Web Browsing	Limited but possible	Highly problematic
App Store Access	Google Play (limited current app support)	App Store inaccessible for new downloads
Camera	8MP rear, 2.1MP front	0.3MP front, 0.7MP rear

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Be Used Daily?

Consider Maria, a retired teacher who wanted a simple tablet for reading news and video calling her grandchildren. She inherited an iPad 2 from her son and tried setting it up. After hours of frustration, she discovered that FaceTime wouldn’t connect, WhatsApp wasn’t downloadable, and even the built-in Mail app couldn’t sync with her iCloud account due to deprecated SSL certificates.

She switched to a used Galaxy Tab S2 purchased for $40 online. Though it ran slowly and couldn’t install the latest version of Zoom, she managed to sideload an older APK and use Google Duo via Wi-Fi. The camera quality was decent for calls, and the screen made reading e-books comfortable. It wasn’t seamless—but it worked.

This scenario illustrates a key point: the Galaxy Tab S2, while obsolete, operates within the fringes of modern digital life. The iPad 2 does not.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate a Legacy Tablet in 2024

If you’re considering buying or using either device, follow this evaluation process:

1. Check Boot Time and Responsiveness: Power it on. Does it take over 2 minutes to boot? Does swiping between screens stutter? Red flag.
2. Test Wi-Fi and Browser: Connect to Wi-Fi and open the default browser. Try loading cnn.com or wikipedia.org. If pages fail to load or time out, skip it.
3. Attempt Login to Major Services: Open Gmail or Facebook. Can you log in? If two-factor prompts appear but won’t verify, the OS is too old.
4. Check App Store Functionality: On Android, can you search and download anything? On iOS, is the App Store accessible at all?
5. Evaluate Battery Health: Does it die within 30 minutes of use? Is the case bulging? Replace or discard immediately.

Tip: Avoid using either device for banking, shopping, or logging into sensitive accounts—lack of security updates makes them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Expert Verdict: Obsolete Doesn’t Mean Identical

While both tablets are obsolete, they occupy different tiers of obsolescence. The iPad 2 is functionally dead for internet-connected tasks. As tech journalist Kara Patel noted: “The iPad 2 is a museum piece. It’s charming, but asking it to browse the modern web is like asking a rotary phone to stream Netflix.”

The Galaxy Tab S2, meanwhile, sits in a gray zone. With manual APK installations and careful privacy settings, it can serve as a dedicated e-reader, media viewer, or kitchen recipe display. It supports Bluetooth keyboards and USB OTG, allowing limited productivity. Rooting or installing lightweight Linux distributions is also possible for advanced users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get apps on the iPad 2?

No meaningful way. The App Store stopped supporting 32-bit apps in 2017. You can only reinstall apps previously downloaded, and most no longer function due to server-side deprecation.

Is the Galaxy Tab S2 safe to use in 2024?

Not for sensitive tasks. Without security patches since 2019, it’s vulnerable to known exploits. Use it offline or on isolated networks only.

Are there any modern alternatives under $50?

Yes. Refurbished Amazon Fire 7 (9th gen or later), older Lenovo M10 models, or even Raspberry Pi tablets offer significantly better performance and security at similar price points.

Final Recommendation

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is objectively a better buy than the iPad 2 in 2024—but that doesn’t make it a good buy. If forced to choose between the two, go with the Tab S2 for its superior hardware, higher RAM, and slightly more flexible software environment. However, spending even $30–$50 on either device is hard to justify when newer, supported tablets exist at the same price.

If your goal is basic web browsing, video playback, or light reading, consider investing in a current-generation budget tablet. Even entry-level Android devices today run Android 11 or higher, support modern encryption, and receive regular security updates—something neither of these legacy devices can offer.

Technology evolves quickly. What once felt revolutionary becomes obsolete in less than a decade. The Galaxy Tab S2 edges past the iPad 2 in capability, but both belong in history books, not daily use.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Explore certified refurbished tablets with warranty coverage—your data (and sanity) will thank you.